Layin’ in bed. Low energy, honestly. I got the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine today. It’s a polarizing thing. Half of my friends are celebrating, and the other half thinks I just gave in to a global control cult. Ultimately, I’m tired of all of it. I just want to get on with our lives. I weighed my position and decided to make the appointment when the opportunity came up. I want to hang with @ericvancewalton, @ghostfish and @bonesandomens and this is a critical part of that reality. It’s kicking my ass. My arm is throbbing and I can barely keep my eyes open.
I thought it would a good opportunity to share some of my favorite, recent black and white photos. Sometimes I think the real black and white gems get buried because the rich color photos are what I’ve become known for. The lamps and candles can sometimes muddy the monochromatic images because the values are so close to one another, but then you’ll have moments where nearby window light creates stunning Old Hollywood style photos and that’s what I wanted to share tonight. Here are just a few of my favorites.
These next two images were taken in 2019 during my trip to Australia and New Zealand. The first was shot in Auckland, which is where I landed. I stayed with my friend Miss Victory Violet. We did an entire day of sessions in her home city, then flew down to Christchurch for another round of shoots. I love the drama in this first capture of Ashleigh. From there, I flew to Melbourne and one of my first shoots was with a beautiful Aussie pinup named Betty. We shot at a cute chocolatier in Collinwood and this image was even more striking as a black and white.
Finally, the last of these images was taken just a few weeks ago with my friend Abigail in Minneapolis. I’ve been shooting with her for years, but around 2017, she moved to New York City. She was back in town visiting friend and family in February, right after I purchased my new Nikon Z6II camera. I was eager to try out the new equipment so we coordinated, booked a room at an uptown historic mansion, and captured this image. I love how dense the data is from RAW photos with this camera. Another favorite as a black and white. Enjoy.
These photos are so good, they have a lot of texture and detail, the range of black and grises... wow it is incredible how the model's faces stand out. Loved them!
Nice shots! I was okay after my first shot, but the second shot kicked my butt for about 24 hours then I was fine after that. I agree with you. I just want it to be done and everything back to normal. I was missing my family. I got the Moderna since that is what was available. Hopefully you can hang out with all of those awesome people soon!
Yeah. Just trying to make the most of this year since last year was a net loss for most people [...although I did find a lot of personal growth during the pandemic]. My parents got Moderna as well. Feeling better today. Just a sore arm.
That is great. Yeah, I had some arm pain with both of them. I guess I forgot to mention that.
Wow!! You are so talented !!
Thank you so much, @bindalove!
So glad to hear you got it. I can't believe Minnesota is still on the 65 and older group. We're so behind other States. My wife and I (both of us are 50-ish) got on the list at a neighborhood vaccination center for left-over doses. They have anywhere between 2-8 left at the end of the day and will call people on the list and you have to be there in 20 minutes or you lose your spot. I'm with you, I just want to get back to a semblance of a normal life. I was leaning towards not getting vaccinated until I witnessed what the virus can do first-hand when my dad got it.
You are really talented with that camera. Great shots!
Yeah, @ericvancewalton. I was able to get mine because I qualify under existing chronic illness with asthma and living with someone that's a front line worker. Keep checking www.vaccinespotter.org with your zip code. Do you smoke? If so, you would qualify. Once you do, let's make that tea date happen. I have a book to tell you about now! Who knows. Maybe I'll be able to give you a copy by then!
I'm glad you were able to get it! We're going to try to sign up right away next week since they've decided to open it up to 16 and older. I'll let you know when we're able to get in and we'll plan to get together. I'm excited to hear about your book!
Awesome shots as always homie
Thanks, @derangedvisions! Leaving the house for a shoot in one hour. Another one with the new Z6II. Pretty excited about it.
What are you shooting with these days?
Sounds like a whole lot of shots are happening (photos and flesh)! Happy you got your first dose. I'm getting antsy to get in the queue. haha. Looking forward to hanging out at Caffetto, taking some rides, etc. this summer!
Me from pakistan i want to work with u