If you haven’t noticed, I love simple, honest photographs. Especially of people. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I love to dress people up and create something unique and interesting (“stylized” shoots), but what I love most is just to capture someone. As much as you can in a photograph, at least.

This is my friend Mikal. He is a very talented guitarist, a hard worker and a good person. These photographs were taken about two years ago in a wooded area in Idaho (one of my very favorite places to shoot–landscapes or portraits–and to spend peaceful moments). I had recently acquired an old, unused Brownie camera (oh, my heart!), from an antique store in Denver – which came complete with a flash and flashbulbs… perfectly intact flashbulbs (I used one during this shoot, and my heart almost burst with joy – I felt like an old time photojournalist. There’s nothing like the crackling sound of a flashbulb burning up). I also was taking a class studying historical photography processes. I experimented with my many cameras, changing film, bulbs, lenses, tripods. This shoot involved digital shooting, medium format film shooting on a Diana F+ and Brownie, and some historical painting using printed negatives and palladium/platinum chemicals.

So basically, this is my favorite series of all time.

I could spend days in the darkroom. DAYS. I could spend more days experimenting with chemicals and fine papers (10 points to whoever can find the print stamped with “ARCHES PLATINE”). In fact, I mean to do that. One day, I will build a darkroom (however small it may be), and will print to my heart’s content. It’s not a question. It’ll happen. Just a matter of time. This series gets me so excited.

Enjoy <3