Revisited – The Intense Environment Of Salton Sea
I attended a really fun event on Saturday night, “Open Desert – Music and Photographic Arts Showcase“. At the Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum, photographs from the nearby desert areas such as Joshua Tree and the Salton Sea displayed big screen behind the live music from “Tribesmen“, “Caxton“, “Mike Pygmie Ensemble” and “Drum Hall“. I was asked why I did not submit photographs for the show. Well for one thing, they were all turned black and white. I like black and white for some photographs but I think the colors and the light in the desert should be seen as you might imagine it. And another reason, well my photographs do not tend to be the usual landscape type photographs.
“The environment of Salton Sea can be very intense. Harsh Sunlight, desolate spaces, an eeriness to the Sea itself. In places a post apocalyptic look that would be movie perfect. But I find it uniquely compelling and beautiful. A favorite location for my photo shoots. Model Bailey Daniels.” – from one of my prior Blog Posts.
Porno Chic
It is not just naked. It is called “Porno Chic”. A term created by New York Times art critic Hilton Kramer in the 1970s to describe the work of fashion photographers Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin and Chris von Wangenheim. Editorial and advertising photography that uses nudity, eroticism… sexual and sultry to be more than pornography. I also refer to it as “edgy lifestyle” and think it is great fun. That is why you see it in my photography. It is not just being naked.
If you follow my Blog you saw an earlier post I did jokingly talking about this series selling chairs or furniture. Actually this photograph does work. Does it not get your attention about the chair? You can see very well how it is made, the details of it, and the model makes it look really comfortable. It is helped out by having a great model. And also works because it is photographed with a Hasselblad digital camera and lighting by Broncolor. Only the best all the way around. Thanks!
Fashionable Undressing
My idea of evening cocktail attire might be different than for others. More of a fashion statement. One of my most favorite models, Aristodeme. The camera is Hasselblad digital. The lighting is Broncolor.
Diner Dreams
From my soon to be released series “Diner Dreams”. Photographed not only in color but also black and white medium format film. It is not what you might expect. Editorial availability and prints. Keep watching here for the release information. Thanks!
From My Series “Diner Dreams”
Sports Theme
I always admire my photographer friends who shoot sports. Some of them have shot the Olympics many times. They photograph at the Superbowl, the World Series, major sports league games and the biggest fights. So just to feel like I am part of things, I like to add a sports theme to my photo shoots now and then.
Photographed by me with a Hasselblad digital camera. Broncolor lighting with a Broncolor Para 133 reflector on a Scoro pack. I truly like the light out of that Para! Only the best!
The Tools Of My Work
I do get asked about my set ups for shooting, lighting and background and studio and such. Often it is somewhat simple. However I choose the tools for my work very carefully. Here you can see what has become my favorite lighting, the Broncolor Para 133. This photo shoot had it powered by a Broncolor Scoro E pack. The camera also my favorite, a Hasselblad digital. Yes my choice of gear is the very high end of equipment. But I think about the amazingly wonderful people who are in front of my cameras and in that lighting. Many prep for a very long time for these photo shoots and often it is their career. Thereby deserving of the best on my part. That is my commitment. If you have any questions or would be interested in shooting with me or have me photograph your advertising or features, please send me an e-mail to Ian@SecondFocus.com. I would be more than excited to chat with you. And Thanks!
Models Have Opinions Too
Jamie showing how to express an opinion during our photo shoot. Makes it so much fun!
You and My Camera
Simple is my favorite way of creating photographs. Here Melyssa, window light, and a medium format camera loaded with Kodak Portra film. The only camera I have really enjoyed as much as shooting film is my medium format Hasselblad digital camera. It creates that film look of color, tonality and depth that I want to see in my work. Only the best! Thanks!
Blindfold & Shadow
If you are blindfolded and nude, is your shadow also blindfolded and nude?
Model Aristodeme in our photo shoot. Photographed with Hasselblad digital and Broncolor lighting. Only the best!
Aristodeme in Blindfold and Shadow. Photograph by Ian L. Sitren
Naked Home Furnishings
This is my idea of photographing home furnishings. Makes me want to buy those chairs! I think an entire home furnishing designer line or catalog photographed by me like this would be much better than what you usually see. Don’t you!
Photographed by me with a Hasselblad digital camera. Broncolor lighting with a Broncolor Para 133 reflector on a Scoro pack. That is for you photographer type people. Only the best!
Models In The Sun
I am always considerate with my models about being in the Sun. Especially here in Palm Springs. After all, it is a desert resort. Aristodeme photographed with a classic Polaroid Land Camera on Instant Film from FujiFilm.
It Has Already Started…
I started thinking about my photo shoot plans for next year. That may include many of you. So if you have been thinking about shooting with me or planning your magazine editorials or advertising campaigns, let’s chat. Yes I will be doing my work in bodybuilding and fitness, but let’s make it really standout! I am also doing work in lifestyle including fashion, edgy and conceptual. As I often say, I reserve the right to photograph anything I find fun and interesting. But seriously, whatever your concept, let’s talk! We can make it worthwhile and fun! Send me a note to SecondFocus@mac.com.
Here is a look behind the scenes on my photo shoot in the desert and wind farms with Sergi Constance. Sergi has become enormously successful as a model and our photographs made their way to magazines and more around the world.
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