Pilot Portrait

I needed to do some photos of pilot and airplane broker Steve Weaver in Buckhannon. We wanted to use this older plane because it fit the story we were illustrating, and it happened that he was selling it to someone who was flying in to pick it up. So as soon as the buyer showed up and took a look at the plane, we took it down to the end of the runway for some shots. The sun was just beginning to break through the overcast, behind and to the left of the plane. I put up two SB strobes on stands with Cactus V4 radio slaves, one on full power and the other from 1/2 to 1/8 power, and shot quickly so the buyer could have his plane back. First frame to last was 10 minutes.

 

Not happy about the shadow cast on the plane, I moved the main light on the right a bit  behind Steve.

Took this portrait with an old 55mm Micro-Nikkor. Manual focus!

For the in-cockpit shot, I put the main flash on the far side pointing in through the window.

 

It really helps to have a good-looking subject that’s comfortable in front of the camera.

Seneca Rocks

I don’t get it

Doesn’t look like Hilary gets it.

Hallelujah

There’s been a big stir about the new sculpture, Hallelujah, being installed at the Clay Center downtown. A lot of people don’t “get it,” and that’s OK, you shouldn’t disapprove of something just because you don’t understand it. I’m more interested in how the giant affects the building itself, and how the recent landscaping affects our view. Below is how the building, and the landscape, look if you’re walking or driving by.

This is a building that’s designed to smack people in the forehead as they go by. But with the addition of the trees (and trees grow bigger and obstruct more view) and the new sign and the new sculpture, the impressive Clay Center becomes hidden.

As you approach from different angles, the sculpture is so close to the building that it can’t be separated. It is a part of the immediate environment.

As I said before, I like this thing. It’s very cool and different, and like the Clay Center itself, it will make drivers coming off the interstate exit go “Wow.” And maybe a few expletives, but that’s OK.:)

I’m just concerned that such a close placement to the building is detrimental to both the art and the architecture. I’m a bit surprised they didn’t plant the thing closer to the corner, below.

Maybe in place of the electronic sign.

What do you think?

4:30 Friday afternoon

Is a good time for a bicycle ride. Who needs fancy bike wear?

9/11/2009

It’s nice to have kids around to give perspective for the adults.:)

World’s largest teapot

Chester WV

Cactus Club

Chester, WV

Twistee Treat

Princeton

Bramwell Service Center