Sunday at Umlauf with Ian

(The greatest form of flattery)

I first met Ian in a production of Mary Poppins at ZACH Theatre. I thought he had great facial features and then I saw him dance. I had taken a few pictures and I thought it would be interesting to photograph a dancer at various locations around Austin. I'm always thinking art and fashion when I decide to create art.

(Incredible height, the grace of a dancer)

(Inspiration from the sculpture)

There are many people I want to photograph, but the timing isn't always right. Sometimes I'm available and they aren't and vice versa. It has taken, months or years before I was able to photograph someone, but it was definitely worth the wait. I do my best to get to know the people I'm interested in photographing. I know what works as far as attire and I have an idea of how to set up the perfect shot.

(Ian in Mary Poppins, this is where we first met)

Ian told me when he would be available and we went from there. There was only one draw back, he was about to have shoulder surgery and I didn't want him to injure himself for the sake of my art.
I was quite impressed with what we had to work with. The first location was going to be The Hope Gallery, also known as Grafitti Park, but there were too many people. In the past when I was going to use tthis loccation I went right after church and there were a lot of people.

(The artist gets in on the act, using a secondary camera and a timer.)

My second location was at ZACH to photograph Ian against the blue wall and the glass along the ramp. I usually insert myself into some of the images using two cameras and a timer. They images looked good, but I wouldn't know for sure until I would look at them on the computer.
As most people know, I am not one for photoshopping images. I like capturing what my eye sees and if it doesn't come out right I work on it. I  like using natural light and making my subject as comfortable as possible. That's what makes the photographs beautiful works of art.

(When dealing with models you have to remind them to bring certain things. Ian was prepared with props, shoes and clothing choices. Doesn't get an easier than that.)

My next location was the Umlauf sculpture garden. This was going to be my first time going there as was Ian's. I really didn't know what the place would look like and I really had nothing in mind other than to have Ian strike dance poses among the sculptures.

(After looking at this image, it made me think of the film Footloose and the hat stays on)

I mentioned to Ian how I felt dancers, athletes and construction workers make for the best models. They don't really need much guidance and are used to flexing their muscles. I prefer using people who have never modeled before because the shots or so much more organic and I make it a point to do most of the work when I get a great pose.

Everything at Umlauf was impromptu. As I saw a sculpture or location I'd give Ian a few minutes to get set up and then I would start shooting. Sometimes as he was in a stretching pose or a little warm up before a leap or an extension. Striking the same pose as a sculpture...

I really enjoyed this photo shoot. Once he heals perhaps I'll have the opportunity to photograph him and his wife who is also a dancer.

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Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

The Story behind the ART

Even some of my drawings have stories as to how and why they were created. I will go into a store and see things that I would like to have, but I may find the price out of my budget or I just don't feel its worth the price. As an artist there are a lot of things I can create myself when I decide its what I really would like to have.

 (This is the quick sketch.)

Many years ago I saw an in image and I made a quick sketch of it.
 Last year I made a drawing of that sketch and worked on it for several months off and on. I have an art pad filled with drawings that are waiting to be colored and either put into a portfolio or framed for display.

(This is the finished drawing, ink, colored pencils, and markers.)

This drawing recently made its debut on Bluecanvas which is a site in which I display some of my art. Some of it is for sale and some of it is just there to be viewed.

It's original title is lady waiting. On Bluecanvas I'm calling it Glamour.

The Art behind the Photograph Part 10

In 2010, I took a job at a bar in the French Quarter working security. As I’ve mentioned before, most of the people I’ve photographed, I’ve worked with in some capacity.

The minute I saw F.D., I knew he had that certain something and I wanted to photograph him. There is a process in getting someone to pose in front of my camera. Its all part of the Art from start to finish. The introduction has to be just right. A professional doesn’t want to come across as being creepy.

I remember when I first started taking photographs and I’d meet girls and I’d ask them to pose they looked at me as if I only wanted to photograph them naked. I always give the individual the choice, but my focus has always been fashion. Some of the sexiest photos are of those with their clothes on. Of course everything is in the eye of the beholder.

Now, back to our model, F.D. he was working as a bar back and I had explained to him I would be in town for a while and if it might be possible to photograph him. He smiled and said he was looking for a photographer. This is one of those times that I feel it was meant to be. There are many photographers in the city. I was at the right place at the right time. I scouted a few locations. Some of which I had used before, but I’m always looking to try something different. I often do pictures with people just to do them. Perhaps the model I wanted wasn’t available or I open my mouth about an idea and someone will say they would be up for the challenge. Then I just go through with it. Sometimes I really get something I like from the experience.

Some of the shots with F.D. were original and some I had tried with another model, but I didn’t get what I was looking for. I photographed F.D. on two occasions and I know if its meant to be, somewhere down the line I’ll have another opportunity.

Coming up: The Nexx Fazz of Models, Coca, Jack









Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

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While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.