“If one is even able to pick up a camera while depressed, it can make ones perception very different than when one is not depressed. Things don’t seem to have the sparkle and glamour they had once before. One usually ends up with darkly composed pictures. If there is any light, it is very selective in the way it is applied to the subject.
I rarely pick up my camera when I am depressed, because I know I will be disappointed with the outcome of any pictures I take. The effort it takes to create a good picture is often overpowered by depression. Depression is a very debilitating thing. It takes away the things that you once loved to do, making the simplest of tasks seem impossible to achieve.
Bright colors seem too bright and washed out, while darkness seems appealing. If one could use photography to capture the happiness of life, or just the essence of life itself, I think it could be a useful tool in the healing process. By focusing on something other than the negative, one could use the camera to block out the bad things in life and try to see only the good.” James Burns
James Burns is a primary contributing photographer, influence, and closest friend. While working together a few years ago, James helped me over a slump by encouraging me to pick up my passion as a hobby. This company, it’s accomplishments, and much of our vision has been greatly furthered by the support of our friend. The need for artists to express themselves and be creative runs deep. Sometimes the act of expression itself can begin a healing process.
We would like to present to you some of Jim’s work. His floral images speak volumes, personalities sparkle or flare as the light hits just so. His work is featured in our gallery, and we’ve compiled a book with his work, entitled “Flowers At Night”. We invite you to preview it at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/574482
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Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I, Creator – a personal journey
Robert and I have had moderate success in our business, but the images that caused the most stir have been The Man series. This was such a personal and emotional shoot for us, we knew we would have to present it in just the right way.
These images have caused the greatest impact on viewers. I think it is because they are very real images. When I tell you that no one else could have been at that shoot, please believe me, because I still get choked up over that day.
Robert is a strong and stable man, emotionally intact, and very strict in the way he deals with issues. To see this man, crumbled, lying on the floor, twisted in pain, his entire stature of 6’4” reduced to a little ball, tears streaming down our faces… This is real life. This is Passion in Art.
This book is dedicated to his son, Kyle Raymond Gebbie. He was taken away too young. Almost 20 years later, the pain is still fresh. This is the pain, the drive, the emotion that takes his images to the next level.
Learning to cope and deal with depression is a difficult road to travel. In this book, Robert bares his soul, and asks you to do the same. To look into yourself, to see your commitment to your spirit, and to follow it.
This book fulfills a promise, a commitment made from one soul to another. We hope you share the journey with us. You can find our book at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/568133.
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These images have caused the greatest impact on viewers. I think it is because they are very real images. When I tell you that no one else could have been at that shoot, please believe me, because I still get choked up over that day.
Robert is a strong and stable man, emotionally intact, and very strict in the way he deals with issues. To see this man, crumbled, lying on the floor, twisted in pain, his entire stature of 6’4” reduced to a little ball, tears streaming down our faces… This is real life. This is Passion in Art.
This book is dedicated to his son, Kyle Raymond Gebbie. He was taken away too young. Almost 20 years later, the pain is still fresh. This is the pain, the drive, the emotion that takes his images to the next level.
Learning to cope and deal with depression is a difficult road to travel. In this book, Robert bares his soul, and asks you to do the same. To look into yourself, to see your commitment to your spirit, and to follow it.
This book fulfills a promise, a commitment made from one soul to another. We hope you share the journey with us. You can find our book at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/568133.
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Thursday, February 5, 2009
Observing Light and Shadow
Many times I hear and read about the way a photographer or artist lights their subject. What happens when we reverse this idea and ask “How do we shadow or darken our scene?”
Sometimes, it is the parts of the image that are hidden and left in the dark which feed our imagination and create a stronger appeal and emotion. Darkness in an image leaves a question behind. What is beyond that darkened doorway? Does the smile on his lips reflect in his unseen eyes?
Reverse the process by which you see your subject. Add shadow to a fully lit scene, rather than lighting one that starts in darkness. Observe what is added in the impact when we take away what is known, rather than revealing those things that were hidden.
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Sometimes, it is the parts of the image that are hidden and left in the dark which feed our imagination and create a stronger appeal and emotion. Darkness in an image leaves a question behind. What is beyond that darkened doorway? Does the smile on his lips reflect in his unseen eyes?
Reverse the process by which you see your subject. Add shadow to a fully lit scene, rather than lighting one that starts in darkness. Observe what is added in the impact when we take away what is known, rather than revealing those things that were hidden.
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