Getting back to work /  by scotland symons

As time rolls on we all get caught up in the moment and fall out of habit's and well I got out of the habit of posting to the blog. So trying to get back on that train as I have new work in the hopper and new projects rolling out. 

Here's the list of up coming changes:

  • Moving away from flickr 
    • It just needs to happen at least for my main work, I will still probably post from time to time my street photography work but I am going to be pushing all of my series work to this site.
  • New Project Series in the works
    • Micro Stellar (series 2) - Yup thats right the second installment of my tine slices of space are in the works and hopefully be done in the next month.
    • This is Human - An exploration in to portraits and capturing people in a moment of emotion. The setup and style is set and I currently have a few of myself to kick the set off.
    • Symmetry City - Continuing the series of symmetrical oddities of the world, more will be uploaded over the next month.
    • Photo Graphic the Book!!! - thats right its in the works and there will be more details to come over the next month.
  • Video/podcast series is also in the works to add to the collection of weird content from my very strange mind.

The liquid space project /  by scotland symons

Experimenting with making a series on images of liquids painted on glass to simulate interstellar nebulas and gas clouds. Each one is made up of varying liquids (alcohol, water, milk, hair dye, dish soap, peroxide, glycerin), particles (glitter, salt, ash, sand), and then lit with different lights (led, florescent, candle). Using all of those items I compose and paint a scene that I capture with one long exposure shot.

The process starts out with a piece of plexiglass suspended in mid air. Once there I start applying the liquid and glitter and whatever to paint a nebula.

Then turn the lights off and add a little ambient lighting.

Now start messing with all of the variables and see what happens.

Then clean it up and start again :D

Insta Pinhole Camera! /  by scotland symons

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I was inspired by a friend Hank (espressobuzz) to build a pinhole camera. He had put one together a week or two ago and I wanted to try and have a crack at it as well. 

The camera is made from the following parts. 

- cardboard

- a empty soda can

- old instaback for a medium format camera

- gaffers tape

- foam strip left over from packaging

 

rhis concept is a simple one, a small hole exposes film to light in a controlled manor to obtain a picture.  

Step one: remove the plate ment to adapt the insta film holter to a medium format camera to allow full exposure to the film. Every insta back will be a little different but the concept is the same. 

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Step two: make a cardboard box to cover the exposure plate. The box size depends on the film and pin hole size. I looked at the site below for inspiration and measurements. 

- http://www.diyphotography.net/23-pinhole-cameras-that-you-can-build-at-home/

in the end it may look like this.  

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The pinhole is simply a bit of aluminum from a soda can that I made a hole in using a sewing needle. No special method but I was general and patient as to not warp the metal. I used a bit of metal that I found lying around as a surround for the opening, it has no real function but I like the looks. 

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Added a bit of foam at the bottom for leveling. 

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Secured it all up with gaff tape and a little hot glue and I was good to go. Here is the first shot I took with it. It was about a 7min exposure and I am quite happy withe the result. 

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Here is the timing chart that I use. 

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Do all the things! /  by scotland symons

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This image says it all, this has been the motto of this year and I am going to endevor to see it be the motto that carrys me through into the next. 

 

The he patch was given to me for helping out in putting together this years regional burning man decompression. The event was fun but the real fun for me was getting to work with some amazing people who blew me away with their attitude and drive to get stuff done. I'm thankful I have friends like that to help me stay motivated. 

Adventures in Europe /  by scotland symons

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Recently I was over in Europe for work and I was lucky enough to have some free time to go and see a few things. Since I knew I would be able to walk to work in the locations that I was in I was excited that I would have the opportunity for some street photography. It's somthing I'm still learning how to do and feel more comfortable with.  On my free days I decided to mix in a little urban exploration and see what I could find and try to not get in to much trouble.  I went a little crazy in Paris but I thought it was worth it.  My cameras did great both the X Pro 1 and the X100s, handled great and had no issues while the were in use. 

Street art art was a big focus while I was in France and I saw some pretty amazing stuff. ​

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There were several of these on the walls and it was pretty clean for stencil work. What doesn't show in the picture is all of the glitter covering the surface.  

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Awesome sharpie work.  

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Alley after alley of amazing work. 

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All in all it was a fantastic trip and I looking forward to getting back on the road again soon.  Especially when you get view like this. 

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Burning Man 2014 /  by scotland symons

Photo by my wonderful partner @tobinphotography

Photos from this years Burning Man and probably my most favorite burn so far. So many stories and awesome experiences this year. In some ways I jump way out of my normal habits I surprised myself. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/108820079@N03/sets/72157647299443082/

B&W only set
https://www.flickr.com/photos/108820079@N03/sets/72157646991600850/

The site is happening /  by scotland symons

Trying to create new habit and get off of the evil facebook, that site has sucked up so much of my time and creative energy. Its a good place to keep connected to everyone but wow is it invasive in life. I can't help but have a sense of dissidence about it. So now starts a new blog and a place where I am going to start posting beyond the ad ridden world of social media. Its not a replacement but rather a different place to talk beyond the city walls of Adbook land.