Ian Ruhter

San Francisco Wet plate Art Show

2011-12-09T13:53:00.001-08:00

After a year of hard work we are finally ready to have an art show. This will be a traveling show with stops through the US and Canada. Our first stop is in San Francisco. If you’re in the San Francisco area come by and join us at 111 Minna Art Gallery @ 9pm on Dec-17-2011. I hope you enjoy the work

The Wet Plate Project will then travel to the following cities across North America and into a shop near you. Please stay tuned to http://foursquareouterwear.com/blog for more details as they arise.

Cleveland, OH

Denver, CO

Seattle, WA

Whistler, BC

Montreal, QC

Burlington, VT

Lake Tahoe/ wet plate collodion

2011-07-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

Here are my first Wet Plate photos from Lake Tahoe. It is so beautiful up here I did know where to start shooting. I had a few problems with this shoot I guess im a little rusty. I plan on shooting in lake Tahoe for most of the summer and fall. I have some new projects im starting I can’t wait to show everybody but for now I have to keep out the kinks.

Polaroid San Francisco #2

2011-06-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

I love this city.

Polaroid San Francisco

2011-06-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

I shot these while on a quick trip to San Francisco. It has been a while since I use my Polaroid camera it got broken while on a trip to Canada. One of my good friends ran it over with a snowboard on accident. I was so happy to have her in my hands again.

Polariod's Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling

2011-01-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

I recently took at trip to lake Tahoe and went out snowmobiling with my friends. Pat Moore, Jake Welch, Daniel Ek and Nico Cioffi. It was so cold that the Polaroid’s started doing strange things. I was stoked on how the came out but my hands didn’t like it. Haha. It was a fun trip wit good friends.

Polariod Quebec Night Shots

2010-12-29T10:34:00.000-08:00

In the past four out of five years I have had to work on my birthday. This year was one of those years. I was in Quebec Canada and we were scheduled for a night shoot then it started raining. It was like Mother Nature wanted me to have the night off. I really wanted to walk around and see the city so I set out in the rain. Walking in the rain at night with my camera in hand was one of the Best birthdays ever. I don’t like all the build up the birthdays and holidays have. It's nice when things just happen.

px 70 Color Shade Quebec Travel Photos

2010-12-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

A man travels and the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes

The longest journey a man must take is the eighteen inches from his head to his heart

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

Quebec Travel Polaroid’s

2010-12-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

The joys of Traveling and staying in hotels.

Happy Holidays!

Quebec Polaroid Adventure

2010-12-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

I traveled to Quebec Canada this past week and despite the bitter cold I was able to shoot some photos of my friends and the city. Quebec is an amazing city I felt like I was in France during the ice age.

Cameron Pierce

Cameron Pierce, Nic Sauve

Cameron Pierce

Kyle Norman

Pat Moore ,Cameron Pierce, Nic Sauve

Ian_Quebec_polaroids_1.mov

2010-12-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

I started taping all theas Polaroid’s to my hotel room window so see what I had shoot so far on my trip to Quebec. After a few of them were up I realized it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. I'm going to do some thing insane with this concept when I get some more to work with.

Random Moments/ impossible Project /Ian Ruhter 2

2010-12-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

Wet Plate Collodion Ewarad Muybridge / Making History

2010-12-07T23:57:00.000-08:00

Over the last six months of shooting, testing, and experimenting with wet plate collodion I didn’t realize that it had been leading up to this shoot with Levi Brown. I never thought I would do something that has never been done before but this was in the back of my mind. Photography has been around for over 100 years and it still seemed to be an almost impossible feat. I have been looking into the works of Eadweard Muybridge, which is where the inspiration for the shoot came from. His photography has revolutionized photography forever. Just one of his many creations is the famous photo array of the horse running. It was the invention of motion pictures. Up to this point, no one had captured motion and since then I don’t think anyone else has using the wet plate collodion process. I wanted to see if I could do what he did.

Ian Ruhter: Capturing Motion on Wetplate from What the Fleet on Vimeo.

I set out to see if this was possible using modern day equipment. I took a few weeks of planning and asking for a ton of favors. It finally came down to shoot day. We started setting up and everyone was excited to see what was going to happen. I explained to Levi that this might not work out-- I didn’t want to waste his time. I had never worked with him and I knew he has a busy schedule. He is a professional skateboarder for Element and was about to go on tour, so his time was limited. Levi said, “This will work, you just have to be positive.” This may sound kind of hippy, but I believed him—the power of positivity. I was stoked on all the good energy. I asked him to stand in so I could get a light meter reading. I had to ask him to wear sunglasses because the light was going to be very intense-- I didn’t want to damage his eyes. I fired the strobes (he said could feel the heat from the flash). To do this, you need a tremendous amount of light-- much more light than I had ever used before. Everyone stepped aside and I hooked up the camera to the lights. I tested it once to see if they would all fire at the same time. It sounded like a bomb went off. One of the flash heads had exploded right in front of Levi and my assistant Mark. Glass was propelled from the light like a shotgun-- right at their faces. Somehow, it did not hit anyone. My first thought was “this is going to be really bad…” but there is something to be said about having positive energy. No one from my crew had ever seen anything like this happen before. I thought Levi was going to be hesitant about going through with it after that. He wasn’t even fazed by it. He said, “lets do this!” and we all went about our business like nothing happened.

I set up and we shot the first photo. I had no idea what was going to happen. I grabbed the plate and ran back to the portable dark room. I poured the developer onto the plate and an image started to appear. I was so excited to see a faint image start to emerge. It was very light, so I knew needed more light; that was a crazy thought but we added more. I shot another photo and ran back to the dark room. This time it worked. I felt proud as I walked out of the darkness holding this image. Everyone was super stoked on it. Our glory was short-lived when Levi made a good point. He said, “If you really want to do this, then I have to be moving while you shoot.” I knew he was right. We set up in a new location for this shot. We were pretty limited. Because of the power situation, we had to stay close to the studio. After we finished setting up, we made history. It worked!

(Dubbed click image to enlarge)

You may be asking, “What is the big deal? Why is the process so important? Why not just shoot this digitally and call it a day?” When I started with photography I was shooting on film and enjoyed making the images with my hands. As my career progressed, my process switched to digital and I somehow ended up spending all of my time in front of a computer editing code rather than capturing life. At this point, anybody can shoot digital. You don’t even have to be a good photographer. Digital is a sign of our times: we want things now. But with that mindset, we sacrifice so much. Digital is an unreal representation of something that is real. When you see an amazing photo nowadays, you assume that it’s been Photoshop’d; which devalues the image. In these times we try to fix all our imperfections and hide them. Nowadays it’s acceptable to disfigure (edit) a body in order to achieve “perfection”. I prefer to see the imperfections—that is what makes us individual, unique. The same principles should be applied to a photo and it’s process. Being able to produce something that is one-of-a-kind and real means everything in the world as an artist.

(Dubbed click image to enlarge)

I to give a special thanks to every who helped make this possible:

Skateboarder: Levi brown

Wet plate technician: James Alegria

Lighting: Mark Mc Clanahan

The edge rentals: Tyson

Filming: Matt Stanley

Video editing: Lauren Graham

John Alvino

Jordan Thomas

Kandee Johnson - Last Glaminar

2010-12-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

If you didn’t know, Kandee Johnson had her last Glaminar here in Los Angeles this weekend. I remember helping her set up the first one-- she had it in my building in Downtown Los Angeles. It may not have been the ideal location but it was a great place to start. The Glaminars have come a long way since then. There are now more people, the location is nicer, and it’s more organized. But, some things have not changed-- it is still a very personal experience. Kandee stayed for five hours after the Glaminar to meet and talk with everyone.

I always knew Kandee had a good work ethic, but this time I was blown away by her dedication. She stood on her feet for fourteen hours while pregnant. There is no way a person could do something like this unless they truly loved what they were doing. She will go to any lengths to help or inspire someone. This was proven again last night. The world needs more people like her in it. It’s obvious that her fans respond to the love-- standing in line for hours after an all day event just to get a picture and to meet her in person. I was an amazing thing to witness. It felt great to be a part of this experience. Seeing it go full circle has been an amazing experience for all of us.

I showed up just as Kandee was taking a break for lunch. My friend Jordan and I met up with Kandee in her hotel room, so I had a few minutes to catch up and shoot some photos-- a view from what goes on behind the scenes.

You know when they say a photo is worth a thousand words? This is one of them. I had her stand by this plate glass window, which she is still afraid of because of the accident with her leg (I tested the glass to make sure it would not break on us). This symbolizes that no matter what bad thing happens to her, Kandee will stand tall and smile. The world can throw all kinds of bad stuff at you and this is proof that we can all overcome it.

Kandee only had a few minutes to get her makeup ready before she would go out and save the world. She’s like a modern day superhero.

In the midst of a fourteen-hour day, she somehow had time to check up on her kids, her fans, and her family. I don’t know how she does it!

No matter what is going on, there is always time to make a few jokes and laugh with friends. This comes from years of knowledge and experience laid out like pieces on a table. Each piece is a tool to change someone’s life when in the right hands.

This is what it looked like from the audience of the Glaminar: taking something small and projecting it into something that is larger than life.

Kandee has the best fans in the world. I hope that one day I can have the same kind of following. I was truly inspired by this day.

pretend to do nothing/PX 70 Color Shade

2010-12-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer

Google your self with a hit

2010-11-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

Black Friday filled the street of the fashion district with people searching for barrens. I found myself looking for moments. I ended up getting more than I bargained for.

(Dubbed click to enlarge)

PX 70 Color Shade Down Town LA

2010-11-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

I have been shooting with Polaroid PX 70 Color Shade for a few days the week. I am trying to figure out how to use it still but im happy with the results so far. It gives things a dream like quality.

(Dubbed click to enlarge)

While you sleep I creep” Polaroid”

2010-10-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

I have all ways love night photography. When I first started in photography I learned to shoot at night because I had to work all day. It was quite challenging but the rearwards were and still are worth it.

Photos: Down Town Los Angeles CA

Double click on images to enlarge

Impossible Project Mac Arthur park

2010-10-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

I woke up to a to a text that said” coffee and bring you camera: by Valerie Watson”

I went down to the corner coffee spot and Valerie told me that there was something she had to show me at Mac Arthur Park. I had all ways want to shoot there but never have I was really excited but had no idea what I was in for.

We walked half way around the park and she said, “There he is!” There was a man standing there with the same kind of camera that I use. I could not believe it. As I walked up he noticed my camera we hit it off. He could not speak English and I could not speak Spanish. I just handed him my camera he was stoked and so was I!

This man has a business where he will shoot your picture for $5 dollars in Mac Arthur Park. Valerie can speak some Spanish I had her ask questions for me. She told me he had been doing this for 20 years. I could only imagine the photos he has taken in that time. In the late 1980s this was one of the roughest areas of Los angles.

I noticed he did double exposures as well. I started freaking out and then he took my camera and just showed me how he did it. I was very honored that he did this. I love that he just shoots photos for the sake of doing it. I don’t think he has any interest in becoming famous. He is a true artist.

This is a double exposure that he took with my camera.

I then had him shoot a photo of Valerie and I so we could remember this moment.

I love Alvarado st. It was like taking a vacation to Mexico.

A bird flying over the lake at Mac Arthur Park.

I want to come back here with my wet plate camera and dark room to shoot some day.

Are you feeling blue? Impossible Project

2010-10-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

I’m still trying to get the feel for the blue tone Polaroid film.

This is what I came up with.

Thanks for checking it my friends!

Putting Things in to Perspective/ Impossible-Project

2010-10-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

Perspective

the theory or art of suggesting three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface, in order to recreate the appearance and spatial relationships that objects or a scene in recession present to the eye

Let me ask you what is possible?

2010-10-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

I love this film it gives every thing such a vintage look. After I shoot the photo of the man with the accordion it appeared to be 60 years old. It was amazing. I started to imagine all the possibilities . I didn't know I could be so inspired by a type of film!

POLAROID 100 CHOCOLATE GIAMBARBA EXPIRED

The City Of Angels / Wet Plate Collodion

2010-10-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

I shot these photos on an amazing day in Los Angeles there was lightning, rainbows every thing was there to make a post card. I looked on facebook later that evening and sure enough there were tones of color photos of rainbows. The colors were very vibrant what you would expect to see with digital photography. The collodion process forces you to look at things differently. With its limitations it also presents possibilities. This is what I came up with from that amazing day I don’t think any one has any photos like this form this day. That’s why I do what I do.

Random Moments/ impossible Project /Ian Ruhter

2010-09-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

Im falling in love with this film!

PX 70 FF COLOR SHADE

Metric Wet Plate Collodion

2010-09-27T23:29:00.000-07:00

Ian Ruhter Shoots Metric from What the Fleet on Vimeo.
(This video was shot by Lauren Graham, Im not sure how she filmed it while she was art directing the shoot. I guess its because she's that amazing.)

It started off as an average day. I woke up, had my coffee, then phone rang. It was my good friend Lauren Graham. She asked me if I want to shoot the band Metric with the wet plate collodion process. I didn’t even have to think about it; I just answered when and where. She said they were in town shooting for the Jay Leno show and they had a pretty busy schedule but she would check. She let me know they would be done at 5 pm or so and want to do it. My first thought was about the amount of daylight left in the day after 5pm. Lauren suggested we do it close to the Leno studio which is in Burbank. She works at the Jackass office around the corner. I hesitated and said yes, but I could not think of a worse location than a parking lot in the valley. This was an opportunity that I didn’t want to let slip by, so I called my right hand man James about doing a test that night. I stayed up late in to the am shooting photos, mixing extra chemicals and prepping everything. We felt good. This was the most prepared we had been for any wet plate shoot.

(Double click image to enlarge)

The next day rolled around quick, we grabbed a coffee a loaded up the car and started driving out to the valley. Lauren and Kate Power met us at the Jackass location. It was every thing I imagined it would be; hot, boring, and flat, with nothing interesting around. There were just some off white walls like you would find in the back of a Walmart. But I was ok with it because I knew it wasn’t about the location; it was about the band.

We set up the portable dark room as I wanted to shoot another test before they arrived. Keep in mind, I have not been working with this process very long and it has a mind of it own. I cooked up a plate and loaded in to the camera. I shot a photo thinking I would have to do some minor adjustments to the exposure time. I started developing it and noticed something was very wrong. My heart sank. There was barley an image on the plate. I started to panic I had never seen anything like this before. I changed up the silver nitrate; that is usually where the problems are with this process. I took another photo. It was worse. Now I was tripping. I just keep thinking Metric was on the way they were probably tired from filming all day and I was about to waste their time. I asked everyone if I should call them and cancel the shoot. They told me to shoot one more test. I change up the last possible thing. I shoot one more, and as we watched it develop I could tell it was even worse. This time there was nothing at all on the plate. Now I started really freaking out. My friend James said "It will work, I know it will." In my head I was like "Ya, and it's going to start raining hundred dollar bills." Right then a black van with tinted windows rolled up. James said "It's time to ride or die!"

(Double click image to enlarge)

Then the switch went off; that’s when I got in to photo mode.

They got out in true rock star fashion. Emily Haines walked over to us with a bottle of champagne in hand. I just played it cool, because the last thing you want to do is let the subject feel any tension or stress for you. People feel that energy and it translates through the photos. The show must go on and I was about to put on the performance of my life. I switched the fixer just to entertain myself but I knew it wasn’t going to do anything The problems were in the developing. We were ready to shoot. I turned around said "Hi, how are you?" I walked them across this parking lot explaining how amazing the images were going to be. I never doubted myself from that point. I set it up and shot it like nothing was wrong but I knew there was. I walked back to the dark room with everyone following, stepped in to the darkness and said fuck it, pouring the developer onto the plate. I could see it was working. I emerged form the darkness and there were 9 people waiting to see what had happened. I had a beautiful image in my hands. I dropped it into the fix. Everyone was in awe of what we created. We shoot 3 more plates and the day was over.

(Double click image to enlarge)

This was my all-time favorite photo shoot. It amazed me how stoked everyone was on the 1800s photography process. When I shoot digital no one is ever that stoked or involved in the process. This is what photography was created for; experimenting, pushing yourself and pushing the art from. These are one of a kind images that cannot be duplicated. This was an amazing day, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to share it with my good friends. I even made some new friends along the way. Thank you for helping me make this happen.

FX make up

2010-09-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

I walked in to my friend Cary’s loft and I could not believe my eyes. I asked Cary what’s going on here? There was a girl putting special FX make up on Cary’s brother Andre. I was blown away by how talented she is a make up. I said who are you and what is this for? She answered hi im Miranda and Im just doing this for fun. I love make up its my life. She had been working on this for 6 hrs. I love seeing people doing art for fun not because they are trying to get compensation for it.

New Flim: the impossible project" Polaroid"

2010-09-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

I ordered some new film from Polaroid’s impossible project. The package came in the mail I felt like it was my birthday. I went out and started shooting photos immediately. The impossible project is a very important part of photography that was all most lost when the digital revolution started.

This is the blue tone film I was not sure if i would like it at first. I'm very pleased with.

What is the Impossible project?

In October 2008 The Impossible Project saved the last Polaroid production plant for Integral Instant film in Enschede (NL) and started to re-invent and re-produce a new instant film for traditional Polaroid Cameras.   

The Impossible factory is located in building Noord (North) of the former Polaroid plant in Enschede. Since the opening of the factory, this impressive black and white striped building has been the heart of the film production, housing the giant production machines. All other machinery needed for starting the re-production of Instant Film have been moved to building Noord by the impossible team. With this new and modern setup the production was downscaled from 3-4 buildings in Polaroid times to just one building.

Upon entering the building you can immediately inhale this very special mixture of oil, chemicals, age and passion. Old furniture, diplomas from the last decades mixed with pictures of the new setup. On the ground level the huge warehouse gives room to hundreds of shelves that are partly filled with packaging, pallets and chemicals, left over from past years, and partly deserted, waiting for new film

Sepia film

This is a negative for the back of the peal apart film.

I was not sure if i liked this film after I shoot a couple of photos. Then I figured it out and I think its my favorite

I hope this inspires you to try this film you can buy it here.

http://www.the-impossible-project.com/

Polariod stop trippin fool

2010-09-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

I went up town the other day to shoot some photos of the buildings that make up the Los Angles skyline. It was one of those days where I just kept finding the perfect pictures around every corner. I started walking down this steep hill and I was staring up at the light on one of these buildings. All of a sudden I hear a pop, it is from my ankle. I stepped into a hole. The next thing I know im rolling down this hill with camera in hand. As I was falling down the street I was cussing. I look up and there is a beautiful girl asking if I was ok. I did the typical guy thing and just acted cool and said in a calm voice, "ya im fine". I’m such a dork haha. As soon as she turned the corner I started cussing again holding my foot lying in the middle of the sidewalk. I had to limp 9 blocks home. For the most part it is not about shooting the photos for me it’s the adventure, the camera is just an excuse to explore.

Testing 123

2010-09-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

I doing some test with the new Polaroid film it is going to be amazing when if figure it out. You will see.

Fleet Jewelry shoot

2010-09-03T00:14:00.000-07:00

I recently did a shoot with my good friends Lauren Graham and Kate powers for their jewelry line Fleef. Lauren has been a good friend of mine for many years so I was stoked to work with them on this project. It also helps when you like the product; Kate makes all the jewelry by hand. The new pieces in their line are out of control I don’t know how she doses it but i’m very inspired by the works she created.

Jenny Sirney getting her make up did up. The only think missing is Kandee J. Haha

Jenny waiting to be shoot at our first location.

Lauren Graham with all kinds of people working on her.

Jordan Thomas and Violet with the sun blasting in the eyes

My right hand man Mark McClanahan helping me with another shoot on his day off. Thanks homie.

Kate power off to the right giving direction for the next shot

Walking the tracks

These are so random photos from the shoot that I captured with my Polaroid camera. Thanks every one that was fun.

http://www.fleetjewelry.com/

wet Plate Collodion standing still

2010-09-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Photos shoot while walking around Broadway Street. Today im going to mix up some a fresh batch of collodion chemicals I hope this works the way I want it to . I have a dope location to shoot at I will keep you posted.

Polaroid Land Camera Thought Process

2010-08-31T11:12:00.000-07:00

The past 4-week I have take a brake from shooting in Los Angles. I was sent away on job to shoot an editorial piece in New Zealand I will post some photos soon. At this point I have so many photos that I cant even get too. I would say I have over 500 Polaroid’s that I need to scan. The moment I got back all I wanted to do was walk the streets out side my place. I have been wandering the street working out a new project in my head. I’m in the beginning stages of a new photo project involving Wet Plate Process. Between the chemistry, engineering and creative aspects im losing my mind. The only thing that seems to help I walking around and shooting photos. I guess im searching for inspiration.

Polaroid Land Camera test shoot

2010-08-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

I have waiting to get this Polaroid Land camera for a long time. I got a bad one off e- bay and it took a year to straighten it out. The guy ripped me off so I just bought a new one. Now that I have this baby its on. I shot some tests yesterday and I’m stoked on it. I have to run I have a flight over seas today for work and I have not even packed. My mind is in the clouds. Hahaha…..

wet Plate Collodion standing still

2010-08-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stud on a crowded street or in a room and fell completely alone? That is what this photo symbolizes to me. With this process the exposure times are very long. This street was very busy when I shot this photo. There were 100s people on the streets cars driving buy. The only things that were captured were the ones standing still. For the most part this is how I feel. I’m surrounded buy people all the time it’s not that often that I connect with them. Sure there is lots of small talk for the most part it is all on the surface. It appears that every one is so busy being trying to fill there day doing things so they are not alone. but they are so busy don’t have the time to really connect with people? It is easy do find some one to do something with what’s hard is finding is some one to do nothing with.

Location: Los Angeles st, LA, Ca

2010-07-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

This photo needs no expiation it is what it is. The stories are told if you look in his eyes. Francesco Siqueiros is a master printer. He makes lithographs with this crazy old machine. As soon as my friend Lauren Moore told me about Francesco I knew I had to shoot him. I started doing this process because it is a hand crafted art form. He also has make art with his hands. The difference is he has been doing it for 20 years. I was impressed and inspired at the same time. While I was setting up to shoot him he just keep on working he told me just to stop him when I wanted to shoot. I look over at his apron it was all dirty for his work. I looked down at my pants and they were all dirty from the collodion process. I imagined that I was his apprentice and we were working together. This photo is perfect in so many ways I think it worked out this way because of the energy that was in the room.

If you are interested in finding out more about Francesco Siqueiros here is his info.

El Nopal Press publishes fine arts prints and lithographs addressing social issues relevant to the cross-border dialog between Los Angeles and Mexico City artists.

 El Nopal Press at 5th St. 109 W 5th St. Los Angeles, Ca. 90013 By appointment only

web site: http://elnopalpress.com/

Location:5 and main st LA,Ca

Photo: Francesco Siqueiros

wet Plate Collodion a learning experiences

2010-07-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Miss collodion came in to my life out of know were it was like she sought me out. I fell for her form the moment I laid my eyes on her. I had no idea that she was going to open something up in side of me that had been close for many years. Photography as an art form was where I started then it became a job. Life just happened and all of a sudden every thing I loved was taken for me. I felt like a thief had visited me in the night. Years wet by and I had all this free space in my heart waiting for something to fill it up. I also had the fear that it would happen again so I built these walls to protect my self. I don’t know how it’s possible she just showed up smashed straight through all of the walls entering my heart. It brought be right back to where I started and it made me feel so good. It felt like when I was in high school and had my first crush on a girl. I have heard the collodion process referred to as a woman. I also think of it that way. When ever some thing goes wrong it is never her fault and it is my job to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it. She is not going to tell you what’s wrong ether. That brings me to this image. I just mixed up a new batch of chemical and I was all excited to try them out. I call my friend Sarah to see if I could shoot a portrait of her to test them out. I shot the first photo of Sarah and as soon as I developed it I knew something was wrong. I wanted it to work out so bad I never anticipated how I was going to feel when it didn’t. My initial reaction was disappointment. How could she let me down? I figured well try again so I did. The same things happen again. As I was looking at the flaws I never stopped to see the beautiful thing that had happened. This is the image that I was about to right off as a mistake. This one turned out to be my favorite one after all.

My main focus was on making it work the way I had seen it work for others. I figured it was my turn to have it work out for me. I wasn’t going to give up on her even though I want to. I mixed something up real quick and bam it worked! I shoot some more photos and I thought I was in the clear. I was so happy for that short time I thought it was going to all work out. I shot another photo and she went right back to her old ways. I was devastated. So I just called it quits. I thought to my self there is no reason to keep beating my self up over something that was not working. After a few days of thinking about what went wrong I realize this was not a total loss some thing amazing happened. I had taken a chance on something new and that was a big step for me. I didn’t stay where it was safe I put my self out there. She gave me the ability to feel again and I'm so grate full for that. My conclusion is I might need to try some new chemical or maybe the old ones will work out only time will tell. For now I'm going to move just move forward searching for the right chemistry.

Location: 9 stories above Los Angeles

Photo: Sarah Emmons (double click to enlarge image)

Wet Plate Collodion Bobby and Carolyn

2010-07-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

I often say my photos are about me and there is rarely a time when I shoot something just for the sake of taking a photo. I had my camera set up on the corner of 5^th and Main, shooting photos of the buildings and this couple caught my eye. I watched them for hours as I collected my images and absorbed the area. Later in the day my good friend Tait Hawes showed up to check out the wet plate process. Tait is an Art Director over at Vans and we have forged a super solid friendship over the past couple of years working together. He is easily one of the most talented Art Director I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Now that Tait was around I wanted to shoot some of my favorite stock (people); but after shooting inanimate objects and kind of just working some stuff out in my head, I found myself a little timid. I told Tait I wanted to shoot the couple across the street and with no hesitation he was leading the charge, helping me set up this shot with Bobby and Carolyn Williams. Sometimes you get by with a little help from your friends. Thanks Homie.

The image captures a very strong connection. This project I am shooting in Downtown Los Angeles is all about connections. The message is that we are all connected in one-way or another. When I observed Bobby and Carolyn they reminded me of my grandparents; (who were together for over 65 years). They stuck together through thick and thin. These days I feel like people just give up on things, especially commitments. If it doesn’t shake out the way we want, we figure we’ll just go out and find something new. This bothers me because I find most of the connections I make with girls end up this way. I guess I’ve been searching for a Bonnie to match my Clyde (a Carolyn for my Bobby). You look at this couple and can see there’s been some hardships; but no matter what they are going to stick it out. This is what unconditional love looks like to me. This is what I seek in my life.

Photo: Bobby and Carolyn Williams (click image to enlarge)

Location: 5th and Main

Wet Plate Collodion Department of Transportation

2010-07-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

So after having a couple real lucky chance encounters with subjects on Los Angeles Street, I had some downtime and decided to grab a quick streetscape. I set up the camera and was in the darkroom preparing the plate while rapping with James about wanting to shoot more blue collar when he’s all “dude come out here you’re not gonna believe this”. I re-emerged with a wet plate and look out on the street to see a city bus had pulled up and the driver was getting out like she had an appointment to get her picture taken. I walk out to the street, meet Dora, ask her if she’d stand still for a photo, turn the camera, load the ready cartridge and snap the plate. Unreal.

Dora is a genuinely good natured person and she's very kind. She is just the kind of person you’d want to interact with everyday if you were on her route. Luckily she had to hold up her bus till other lines went by so she could pick up the stragglers and she just happened to pull up right to me. Dora see’s thousands of faces everyday, has plenty of stories/smiles to share and she’s really into photography. It turns out her son is pretty talented. Though I’m not really at liberty to get into details: If you live in LA you have definitely seen his work.

Location: Los Angeles Street
Photo: Dora (click image to enlarge)

Wet Plate Collodion God works in mysterious ways

2010-07-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Robert is a man I met on Los Angeles Street. I thought we crossed paths so I could shoot a photo of him I had no idea that this was going to be a monumental moment in my life that I would never forget.

After I shot the photo we started talking. Robert told me all these amazing stories about where he had been and the jobs he had worked. I started wondering how someone so intelligent could end up living in skid row. I never asked why or how. I just let him talk and I listened. He went on to tell me that one of his vertebrae was replaced and he was recovering from knee surgery. Walking was what he did for physical therapy. There was also something wrong with his feet and ankles, he told me it got so bad that he almost died. At that point he tried to go see a doctor but with no car he had to walk. After walking for miles in excruciating pain, he reached a point where he could not go on. He laid down in the street and started praying. He told God he could not go on and to just take him then. A Police officer drove by and told him he could not lay in the street and never asked if there was a problem. Robert related the fact he couldn’t move and there was something wrong with him. The Officer informed him there was a clinic a few blocks down and directed him to go there. Again Robert prayed. An inner strength was summoned in his battered body and willed him to get up. He did not look at the awful situation as a negative; but as a sign that God walked with him and he was not alone in his moments of adversity. I don’t know where the strength to stand up and endure came from; but he made it. When he finally got to the clinic it was not yet open. He ended up waiting for another two hours to see a Doctor, but such is life. As I listened to this gentleman tell his story, I started to ponder my own life. There was a time when I reached that same exact point. After attending 9 funerals in 5 years and losing the most important people in my life; I went into the total collapse of an alcohol fueled drug binge. The holes inside of me were so big that I was doing anything I could to numb the pain, even if it meant filling the voids with darkness. When I found myself lying in the street, I too told God that I could not take anymore and prayed for a final silence. I made it through that night and I have been sober for almost for years. I know a lot of people reach this point, but to meet a complete stranger and connect on this level was deeply profound. We ended our emotional journey with Robert grasping my hands and telling me he wanted to say a prayer.

So here I am, standing on a sidewalk in skid row, holding hands with a man I had never met; praying.

That is the moment that I will never forget. God works in mysterious ways.

wet Plate Collodion hings that others pass by

2010-07-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Shooting in the street of Los Angles and not being able to speak Spanish is a major problem for me. The good news is I have a friend Chris Sanchez that is from Mexico City. I invited Chris along so he could talk to people for me. The lady in this photo did not speak any English. I asked him if he would talk with her and see if she would shoot a photo with me. At first she said no but Chris did not give up. He started talking to her about Mexico City and after 20 minutes she agreed . I think even if I could of spoke to her I don’t think she would of done it. I don’t think I could of got her to trust me. While I was shooting her Chris keep chatting with here. She told him that some one had asked her for a photo with her food truck before. When she agreed the photographer brought out a naked girl to shoot on her truck. I think the lady felt like that was very disrespect full. I know I think it is. The way I see it is this beautiful lady and her food truck is the real shot any way. I all ways try to find the beauty in the things that others pass by. There is one more thing can some one please teach me Spanish? Haha.

Wet Plate Collodion my favorite photos of all time

2010-07-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

It was getting late in the day and I made a decision to push my portable dark room around the corner to see if I could shoot some homeless people that live in skid row. It was going to be a pretty big mission and I was not sure how the people that live on this street would react to me. All of a sudden this man in the photo walked up. I started talking with him and after 10 minutes I asked hi if he would shoot a photo with me. I ended up shooting one of my favorite photos of all time .My friends and this man ended up hanging out for a hr we all hung out like we were old friends. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He told us that he was pushing his cart around collecting bottles and cans and how bad is feet hurt. The crazy thing is he has casts on both legs could you imagine what that would be like? I was talking to my grandpa years ago about my problems. He told me if every one through their problems in the street and you could see what every ones were you would go and pick yours back up.

kandee Johnson - Wet Plate Collodion photo shoot

2010-07-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

It seems that darkness has been casting it’s shadow over the world slowly, for a long time now. Each day we accept this because it’s just a little more than the day before. Over time it adds up to a significant amount which bring us to where we are today. In our pursuit for modern advancements we have compromised our morals. We live in a society where it is excepted that sex sells, negative advertising is the way we are sold products, negativity in the news, and headlines we see, night after night. This is the conversation that was sparked between Kandee and I during our photo shoot, we could’ve talked about this for hours. I was explaining to her the process I was using which is from the late 1800s. I explained to her that this style of photography is actually taking us backwards into the past 100 years. We then started talking about life in the same way. I look at Kandee as the light that shines in the darkness. Over this past year, her light has been spreading, and the amount of people following her is amazing. The people that are attracted to her share the same love in their hearts. It started as one small light that could be seen in the darkness, one by one a light was added like an L.E.D. panel. Kandee now has an army of people shining light, wired together by positive energy. I am so proud of you, Kandee. Keep this in mind next time bad things come your way: Insects and creatures that live in the dark are also drawn to the light. It’s like when you are camping and all the bugs surround your lantern. My point is no matter how annoying these things are we never turn off the light. The negative people are the bugs that will keep running into the lantern, until they self-destruct. . I have want to shoot Kandee with this wet plate collodion process for some time now. I’m glad our paths crossed again it made my day. I had Kandee hold this flower because it symbolized the beauty that she hold in her heart.

If you want to see what wet plate photography looks like here is a video of my friend Will Dunniway and company working with the wet plate process.

wet Plate Collodion The Downtown Pirate "Ricky"

2010-07-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

I look at the downtown Pirate as a historic piece of Downtown Los Angeles. He’s been here for many many years. The pirate seams to be every were if you live in this area you know who he is. He has a very color full personality every time I see him he make me laugh. Late at night I can her his distinctive Arrrrrr from my window. I feel like this is his way of letting us all know he’s still here holding down the street. The Pirate is a very important part of this new project I have been working on. The basis of the project is connections. I feel like everyone in DTLA is connected in one way or another. He is the link between skid row and the redeveloped parts of Downtown LA. I shot him, as the Pirate my next step is to shoot him as Ricky. I have invited rick up to my place for time to time so i can get to know him better. There is so much more to him that most people don’t get to see. I plan to go to his place and show the other side of him that is hidden by the Pirate and the arrrrrrr’s.

wet Plate Collodion brothers

2010-07-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

I love my camera! It seams to have this power that draws people in. I had it set up to shoot photos on Los Angeles st I was trying to figure out what I want to shoot. All of a sudden the man on the right in this photo came up to me. He started asking questions about the camera. I knew what my next question was for him was. He said yes it would be cool if you shoot a of photo of me. He explained to me that my brother and I are working on the elevator in the building and it just couldn’t interfere with our work. I was stoked I have all ways liked blue-collar workers. I want to shoot a book about them one day. I caught up with them right as they were leaving and took this one photo. After I developed it I noticed something very cool. They are brothers but one is way more laid back. The other is standing proud with every thing in order. I love how it shows the differences in personalities.

wet Plate Collodion Fire Works/dodger statium

2010-07-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

The fire works on 4^th of July have always fascinated me. I think we can all agree that the Independence Day firework displays are some of our fondest child hood memories.

I watched the fire works on the 4th and it got me thinking about if it were possible to shoot fire works with this wet plate process? I figured i’d have to wait in till next year. So I went to get a coffee with my homie james and he mentioned they were having a fire works at dodger stadium because the dodgers were on the road for the 4th. It was already late in the day but we decided we should give it a try. We quickly loaded the car and drove over to scout locations. On the way over we stoped by home depot to grab some stuff to shoot at night (like flashlights!) and I started realizing this was going to be a challenging shoot.

After traversing Elysian Park every which way, we set on a location that we had to push the cart down this dirt road for a ½ mile to get to. Now well past the point of no return, lacking a few essentials like sweatshirts, james set upon rigging one of my trays with epoxy while I set up the chemicals and mentally prepared to deal with the cops, kids, soccer balls, cholos or whatever else was headed our way. I shot a test and realized my collodion was jacked. It poured like elmer’s glue and my heart sank.

I tried to fix it and it got worse.

I tried to fix it and it got worse. I found a spare bottle with enough for maybe two shots so we decided to wait till the light fell completely off. The hours drew on slowly as the temperature dipped and the wind picked up. We anxiously awaited the end of the game as our hands went numb and the threat of park rangers evicting us empty handed loomed. Finally the dodger’s get dealt with and the fire works are eminent. James is pressing me to get a plate ready but I know my timing has to be perfect to catch two plates. It’s time to do work and everything gets a little frantic. I pour the collodion and realize that I might not even have enough for this plate. Knowing this is my only shot I come out of the darkroom with my cartridge loaded and a certain intensity. With the camera locked and loaded I awaited the first explosion. As the sky began to light up I opened the shutter and and left it in the hands of my grueling preparation. The fire works were not being launched from where we expected but it looked like it was gonna frame even better. Then I notice I haven’t pulled the dark slide on the film back. I jump to fix the shutter, pull the dark slide, wait for my moment and re-open the shutter. When I felt I captured enough I closed the shutter, let the show end and then re-opened to let the city burn into the plate. The lights of the stadium started to re-fire as I closed the shutter for the last time and I was pretty sure I just killed it. James held a flashlight I rigged with a red gel over my shoulder in the darkroom as I poured the developer and realized the plate had been scratched by the dark slide. I pushed through without emotion and got it out and in the fix. James crouched eagerly over the plate in the fixer with a flashlight as I walked away and noticed some park police had pulled in. I again sprang into action and started cleaning up all the chemicals I wasn’t really sure the cops were gonna be cool with, as I heard james yell out “I think the plate might be scratched but I can’t tell!” I already knew. As I labored through all the mess, hassling ass cops and thick dodger traffic; I was crushed. Seven hours of grinding, my body aching from exposure, my assistant beat to shit and one of the most beautiful photo’s I have ever taken irreparably marred by a stupid mistake that left a big white scratch over my downtown skyline.

This is photography. This is why it feels so good when things line up.

Location: Dodger Stadium Los Angeles,Ca

Wet Plate Collodion Lauren Graham

2010-07-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

When I opened the bay door to the loading dock behind my building thousands of photos emerged. I had been shooting out of the front side of the PE lofts where I live. I just was not felling it. It didn’t feel like los angles too me. From my loft I can look down onto Los Angeles st it is amazing. Since the day I moved in I wanted to shoot on this street. A year ago I brought my digital camera down to this street to shoot and didn’t get very good results. I think I just looked like some yuppie trying to exploit people. Yesterday I set up my dark room up on the loading dock that opens up to LA st. The people on the streets accepted it. That camera draws a lot of attention and people just want to get their photo taken by her.

I called my new neighbor Lauren up to see if wanted to shoot at my new studio (Los Angeles st). We ended up getting some beautiful photos. This is going to be where you can find me for the month. I’m so stoked on it. Now that this door has opened I’m going to focus my camera on the people of LA st.

Lauren has a tattoo on her heart that says, “trust for sale”. I was very fascinated by it. I had to get a photo of it. We started talking about how we wanted to shoot it. I thought it would look funny with her braw on because of where it was placed. I felt like the message had to be a felling of being exposed and vulnerable. So I just asked and she said ya lets do this. We shot here straight up on the street in the daylight. It needed to be raw and gritty. So I used all my old chemicals and let the wind blow the dirt from the city on to the plate before I exposed it. Its not every day someone is willing to expose their soul for a photo let alone to the world. She is one of the coolest girls I know. Thank you for these photos.

I did quite get what I was looking for with this image so I stopped shooting after this photo. I need to rethink this one. I am going to try to reshoot this at some point. As far as this image goes I love it.

Photo: Lauren Graham
Location: Los Angeles St LA,Ca

Wet plate collodion Kim Grant

2010-06-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

I remember the day I met Kim I was drawn straight into to here eyes. I was trying not to stare but I could not help it. They were so big and full of light I want to know what was behind them. After I got to know her better I found out she is a very talented person. It all started to add up. The twinkle in her eyes is the same twinkle you see when you look up at the stars at night. One day Kim Grant will be a household name.

The dress she is wearing is an is an original piece she made by hand. This image sums up what I am talking about.

Location: main st Los Angeles, Ca

Photo: Kim Grant

wet plate collodion demons

2010-06-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Ok this is an interesting one. I shot this photo of a man named Clifford as he was waiting for the bus. My first exposure seamed to be perfect but his face went black. I was very confused by this. When I got home I started looking at it to see what went wrong. Over his right shoulder I noticed a face in the background. It looks like some kind of ghost or spirit. It kind of creep me out. I’m not superstitious but there is some strange going on in this photo. In the olden days people you to think that your reflection is your soul. Mirrors, when you look into them, reflect your soul, not black light that hits them. So, if your reflection is your soul, then the camera captures your reflection witch means, it captures you soul. Is it possible that it captured this face as a spirit and that is why his human one went black? I don’t know but it is something to think about.

You can double click the image to enlarge it.

this looks like a faint image of a face looking over his shoulder.

what do you think?

Location:6th & main st, LA ca

wet plate collodion american indian

2010-06-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

These pictures make me think of what Los Angles use to be like before we laid concrete and basically trashed it. It must have been such a beautiful place.
Let me explain how I ended up taking this photo in the first place: I was invited to a pajama jammy jam and upon arrival I met up with my friend Celina (girl in the photo). Her outfit for the night was Native American. It was crazy because she really looked Native American. I asked her if she was Native American and she said yes . I knew I had to photograph her as a Native Angeleno it just made sense to me.

I love this image in her eyes, you can see so many emotions. Before I shot this I repeatedly told her she would have to be real still for the photo. I could see she was concentrating on it real hard. Normally I would have had the person soften up there face. I liked it so I just let it be. Looking at it now I think I shot her this way because the way I feel about the American Indians and the emotions I have about the way the were treated.

I am not mad at this one either. I had her stand on this electrical box so I could shoot up and make the viewer feel they have to look up to her. The Urban/Native juxtaposition is super surreal.
Photo: Celina Vaniersel
Location: Los Angles, Ca

wet plate collodion parking lady

2010-06-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is one of the first people I see every day. She works the valet for my building. She is also the nicest lady I have ever meet. Before I start my day she is waiting there with kind words before she sends me driving off into this crazy world. I have been trying be more like her now that I have experienced the impact it has had on my day. I had my camera out and she was walking by after she got off work, I had to get a photo of her. To me this photo is worth than a shot of a celebrity. I never understood why people hold celebrities in such high regards. I was thinking about things the other day and I realized my life is like a real-life movie, based on a true story. These are the people that walk down my red carpet I stand on the side and shoot them as if I was the paparazzi. Think about whom your heroes are, the people who really matter, they are the ones we should get all excited about when we see them.

wet plate collodion Valerie Watson

2010-06-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

This is one of my new favorites! I was setting up to shoot this man reading a book through a window right as I got ready to shoot him he moved. The thing about wet plate photography is once you get the plate ready it is wet sitting in a film holder. You then only have five minutes to shoot it and develop it or it will dry out. I’m sitting here with this plate in my hand thinking what am I going to do now. Out of no were Valerie Watson shows up it was perfect. I asked her to stand in the middle of the sidewalk for a photo. I ran back got my camera and then asked her to hold still for ten seconds. To ask some one to hold still for ten seconds free standing is quite a task. I can’t believe it worked out she is amazing and so is the photo. I love it when things work out like this to bad life could all ways be like this.

Photo: Valerie Watson

Location: Main st, LA, Ca

The hotel Cecil has so much history I had to shot it. I have been told that in the 80 it was home to the night stalker (Richard Ramirez) who is a serial killer. I remember being very young and seeing the stories on the news. I was so sacred. To think I live on the same block now is a crazy thought.

Location Main st LA,Ca

wet plate collodion Bob Dylan

2010-06-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

I have been told this image resembles an old Bob Dylan photo. It has such a vintage look to it. When you think about photography you look at it as moments in time. This was an 8 second exposure. A lot of things can happen in 8 second I think they even made a movie about it. My friend James and I started talking about this after I took this photo. He said Ian you are capturing significant amounts of time in each image not just a moment. I thought that was an interesting point.

Photo: James Alegria

Location: 6 th and main st LA, Ca

wet plate collodin Los Angles some thing crazy

2010-06-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Some thing crazy happened in the development with this photo. I think some of the chemical I use went bad. I am really stoked on the way it came out any way. This is a one of a kind photo I have never shot or seen any thing like it.

Photo: Erica Baier, LA,Ca

Yesterday was just an average day in Los Angeles sunny sky’s like it is for the most part every day. I went down from my loft to the streets to shoot some photos. I would never shoot at 1 pm in the summer because the light is so bright and it just looks bad. But with this process I got amazing results. My friend Erica was riding up to the building I stopped her for a photo. I only took two photos and both came out good. With digital photography I have to shoot so many frames just to get one good image. When I shoot with my 8X10 camera it slows the whole process down. By the time I get every thing ready it seams like the person is relaxed and use to being in front of the camera. Digital you just turn it on and start shooting the first 30 frames look like a dear in the headlights.

photo:Erica Baier, LA,Ca

I wanted to capture reflection of the building in Anna’s sunglasses but it just didn’t work out so i thought . I was looking for a sharp image I have shot so many photos like this with my digital camera. When I got home I had another look at it I started to really like it. The softness of it is so different for what I usually get. I started doing this so I could get photos that are unique. Things seam going that way so far im stoke!

Photo: Anna Phillips, LA,Ca

wet plate collodin Los Angles

2010-06-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

The past week I have been working on a camera cart / portable dark room. I finally got it done. I want to build a cart that I could puss through the streets of down town Los Angeles. I did a shoot yesterday and got a few images. Im so stoke on this it is going to open up so many doors for shooting the wet plate collodin. When you shoot this style you need to make you film and develop it minutes after you shoot it.

I shot this kid named Scott in front of the building I live in.

Location: Los Angeles

Here are the building across the street from where I live.

Location: Los Angeles

This is my darkroom on wheels kind of dope!

wet plate collodin calss with Will Dunniway

2010-06-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

For many years I have been searching for this and I finally found it. This experience has changed my life forever. Last weekend I took an amazing class with Will Dunniway! I had the opportunity to learn the wet plate colldion process from some one who has 20 years of experience doing it. When I walked in to Will’s studio/house I was in awe. The photos he had on display are some of the most beautiful works of art that I have ever seen. Seeing these images in real life was like taking a trip to the Getty museum. There are a few of that stud out and I could not stop staring at. He had a shot from Yosemite that was printed with platinum. Platinum prints are amazing anyway but to mix the two is out of control, I all so saw a few tintypes and glass originals sitting above the fireplace. The tone and light that was captured by this colldion process cannot even be described by words. Its one of those thing you just have to see. He also has photos of American Indians that have never been shown to the public. Will is a master of this craft if you are interested in see his work go to: http://www.dunniway.com/

Here are some photos from our workshop.

Photos by: Michael O’Neil

Will Dunniway shoots Ian Ruhter

Ted Roberts, with plate of Chrystal Scanlon

Outdoor studio.

From left: James Burgess, Skip Lind, Francis Michaels (posing), Will Dunniway, Ian Ruhter

Michael O'Neil gets head braced by Will Dunniway

From left: Will Dunniway shoots with aid from , Skip Lind

Michael O'Neil with his plate

Michael O'Neil

Chrystal Scanlon poses

Chrystal Scanlon immerses wet plate tintype into fixer

Chrystal Scanlon helps pose Skip Lind for Will Dunniway

an Ruhter develops his tintype

an Ruhter fixes his tintype

Ian Ruhter removes his fixed tintype

kip Lind pour collodion on plate

Will Dunniway mounts plate to rear of camera

Skip Lind, former American Airlines pilot poses as Red Baron

Skip Lind, tintype in fix

Chrystal Scanlon in tintype rack

Chrystal Scanlon

Plate rack of days work

Will Dunniway

Skip Lind, shows his results

Skip Lind

From left: Ted Roberts, Will Dunniway, Michael ONeil (knelling), Ian Ruhter, Skip Lind, Chrystal Scanlon, Francis Michaels and knelling, James Burgess

Every one was so nice in this class I wish I could of got to know every one better but my attention was on learning. I got so much out of this class it was well worth it. I just want to thank every one who was there. It was one of the best experiences I have had in a long time!!
Ian Ruhter

The Wet Plate Collodion Process

2010-06-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

I recently started the doing the wet plate collodion process and my friends have no idea of what it is. I have been getting question asking how does it work? Well friends here is a quick video of what it is and how it works.

wet plate collodin- Pat more

2010-06-02T01:29:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorites. If you know Pat Moore then you know this is a very different looking photo for him. I have shoot him 100s of time but never got an image that looks like this of him. To me it looks like a jail photo or some thing from the 1950s. I just know I’m stoked on it. I took 3 photos this day the first 2 were to get the proper exposure. What a big change this is from shooting 100s of digital photos with hopes that one will turn out.

Wet plate collodin- stealing people souls

2010-06-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. When I was focusing my camera on Mario Kappeli eyes I felt like I could see in side his soul. I have never experienced any thing like that. My 8x10 camera is a very a special camera. It is by far the best camera I have ever used it feels kind of magical when I use it. Maybe that’s why people use to say photos would steal peoples souls. I don’t feel like im steeling them more like im showing the world what the look like. This is a 3 second exposure using the wet plate collodin presses. Shoot on location in Palm Springs.

wet plate collodin fun photo

2010-05-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun shooting this portrait of my friend Rusty Ockenden. I wanted to do something that matched is personality. He has this crazy hair and is down for what ever. I shoot a regular portrait of him and we were like lets make this crazy. He said I could take off my shirt and show my gap tooth. We were laughing the whole time. There is nothing better than when some one is down to have fun while you are shooting them. I showed this image to one of my other friends they thought it was a homeless person from Down Town Los Angeles. I said no that’s my friend rusty and just started laughing again.

Wet plate collodin 8x10 camera

2010-05-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

These are from my third session with the wet plate collodion process. I finally got to use my 8x10 camera the results are insane. I’m so excited on the out come. If you look close you start to see all the in perfections that the beauty of the process. These are one of a kind images. Let see my cannon 5 D do this. Haha.

I'm slowly getting better at this. I still have to fine tune my work but I'm very happy with these photos.

Image#1: Austen Sweetin 8x10 wet plate collodin

Image#1: niko cioffi 8x10 wet plate collodin

My first Wet Plate Collodin Photograph

2010-05-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

I have a started new photography process that has changed my life. Let me rephrase that it is actually a process from the 1800s. The process is called Wet Plate Collodin. The way it works is you apply chemicals to a sheet of glass. While the glass is still wet you put it into a film holder and then in to a view camera. After you shoot your photo you have to develop it immediately. One of the reasons I like this so much is I am working with my hands to produce a one of a king photograph. Once digital photography came it to my life I started spending hrs at the computer. I was working on images that did not exist. A digital image is a computer code basically 1sand 0s.This code can be manipulate over and over by all most any one who gets there hands on it. There is no tangible base. I never imagined I my self as a photographer working at a computer all day. When I started photography I use to work in the dark room making hand made images. It is the beautiful art form that I fell in love with in the beginning of my photography experiences. With this process I feel like I’m falling in love all over again. I’m so excited!!!

This is a photo from my first session using the Wet Plate Collodin Process! My friend Jordon Thomas was one of my first subjects.

Interview with http://www.buoloco.com/

2010-04-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is an interview I did for my buddies new web site. Check out the site and you can see more cool stuff there!http://www.buoloco.com/web6/content/intro

Ian Ruther is one of the best artist/photographers out there. His work speaks for itself and is literally out of this world.
Ian Ruther use to be a much better snowboarder than most of the pro's today. It's because of his style, class and of course the switch stance move which he is a master of.
In this interview, we talk about an array of stuff such as: art, the past, present, future, inspirations, snowboarding, Kevin Jones, and his next trip to Japan.
These days he's super focused on his talents in other fields apart from snowboarding, such as his landscape project, down town LA project, and his Enabled Preview project.
The last one, the Enabled Preview, is my favorite. Check this out and judge for yourself..
Aaron Fotheringham, 17, knows just what it feels like to slowly lose the ability to walk - a concept that could terrify most people. He was born with Spinal Bifida, a developmental birth defect that translates literally to "split spine." Aaron agrees that having the disease is painful. One of his hips is permanently out of the socket, causing constant pain, and forcing Aaron off of crutches and into a wheelchair. After tagging along when his brother would skateboard at the skate park, his brother suggested he try tricks in his wheelchair. "I don't feel it [my hip] when I'm at the skate park," he says. "My adrenaline is up and it's just my release." Aaron holds the world record for the first back flip in a wheelchair as of October 2008, an experience he calls nerve wracking, even though he completed his first back flip two years before that in 2006 and had done it several times since. He is sponsored by Schwalbe Tires, Fox Shocks and Osiris Shoes to name a few. He hopes to do a double back flip in the future and wants to inspire others, both disabled and able-bodied alike to get out of their homes and do something with their lives. "I want it to become common - people in wheelchairs doing flips. I'm not disabled. Being in a wheelchair isn't being disabled. I think that everyone else is disabled - you know, they have to actually walk."

http://ianruhter.blogspot.com/
http://www.ianruhter.com/

Untitled from BuoLoco on Vimeo.

These are the direct links to my interview im having a hard time up loading them to my blog.
http://www.buoloco.com/web6/content/ian-ruther-talks-uno
http://www.buoloco.com/web6/content/ian-ruther-talks-dos

This is the photo form Chile that i was referring to.

Whistler BC Canada… I have never see any thing like this!

2010-04-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today was one of the best days of my life. In one afternoon I saw every spectrum of light every season spread across the most beautiful mountains in the world. The weather was crazy with in 30 minutes it would change. It went from snowing to sun and some times it was sunny and snowing.

I was standing on a ridge waiting for the light to come on to a snowboard jump we want to shoot. In that time I watched the same seen change over and over again. I thought I was looking at a painting it did not look real.

These mountains are so big it was over whelming. I watched the clouds over take a whole mountain range with in minutes. Here I am standing on a ridge watching a wall of clouds concurring these mountains. I felt very small at this point. I also felt like I was part of some thing so big.

The clouds push forward rising from the valley the wind shot up under the clouds separating them from this peek.

The snow started falling so hard and the sun was still shining trough.

20 minutes later it cleared. This is what was revealed . I look at life like this when there is crazy weather in your life and you can’t see 5 feet in front of you. when you start to think there is no way you will get through it. That is when I remember this seen. The beauty is out there you just have to believe its there and you will make it through it.

Like clock work the clouds rolled back in. amazing!

I waited all day to see this mountain it is my favorite on. It raveled it self in the sunset for me. What a day!

Forum 2010 season/ Things don't add up!

2010-02-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things just don’t add up. We have been working on this jump for a few days and the whole time we were just laughing saying this thing dose no add up. When you build a 120-foot gap it has to be perfect. We had the jump built last week and ready to go. We wanted to wait for a storm to pass so we could hit it with fresh snow. When we returned the run in had filled in with snow it looked like no work had been done on it. After looking at the jump we could tell some thing was wrong. The jump had slid down the hill and was leaning side ways. I have never seen anything like this. It took us ten hrs to straighten every thing out. All this work for was done for something that might not work.

John Jackson testing out the new run in for the jump as the sun was setting.
John wondering what is possible to do over the massive gap. We saw the sun rise and set while we worked on this project. What a long day!
Here we are the next day get ready for the gap jump.What we do is nothing like the Ex Games were you have people to wax your board. This is a look at what real snowboarding is like.
The true spirit of snowboarding is in the backcountry. Most people only see snowboarding on TV by watching contest like the Ex Games . If you don't know the way they portray this sport is as fake as any other realty show. This is it no glam we are out on the front lines pushing things as far as humanely possible.
Jake Welch waiting to see what the day will bring.
On one of John attempts at this gap he took a pretty had fall. This photo shows how high the consequences are for doing some thing like this. This is what I mean when it say things don't add up!
This is a look at the entire gap you can see how far he had to jump to make it. To go this far and end up on your head is just a crazy thought. You don't get snowboarder of the year by not taking chances.The jump ended up working out John got a few tricks on it. You will be able to see them when his interview comes out in snowboarder mag next year. These are the kinds of jumps that John is known for. He has incredible determination every day we go out he pushes snowboarding as far as possible. This is not a made for TV event this is the real deal. This is about love sometimes it hearts but when it works out there is no better felling.

Landscape project 2010#4

2010-02-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed locations in the United States. Most of the time you see it at sunrise or sun set. I shot this one during the last full moon. When I use to live in Lake Tahoe I would come here to think all the time. I would just sit and look out at the island and for get about my problems. I like to shoot at night because you see thing under a different light. This is symbolic of how I solve my problems. Being able to see thing from a different perspective helps me to come with the answers my questions.

forum 2010 season/a lesson in perseverance!

2010-02-06T13:45:00.000-08:00

This season has been a lesson in perseverance! Nothing is falling in to place this year we have been going out trying to shoot snowboarding every day but Mother Nature is working against us. Or maybe we are not working with her? It's time to not focus on what we don’t have and look at what I do have to work with. I know you just have to keep trying every day. Today I reminded my self you cant not do anything about yesterday but today is what counts. I have had to rethink how I do my job this year. Now we have decided to go out every day rain snow or shine. In the craziest of situations I have created my best photos. I guess I do better under presser and presser is definitely on now.

John Jackson standing on a ridge in 80 mile an hour winds. My camera bag filled up with snow when I opened it to get my camera out to shoot this.

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends

Mm, gonna try with a little help form my friends

I love this song it's our theme song this year!!!!

Forum 2010 season/ 120 foot gap jump

2010-01-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

In the past two-day the weather has been getting the best of us we have not been able to shoot much. For the most part we have been sitting around waiting for the storm to clear. On the second day we (John Jackson, Jake Welch, Kurt Heine and my self) started building a jump that went over a canon when we measured it was 120 feet to the landing. By the end of the day we managed to get it done in time for john to hit it twice. The good news is he made it over the gap both times. The bad news is we will have to wait in tell it snows again to hit it again. I have a felling John is going to kill this thing. I can’t wait!!!!!

John and Jake looking off in to the distance knowing the mountains are there but wondering if it will clear?
Once it cleared this is what was revealed!

John looking out over the 120 foot gap wondering what tricks were possible to do over it?We saw this sun set on are way home from the first day we went out. It was Jake Welch's Birthday I thought this was a beautiful ending to a very long day. Happy Birth day homie!
Day two this is us packing up to go home for the day as the moon lit the sky above us.
The days have been long 5 am to 7 or 8 pm I don't have much to show for it but I do have something to look forward too. Shooting a 120 foot gap!!

Forum 2010 season

2010-01-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

This has been a crazy year all ready and i just started. I am shooting snowboarding again for Forum Snowboards like I do every winter but this one is off to a slow start. It is Jan 26 and I just got my first shoot. By now I should have a ton of photos and have traveled the word with there team. The snow has not been that good on top of that there has been a lot of injuries this season all ready. I think we are over the hump now it is time to get down to business. Here are some outtakes from our first 2 days in the backcountry. I can’t show all of them yet the mags would fire me. Ha-ha

John Jackson and Jake Welch get ready to head out on our first day. Look how much snow is in the trees. So sick

John and his truck I wall way hated driving my sled up that ramp. One time I all most flipped it off the side of the truck.

Look at Jake’s engagement ring he is probably thinking about his lady Torah.

John J taking a warm up run. Fun
Jake having fun in the 4 feet of new snow.

This is a test shot to see how the lights look. I think I may of got a cover my first day shooting. imagine this photo wit a snowboarder in it. Word
It was snowing so had at the end of the day. Every time i would pull out my camera there would be a inch of snow on it. I don't think cannon recommends you do that with the 5D camera I use.

Kandee Johnson - Guilty Until Proven Innocent?

2010-01-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

Kandee Johnson - Guilty Until Proven Innocent?

(It is stated “innocent until proven guilty” in a court of law, but this really depends on how you look at it. When a crime is committed and you become a suspect, you are treated as if you’re guilty.)..........

It’s not the way things are supposed to be done in America. My good friend, Kandee Johnson, has been accused of child endangerment. People are acting like she is guilty of it. What bothers me about this is people are making accusations about her that are not true or are stating that she did something wrong, when she didn’t . They are people that hid behind cute, little internet names and make claims about a person who they don’t know. I call them cowards. I have known Kandee for many years and some of these people claim to know her. I would also know these people if they were really knew her. Kandee has a handful of friends that she talks to regularly and I’m proud to be one of them.

About the charges Kandee was staying at my house in LA…she was down here working because there is no work in the town she lives in. I happened to be with her at the time the incident happened. The officer’s report stated that she left her son at home alone for a day or more alone. I know for a fact that her mom was there, watching her son prior to the incident because I heard her talking on the phone with her, discussing who was going to take care of her son. Her mom did leave to head back to LA and Kandee had spoken to her son. He explained that he would be over at the neighbors’ house until her friend could come to pick him up to watch him for the rest of the time she was out of town. In the meantime, her son and his friend decided to light things on fire with hair spray. The police were called out at this time. The officer did not charge her son, but he wanted to direct his action toward the fact that the officer couldn’t figure out where the kid’s parents were. He then started interrogating the 12-year-old boy. In the report, the officer states that the boy was lying about what he had lit on fire. He then went on in his report to say he believes the kid when he said didn’t know the name of his mom’s very close friend’s name. I’m no rocket scientist, but if a sacred 12-year-old boy who knows he’s in trouble tells me he didn’t know who is supposed to be watching him I would think he is lying, to protect himself from getting in more trouble. The officer then asked if he had his mom’s phone number, the son said, “no” and the officer believed him. Once again, rocket science. The officer went through Kandee’s whole house to do this big investigation. What the officer came up with was “borderline unsanitary.” From my understanding, there was dirty dishes in the sink and the kids has left food out on the counter. He did not find any thing like drugs, alcohol, raw sewage, rats and roaches, or anything other thing that would be considered “child endangerment.” With all the fine police work being done he never even called Kandee to talk to her and find out what was really going on. Kandee’s grandparents showed up and took her son with them and notified her of the situation. The office never tried to contact either of the boy’s parents. He wrote a report based on a kid that already admitted to lying to him. Kandee called the officer just moments after she found out what happened. I could hear the officer talking to her. He did not want to listen to her or even let he tell her side of the story. My thought is he was embarrassed because he had been had by a 12 year old boy. The reason I say this is, her son was not charged with anything. He had outwitted a grown man. The sad thing about this is, now, she has to face the court taking her kids away. For what? Being at work and your kid getting into trouble? I remember being at parties in high school when my friend’s parents were out of town. There were underage kids drinking and the police showed up. The house was trashed. Never once did any of the parents face charges like this. The bottom line is, kids misbehave. You have to use some judgment when you charge someone with stuff like this. The sad thing is, there are kids that do need this protection and the people who are in charge of it, can’t even do their job right.

Another thing that bothers me is, people do not ever search for the truth. They just assume someone is guilty. They want to believe it more than the truth. They posted the police report. Let me add that Kandee had been trying to get copies and they would not release it to her. I found that interesting .The story got leaked to the press and again, no one contacted Kandee. She tried to contact them and the editor hung up the phone on her. People just don’t want to do their jobs. They just want to point fingers and make accusations. She finally got through and someone took down a short statement. The funny thing is, there is an amazing story here. It’s about a mother who is taking care of three kids, with no financial help from anyone. She took nothing and started a brilliant internet-based business that puts food on the table and provides a home for her kids to live in. She refused to be a victim and worked every waking moment and took care of her kids, which at the same time adds up to 18+ hrs a day. Her life had not been easy but through positive thoughts and hard work, she is on her way to turning things around. Then to be hit with these ridiculous charges, could put her out on the street due to the fact the court would not provide her with a Public Defender. Every one knows how expensive attorneys can be and when you’re living paycheck to paycheck, that could make you homeless. Because Kandee has the most amazing fans that love her dearly, they offered to donate money to help her. She set up a PayPal account at their request. She managed to get just enough to pay for the first installment for her attorney. How’s this for a story but the news want to just take the easy way and report the negative even if it is not the truth. Finding the truth takes work. But then again, they are journalists and part of that is to get the whole story. So, do your job. You might enjoy what you find out.

In my opinion, Kandee should be getting an award for her dedication to her kids. I have never seen a more loving mom. One of the things she told me that sticks out in my head is, “I would do anything for my kids. I just want them to be able to have the opportunities that I never did. That is why I’m doing all of this.” She also said, “I will make it. My family has no choice.” That is why Kandee is one of my closest friends. She has the biggest heart and is by far the nicest person I have ever met. I read a comment that said the way she is on the Internet is not how she is in real life. I agree. She is more amazing in real life. Kandee is an inspiration and has given hope to millions through her YouTube, Facebook and Blog posts. Only someone who does not really know her would say some things bad about her. So, yes, Kandee is guilty. She is guilty of being a good mom, friend, and human being.

By Ian Ruhter

http://ianruhter.blogspot.com/

Syracuse NY

2010-01-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

Some times wish I could fly. I was in Syracuse NY to shoot snowboarding and there was no snow. It rained the day before we showed up. While we were driving around looking for snow I keep seeing all these birds every were . Some how I ended up shooting a photo essay on birds. It’s kind of cool I hope you like it.

Double click on photos to see them bigger

The Gang

2010-01-14T15:34:00.000-08:00

The project is called, “The Gang.” This is a project about taking one person from three of LA’s infamous gangs (The Bloods, The Crips, and the Surenos) and putting them together to start a rap group. The amazing part about my friend Te Money’s project is everything. Let me explain. There has never been a group that has had different gang members in it. It is unheard of to the best of my knowledge. I can see how amazing this idea is using music to bring people together that otherwise would be enemies, and making something positive out of the two very raw elements of rap and gangs. My part in all this is, I have a friend named Ania in the building where I live, who approached me about shooting something for this project. When I heard about it, I was down to do it.

The day of the shoot, I showed up to an alley off of La Brea Ave. My assistant and I were basically the only two white people there. I knew that I would be shooting three different gangs in the same location at the same time, but in the back of my mind, I didn’t know if I was going to get shot. Haha whatever. As everyone started to show up, I didn’t really know what to expect, but I could sense a mellow vibe. Usually, bringing just any two of these gangs together, let alone three, would cause serious problems, but this time, due to the project, everyone came together to do something positive for the sake of music.

So, I just started shooting photos. I had the feeling that these guys had never really been on a photo shoot before. So I started shooting photos to make everyone feel comfortable and have fun with it. About an hour went by and we got into the actual shot that they wanted for this project. We were out on the street and maybe I got too relaxed. I went into “whiteboy mode” and said something like, “Can you show my your gang signs?” or something like that in a whiteboy voice. Ania called me out so fast in front of everyone, saying, “What the fuck did you just say? You better say it right!” She then said, “You better tell them to motherfucking represent their hood!” It’s funny, but that’s how it went down and that shit was a tight ass shoot.

Shaun White Olympics

2010-01-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

An amazing moment from 2006. This photo of Shaun White was so hard for me to capture. I was sent to the 2006 Olympics to shoot the snowboarding, but no one got me a press pass. This put me in a bit of a predicament. I wanted to go but I did not know how it was going to work. When I arrived in Italy, I had no idea that I was going to have to fight my way to get in everywhere I went. It was at the finals for the snowboarding and I managed to get in but I had no press pass. I knew there was nothing that was going to stop me from getting my photos. I kept pushing my way forward and jumping fences. The police at one point grabbed me from the back of my jacket. I used the language barrier and said something in English hoping they would not understand. I then jerked his hand off of me and just kept going. I think my reaction threw them off and they let me keep going, as if I was supposed to be there. In my mind, I was. All these other photographers that had no idea how to shoot snowboarding and it made me upset. They have no concept of what this sport is about. The photos they were producing were of a guy in the sky and they were not even grabbing their board. I would be like if I was at the Super Bowl and I shot photos of just the football.

It is strange that this was not the cover of Transworld Snowboarding Mag when they ran the Olympic story. They used a photo of someone jumping over a chain link fence. Shaun is a household name and he just received a gold medal in the OLYMPICS!!! I just laughed when they told me how magazine sales are down.

This was the first year I had the chance to work with Danny Kass. Danny is one of the most talented snowboarders I have ever met. He is what you call a natural. The best part of it all was no one even thought he was going to qualify for the Olympics. He ended up getting a silver medal.

This is from the practice before the actual contest. Everywhere I looked, people were throwing down crazy tricks. I knew the contest was going to be amazing.

After the Olympics, I spent the rest of the year shooting with Danny. I got to know him a lot better and he is one of the coolest people I know. I saw Danny on New Years this year and he told me the year we worked together was one of the best time he had in his career. He was also thankful for everything. It was one of the biggest compliments I could of received.

I had no idea what to expect at the Olympic ceremonies. The show was so amazing I could never describe it. You would have had to have been there. All I can say is, it was so beautiful. This crazy feeling came over me where I started getting all teary eyed. I felt all the love in the air. There were people there from every county and we were all together as one.

Enabled Project art.... Fuel Tv

2010-01-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

Here Is a look at the enabled art show thanks to Fuel TV. This was a show the featured nine disabled athletes. I have been working on this project for all most 4 years now. I hope that this will bring hope and inspiration to every one who see it. Remember to allwasy fallow your dreams. I would like to thank every one involved in the making of this project.

Ian Ruhter

Fro more Info go to: http://www.enabledproject.com

LAndscape project 2010#3

2010-01-02T09:14:00.001-08:00

Once in a blue Moon

It’s the start of a new year 2010! When was a young boy (8 years old) I thought the year 2010 was going to be some thing crazy. My thoughts were cars would be flying and we would be living like the jettisons. I also remember wondering what I was going to be when I grew up. There were 3 jobs I was stoked on a Fire Fighter, Scientist, and an Artiest. Fire was my first love. I don’t know how my house did not burn down. I was all ways lighting stuff on fire. I would make bond fires in my back yard my sister told me she could see the flames from her friends house. School was not my favorite thing the way things were thought just did not click with me. From the age of 8 in tell high school I would only go to school 2 or 3 days a week. For some reason I all was loved math and science. My second cousin is a physics teacher I use to ask him question and talk about science all the time. Then he got me a chemistry set and mad science projects went down. That was the best thing ever. Maybe that’s why I like Einstein so much. Art was contently around me because of my mom. I grew up looking at vogue magazines the photos were so amazing. Looking back on my child hood it make sense that I do what I do. In some way or another as a photographer I do all three.

This mount was a blue Moon. I shoot this photo a cave rock in Lake Tahoe I am very up set with my self over this one. It looks ok for the blog but it is a little soft (the Focus). You cant just re shoot things like this because the moon is only full every 28 days.
Red Lakes 1:45 am
Silver Lake 11:00 pm

This project is going to be very difficult. I am not getting the photos I'm looking for and messing thing up doesn't help ether. I only have so many chances it on now!!!

landscape project 2010#2

2009-12-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

The landscape Project is all I can think about lately. I drove 2 hrs in to the night to get this photo and I feel that it is just ok. It was snowing as I was looking for a spot to shoot I found this lake out side of Bridgeport and the sky opened up for me to get this photo. At least I didn’t go home empty handed. Photos like these are reminders of the journey you take to get the really good ones.

Landscape project 2010#1

2009-12-28T17:15:00.001-08:00

This is the first photo from my landscape project. I shot it an about 8 pm, as a storm was moving in into Lake Tahoe. The moon was all most full and with the snow on the ground it was very bright out but cold as well. This is a single frame out of time laps. I shoot film; as well I can’t wait to see what that looks like. I feel like im off to a good start so far.

Double click image to enlarge it..

Landscape project 2010

2009-12-26T16:23:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about doing this one for a few years. When I started shooting photo I was living in Lake Tahoe so landscape photography was a big influence on me. In order for me to get my first good camera I had a job were I was a bar back at a casino. I would get off work at 1 am and the only time I had to shoot was in the night. I basically taught my self how to shot at night. I would drive out in to the woods and use the moonlight to expose my images. This opened a door for me 10 years ago that I am now ready to enter now. I am going to shoot night landscape but what’s deferent about what im going to do now vs. then is technology. I will also be shooting time lapse of the landscape I shoot. I will be shooting the photographs on film this will give me a multi media project. On my way to Tahoe I scouted out some location and shoot photos in the day for reference this is one of the images. Under the light of the moon the photo will be amazing I cant wait.

This is one of my First night landscape photos.

THANK YOU!

2009-12-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

The enabled art exhibit was a success. I want to thank every one involved. Kyle Morrison donated all the prints for this project @ www.project-ink.com they looked amazing. My friend Tim Pear @ http://timpeare.typepad.com flew down to do all the retouching be basically was the reason I had an art show. He helped out so much along with Kyle Norman, Kyle McCoy and jorik Blom. Adni Elloway @ www.andiellowaydesign.com hooked up the enabled web site www.enabledproject.com in two day it was amazing. Jon Alvino @ ply did all the graphic design work. Kandee Johson @ www.kandeethemakeupartist.blogspot.com worked on the PR part of things so many people showed up because of her. Cary, Ander and Jordy worked with me every day to make sure every thing got taken care of I started losing my mind and they keep things rolling. Paula Rosales edited all the video. Lawrence Lim and mark Mc Callahan hooked up the lighting witch was one of my favorite parts. Friends Travis Wood donated money out of no were I received a check from him it helped out a lot. There were so many more people that contributed to the success of this exhibit it is nice to know you have friends when you need them. This was my first art show it and was mind blowing the response that I got from this. It also touched people and may have changed some lives for the better. I’m all ready planning the next one I have two projects in the works.

I will post pictures from enabled project art exhibit in the show next post.

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!

Enabled Project art show Coming together

2009-12-07T10:21:00.001-08:00

Things are coming together with a little help from my friends. The set up has been a crazy task but I think it’s going to work. This is my firs art show so I’m getting excited. I can wait to show you!!!

Dec. 10th

5pm-10pm

610 s. main st Los Angles,CA 90014

Public show!!!!!!! Free.....

Enabled Project art show

2009-12-03T23:52:00.000-08:00

I have been working 18 hr days for 2 week now and I'm finally getting to see some thing happing! These are some test prints coming out of the printer from www.project-ink.com. My friend Kyle is hooking up all the prints for free. He is one of the reasons this show is even possible. Thanks Homie.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T14:18:00.001-08:00

I remember every Thanksgiving spending it at my grandma’s house. These are some of my fondest memories. My grandma was one of the most influential persons in my life. As I got older she became more of a friend than a parent. We would sit around and talk for hours. There was nothing that I couldn’t talk to here about. She always had the right answers she was the smartest person I have ever known. Out of know nowhere I got a call and found out that she had bone cancer. They said she only had 6 months to live. I was devastated. Her spirit was so great she live 10 years past that date. In that time I witnessed strength beyond measure. She never complained or gave up on life. To be able to witness that first hand changed my life forever. She was the most amazing human if my life could be a fraction of what her was I would have no complaints when it was over. Some one could right a book about her life and it would be a best seller. I love the photo because it symbolizes so much to me. I took this when she was very sick but she would still cook for all of us. The negative from this shoot tore when I developed it. This symbolized how I felt torn by the thought of her being so sick but also feeling so proud. I am so thankful for having here in my life!

Happy thanksgiving,

IAN

Enabled Project Invitation

2009-11-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

This video was shot over 3 years ago when I started the Enabled Project. It is crazy to look back and see how far it has come. This is a message of hope that encourages you to never give up and to always follow your dreams. Even if you can't make it to the art exhibit, I hope this project will still inspire you! Go to: www.enabledproject.com to get inspired!

Enabled Project

2009-11-22T15:32:00.000-08:00

I’m speechless! My friend Kandee Johnson asked to do a video about the Enabled Project. The response has been unreal. She is a guiding light that shines thought the darkness.

Thank you,

Kandee

This is one of my all time favorite photos

2009-11-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

This is one of my all time favorite photos, it was two years in the making. The year before, I tried to shoot something similar with John Jackson, but it didn’t work out. After that attempt, I was so upset. There’s only been a few times that I haven’t been able to pull off a conceptual photo. Not to mention, that I planned it out a year before I shot it. Let’s just say I was heartbroken.

I was going to try it again for this project, and I was very nervous going in to this shoot. The day we rolled up to shoot, there was freezing rain coming down. It was probably the worst conditions you could imagine for a shoot. I was sitting in my truck, with my friend Nathan Yant, trying to decide if we should go up and shoot or not. He said , “this is what we do, we shoot snowboarding, we work in conditions like this, so quit trippin’ and let’s just go out there and see if the weather gets better.” I agreed, so we gathered our 20 person crew, and headed up the mountain in the freezing rain, as the sun was setting. When we got up there, we entered into a crazy blizzard! All the photo equipment was covered in 10 inches of snow, and it was dark now. It took us 2 hours to find all the equipment and unbury it, then we spent another 4 hrs setting up in a blizzard!

We wanted to get a test shot before we lit the trees on fire, but no one wanted to hit a jump in a blizzard, in the middle of the night. I agreed. The storm started to let up, but now every one was wet and freezing cold. Cameron Pierce and Daniel Eek said, “we will do some speed checks and see if we warm up.” They sad they’d give it a try. Now it was going to happen. My stomach was in knots, but I couldn’t let anyone know this, because if I show doubt, my crew would start doubting it too. My experience with these types of situations is, every one needs to say positive. Everyone was looking at me, and I just kept telling them, it was going to work out and be an amazing shoot, but I had no idea if it was going to work. Daniel and Cameron, started hitting it. After a few hits, Daniel was over it, it was too dangerous for him, he couldn’t even see while he was riding into the jump. Cameron wasn’t stoked about the conditions, but we wanted to do it. Cameron had just come in to town that day, to replace Peter Line, who broke his back working on this project. Cameron is an armature for Forum, and this was one of his first big shoots. Talk about stepping up, and he did!

Now it was time for us to light the trees on fire. We only have one or two chances to get this. I put, a local Tahoe kid, Kyle McCoy, who worked for the forest service
(with fire) , in charge of lighting the trees on fire. It was hard to get the trees to light because they were covered with frozen rain. Kyle made some crazy concoction he learned from working with the forest service. He started dowsing the trees along with five other local Tahoe kids. Nathan and I were thinking this does not look good. We radioed to Cameron, he was ready. We called “action!”, he dropped in and started riding down the dark mountion at full speed. We motioned to light the trees and there was an explosion of orange light. Kyle was on the peak of the jump with this flammable concoction in his hand. We noticed his half of his body was on fire! It looked like a scene out of a Die Hard movie! He knew Cameron was already riding into the jump, so he didn’t even try to put the fire out! He just ran and jumped off the side of the jump while on fire, not knowing what was on the other side! Next thing you know Cameron comes flying off the jump and bam I shoot this photo. I looked at the image instantly and knew I had the shot.

Now it was time to see if every one was ok. We ran up to
Kyle and he was laughing. I asked, “Are you ok?”, he said, “This is nothing! I work for the Forest Service, imagine being in a real forest fire!” At the end of the day, it all worked out. I was stoked. I grew up in South Lake Tahoe, and let’s just say , “we are a rare breed”. My crew was mostly made up of these people. It would not have been possible to do this without them.

Most people would say we’re crazy… I say, these are my friends!

Side note: If any one was wondering about the trees, I had my friend Tarren and Kyle Norman, gather Christmas trees that people had thrown out with the trash after Christmas. They stored them for us until this shoot. The trash left over after Christmas, is so bad for our environment. That is what this photo symbolizes to me.

This ice wall took 2 days to build, it got finished at 4:30 am. We could only shoot on the ice for an hour before the sun came up. We felt like we were dreaming because we were so tired. (Action by Pat Mo0re)

Action & Portrait photo:Daniel Eek

The pond photo was super fun to shoot, nothing crazy happened. So my boss (Bryan Knox)had to “live up to the craziness”, I told him that every time I shoot, something crazy happens. He told me he was going to jump the pond on my snowmobile. In my head I was like “yeah right”, and said sure. He road it through it a few times, and decided he said I going to do it. I couldn’t say no because I already said he could. I hear my snowmobile just coming out of the darkness at full throttle toward it. Then you see him flying over the pond. He made it!
We started screaming in excitement, he brought the snowmobile around to me…we noticed the whole rear end was bent and all the shocks were blown out!
There was a take off, but just a flat landing. I just started laughing and said I was stoke he did that.