Xtina + Forest, Last Weekend, Ohio, 2017

We met through her sublime teacher Anna, when we were raising funds for Nirvana and the schools in Rajasthan. One day the entire class visited the Cleveland Museum of Art and asked me to come along. It was an honor of course, and a treat. During our visit one fresh face come along, fresh because she was absent when we photographed the class on my previous visit.

She had a way about her, and my reaction told Anna that we needed to set up a session just for her. So we did soon after that museum trip. She was truly a natural, years ahead of her age at that time. Xtina has since become an accomplished photographer herself, dedicating herself to the medium of film as well.

While there are countless remarkable features about Xtina, one which has impressed me deeply is her continued communication with me. We have maintained contact ever since those first days, and such contact culminated in our collaboration just this past weekend. Walking through the forest with such a creative, open mind inspired me even more so. While we only had an hour or so to create, the few rolls which were exposed will hopefully yield images such as this digital sample.

She is a sister to the girls in my work from Cuba, India, Lebanon and beyond... and truly understands their lives, their dreams. Xtina and her family do more than hope, they act on behalf of the girls in India... and for such they have my sincerest gratitude.

My hope is that the weather gives us a chance to do this again, and within the next few weeks!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, 2016

On my last day in the parks of Utah, I sat down at this spot to think a bit before heading back to the city. I was in disbelief that a seat with such a view existed. It was just all so surreal!

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Note: These images were made with an iPhone 4. 

Frances + Rooftop, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, October 26, 2014

After a long few weeks getting ready for yesterday's talk, I was treated to a great conversation when Frances stopped by this afternoon. It was also a chance to get the camera out of the bag and the sun was just perfect!

Here is a color snapshot from the set, she truly does stand on her own. We are working on a series of sessions, allowing us to be more comfortable with the exchange. As our mutual friend Heath told me during the last session, she has that expression, one that is elusive to describe yet quite enchanting.

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My Session with Kittie, Studio, Cleveland, Ohio, March 4, 2012

As I was signing off this evening a message arrived from this beautiful spirit. The conversation that ensued brought back memories of a wonderful session earlier this year, when she visited my studio along with our dear brother Matt.

Respect is what she has shown the people in my work since our first communication years ago. We have worked together on three occasions. On every single one of them she presents something different, always brings a concept along and an incredible array of clothing. For this latest session she worked more with patterns/colors painted onto her skin.

She did all of this on her own, without help from an assistant. One minute she would be a certain way then fifteen minutes later she would walk out of the room looking completely different. Looking is one thing, but to engage the lens with an entirely different spirit reflecting the 'face' just put on is an entirely different accomplishment.

I look forward to another session in the near future as we discussed tonight as we said goodnight on the last day of the Mayan Calendar, quite fitting actually.

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Halim Ina Photography

Kittie, Sister, Model, Studio, Cleveland, Ohio, February 10, 2012

Near the end of the session, she steps into the other room to change her presentation and comes out transformed. Rather than easing into the end of a hard three hours, she shows me the meaning of dedication and gives me yet another perspective of her beautiful spirit.

This is our second collaboration, with many more to come. She respects the people in my portfolio and sees them as her brothers and sisters. When asked to bring timeless pieces to our sessions, her only concern is to keep the number of outfits manageable. We are on the same page, the same paragraph and certainly close to the same sentence.

She understands my need for dark pieces. Everything she brings along is just perfect. She listens beautifully and compliments the collaboration rather than forcing it.

Her boyfriend, a brother to me, adds yet another dimension to our session. While working his presence reminds me of a guitar in my home, unused for over twenty years. I go into the next room and bring it out for him to see. The joy in his eyes is clearly visible.

He is amazed that such an instrument has been dormant for so long. He replaces the broken string, tunes it effortlessly by ear and then begins to play for us. In an instant it comes to me that he might be interested in a collaboration, his music to my upcoming short film. I share this with him and he responds immediately. He asks me about the mood of the film, about the subject matter.

A few minutes later he begins playing a piece composed on the spot. It's as if he read my mind, listened to the hearts of the people in my portfolio. It is these moments that make this work my purpose in life. What else is needed?

I find the answer to this simple: nothing.

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Halim Ina Photography

Willoughby School of Gung Fu, Master Joseph, Students, Suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, January 26, 2012

This evening a gift is handed to me by my dear friend, a master in the art of Gung Fu.

A week or so ago we discuss the thought of documenting his students, and his school. We talk about the details, and without a single hesitation this good man agrees to allow me to photograph the women in our first session. Diplomacy and kindness are displayed in every single one of his words.

We plan on an evening, and cancel once due to my schedule. We try again and this time my focus is completely on the school, on the students. I arrive before class begins and am enabled by the master to set up my equipment as I wish. I do so at the other end of the studio, while the rest of the students arrive. They begin the lesson while my lighting is set up.

We begin with the Master of course, making it a bit easier for the younger female students to begin. He is thoughtful, precise with his movements. He understands my needs as a photographer and holds his positions for me. He moves from one position to another effortlessly.

We then call our first student, the younger of the two women. We begin with simple gestures, then document various positions, movements. Her presence is incredibly poignant, and holds my attention through four or so rolls of film. She has never been in front of a lens before outside of her mother's, yet she is able to communicate with a clarity few possess.

We ask her to take a break and return after a little bit of time for her next session. She smiles ever so gently and goes back to her lesson. The next young woman comes over and leaves her hair up for the session. She is a seasoned student, both in Gung Fu and in ballet. With only the slightest of explanations, she places her body and arms in positions favorable to my eye.

Roll after roll are exposed in joy, and we celebrate by bringing students and Master together for a few portraits as well. We move the lights to a different position for more directional lighting, and make a series of the two students in various positions. Then we set the background up once again for the younger student. She knows that we have saved a few more rolls for her and seems to shine with happiness.

Her hair is up this time, beautifully scuplted while she waited for her turn. She once again displays an uncanny ability to both concentrate on her positions and to look directly at the camera. In the end she is made aware that my work with her will continue perhaps as early as next week, and through the rest of the year as well. This bit of news makes both young students quite happy, almost as happy as me.

Instead of walking to their cars, all of the students help me with my equipment, stand out in the rain next to my car and help me load it into the trunk. This evening they teach me the meaning of humanity, of respect. I will return next week perhaps to this beautiful corner of the world.

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Halim Ina Photography

Session with Sylvia and Praxa, Electrical Cord, Hallway, December, 2011

Yet another image from our first collaborative set.

Even though Sylvia needs to be at work earlier than most in the morning, she gives her time without a single complaint. While many might resist the preparation necessary for this image, she gives of herself while being weighed down by an entire length of electrical cord.

We walk back and forth from my studio and to the end of the hallway. We attempt to remain quiet but often times burst out in laughter. She is an incredible spirit, and Praxa's creativity is infectious.

We use one source of light, and a reflector on the other side.

While Sylvia has rarely modeled, one could never tell from her portraits. She is a complete natural.

I look forward to documenting her spirit once again.

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Halim Ina Photography

Raven Le Faye, Model, Friend, Parking Lot, Oakland, California, Fall of 2010

She brings with her an incomparable selection of clothing. Before we meet she sends images of her clothing for my review, all laid out neatly and numbered as well. She is the only model from the San Francisco area to allow for changes in my schedule, the only woman to truly desire inclusion in my portfolio.

Before my last day in Los Angeles, I decide to make the trip and document this most exquisite spirit. 

My experience with Raven Le Faye is nothing short of educational. In a previous posting under her name in my blog her story is told. In this posting it continues. To this day she shares the images from our collaboration through her blog, she stays in touch with me and sends messages once in a while as friends do. 

While my images of her are quite different than anything else in her portfolio, she feels comfortable enough to include them, to showcase them. She understands the role she plays and advances my work through her efforts as well. 

She is a giving and confident woman, changing from one outfit to another in this parking lot without question or resistance. The sun strikes her eyes with exuberance and yet she adapts. She learns to look in other directions, to take advantage of the black asphalt surface. The wind begins to pick up during our session and adds a sense of motion to the work. The dress begins to dance, and her hair follows.

When our session ends, we talk for a bit and go our separate ways. The drive back to Los Angeles lays ahead of me, and my flight home happens to be the very next afternoon. For innumerable reasons the task of this return is effortless. The very last roll of film from the trip is finished on this afternoon, as the sun sets behind the trees and telephone wires.

Her work can be seen below.

Raven Le Faye on Model Mayhem

Raven Le Faye on Tumblr

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Halim Ina Photography

Kittie, Photographer, Model, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, October 8, 2011

We meet on Model Mayhem, she responds to my proposal as follows:

'We can talk and I may very well accept.'

In the weeks prior to our photographic collaboration, we exchange a number of messages detailing our thoughts. From wardrobe to location, she offers creative solutions when others simply freeze. She understands my work beautifully and wants to be a part of the family.

Instead of wanting this for herself, she offers to collaborate for the sake of the project. She goes out of her way to gather the clothes necessary, adhering to my request for simple and timeless pieces. She adores vintage clothing and has a closet filled with remarkable examples.

She invites me to her neighborhood for the session, and into her home as well. Her family is present along with her wonderful boyfriend. Before we walk in to review her selection of clothing, I talk to her father and boyfriend, sharing with them the reason for my interest in her. They wonder about my work, and have seen a bit of it through the internet. During our talk I show my portfolio to them, and tell stories regarding my work.

Quite naturally they are also curious about my interest on this day. They see faces in my portfolio from Ethiopia and Cuba and India, then look at the young girl across the table from them. To me she is priceless and this much is communicated to them. She is just as beautiful and kind as the people in my book. She trusts me in the same manner, and shows a respect that many others fail to share. 

She gives me the benefit of the doubt without having ever met me prior to this day.

We then walk into her home and up to her room, without hesitation and with the parents' permission of course. On our way through the house, her younger brother is present and is as confident as any young man from my experience. He greets me with a cool demeanor, and seems to be quite the presence in the kitchen. We spend some time looking at her photography, and then at some of her artwork. She is a creative spirit and this makes me very happy.

She is proud of her artistic expressions, and shares her work with kindness and humility. We then look through her selection of clothing and all of it according to my specifications. In addition to the simple black pieces, she shows me a piece from the Victorian Age as well as a few Mid-Century pieces. We are both very excited at the prospect of this collaboration and go back downstairs with our treasure.

The drive to find a wall is next, and we pile into her car for the search. It takes us less than ten minutes and, with the help of her boyfriend, we locate a wall of a warehouse next to a local hotel. The lot is spacious and empty, just perfect actually. The sun is still pretty high and we talk a bit before the photography begins. 

The portrait above is made with the first dress worn, and the afternoon flows as beautifully as any session in my experience. We communicate effortlessly and expose a dozen or so rolls before the sun goes down. I am beyond excited at the results and this past weekend have printed four negatives from the session. In my opinion I have found a young woman with whom to collaborate locally for a lifetime. She is once again priceless and promises to continue helping me make images as the one included above.

What else can one ask for? 

I can think of nothing else, and go to sleep tonight thinking of our next time together. 

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Halim Ina Photography

Marie, Daughter, Friend, Model, Los Angeles, California, October, 2010

During my time in Los Angeles, we exchange messages almost every single day.

She never gives up, never forgets about our collaboration.

One day we arrange to meet and time seems to get the best of us, we never do meet on that day.

Instead of walking away like so many, she responds to my messages. We talk about a few options and leave it to happenstance.

She is one of a handful that offer so many days to me. The temptation is there to take a couple of them even though it is certainly a selfish act, knowing that she is quite a busy person.

We agree on one day and, as it turns out, the day comes without complications. We meet at a corner coffee store and drive out to the agreed upon spot. Just like the rest of the week, clouds seem to be hanging over Los Angeles in a most unconventional manner.

We take a chance and make a few rolls at this spot, a rock formation called Vasquez Rocks. However it seems that the clouds threaten to come back and she kindly agrees to go further in search of clearer skies.

We drive perhaps twenty minutes to the other side of the mountains and find a peaceful spot, in a parking lot next to a white wall. We make a few rolls in between clouds just as the sun breaks through. While waiting for the sun we have wonderful, short conversations. She is just as comfortable in person as in front of the camera.

Instead of being just another face, she is a friend to me. She gives her time to me as well as her considerable modeling experience. She helps me feel at ease for keeping her from her life for this afternoon. We make one more roll and decide to drive back home. This has been an incredibly memorable afternoon, one filled with images to last a lifetime.

You may learn more about this incredible woman and see her portfolio as well below:

Marie D S

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Vamptress LeeAnna, Another Snapshot, Outside Los Angeles, October, 2010

She has been seen before on this blog, in color and now in black and white.

Just today she sent a most gentle greeting my way, all with the grace of a most genuine person.

She speaks of love in her message because she lives her life in such a way. From my limited experience with her and her wonderful boyfriend, it is clear to me that this is so.

Should you like to see more of LeeAnna and learn more about her other enterprises, you may follow the link below.

Vamptress

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Lacey and Will, Just outside of Los Angeles County, October, 2010

Although most of the sessions are arranged prior to the visit, a few women contact me throughout my time in California. The young woman above is one such example. Through an announcement on ModelMayhem, she responds with a sincere desire to collaborate.

 

We arrange to meet within a day or two just outside of Los Angeles County. It has been cloudy all week and raining as well. Everyone tells me that they have never seen such weather in their area. This gives me the feeling that they almost feel responsible for it. A silver lining is that once outside of the county and over the mountains, the weather is usually clear, thus the reason for our meeting in this area.

We meet and then drive perhaps fifteen minutes further in order to place ourselves under the sun. A large white wall is found next to a supermarket and we proceed to make her portrait. Lacy for her part is calm and soft-spoken. She follows instructions beautifully and even though her eyes are very sensitive to the sun, she maintains a positive attitude and allows us to continue our work under the brilliant, blue skies.

She tells me of her dance background and we decide to make a series of portraits with this in mind. She changes from one outfit to another without a single complaint and her husband shows his support throughout, with ideas and with words. Working with them is a delight and we end by exchanging information and two prints to remind them of the photographic family that they have just joined.

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Krys, Model, Storyteller, Vasquez Rocks, Los Angeles, California, October, 2010

Some respond once, few do more than this during my visit to California. Many talk regarding their humanity, few demonstrate it. Most make arrangements, few keep them.

Such is the case with the young woman above. One morning we set up to photograph, only to cancel at the last moment due to car trouble. The difference in her case is that she is awake early enough in the morning to give me a call. The difference is that she arranges another meeting and makes sure to show up, on her own and determined to collaborate.

She has a vision, she wants to express her experience through portraiture. She is humble enough to share time with someone else in front of the lens, another model already present, and she is focused enough to produce the portrait desired within twenty minutes. She is able to express her emotion on film and with four other people watching, in a public space.

Every single one of her portraits, the ones viewed on color positive film so far, are perfect.

After the session, she decides to climb a rocky formation and have her portrait made by Bailey from a distance. She sees this climb as yet another accomplishment and does so with the smile of a little girl. She is an inspiration to us all and we applaud her strength, both in her ability to tell her story through photography and to climb an incline many would decline.

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