Young Laborer + Shawl, 2020, India, Limited Edition (50), 11x14 Handmade Silver Gelatin Print Toned in Selenium

This young woman works during the day as a laborer in one of the Rajasthani government's construction jobs. My friend tells me that these jobs exist in order to subsidize the local economy and those without a skill set with respect to formal training. This young woman walks a few kilometers each way with her lunch container in hand. She is full covered for the work and does so under the grueling sun. Normally the men are supervising the work, but at times also join in. The work is tedious and never ends. Her work for example is to carry endless baskets of dirt from one place to another, all uphill since they are digging for a dam. Every year the project continues and it seems that there is no end in sight.

The purpose of selling these portraits on Etsy is to support the social work being accomplished through my photography. Presently we have six sewing centers in two states of India, serving both the Hindu and the Muslim communities. In these sewing centers, young women learn a trade while also making clothing for their families. The centers are located in the rural areas, where young women have only one option normally, marriage and a family. At this moment, due to COVID-19, the work is on hold. However, we plan to restart the centers in 2022 and the funds from the sale of these portraits will be applied to the work in India.

This is a silver gelatin print made by me, the photographer, in my darkroom. It is printed on Ilford MGIVWT glossy fiber 11x14 paper, and toned in selenium for permanence. It is processed in a Zone VI washer to archival standards, and allowed to dry overnight on a screen. The camera/lens combination was a Hasselblad 501CM/180mm, and the frame was exposed onto Ilford Delta 100. This frame is from a library of well over 300,000 negatives exposed over the last 24 years, from four continents and a dozen countries. Every person is spoken with prior to the portrait, and the process is explained fully. Most of my work is on film, and the countries are revisited year after year in order to continue the documentation of the same families, of the same communities. .

Each print will be signed and dated by me, the photographer, and numbered to a maximum of 50 prints (11x14) per negative.

Etsy 

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Xtina + Water, Cleveland, Ohio, 2017

This past year took me to far away places in search of the most exquisite while, at the same time, teaching me that beautiful souls exist in my own neighborhood. It was my honor to have been included in this young woman's life for the past seven years, and even more so to be given the opportunity to document her story more so this past year.

We had wanted a session in the water but lacked time in our first session. So the second time we met we did so much earlier and headed out to Lake Erie in search of a good spot. We did fine one and headed to the water with excitement. While there were more people than normal for me for a session, it was as if we were in our own, magical world.

We began outside of the water and exposed a couple of rolls. Then we found the courage to head into the cool water while the clouds began rolling in. Fortunately we were given a few moments when the sun found its way through the clouds and illuminated Xtina's sublime features and in these moments the shutter was released.

She was of course a natural, as we have collaborated more than several times for the past seven years. She moved between expressions with ease, and presented her expressions in a seemingly effortless manner.

My hope is that we get another chance this year to do even better!

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Note: This image was made with a Fuji GA645 film camera.

Alejandra + Local Taxi, Countryside, Cuba, 2017

While Havana is an incredible place for photography, everyone and their mother is walking around with cameras these days... literally. So whenever we had a chance to drive out to the countryside we did so with joy... and our families loved it even more!

On this day we drove out with Alejandra and another model from EGOS, the modeling school run by the incomparable Gysleda Virginia De La Barca Vega. On our way out we realized that it was cloudy, but continued heading into the countryside regardless. We thought at least we'd make digital images for the young women, while having a bit of fun as well.

As we pulled over at this spot to use the road, the sun began to break its way through the clouds. We were fortunate, and took advantage of the light when it appeared. Alejandra was relaxed even though cars came by now and then. She came with a few pieces of clothes and was willing to change as we moved from one location to another.

Because it was cloudy, we were able to photograph for almost four hours this morning. This meant that all were pretty hungry by the time the work ended. To our surprise the young women and their chaperon allowed us to order pan con lechón for all of us, the iconic Cuban sandwich, from the side of the road... and each ate two, along with locally-made soda!

It was a wonderful morning, and I look forward to next year!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Young Girl + Field of Trees, Guanabacoa, Cuba, 2016

On the third of August this portrait was made, just a few hundred meters away from her home. While her home is far to the east of Cuba, she now lives near Havana with her father in the search for a better life. Years ago she came into our lives as we were photographing ballerinas in the field across from her home, and now she has become an integral part of the work on the island.

Documenting this young girl is quite an honor, for she truly loves to be photographed. At first it seems that maybe she prefers differently, then after a little bit it becomes clear that she embraces it. This is especially true when we go to the beach, and this year we will do so at least twice. She deserves to have such experiences, and we will do our part to make it happen for her and her family.

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad 555 ELD/100 mm lens combination onto Ilford Delta 100 film.

Young Student + Nirvanavan Foundation, Rajasthan, India, 2010

This is the look of self-determination which pushes the work forward ever so gently. Given the opportunity, she and her friends in the villages devour the education placed in front of them. For those of us involved in the two schools of Rajasthan, I present her portrait for your review. 

She knows that no longer will she be denied an education. She knows that no longer will limitations be set for her. She knows that her path is just that, her path. She is aware of the world around her, for she can read and write. She no longer needs a man to read for her, no longer needs a man to sign her name for her. She can sign her own name, rather than leave a nameless fingerprint.

For the dozen people involved in these two schools, know that your generosity will once again support her school and the one in the adjacent village.

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Teacher + Students, Nirvanavan Foundation, Rajasthan, India

The effect which Nirvana Bodhisattva and his team produce can be seen in this portrait of a teacher in front of her smiling students. Here she sits in her classroom, surrounded by the admiration of her students. We can see the love and joy on the students faces, as they enjoy the credit their teacher deserves.

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Note: Image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Cami + Sky, El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, California, 2016

Usually when returning from a long trip the camera lays dormant, until the next trip. After Cuba last year the chance to visit southern California once again presented itself and a casting call was put forth. This young woman thankfully answered and a most magical session at El Mirage was the result.

We met in front of her apartment and drove out to this familiar space one afternoon. One of her beautiful friends came along, and did more than her part to make the session that much more fulfilling. Came for her part brought the clothing she shared with me through messages previously.

She was more than prepared and performed in front of the lens as if she was performing at a grand stage. She gave it her all and we were blessed with a gorgeous day at El Mirage. She was able to change a few times and we moved around a bit to change up the backdrop as well. Even though the surface was very hard, she repeated the jump a few times for this frame.

I do hope that later this year we will meet up again, and continue our magical collaboration.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Young Girl + House, Crimea, Cuba, 2015

This small village is quite special to me ever since we made a turn from the highway three years ago. We were on our way back from the countryside and spotted nothing on the highway itself. Then my instinct told me to ask Alejandro to make that turn, and everything followed from that fortunate chance.

We made a photograph of a farmer next to his cart, and then purchased some avocado and bananas. He was a gentle man, and invited us to drive to his village a mile or so up the road. Following his lead is what led us to this row of houses.

While we were there to photograph some of the younger residents, this young woman caught our attention one afternoon. She was a cousin to some of the girls, and was only visiting for the summer from the east. This it seemed was our only chance to make her portrait so we asked. She was very shy in the beginning, even though she watched the entire time and seemed very content with the photography of her friends and cousins.

So we asked again, and with the cajoling of her friends she stepped in front of the lens. First we photographed her with her hair up, then she let her hair down for this portrait. She was a natural in front of the camera, truly magnificent.

I hope to visit her village this year of course, and hand her this portrait.

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad 555 ELD/100 mm combination.

Camille + Sky, El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, California, 2016

This past year was a truly remarkable one thanks in part to this exquisite dancer, and her incredible heart. She responded to my casting call for dancers this past October, and never let the communication go as we went back and forth. She was totally engaged in the concept, giving her 100% throughout the process.

Even before we met she shared the clothing options, all dark and timeless according to my preferences. With respect she asked for the company of a friend, a friend who turned out to be a dancer and as wonderful of a spirit. We met in Los Angeles in front of her apartment and headed out to El Mirage for the afternoon.

We were lucky on that day, for earlier in the week the wind was howling in the valley. When we arrived it was warm and just slightly windy. When the wind did pick up a little, they never complained and incorporated it into their vision. We exposed a few rolls per outfit, and moved the car from one location to the next in order to change the background as well.

Watching Camille move from one expression to another was like sitting down for a performance. There were times when it was necessary to remind myself that my job was to document the performance, while still enjoying it. To have been granted the opportunity was both an honor and a privilege; and my hope is that the images are a testament to her physical talents and spiritual kindness. 

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad 555 ELD/180mm combination onto Ilford Delta 100 film.

Model + Home in Countryside, Guanabacoa, Cuba, 2016

Ever since we collaborated last summer we remained in contact, and planned on working together this summer as well. So when we arrived in July we called immediately, and she was ready to create. This was even more visible when we were granted the clothing line designed by the magnificent Yudel R. Contreras Garcia. Rachel Hortensia Lopez Thompson took to the clothes like she owned them. She is a chameleon and produces incredible expressions regardless of location, or strength of sunlight. When the sun was too strong, she put her sunglasses on and continued with the session. We were fortunate to have found this location thanks to Alejandro Godinez Ramos. This happened to be his son's neighborhood, and since we began using it last summer he has become quite the celebrity in town, waving to the residents as we drive by with the models in the car. His family jokes with him about the work with me, jabbing him in the ribs with jokes regarding the hardships he faces. Little do they know how difficult the work is truly, as he wakes up well before 4:30 a.m. to pick the young models up from their homes in the city, then passing by my place to pick me up as well. I both admire and respect this man, and hope we continue this work alongside Rachel and Yudel next summer!
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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100III.

Mariel on Film, El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, California, 2015

The two together are incomparable, Mariel and film. This was my second time with her, and both times on film. She presented on both occasions perfectly prepared, with the most exquisite wardrobe. She truly understands my approach, and embraces the other girls and women in my portfolio.

She is of course an accomplished model and actor, and wants those in my work to understand that she is a sister to them. She certainly is and brings only her best to our sessions. Our travel to and from this location is always filled with wonderful conversations, which affects in the most positive manner the photography.

We communicate beautifully without words while collaborating, and I am always in awe of her talents. In this portrait, which took my breath away, a single tear fell slowly as the shutter was released. It was a precious moment, and one which will always be represented through this photograph.

Only Mariel and I know the reason for the tear of course, but rest assured that the reason is a beautiful one… born from happenstance.

In less than two weeks we will hopefully be at El Mirage, and will once again document her spirit on medium format film!

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad 555 ELD/180 mm combination onto Fuji Neopan Acros 100 ISO film.

Dancer + Water, Mentor Headlands, Ohio, 2016

Back from Cuba only a few days and already getting the itch to get out there and make some dance images. Before my trip to the island this summer I had the privilege of working with Faith, and we visited the beautiful park at Mentor Headlands. This is another image from our short afternoon.

It was a beautiful day, and the task ahead of us was to make images with the sun setting to the water. My preference has always been to make images with the water and horizon to the back of the dancer. Looking for different views was a challenge, yet gave me a new perspective on backgrounds as well as an appreciation for what we have right here in northeast Ohio.

The park is quite beautiful, and photographs abound. We had a great time, worked for little more than an hour, and headed back home with a dozen or so rolls exposed. Tomorrow I edit the remaining few images for Faith, and hope that they are as beautiful as this one.

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad analog system onto Ilford Delta 100 film.

Anyel + Blue Chair, Guanabacoa, Cuba, 2016

The other day when I was posting an image of our second model from this session, Anyel commented as to including one of hers as well. It was done lightly of course, for she knew we had worked with her almost more than anyone else on the island this past summer. 

Well here is one image for you Anyel, to remind us of our beautiful morning together. This young woman was more than on time for us early in the morning, for we arrived at her home at 5:30 a.m. before the hint of sunlight. She was always ready as soon as we arrived on location, and always with a great attitude.

She had a presence in front of the lens, something that was clearly evident to me when we visited the modeling school at the beginning of July. We just knew we needed to include her in our work, and so did the stylist when we discussed his clothes. It ended up that we were fortunate enough to have been right, for she was on fire in front of the lens. 

This one is for you Anyel!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100III mounted alongside and triggered at the same time as a Hasselblad analog system. 

Professor + Pigeon, Guanabacoa, Cuba, 2016

A few weeks ago we had the honor and pleasure of working with our exquisite friend once again. She has always been kind to us and shared her talents, as well as the talents of the models in her school. When we arrived to this spot we noticed this pigeon home next to the house we selected for our session, and she immediately took it upon herself to walk up the ladder in this formal dress. I admire and adore this woman, and will always be here to document her spirit.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100III mounted next to and triggered at the same time as a Hasselblad analog system.

Young Model + Beach, Santa Maria del Mar, Cuba, 2015

Last summer we had the honor of working with some of the best models in Cuba, and were humbled with their willingness to do more than expected. All were willing to get into the water with their outfits, to get down into the sand and get completely wet.

That was the case with this young model. She struggled at first with the sunlight, but used that to her advantage by taking on more abstract positions, more unusual stances. Here she closed her eyes and thought peaceful thoughts as the shutter was released.

While working with professionals can be different than working with our ballet students, the difference in Cuba is minimal for all take the photography so seriously. I for one look forward to returning in two weeks and bringing these photographs to the people.

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Note: This image was made with a Fuji GA645 camera onto Kodak TMX film.

Exhaling, Crimea, Matanzas, Cuba, 2015

This small village is quite special to me ever since we made a turn from the highway three years ago. We were on our way back from the countryside and spotted nothing on the highway itself. Then my instinct told me to ask Alejandro to make that turn, and everything followed from that fortunate chance.

We made a photograph of a farmer next to his cart, and then purchased some avocado and bananas. He was a gentle man, and invited us to drive to his village a mile or so up the road. Following his lead is what led us to this row of houses.

While we were there to photograph some of the younger residents, this young woman caught my eye one afternoon. She was supremely cool, had the most confident smile and engaged in a conversation without hesitation. She told me about herself, invited me into her home to see her life as it was.

The only time she was surprised was when I asked for her photograph. We talked for a little bit, as I shared my enthusiasm for her portrait. She accepted quickly and stood in front of her home with this cigarette in her hand. At first she was going to put the cigarette down, then she picked it up and this series was born!

I hope to visit her village this year of course, and hand her the portraits just scanned this week!

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad 555 ELD/100 mm combination onto Kodak TMX film.

The One with Clear Eyes, La Habana, Cuba, 2015

Even 10 years later her eyes pierce right through me. She is as intense now as she was when we first met in 2005 on the waterfront of the capital. She was an androgynous figure back then, with the clearest of eyes. My photography on the island truly began with her, and continues to this day with her.

She now has two beautiful children of her own, and does her best to help her mother at home. She inspires me every single time I see her, and knows that she does the same for countless people who have viewed her first portrait with me.

Every time we are on the island she calls me, and wonders where I am. She checks on me as a mother checks on a child, and makes sure that we see each other at least once a week. When we do visit she makes us fresh juice, and sits with us as we talk. She is the most relaxed person on the island, but also has deep passions.

She was only 12 years old when we first made her photograph, yet allowed me to make her portrait every year since other than my absence in 2009. She has remained true to me, and knows that I will always be there for her…. always.

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad 555 ELD/180 mm combination onto Kodak TMY film, scanned just tonight for her.

Dancer + Buick, Guanabacoa, Cuba, 2015

Just this past week I received a comment from this exquisite, young woman which took my breath away. It was like receiving a present and admiring it so much even before unwrapping it. My eyes hung on every word, and were almost unable to move onto the next. From her home on the island she sent this message, which I share with all of you here:

"Es hermoso ver como las personas crecen y se desarrollan frente a las cámaras y estoy muy orgullosa de haber trabajado con este magnifico fotógrafo que siempre saca las mejores fotos mías y mis mejores ángulos te doy las gracias a ti y espero que sigas haciendo este trabajo que tanto te gusta y que sigas adelante como siempre dando lo mejor de ti."

"It's beautiful to see how people grow and develop before the cameras and I am very proud to have worked with this wonderful photographer who always brings out the best pictures of me and my best angles. I thank you and hope you keep doing this work that you like and you continue along as always giving your best."

This is from a young woman who first came into my life when she was barely 7 years old. She has grown over the years into the most intelligent, passionate and dedicated dancers with whom I have had the honor of working. If she was the only dancer on the island for me to photograph, the tickets would still be purchased.

Here she is as we stopped to pick up some items from across the railroad tracks. We asked for a shovel and she went about her language of dance while incorporating it into this series. Working with her is seamless, and as satisfying of an experience as a photographer.

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Note: This series was made with a Hasselblad V System onto Kodak TMX film.

The Love of a Ballerina, Santa Maria del Mar, La Habana, Cuba, 2015

In less than four weeks I will be in her presence once again, planning another session in those beautiful waters. She and her brother are exquisite dancers, and are remarkable in front of the lens. The excitement is almost too much to endure!

We met one afternoon when I walked in front of their home on a busy Havana street. Their mother was sitting just inside the landing, and to the side of some vegetables for sale. I asked permission to photograph her, and she allowed me to do so.

Just after we finished it was mentioned that two of her children were ballerinas. She called for the children to come, and after a minute the two most beautiful dancers were standing in front of me.

They were out of breath after running to us, but had smiles ear to ear. The family was incredible, and even put a dance show for me a few minutes later right inside the home. I knew right there and then that we had yet another beautiful family with which to collaborate.

I look forward to seeing them again, and to documenting their considerable talents on film!

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Note: This image was made with a Fuji GA645i onto Kodak TMX film.

Ballerina + El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, California, November 2, 2015

While it was raining this afternoon in Los Angeles, we visited one of the most incredible spaces on the planet. Even though countless people have come before us, it remains as pure and mystical as it must have appeared to its first visitors eons ago.

This incredible spirit helped me plan the session with her utmost professionalism, her consistent questions and her attention to details. We talked about everything from the costumes to the location and transportation. She agreed to every detail, and was only interested in making beautiful images, worrying very little about the distance from the city.

The wind was dramatic, at times forcing us to stop. The sand struck her skin with such force so as to prevent us from going forward on several occasions. She was incredible however, and came back every single time with such exuberance and determination.

Just as we were about to finish she graced me with three short performances which we recorded on video. It was a wonderful ending to a memorable day!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.