Dec 31, 2012

2012 in review

Some of my greatest photographic moments of 2012 were spent in the encouraging and tremendously talented hands of Aline Smithson, Cig Harvey, Jennifer B. HudsonLoren HammerJoe Baraban and Sam Abell ~ I thank you all for challenging and touching my artistic spirit.

It was so wonderful to be included in The Next: Emerging LA Artists group exhibition at The Perfect Exposure Gallery.

A huge compliment received by Sam Abell about my work was that it reminded him of Cindy Sherman and Ralph Eugene Meatyard.  

Here are some of my favorite quotes and advice I heard this year....

"The soul always begins a thought with an image." -Aristotle

"If you're open to mistakes, they're hardly mistakes." -unknown

A few pearls of wisdom from Jennifer B. Hudson...
"We must show up for our own lives."
"Mentally, spiritually TRAVEL."

Advice of Keith Carter..."Trust your gut - be decisive."

An excerpt from Emerson's personal journal, after have his own daguerreotype made at a time when nobody had been photographed and the word 'photography' hadn't even existed yet...
"Were you ever daguerreotyped, O immortal man?  And did you look with all vigor at the lens of the camera to give the picture the full benefit of your expanded and flashing eye?"

A couple quotes from Joseph Campbell's, The Power of Myth...
"The best things can't be told because they transcend thought."
"What am I ?  Am I the bulb that carries the light or am I the light of which the bulb is a vehicle."

As I awoke this morning (to a classical music station) I heard the following lyrics... :)
"I don't eat people"

And finally a quote from the character Minnie Finch on I Love Lucy...
"When I kiss them they stay kissed."


Here's to an incredibly creative 2013 filled with growth, opportunity, laughter and love!!
x

Dec 15, 2012

wet plate collodion

I haven't really ventured into a traditional darkroom since high school (I know, for shame!) but last weekend I got my hands 'wet' (pun intended :) and attempted the 19th century wet plate collodion photographic process.
I am completely enamored by this beautifully difficult, dangerous and potentially toxic chemical process.

Here's the process in a nutshell...
In the darkroom a (clean, polished) plate is coated with collodion, sensitized in a silver nitrate solution, placed into a plate holder, carried outside & placed into the camera & an exposure is made, then back into the darkroom for development...all of which has to be done before the plate dries within a span of 10 minutes.

Each and every image made becomes even more precious because making a single image is so labor-intensive.
Here is my very first tintype.
Wish © Brandy Trigueros 2012

Dec 5, 2012

street sketches

Although my personal style of photography is along the lines of narrative, conceptual and somewhat theatrically-based portraiture, documentary and street photography is something I aspire to do more of as I think it will help me to become a stronger photographer.  So this past weekend I walked the wet streets of LA and Santa Monica in search for the authentic.  I took the advice of Sam Abell, a great National Geographic documentary photographer: 
compose and wait.
 I had a long, interesting conversation with a good-hearted fella who goes by nickname Gypsy RiderAs his name suggests, he rides rails across the country & lives by barter & trade.

Dec 2, 2012

John Egerton urtext

Cool breeze
Warm fire
Full moon
Easy chair
Empty plates
Soft words
Sweet songs
Tall tales
Short sips
Long life

Nov 6, 2012

Emerging LA Artists Photo Exhibit Opening ~ November 15th

Hello again friends!

I'll be a part of an upcoming group photography show at The Perfect Exposure Gallery in Los Angeles which runs thru December 22nd.

I hope you can join us for the opening reception being held 
next Thursday, November 15th from 6-9 pm! 


Oct 31, 2012

Halloweenie

I hope you're having a wickedly fang-tastic Halloween!!

Be sure to check out LENSCRATCH today, one of my images is featured in this years exhibition of masks and costumes, take a look-see here

A couple moodier images from a recent shoot practicing hollywood lighting using the fresnel
A rollicking good time with friends Sean and Kellie in their haunted photo booth

Oct 10, 2012

Studio Portraits of Tiffany Maybee

A really fun shoot implementing three different emotive qualities with one awesome model!

Apr 26, 2012

Unbirthday

In celebration of my unbirthday today here is an Alice inspired self-portrait titled Wonderland

Apr 10, 2012

More on portraiture

Exploring all types of portraiture lately..this time around with celebrity photographer Greg Gorman, who was an absolute delight.  Here are some selects from our fun weekend shoot.  
 Many thanks to our fantastic models Julia, Jos, Camille & Tony!

Mar 23, 2012

Sposa Bagnata, Sposa Fortunata..(Wet Bride, Lucky Bride)

This past weekend we headed north to the city of Capitola near Santa Cruz for my cousin Carrie's wedding.  Although she hoped for sunny skies, it poured during the outdoor ceremony bringing what many cultures believe as good fortune, blessings and fertility to the new couple.  
It was wonderful.