Portrait(s) of a Moment - Part Seven

© Larry Torno, 2009

You may remember Paul from the June 7, 2009 post, Portrait of a Moment - Part Three; he was the one being kissed on the cheek by his wife, Nancy.

We also took individual photos that day and these are two of my favorites. Paul is very approachable, and didn't seem to mind having a camera in his face. In fact, I think he liked it. Nancy laughed a LOT (and let me tell you, she has a pretty good laugh) and generally had a good time but at one point gave me a look that said "If I could reach you, you'd be history." It's a great shot.

Portrait of a Moment - Part Six

© Larry Torno, 2009

The first time I met Liana, I couldn't get over the great contrast of her dark hair against her ivory skin . . . she already looked like a black and white photograph. Needless to say, she immediately made it to the list of people I wanted to sit for a portrait.

Portrait of a Moment - Part Five

© Larry Torno, 2009

I was asked to bring the Portraits back, so this is the first of four more in the series.

While taking Beth's portrait, I discovered that I really liked her expression when she said the word "okay." However, the timing of saying "Okay" and clicking the shutter simultaneously, became a bit confusing when the conversation went something like this:

ME: I like the way it looks when you say "Okay." So to get the timing right, why don't you say "Okay" right after I say "Okay."

BETH: "Okay."

ME: No, not yet. Wait until I say "Okay."

BETH: "Okay."

ME: "Okay?" Are you ready?

BETH: "Okay."

Anyway, we got the shot and I really like it. Okay?

NEWS - On Exhibition

The Todd / Browning Gallery, in Los Angeles, CA, has selected five Barbie portraits as part of their exhibition, Beneath the Valley of the Dolls.

The show dates are August 13 - October 4, 2009. If you're in the area, stop by and visit the gallery.




Macys Tower
© Larry Torno, 2009

The Bruno David Gallery, in St. Louis, MO, has posted eight black and white images from a new series titled, Overhead Projections. To preview this study of the relationship of static and kinetic elements, go to: Bruno David Gallery, click on Artists, Larry Torno, then scroll down past the Barbie Portraits. Enjoy the preview.

Midwest Cliché - Part Four

(Click image for larger view)

Midwest Cliché #4/Ride with Traffic
© Larry Torno, 2009

All along these two-lane, rural roads, you find makeshift memorials to people who have accidentally lost their lives. Sometimes it's a handmade cross with a name painted on it and a pile of stuffed animals or artificial flowers at its base. Occasionally there's a special item like a favorite hat, beer can or other memento relating to the deceased.

In this image, do we see the state's way of warning people to be careful? Or is it a Sign-of-the-Cross memorial with a cryptic message just waiting to be personalized?