Sign of the Cross - Part Six

Wyoming Holy Bible
2006
© Larry Torno

This cross is not located in the state of Wyoming, but rather on a city street in St. Louis that bears the same name.

Painted red bricks, painted white stones, a manicured green lawn, windows and doors sealed shut, a cross stabbing the Bible; the imagery was rich enough for a compelling photo. 

Sign of the Cross - Part Five

Three Over Land

2006
© Larry Torno

Simplify. What's the minimum amount of elements I need to include in a photograph, to create the drama and image that I want?

SERIES - Overhead Projections, Part One

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Working on a series of photos is an ongoing process. Maintaining your vision and remaining true to the original concept is definitely a discipline. The eight premier photos of the new series Overhead Projections were created over the course of a nine month period. Seventeen other locations were shot but did not make the final cut, not because they weren't good photos, but because these were simply the best. Constantly editing your work is a vital process for an artist. What occurred as an intense emotional experience one day, may not stand the test of time or fall into the guidelines of a body of work.

Overhead Projections is available through Bruno David Gallery .

Portrait of a Moment - Part Eight

© Larry Torno, 2009

They say a picture is worth a thousand words; so I'd like to hear what you have to say. Let's see how many you can come up with.  

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

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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?

Midwest Cliché - Part Three

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Midwest Cliché #3/Roadside Attraction
© Larry Torno, 2009

There's a Midwest saying that goes something like this, "You can climb to the second story and see farther than you ever saw before - and still see nothing."

I don't agree. I see something in just about everything in this landscape; the breeze blowing through the tall grasses, the gentle curve of the empty road, a singular road sign, the evening clouds, and the fact that I'm the only one anywhere near this location.

It's the Midwest at its best.