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.

Midwest Cliché - Part Two

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Midwest Cliché #2/Billbored
© Larry Torno, 2009

Yes, I know I spelled Billboard wrong, but I did that on purpose.

This abandoned advertising board is about as beautiful a piece of nostalgia as I could find. The piecemeal construction of telephone poles and sheets of plywood, gives it as much character as a 90-year old man's wrinkled face. One can only imagine the countless messages that it carried, the eras of cars that passed by it or the kids who played in the parking lot and threw rocks at it.

Today, it's a staple of the Midwest landscape.

Midwest Cliché - Part One

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Midwest Cliché #1/The Barn Identity
© Larry Torno, 2009

When you think of the Midwest, and you're not from around here, you think of the family farm, that old familiar barn and Grandpa's rusty old truck that you learned to drive at age 13. Right?

Not me. I grew up in the city and consider it a day trip to drive the 20 minutes it takes to get to the "country". But for some reason, the Midwest has a reputation for nostalgic times and movie-scene family life, so that's what this photo series is all about.

Use your imagination as you view these memories found on the rural roads, just a stone's throw from our metropolis. As the saying goes, "We're not in Kansas anymore."

Grand Canyon - Part Four

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Pink Clouds
© Larry Torno, 2005

The light in the Canyon is constantly changing. The sun rolls across the landscape and frequent, rumbling storms come and go; leaving mist and rainbows.

On this particular evening, the setting sun caught the tips of two peaks, casting a pink glow on them and the clouds above. Within minutes, it was gone and another part of the Canyon was shifting colors.

Grand Canyon - Part Three

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Tree at Desert View Drive
© Larry Torno, 2005

When you're in a place like the Grand Canyon, the best way to experience it is with your eyes wide open to see everything. You don't have to look down into the cavern to find something beautiful . . . it can be as simple as a roadside composition of tree limbs and an eroding stack of rocks.