Thinkhouse wanted something unique and also be able to showcase some of the talented younger generation of creatives worldwide. Giving Kevin free reign to unleash his creativity, they ended up in some “varied and unusual places to create a juxtaposition of the normal and the surreal – from iconic barbers and butchers of Dublin, to the lakes and deserts of South Africa” in this wild, unusual, and evocative series.

We had a chance to ask Kevin Goss Ross some questions about the project in the interview below.

Kevin Goss Ross Interview

Your images for the Thinkhouse X series are very different and creative. What inspired you to create these images? Where do you come up with your ideas?

Early this year, Thinkhouse approached me to create a new suite of images for them to use across their branding. They’re a bold bunch of creatives and they were looking for someone with a fairly playful, surreal, and youthful style and when they contacted me I was delighted to find that I’d finally found a client who would let me just do my thing. The brief was wide open, bordering on vague, but as Thinkhouse is a youth communications agency, the focus was on my own weird interpretation of ‘youth’.

This is series of photographs of humans inspired by youth and the glimpses of fleeting truths hidden between the chaos of wild weekends – a flexing of creative muscles in an exercise focussed on aesthetic and visual experiments. With references borrowed from popular culture’s more sleazy heroes and folklore narratives from different continents forced together to produce this collection of almost childishly colourful and surreal photographs.

Which image was the most difficult to set up, shoot, post process, etc? Why?

The image of my friend Purity Mkhize covered in gold body paint was definitely the most challenging. It is a conceptual effort dealing with my own identity as a South African living in Ireland. The areas around Cape Town had recently burned down and I was selfishly desperate shoot something in the aftermath. I hadn’t been in Cape Town in many years, and had to shoot it the morning after landing after 23 hours of travel. I also didn’t have any transport, but I borrowed a car from a friend, got some cool people to assist me and found a patch to shoot on.

I landed, immediately started shopping for props, spray painted all the bits that evening and shot the very next day. The location was half way up an exceedingly steep incline which we hiked up with far too much gear. There was nowhere to safely leave anything without the risk of it rolling down the hill and onto the road below, and the South Africa sun was assaulting my now almost Irish skin, weak and pale from years of cloud cover. I also hadn’t told Purity that I needed her to be topless, right near a busy road too.

We couldn’t drop a light stand because of the slope so I had my brother boom it over the model for me while his girlfriend hid behind Purity while holding the cardboard covered in spray paint. We also couldn’t source an appropriate skirt for this so we had to make do with a bronze colour coat. It didn’t look great (you could see the one sleeve) so it took some doing to fix that in post.

Which is your favourite image in this series and can you give some background to it?

I personally love the image of the bearded man dancing wearing a tutu in the Wicklow Mountains. Ever imagine a world where Billy Elliot grew up in Wicklow and didn’t have the nerve to tell daddy that he just wanted to dance? We shot it near the Sally Gap over Lough Tay on a day Irish people love to complain about – absolutely lashing rain and a punching wind leaving people hanging on to light stands.

The majestic Rory wasn’t too pleased with me while we were shooting: “You know I’m never going to be happy about this Kevin,” but cheered up after a pint. I saw his mum in Dublin a couple of weeks later and she voiced her concern about me bullying her son. I love working with Rory because he absolutely hates the process while we’re shooting and his expressions are wonderfully grumpy.

What is your favourite piece of photography equipment and also, what gear do you use?

My friend Rory Burn (the model in the ballet shot) is a product designer and he helped me mold bits of old speedlight brackets into something I’m really happy with. It basically holds two speedlights inside a softbox for more power. Before this thing, I used to destroy three speedlights annually – now when they come loose, they just fall into the safety of the softbox. Genius.

I don’t really care much for gear – a hammer is a hammer. A big hammer is going to get the nail in faster but a little one is still going to get the job done. Eventually. I use a Canon 5D Mark II, a 5D classic, and two great lenses. A Canon 50mm f/1.2 and my favourite, the Canon 24mm f/1.4 II. Glass is the only thing I like spending a lot of money on.

What has been your favourite project or can you give us a hint on what you’re working on in the future?

I’d say that this has been my favourite, if only for the freedom I was afforded and the way Thinkhouse helped so much with the production end of things. Maybe it’s just my favourite because it’s still fresh and new and I haven’t yet reached that point where I’ve seen it too much and started hating it. Which is usually what happens with everything else I do.

Currently, I’m going through a body of work myself and my friend Tyrone Bradley shot in the Karoo in South Africa in April. It is probably a bit more mature than this project in terms of concept and aesthetic but it was no less fun to produce. We spent a week in the back arse of nowhere meeting weirdoes in peculiar little towns, staying with them and photographing them and their surroundings. It’s an exercise in complete collaboration. We swapped and shared cameras, we tag teamed doing lighting.

Neither of us knows who shot what because it’s all just a blur of letting go and trying new things. We’re also going to be editing everything separately and overlaying the results so both of us have an equal input on that end of the process. We’ve yet to see if it is going to work – our styles are so different we might just cancel out what the other person does in their edit. The project is called ‘In Tussen In’, which is Afrikaans for ‘Somewhere, In Between’.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers? 

Being allowed to create for a living is a privilege which might be fleeting. I sometimes allow myself to forget that but when you do, your creativity always suffers for it. Make like you won’t be able to or allowed to tomorrow.

Also, for more like this, follow me on Instagram or check out my website and Thinkhouse’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

CREDITS: Photographs by Kevin Goss Ross are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist.

#SetInTheStreet is an ongoing art project and photo series that begins with Justin finding a centerpiece for a particular “set.” This will be the focal point of the entire set, setting the tone and mood of the scene. The scene above was inspired by a deer head that Justin found in the street on his way to work one day. He tells Flickr, “I knew I really wanted to use it for a shoot, so I actually had to run with this deer head back a mile and a half home. I think people thought I was doing funny performance art,” Justin Bettman

In another scene, a family celebrates Christmas. A loving mother and father look on, as the child sits on the carpet, next to a tree filled with gifts…in the parking lot next to a busy street in San Francisco.

Justin leaves the set up after each photo shoot so the public can interact with them. He enjoys seeing how people add on or take away from the canvas to create their own form of art. Leaving a sign with the hashtag #setinthestreet, Justin encourages people to create in the space he built from unwanted pieces of furniture and other odds and ends.

I hope this project makes people re-evaluate their perspective of trash. I hope people take away a new perspective from this project and start to realize that sometimes there’s a larger picture that you’re not seeing.

To see more of Justin Bettmans’ work, check out his website here.

CREDITS: Photographs by Justin Bettman are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist.

Note: This post was originally published in 2014.

One photographer, though, has taken Halloween costumes to the next level (more like 20 levels) and has created some oh-so-cute costumes for her two-year-old daughter, Willow. What started as indecision as to what exactly to dress Willow up as that first year, became “Dress Up Willow Month,” as Gina Lee, a children and family photographer from Redlands, CA, made not one, but three costumes. (She did the same for her two older children their first year as well).

For Willow’s first Halloween last year, Gina dressed her up as a Roller Derby Girl, Carlos from the hangover and a Hot Dog on a Stick employee.

Gina then decided that she wanted to do some “couples” shoots and teamed up with fellow photographer Becky Hales and her son Cooper. The two adorable toddlers have since posed as some pretty famous duos in history, including Gilligan, characters from the musical Grease, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – Prince William and Kate. Gina and Becky come up with a concept and then find items around the house to create the costumes, purchasing small additional items as needed.

Gina shares all the images on her Instagram account and has received a ton of attention lately for her creative and fun images. There are no signs of stopping as the ideas keep coming and Willow loves the camera, dressing up and posing for these photos. Plus, there’s still a week left before Halloween.

[REWIND: PHOTOGRAPHER USES MAGIC TO MAKE MERMAIDS OUT OF MATERNITY CLIENTS]

To see more adorable-ness, check out Gina Lee’s Instagram and website and Becky Hale’s website.

CREDITS: All photographs by Gina Lee are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist.

[via Huffington Post]

Over those years of hunting, Ray’s managed to get some glass plate negatives that date as far back as the 1890s! Thanks to this constant search he now owns an amazing archive of original photos of Old New York, a set of beautiful black and white photos that are not available anywhere else.

Ray personally digitizes each photo and painstakingly retouches them, (Restoration style), pixel by pixel, giving us glorious glimpses of the New York City of yore. The basement of his Brooklyn home is filled with stunning prints of New York, not available anywhere else.

We had the chance to speak briefly with Ray and felt it was worth sharing his incredible work. Not just his images, but the work he’s put into restoring these otherwise lost and forgotten pieces of history!

What Gave You The Idea and Inspiration To Start This Project?

“I have been a professional photographer for over 30 years but for the last 10 focusing on my original camera negative archive that I accumulated over the last 25 years.  I starting collecting photographs when I was 10 years old (my first image was a shot of the Bowery Boys). Then switching to original camera negatives after becoming a photographer and stumbling upon many at the flea markets that used to spring up in the empty parking lots that used to litter 6th Avenue between 14 & 34th Streets in Manhattan.

The inspiration to do this happened once business slowed from photography turning digital. I was walking around my studio, which is filled with negatives, and realizing the photography market is saturated with modern travel, food, and portrait photography and many people are yearning to look at the past, a simpler time.”

[Related Reading: Meet Juho Leppenan of Camera Rescue in Finland & His Paradise of Vintage Camera Equipment]

Which Image Are You Most Proud Of And Why?  On Average, How Long Does Each Photo Take To Finish?

I am quite proud of quite a few images after working on them for 40+ hours. One of Frank Sinatra, some NYC trolleys c.1915, and one shot of a group of English maids from 1890.  It was a labor-intensive process to restore each of these.

[Related Reading: See Some of the Oldest Photographs in the History of Photography]

Have You Ever Tracked Down Any Of The Original Shooters?

No, I haven’t tried to track down the photographers although occasionally it is on the negative sleeve. I spend so much time retouching and identifying the actual locations of the NYC city scenes there isn’t much time left in the day.

Any Rough Estimate On The Total Number Of Negatives You’ve Acquired Over The Years?

I don’t have an actual number of the number of negatives in my collection but I’d say 10,000 plus or minus.

Where Did you Learn Your Restoration And Retouching Techniques?

NYU and SVA had many continuing education courses in Photoshop that I would attend to help me learn the program.

Every image has a story, how he found it, how he worked on it, what was captured, what that particular New York streetscape looks like now, and so much more. You can view more of Ray’s collection on his official website along with some additional restoration and personal projects he’s done over his career.

*Content shared with permission

Minimalist Black and White Photography by Hossein Zare

Hossein Zare is an Iranian photographer, based in Bushehr. His minimalistic black and white photography engulfs the viewer into an abstract journey. When staring at Zare’s photos, one becomes lost in his world of illusions.

The monochromatic series, titled “Passenger” follows a man on an endless and aimless journey. The subject is only a blurry image and the beginning and end of the series is unknown. The magnificent photos distort time and space, and you are no longer able to differentiate reality. These striking images allow you to explore, ponder and experience your own path in life.

Amazing shots include a black and white road intersecting and a crisp white shot of a barren landscape. These photographs are metaphors for life, the journeys we go on and the crossroads we come to. Houssein Zare’s photography is awe-inspiring and forces people to engage and reflect on their own lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, minimalist black and white photography is a powerful and striking art form that can convey a wide range of emotions and ideas with just a few simple elements. By stripping away distractions and focusing on the essential elements of a scene, minimalist photographers can create images that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Whether capturing the beauty of nature, the complexity of human emotions, or the starkness of an urban landscape, minimalist black and white photography has the power to inspire, provoke, and move us. With its timeless simplicity and endless possibilities, this art form will undoubtedly continue to captivate and engage viewers for years to come.

This article was originally written in 2014 and updated in 2022.

High Speed Photography Tips

To get started, here are basic tips for high speed photography.

1. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion – This usually means a rate of 1/500th and above, but the actual number depends on the speed of your moving subject, whether flash is used or not and other factors.
2. Use Flash – Flash photography helps freeze the action.  Introducing it to your scene will help you freeze the motion in the water.  For more information, see this article on Flash Duration.  In addition, flash can also add directional light and dimension to your photograph.
3. Experiment with colors and gels – Study and use color theory to add to the interest of your photo.  Mixing the right colors with gels on your flashes and background colors can create beautiful and interesting results.

High Speed Photography Examples

Using a Canon 7D and Canon 100mm Macro, Tertnes manipulates the liquids almost like a sculpture with a malable piece of clay. The images you see here are done mostly in camera, with some Photoshop work done in post.

Water is mixed with various substances to give it some texture, color, and movement and Tertnes freezes his image just as the drop is hitting the pools of liquid to create dancing abstract water art. I’d imagine this process takes much patience, many trials and errors to get the shapes to conform to your vision, and much experimentation.

In some of the images, you begin to “see” and associate recognizable structures or shapes, much as laying on the ground and looking at the sky, seeing pictures made by the clouds.

You can see more of Ronny Tertnes’ work on his 500px page here.

CREDITS: All photographs by Ronny Tertnes are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist.

Eight years ago, as I was battling some of the lemons life had thrown at me, I started my photography business. Pouring out my heart and emotion into making images while my heart was bleeding was the best medicine for me. Photography was a balm to my soul. Many of you may have a similar story.

This article was originally written in 2016 and updated in 2022.

Luis Pons, a photographer in New York City, also shares a similar experience with photography. Five years ago, Luis became very sick and the illness sent him into a cycle of depression and anxiety of which he was unable to escape. Feeling isolated and disconnected, a friend suggested that Luis pick up a camera and get his mind off of his ailment. Using street photography as a means to express his disillusionment, he began to gain knowledge and skill, but also, he began to slowly heal mentally. As his mindset transitioned, so did his desire to photograph subjects that reflected life, dynamic energy, and expression.

Luis found what he was looking for in ballet photography. Taking ballerinas into the urban landscape of his city, Luis strives to capture the “beauty of dance outdoors and also say something deeply about [himself]” in each image. Luis now photographs some of the most renowned ballet dancers in New York City, their powerful and lithe bodies in a serenely graceful pose is a testament to the place where Luis is currently in his life. Having found peace in creating, Luis says,

“It sounds selfish, but I came to photography to heal myself and express what I couldn’t say in words. The sublime understanding that all things beautiful are temporal. Sadness leads to happiness, regret to forgiveness, knowledge to wisdom and pain to revelation. I photograph to capture these very real human conditions and explore how to resolve them in my heart.”

You can see more of Luis Pons’ work on his website and on Instagram.

CREDITS: Photographs by Luis Pons are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist.

This article is part of our Company Feature Series, in which we share insight into the companies who create the photography products that we know and trust. The goal of this series is to share stories that inspire our readers to innovate and create within the photo industry.

What Is f-stop gear’s Story?

“2021 marks the celebration of f-stop’s 15th anniversary! We started with a desire to blend the very best features of outdoor performance packs with the best features of camera bags. We first talked to the world’s top outdoor and adventure photographers about meeting this need. The feedback we received resulted in the introduction of the first modular camera backpacks, which allow photographers to customize each backpack to match their own specific needs, gear, and environment.

Our brand ambassador community continues to be a source of inspiration for our products, innovation, and continuous improvement. Over 150 of the world’s top photographers keep us focused on delivering the kind of value and quality they demand to tell amazing, inspiring, and beautiful visual stories. This laser focus on our customers’ needs, coupled with our innovation in design, materials, and processes, keeps f-stop at the very pinnacle of the industry.”

What Is f-stop gear’s Mission?

“We want to connect people to the world through great visual stories, so we work to build a vibrant and engaged community of people who share our vision and commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship.”

What Are f-stop gear’s Core Values?

“Innovation, Customer First Thinking, Sustainability, Employees, and Community.”

How Does f-stop gear Differ from Other Bag Makers?

“One of the most important differences between us and the competition is our community. Our brand ambassadors, now over 150 of them, are the top photographers in the world. This community helps us connect to the market in ways our competitors simply cannot match. Consequently, we manufacture camera backpacks of legendary quality and durability.”

What Product or Service Is f-stop gear Most Proud of?

“The Mountain Series camera backpacks stand as our flagship products. These are the packs that built f-stop’s reputation for making the best camera packs on the market. We hear from customers and our brand ambassadors that these packs contribute and are essential to their success. We are delighted that our packs have been to the top of Everest, and to the headwaters of the Amazon. They’ve been at mountain biking competitions and the Dakar Rally. They’s been to every corner of the globe helping photographers capture inspiring images from which great memories are made.”

[Related Reading: f-stop gear Sukha Review | The Gold Standard of Adventure Travel Camera Backpacks]

Given the Evolving State of the Industry, What’s Next for f-stop gear?

“We see f-stop’s future as very bright. In the midst of the horrific global pandemic, we recorded Q4 2020 sales 88% higher than Q4 2019. Our products continue to occupy the majority of the market for premium camera packs. We’ve been able to keep high standards of design, materials, and we’ve done so without price increases. So, while others in the industry are retreating, cutting staff and consolidating, we are growing, adding to our team and developing a new generation of mountain series packs for release in 2021.”

Have Any f-stop gear Fun Facts?

“According to our lead contact at the factory, f-stop packs are more complex than most others. Most packs (the vast majority, in fact) use between 30 to 40 pattern patches. f-stop packs use more than 70.

Another fun fact is that a lot of people underestimate the number of hands a pack goes through from being rolled fabric to a ready to sell sewn pack, which easily extends 30 people.”

[Related Reading: Bay Photo Lab Company Feature | Professional Photo Printers with a Flare for Innovation]

You can find f-stop gear on the web via the links below:

f-stop gear: Website | Instagram | Facebook