portrait

Mamiya, I miss you.

Copyright Jeff Ball 2010

As an artist, I’ve always felt the pull of self portraits.  I get so comfortable behind the camera, it makes it easier to photograph myself when I’m holding one of my favorites.

I love my Mamiya 645. It’s a classic medium format camera with sturdy design and beautiful optics. I love the sound of the shutter with it’s very distinct “ker chunk”. Winding the film by hand is another sensation  you just can’t get with a digital camera.

I miss shooting with this beauty. I vow to shoot a roll with this camera in the next two weeks. Stay tuned for the results.

Environmental Portrait

Copyright Jeff Ball 2005

An environmental portrait is a portrait of someone that tells a story of who they are. I.E. portraits of people in their own environments.

This Portrait of artist, Brighton Daugherty in his studio at The Other Side Arts was done in 2005 . Brighton is a painter who’s work is informed by different Asian cultures.

I love shooting other artists in their creative space. Let me know if you’d like for me to do a studio visit and take some shots!

Social Construct

Copyright Jeff Ball 2005

Gender is a subject that many people look at in terms of black and white. I have always questioned our societal views of what it means to male or female, masculine or feminine. Much of my work deals with the blurred lines between these ideas. I truly believe that gender is a social construction created through thousands of years of reinforcement.  Until we can break down these barriers keeping us from seeing people simply as people, we will continue to marginalize those that don’t fit our ideas of “normal.”

Macho Sissy

Copyright 2005 Jeff Ball

I’ve been hanging out with my friend Armando for the last couple of days. He’s been working in my studio on a painting for his Mom for Christmas. It made me think of all of the photo shoots we’ve done together. This one has always been on of my favorites. It’s part of a “macho sissy” series where I’m exploring the extreme sides of masculinity and femininity and the line between.

Randall Bellows III, Transdimensional

Copyright Jeff Ball 2008
Copyright Jeff Ball 2008

This portrait of Denver photographer, Randall Bellows III was taken at his show at Space Gallery last year. I’ve known Randall since he wandered into The Other Side Arts as a 17 year old  who was failing his High School photography class because of creative differences. Randall is nothing if not bold and honest in both his personal dealings and his work.

Tomorrow night, Randall has a new exhibit of work, Transdimensional at Space Gallery on Santa Fe.  To find out more about Randall’s work and his opening reception , visit his event page on facebook. Or his website at: http://rb3photography.com