Fusion – abstract photography
It is not often that I print my Rust Rapture pieces on paper – normally I print on canvas because they print up so well in large formats like 2 x 3 feet. This client asked for a large format print on epson luster paper so they could frame it for their front foyer. This piece is called Fusion. It is from a 1940 Buick Rat Rod. These abstract photographs are all derived from the exteriors of old vintage hot rods whose exteriors have been left to the demise of mother nature – the heat, rain, sun and belt sanders. The resulting patinas are spectacular. Often these print can be hung in any direction but on Fusion, there is a door knob – yep that is a door knob in the top left which sort of need to be in the right place.
Mosle Installation of Fusion Abstract Photography
Shooting formal portrait of Charlotte
Shooting formal portrait of Charlotte
Charlotte Dalton is 102. I met her a year ago when she called me to ask me about an abstract photography print I had on display at the Flatbed Press Art Gallery here in Austin. Charlotte is an accomplished painter and artist. I thought it was time to shoot a formal portrait of her, so I enlisted my sweet wife Samantha to help with makeup. I love enlisting Samantha as my assistant to help me shoot, because it is the only time I can tell her what to do.
Formal portrait of Charlotte by Johnny Stevens Austin Texas
Shooting Portrait of Charlotte Dalton
Buck Moore Feed and Pet Supply Composite Portraiture
As my architectural photography work slows in the winter, it lets me enjoy my next favorite passion – composite portraiture. When I saw the Austin American Statesman article about Buck Moore Feed and Pet Supply closing after 72 years in business, I was inspired to ask the owners, John and Ken Bushong, if I could shoot their portrait for posterity. The shop was ideal for a photo shoot since it has iconic items like a 1920’s cash register:
Buck Moore 1920 era Cash Register
a 1930’s adding machine, and scales that are over 50 years old. I knew this setting would be perfect for a composite portrait where I light and capture the people first, then remove them and the lights from the scene, and then go around the room and pop a light on different areas and paint in those spot lit areas layer by layer in Photoshop.
Johnny Stevens spot lighting at Buck Moore
Spot lighting the portrait scene at Buck Moore
I love the drama that spot lighting gives you because each light pop comes from a different direction.
John and Ken Bushong composite portraiture
