I call her Lady Râșnov, she never stopped talking—and I never understood a word. But the moment I motioned to my camera, she nodded and smiled like we’d known each other. After I took her photo, she proudly showed me a massive wheel of cheese. Still talking, still smiling. She waved and walked away, talking the whole time. We found her during a brief stop in the beautiful town of Râșnov, Romania.

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Some photo projects I take for clients, some I take for me, I have started a new one and this one is for the year. My ode to 2020, my Gas Lighting Series.

My vintage WWII Gas Mask that has been kicking around my studio for years looking for a reason to get in front of the camera, my ability to sculpt with light (one of my favorite things to do), a fog machine and (so far only a couple of) patient yet brave subjects.

The idea has been in the plans since March, a closed studio and social distancing made it feel like I had to wait a bit. I have a few more interested women I have been talking to, now that things are relaxing somewhat (though the sessions are still COVID responsible) I hope to ramp this series up. I am not sure what will happen with it, so far it just has been a fun distraction while paying respect to the time we are living in. Collaborating with my subjects they have gotten a bit more risque – talking PG13ish – than my toy photos, but I believe they are artistic and the goal is to show strength, grit, softness and 2020.

Here are two from a session I did last night, I would love to get to at least 20, since it is a magical number now, though recruiting is not my style. If you or maybe you know someone you know, would like to know more info on this , drop me a note. The session is no cost and like I said a pure collaboration. You can reach me here, just put Gas Mask in the message somewhere. Stay safe.

CONTACT NOTE: I found out the original contact was not working the first night this was posted. If by chance you reached out and did not hear back, feel free to use the link to send a second message, it is fixed now.

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