About the photographs

All images were shot on large format 4 x 5" and 8 x 10" film. The film was hand-processed in small and large drums in the laundry at home. Film processing was followed by scanning to a digital file, which was then edited in a minimal way on a computer and output for print (many prints have dust spots and scratches that were deliberately left in tact). Shooting portraits this way is challenging for both photographer and model. A single shot takes time and there is little room for error. Shutter speeds were often very slow, requiring complete stillness from the model for extended periods of time.

Most, but not all, subjects are professional models. All women brought something of themselves to the shoot; from the shed skin of a pet python to items of jewellery or hand made head pieces. The makeup for one of the shoots was made by the model (Bianca Wolff) and myself using local ochre and some ash from the fireplace. These aspects of the photographs are what makes them so very dear to my heart. They represent a beautiful collaboration of people.

A black and white nude woman with a necklace, sitting against a dark background, with a shirt draped over her shoulders.
A black and white photograph of a person with wild hair, wearing dark face paint around their eyes, staring directly at the camera, with their hands framing their face.
Black and white photograph of a topless woman with short platinum blonde hair, wearing multiple large jewelry pieces, with her hand near her mouth, looking intensely at the camera.
Black and white portrait of a woman with short, platinum blonde hair, wearing numerous layered necklaces and bracelets, posing with one arm crossed over her chest and her head tilted slightly, against a dark background.
A woman wearing an ornate decorative mask adorned with feathers and jewelry, dressed in a black lace bra with feather details, stands against a dark, cloudy background.
Black and white portrait of a topless woman with short dark hair, wearing a large, textured fabric wrapped around her head and shoulder, with intense eye makeup and dark lipstick, against a dark background.
Black and white portrait of a woman wearing an ornate, bejeweled face covering and headpiece, with bare shoulders and slicked back hair, against a dark background.
Black and white photograph of a woman wearing elaborate jewelry and headgear, topless, with a serious expression, looking directly at the camera.
Black and white portrait of a woman with flowers in her hair, looking over her shoulder with a serious expression, wearing a pearl necklace.
Black and white photograph of a topless woman with long, messy dreadlocks and a crown-like headpiece, sitting with one arm crossed over her chest and gazing into the camera.
A woman with a serious expression wearing an elaborate headdress with antlers, adorned with beads and feathers, and a black feathered garment, in black and white photography.
A black and white photo of a woman lying on her back near a wooden wall. She has styled blonde hair and is wearing a black lace dress, fishnet stockings, and jewelry. She is holding a handgun to her temple with one hand, and her other hand is resting
Black and white portrait of a woman with voluminous, curly blonde hair, wearing dark lipstick, earrings, and a lace top, looking intensely at the camera.
A woman with black hair and red lipstick sits on an ornate patterned sofa, surrounded by luxurious jewelry and a fur coat, in a vintage-style setting.
Black and white close-up portrait of a woman with elaborate jewelry, including beads and shells around her neck and head, and facial makeup with dark eyeliner and lipstick.
A woman with curly red hair lying amid a bed of various colorful flowers, wearing a light-colored tulle dress, with one hand gently touching her neck and the other resting on her shoulder.

EXHIBITION PHOTOS - OPENING NIGHT