November Presentation

I had the great privilege to present a photo program this past November for the Southern Oregon Photographic Association (SOPA) in Medford, Oregon. It had been almost 3 years since my last in-person visit due to the Covid pandemic. I was greeted warmly by long-time photography friends and many new enthusiasts.

I divided the program into two sections: 1) what I did during the Covid period; and 2) interactive portrait photo shoot.

So what did I do during the Covid pandemic? I primarily worked on a short horror film entitled “The Other Woman” shot entirely at my home and a local wildlife reserve, The Denman Wildlife Area. The film, with the help of friends and family, took many months to complete, which later was entered into several US horror film festivals (see last blog Dec 24). Also during this period, since I wasn’t able to travel, I photographed at and near my home. These photographic images (including some video clips) are shown in the video below entitled “Home.” Part I focuses on the isolation experienced during the early months of Covid. I explained to my audience that one doesn’t need to travel very far to capture beauty. As photographers, we often seek natural wonders far away when frankly there is beauty right in one’s backyard if one really seeks it out. As the pandemic eased, I was eager and able to invite friends to my home studio once again. In Part II, I share a collection of those portraits.

I was thrilled my short horror film, “The Other Woman,” and “Home” video received wonderful praise from the SOPA audience. We took a short break and then began the interactive portrait photo shoot. Ashley, who volunteered to model for our group, was truly amazing. There were many photographers directing and taking photos, and she did it with such grace and patience. I was only able to take a few shots of her as I wanted there to be plenty of time for those interested in shooting. Below is my favorite of Ashley from the shoot, possibly a new idea for my next short horror film…wink, wink.