Seeing Yourself in Beauty and in Decay...Photographer Ricky Davis
Beauty in the Decay Series - The Window - Model Liz Price - Photographer Ricky Davis - Shot with Canon 6D.
Seeing yourself in the Beauty and the Decay – By Ricky Davis
Back in 2013, I began a series which I titled Beauty in the Decay. I had been inspired by the work of the amazing Karen Jerzyk who goes into abandoned buildings and shoots nude models. The work is mind blowing and very powerful. Now I don’t shoot nude models, the most that I shoot is implied, but I really liked the idea of doing a series that pits beauty in the midst of decay, from my perspective. I feel that this can open up a lot of questions. What is beauty, really what is decay?
I shot two photos for the series in 2013, and none in 2014. I got a little off track. Recently I decided I wanted to began it again and had the opportunity to work with the amazing Liz Price for a new image to add into it.
A few weeks ago I posted the image above on Facebook and Instagram and I asked the question of what people feel, or what are their thoughts regarding what’s happening in the photo. I held my own opinion back until now. I wanted to share a few of the responses that I received about this photo.
“She feels alone in a society that says her body doesn’t fit the standards for beautiful.” Amanda C.
“Longing for her dreams, hope that’s lost” Carol Ann M.
“She’s feeling embarrassed or shunned. Lack of confidence, yearning to be accepted.” Kellie H.
“I see someone who has hit rock bottom, and this is the moment she decides to take her life back!
I feel like her thoughts are, “screw the world! Wait until they see what I have coming for them!” (In a positive sense)
For me, it seems like a moment of transformation!” Trevor L.
“Remembering what once was…” Christy G.
” I see someone reflecting waiting for a change who is to know if it is good or bad” Kennedy G.
“Loneliness looking out into the darkness for a single ray of light.” Gregory A.
Those were responses on Facebook, here’s some of what people on Instagram had to say.
“A very foreboding, dark, & sinister look. Emotionally I’m intrigued on what the subject sees outside the window.” VIntageterrance
“I feel sad. I feel like she got left at the alter and she is soo misrable she still has on her wedding crenlen slip, and is staring outside waiting for her groom to show up…..” Mrsham1993
“To me it feels forlorn…like she’s waiting on someone who never came” DarthCrowe
As I started reading the comments as they were being posted, the thought resonated with me, especially as I knew a few of the people commenting, with things that were going on in their lives. They weren’t necessarily just viewing Liz as a model in some far off photograph, some were seeing themselves in her place. My idea was justified a few minutes later when Carol Ann commented ” You know, after reading everyone’s response, I think that our critique is how we actually feel unsure emoticon or maybe it’s just me.”
So what is the purpose of art? Sometimes I think it’s helpful for us to grow and to sort through things that we are dealing with when we can step out of ourselves and see it in third person. Much the way that some were able to step into Liz’s position and relate.
For me, this photograph is a symbol of hope and beauty. Yes, the room is trashed, and it’s dark and bleak. Yes, she’s not airbrushed, liquified, and the like. It’s gritty and the location doesn’t seem too inviting. The curtains to the window are drawn, except for where she’s holding them apart. She’s not looking behind her at the disheveled mess that’s in the past, but she’s looking forward through the window into what’s to come. Too often we focus on the distractions around us instead of looking ahead. We don’t know what’s to come, but we already know what’s behind us. That’s what it makes me feel anyway.
I hope that you like the image and will stay tuned for more.
Ricky
If you’d like to work with me, trd@trdphotography.com
TRD Photography RAW goes Video w/Leighann Word
Model Leighann Word - TRD Photography - RAW, No Photoshop except b&w conversion
TRD Photography RAW goes Video...
A big push that I've been working on lately is doing more raw, unedited type work. I call it TRD Photography RAW and I talked about it in a previous blog. This time I went a little further.
The other day model Leighann Word was in town after booking me for a session. After we finished it, we decided to do a raw shoot as well. Leighann took it a step further and did the raw shoot, without makeup either. ( Stay Tuned as I plan to announce a further series soon) We then decided to actually do one of the bts videos of our raw shoot. I hope you dig it.
I would love to do further raw sessions, and if you're interested in one of those, or any of my other work, feel free to contact me at trd@trdphotography.com I'd love to work with you.
Ricky
Tattoo Model - Photo of the Day - Raven Lee - TRD Photography
Tattoo Model - Raven Lee - Photo by TRD Photography - Woodland Beauty Set
Tattoo Model Raven Lee
Raven has become one of my best friends over the years. She's such a sweet, authentic person and that's pretty hard to find. This set we shot in North Georgia. The above photo I wanted to keep a real, natural feel to it. The only photoshop work done on this was adjusting the colors. No airbrushing/liquifying type stuff at all. I hope you dig it.
Ricky - TRD Photography
Chattanooga, TN - www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
FInd me on Twitter/IG/Snapchat/Pinterest - @trd_photography
Pack of Wolves - Echo of Love Album Cover
Echo of Love - The sophomore release from Pack of Wolves - Photo by TRD Photography
Pack of Wolves - Echo of Love
Recently I was honored to be able to do some album artwork for the band, Pack of Wolves. They are based out of Chattanooga, TN and just released their sophomore album, Echo of Love. They are fronted by the dynamite, Tootsie Von Comare. She's got soul well beyond her years and they put on a great show! Their album is out now digitally and soon to be released in cd format. Here's the cd cover that I got the privilege of shooting.
Check Pack of Wolves out at the following sites.
www.facebook.com/pages/Pack-of-Wolves/112745215503051
www.packofwolvesmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/packofwolves4
And as always, feel free to check out my other work at the following links.
TRD Photography - Chattanooga TN - www.trdphotography.com
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - IG/Twitter/Pinterest @trd_photography
Behind the Scenes at a TRD Photography Event
BTS at the Feb 22nd Blowout...
On February 22nd we offered a special event at the TRD Photography studio. We'd done some renovating and decided to celebrate by offering a big discount day. We had a great day with seven ladies booking slots. It got extremely hectic and I didn't get to video as much as I had planned, but we put together some short clips as well as some of the edited images from several of the ladies to kinda give a glimpse into the day.
I wanna thank my pal, Raven Lee, for assisting me that day. She was a huge help. Raven and I have a special video project of our own that'll be debuting here in the near future. Check out some of the final product below of several of the amazing ladies I got to work with that day!
much love and thanks for all the continued support,
Ricky
www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
IG - Twiiter - Pinterest - @trd_photography - Chattanooga, TN
Model April Bijou - TRD Photography
Model Ania De Von - TRD Photography
Lucia Silveria - TRD Photography - Her first ever professional shoot and she rocked it!
Model TIffany Merriman - TRD Photography
Model Raven Lee - TRD Photography -
Coulrophobia - The Series - It's just the Beginning....
Coulrophobia - The Series - It's just the Beginning... Model Raven Lee - Photo TRD Photography
Coulrophobia - The Series
What's your biggest fear? I want to introduce you to a new series I just began work on entitled "Coulrophobia - The Series"
I've always been fascinated by the fear that some people have of clowns. When I do conventions, a lot of people stop me to talk about my darker work and talk to me about their fear of clowns and such. I've contemplated doing a large scale, twisted clown series for awhile, and now that time is upon us.
"Coulrophobia" is going to be a large scale, ongoing series that will build over time. It will include models, such as the amazing Raven Lee above, but I also plan on including an anyone, any size, any age can be a part of this. I want clowns of all shapes and sizes, male and female, the like.
The wonderful, Raven Lee and I kicked off the series recently, and we've decided to announce a special one day event as well. I've never offered a "dark art" specially priced event before but it's been asked for, for years. So if you'd like to get your photos taken with me check this out. On March 29th, Raven and I are joining together to offer a dark art photoshoot, Coulrophobia style. The cost is $75, which gets you makeup provided by Raven, we will be getting wigs and some costumes and props, if you want to create your own clown character, that's perfectly acceptable too, you'll get 2 fully edited photos from the shoot, AND a free 8x10 of your favorite clown photo. This is a specially priced, one day event. Slots have already started to fill up. You can reach me at trd@trdphotography.com for more details or to book.
Ricky
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Pinterest, Twitter, IG - @trd_photography
www.trdphotography.com - Chattanooga, TN
Photo of the Day - Makynna Rigsby - 2/22/2015
Model - Makynna Rigsby - TRD Photography - Photo of the Day 2/21/2015
Photo of the Day - 2/22/2015 - Makynna Rigbsy
I've been working with Kynna and her sister Ashley since late 2011. Wow! Just typing that, I can't believe it's been that long. It's been incredible watching this young lady grow and transform into one of the best models I've worked with. She's signed to an agency out of Atlanta and has some amazing roads ahead of her. I've really been taking back by this image. I think it's the reds that just pop at me. I want to thank Melissa Watson for doing makeup on this shoot and Kynna's mom, Avery for doing hair.
Check out more of my work below....
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Twitter & IG - @trd_photography
trd@trdphotography.com - www.trdphotography.com - Chattanooga, TN
Photo of the Day - April Bijou - 2/21/2015
Model April Bijou - TRD Photography - Chattanooga TN - 2014
Photo of the Day - April Bijou - 2/21/2015 - TRD Photography
This was one of my favorites from 2015. I met April at the Chattanooga Tattoo Convention and she booked a session with me. She blew me away at our shoot! I'm really stoked as tomorrow I'll be getting to do another session with April as she booked one of my slots from my special studio session I offered recently.
So stay tuned to see some more killer work from this young lady. You can follow her FB page at the following...
www.facebook.com/pages/April-Bijou-Modeling/472890502857230
Follow more of my work at the following as well.
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - IG, Twitter, and Pinterest - @trd_photography
www.trdphotography.com - trd@trdphotography.com - Chattanooga, TN
Flashback Friday - Mandi Mayhem -
Model - Mandi Mayhem - TRD Photography - Photo of the Day 2/20/2015
Flashback Friday - Model Mandi Mayhem - POTD 2/20/2015
Let's face it, I've got some absolutely amazing friends. Mandi is just a mind blowing talented lady and all around awesome person. This was from our last set that we got to shoot. It was featured in Ink Revolution when I was still working with it.
Go check out Mandi's FB page at www.facebook.com/pages/Mandi-Mayhem/139923119450671
View more of my work at the following.
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Twitter & IG - @trd_photography
trd@trdphotography.com - www.trdphotography.com
As always, I'm Ricky of TRD Photography and I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area. My studio is a stones throw from Chattanooga in Cleveland. I specialize in model photography but I also work with bands and businesses in creating a unique look to help brand their image. Hit me up if you're interested.
Throwback Thursday - Hotels Project with Raven Lee
Model Raven Lee from the Hotel Series by TRD Photography - Photo of the Day 2/19/2015
Photo of the Day - 2/19/2015 - Throwback Thursday - The Hotel Series with Raven Lee
One of my absolute favorite people in the world happens to be Ms. Raven Lee. I met her back in early 2012 and have had so many amazing, artistic shoots with this lady. She's been one of the sweetest, most genuine souls I've ever met! One thing about Raven that I've not ever seen at her level is how prepared she always is. Her specialty is really in nailing artistic shoot and she goes above and beyond in planning. I've never seen anyone else like her!
I chose this photo to share with you guys today because this one came from one of my projects! It's a project that I've not really worked on since 2013 and I'd like to get it rolling again this year. It's what I called the Hotel Project. The basis of it came from the idea of working towards a book project featuring more character driven b&w shots done at hotels. Different places with different vibes.
Even though this was one of our lesser planned out sets, it's still one of my absolute fav sets. We went for more of the old Hollywood starlet feel, with her look and with the edit.
Be sure to go check her out on Facebook below.
www.facebook.com/theravenlee
Be sure to stay tuned to the blog as I have a video project coming up with her VERY soon. :)
You can check out more of my work at....
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Twitter & IG - @trd_photography
Email - trd@trdphotography.com - www.trdphotography.com
I'm Ricky Davis and I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area. .
Goofing off with Dalis Connell
Goofing off with Dalis Connell -
Let's face it, my job means I get to hang out with pretty awesome people. I love what I do and I really enjoy getting to see different sides of people that not everyone else does. I've worked with Dalis for a couple of years now and it's always a pleasure. During our recent shoot, we decided to try out some video as well. I'm no videographer, but it was a lot of fun goofing off. I wanted to share with you a 15 second snippet from the full video which you can also check out on YouTube as well. This is a more recent edit, hence the better music... I'm still learning!
Ricky - www.trdphotography - IG & Twitter - @trd_photography - Email - trd@trdphotography.com - FB - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
Behind the Scenes video - Cali Glover
Behind the Scenes with Cali Glover & TRD Photography
So I've known Cali for quite a few years now and we recently got together for a new shoot. Cali's a pretty fantastic photographer in her own right and she's the one that inspired me to even mess around with video. We decided to put together a bts video from our shoot.
I'm really stoked about this video as it's my fourth one, and in this one I decided to try some different ideas with lighting that was formulating in my head since my last one, and I'm pretty stoked about the results. What do you guys think?
Anyway, I hope you guys dig it. Be sure to check out my YouTube channel.
Peace.
Photographer Ricky Davis - WWW.TRDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
IG - @trd_photography - Twiiter - @trd_photography - YouTube - TRD_photography
Facebook - www.facebook.com/trdphotography Email - trd@trdphotography.com