Seeing Yourself in Beauty and in Decay...Photographer Ricky Davis
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
Film in the Studio? Finally got to try it!
Film in the Studio...Finally got to try it!
My apologies in the repost of this blog. I was cleaning out some older posts that were no longer applicable and somehow today's post got deleted as well.
Recently I have started working to learn more about film photography. When I first played around with photography it was all film. I had no idea what I was doing. When I got serious about photography, I learned by shooting digital. Now I'm increasingly interested in working to learning film. It's been an interesting journey so far!
A few weeks ago I was preparing to head off to Portland, OR for a couple of weeks, but I really wanted to try shooting film in studio before I left. That way when I got back, my negatives would be here and I could see how it worked. I was happy when an old friend of mine was able to work her schedule around and shoot with me a couple days before I was set to leave. Krysten and I have collaborated on some of my favorite photographs over the years.
Our shoot consisted of shooting two different films, expired Fuji Acros 100 and expired Kodak Tmax400. As I had no idea how film would work with studio lighting, we tried several different looks, just to make sure we tried different things to see how it would work.
The Fuji Acros 100 was my favorite film to work with that day I think. I liked the exposures on the Tmax too, but we had lighting issues where most of those ended up being scrapped. I started off shooting with high wattage constant light, and those were great! When I used my studio strobes, my shutter speed was too fast for the film to light up the whole frame.I really look forward to working on that next time.
These images haven't been edited, other than removing a few large scratches from processing. I'm really looking forward to working more with film in the studio and soon beginning to work on actual darkroom techniques and processing my own film. So stay tuned...
Ricky
Abandoned Places - Oh My! TRD Photography & Liz Price
Abandoned Places -
Recently I had the opportunity to work with a killer model that I hadn't seen in quite a few years. She was getting ready to leave for Italy but reached out to me because of this insane location. It was such a pleasure to reconnect and make some killer work with Liz in this amazing location.
What type of abadoned places would you like to visit? Are you interested more for thrill seeking or the history? I personally don't shoot in as many abandoned type locations as I would like. I love the atmosphere and the historical aspect of these places. You can almost feel the life forms around you. I'd love to do more but I try to always get permission beforehand.
Be sure to stay tuned for more from this set! This is just a sampling of what's to come. I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area and if anyone knows of any locations or would like to book a shoot with me. Feel free to shoot me an email. I'd love to work with you!
RIcky
trd@trdphotography.com
Tattoo Model - Photo of the Day - Raven Lee - TRD Photography
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
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
Photo of the Day - April Bijou - 2/21/2015
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 -
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
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. .
Talking Puncture Wounds Clothing with JD Hicks
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Talking Puncture Wounds Clothing with JD Hicks
I first ran into JD way back in 2012 when I just started hitting the alternative market hard. We connected through some models that were modeling his work. JD has shown me a lot of support in various ventures since, and I've really enjoyed seeing his vision for PWC expand. Recently I had a conversation with JD about where his vision is going. I'm also going to share some various photos I've taken for PWC.
Ricky - JD, what's new with PWC?
JD -We just closed out on another very productive year. Being a small clothing line out of Eastern Kentucky and making the progress that we have made in a few short years is unbelievable. And we owe it all to the people who support us day in and day out. The Puncture Wounds Clothing family continues to grow daily. We are in the process of dropping a few new designs and looking into setting up a few events in the new year.
Ricky - Tell us how PWC got started man.
JD - It started out as an outlet for me to help display some artwork by a couple of my extremely talented friends who own tattoo shops and for me to start up a fun little hobby. The very first item for sale from Puncture Wounds Clothing was customized canvas shoes that were decorated with sharpies.
Ricky - Very cool! I didn't realize that about the shoes. You guys have really done a lot of work with bands and in the music industry. Who have you guys sponsored as well as what, if any plans do you guys have in 2015 in the music scene?
JD - We've had the opportunity to clothe the backs of so many musicians and bands. Or family of bands consists of Another Lost Year from Charlotte, Elisium from Virginia, Almost Kings from Atlanta, Shallow Side from Cullman Alabama, Screaming for Silence out of Nebraska, Artifas out of Memphis, Crashing Broadway, Zero Dark Thirty, Royal Bliss, and Uncrowned.
We've also had the pleasure of Clothing national acts such as The Butcher Babies, Devour the Day, Pop Evil, Gemini Syndrome, and the Almighty Sevendust! We also met up with Marilyn Manson at a show in Columbus to deliver some gear to him.
We will be working with some more bands heading into the new year! May even see us set up a festival or two slinging some shirts
Ricky - There are so many clothing companies out there in the alt scene, what makes PWC different?
JD - PWC isn't just a clothing company man. We are a family. Our goal is to bring as many talented people together as possible. We are looking to take over the world together.
Ricky - There's definitely no better goal than world domination brother! Where can people find links to check out PWC and pick up some gear?
JD - You can find us on
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pwc23
Instagram - @puncturewounds
Twitter - @pwounds
Website - http://www.pwclothing.com
Hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about Puncture Wounds Clothing. Be sure to check them out and support small businesses!
If you'd like to book a session with me, I've only got a couple slots left open for February, and I'm beginning to book for March. I'm based in Chattanooga TN but I travel when I have enough clients in an area. Find my work at the following links.
www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography - instagram @trd_photography - Twitter - @trd_photography - Email trd@trdphotography.com
Thanksgiving, and a little bit of what I'm thankful for....
Thanksgiving and a little bit of what I'm thankful for....
So a lot of times when November rolls around I keep seeing people's social media feeds fill up with daily posts of what they are thankful for.....for several days and then they seem to run out or forget or something. As far as I can recollect, I've not ever posted about what I'm thankful for so I decided to drop that today for something to blog about.
Everyone always says that they are thankful for family and friends, etc. I am too but I want to go a little deeper on the subject of friends.
I'm really thankful for my career, and beyond the fact that I love that I get to be creative and stuff like that, what I'm really stoked about is the friendships that I have made doing whatever it is that I do. I started shooting professionally back in 2009 and I'm blessed to count so many of those that I began working with back then still as good friends. Many of them have quit modeling, some have moved to other states but it's awesome to still get to see them as I do.
The way that I work, I've gotten to know so many amazing people. There's no way that I can share all the stories, or mention everyone by name, heck I couldn't even fit everyone on the collage that I made for this post. I just wanted to drop a message to thank you all for your friendship. I'm thankful for each and everyone of you guys. Some of you guys we don't get to see each other as often as I'd like, but I think about you guys often and love all the work we've gotten to create over the years. I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I did want to drop a few lines to a few of you guys specifically though.
Dan - I'm blessed by our friendship dude. I'm stoked to see what God is doing in your life and you've been an enormous inspiration to me in my walk as well.
Raven - I know you've experienced a lot of loss this year, you are in my thoughts and prayers girl. You are one of the sweetest and most genuine people I've ever met.
Jourdan - Dude I'm so stoked for you and Q. I hope you guys have a great first Thanksgiving and Christmas as a married couple.
Nea - I'm so honored to have gotten to shoot your maternity photos and that you came back from North Carolina to have me do them. I hope you guys have a great first holidays with your little bundle of awesomeness!
Kitty & Patrick - I love you guys! I hope you guys can get back to Chattanooga soon!
Jessika - I'm so stoked that we reconnected and have gotten to make some killer work together. I'm thankful to have gotten to know you a lot better.
Tootsie - What can I say? I'm stoked that whenever I have a hair brained idea like a photo with worms, you're like "I'm down."
Christine - Dude, you've been one of my best friends since the beginning of this journey. I'm stoked to have seen the transformation from when we were both starting to seeing you now. You are awesome man!
Brandy - You're one of my best friends and despite you constantly falling off the face of the earth, I'm stoked to know you.
Edge - Dude, you're just one awesome person. I think you're one of the few that has more hair brained ideas than I do. I appreciate you letting me shoot at Main Line while I found my own studio when I came back from Portland and you're help with finding extras for our shenanigans.
Nickie - Dude I've known you since right at the beginning of this whole photography thing. Our shoots helped me grow and learn so much and I really value our friendship over the years. I'm so stoked to see how life has blossomed for you over the years,. Seeing you and Tim and your family grow has just been amazing.
Jessica W - I'm so stoked to know you and Jonah. He's an amazing little dude and I always enjoy catching up with you!
Tessa - I'm so glad we got to work together again this year. I hope all is well with you!
Amanda P - I'm so stoked that you've gotten to go back to school and that it's going well for you! You and I have gotta get together again soon and bring Cricket into the mix too!
Mandi - Dude I have really enjoyed getting to know you over the years. I love all of our work together but I am really glad to count you as a friend first and foremost!
Steph - I'm so stoked to see where God has lead you in your life. To see you and Ben so happy and surrounded by hairless cats, it's an amazing thing. :)
Jolee - Dude....that is all. :) Just kidding. I'm so stoked that you're happy and that you've begun life anew with your best friend.
Chels - Dude, I'm so blessed to know you. I'm so honored to be getting to shoot your's and Michael's big day! You are such a great friend.
Amberly - I'm glad to see things working out in Florida for you! I've enjoyed working with you over the years.
Tom - Dude, I'm stoked we got to get together again after all of these years.
Leighann - I enjoy working with you a lot! You are awesome!
Vanessa - Girl, you are one of my fav people to work with. Beyond working together I really enjoy that we have become friends over the years. It's always a fun day when we get to hang out and shoot!
Brandy & Steve - Guys I have really enjoyed getting to know you guys and working with Vintage Vapors. You guys are growing so fast! Can't wait to see what 2015 has lined up for ya'll.
Renee & Polli - Guys, you two make me miss the Northwest so much. I have really enjoyed getting to know you guys and work with ya'll. Crossing my fingers on a trip in 2015.
Lynn - Bro, I enjoy our conversations at Main Line so much dude. I've learned a lot from you.
Randi - Come visit Sis!
Cici - Dude, you're in TN and we still haven't connected in my home state. We gotta change that. I've loved working with you out in Oregon though. lol
Kim & Josh - I've really enjoyed working with you guys and getting to know both of you.
Jamie - I love being around you and your creative vibe! I hope all is well!
Shae - Dude, you are so amazing to work with and just to know. I enjoy hanging out with you!
Mo - I'm so glad that we got to shoot again after all this time! Congrats on getting signed with the agency!
Tina - I've been blessed this year to meet you and get to know some of your story. I was truly honored to work with you on such a personal project.
Off the top of my head, that's all I can think of. I've met so many amazing people, I truly hope I didn't leave anyone in particular out. If I did, i am sorry! I just wanted to take a minute to make it a little more personal than just a generic post.
Ricky
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - IG @trd_photography - Twitter @trd_photography
TRD Photography - Chattanooga TN - Modeling - Band - Promos