Ink Revolution - Spring 2017 - Now Available.
We are pleased to announce that the latest, and most likely, final issue of Ink Revolution magazine is now out and available. One of the things that I have loved most about IR over the years is getting to talk to and interview a variety of people, and hopefully take interesting photos of them. That will not be going away. I have plans to carry on interviews and such, but in a blog format and without the the restrictions of keeping it as a "tattoo magazine." I love the tattoo industry and will continue to interview artists and be a part of it, but I want to be able to share stories and opinions of people on a variety of things without worrying about how many tattoos someone has or doesn't have. Stay tuned. And go pick up this kick ass issue.
By Ricky Davis in Ink Revolution
40 pages, published 5/1/2017
"What Makes You Feel Beautiful?" Series - Leighann W. A TRD Photography Project
The "What Makes You Feel Beautiful?" Series - Leighann W. A TRD Photography Project
"What Makes You Feel Beautiful?" The Series -
"What makes you feel beautiful?"
Leighann - "What most people see "Beauty" as, is overrated IMO. I'd rather people look at me and be inspired. That's where real beauty comes into play for me. When my nieces and little cousins look up to me and say they want to BE like me, THAT's what I live for. I don't want them to feel you need to be drop dead gorgeous to be somebody. I want them to know that it's being true to yourself that is beautiful. That's what makes me feel "beautiful" is being an inspiration to people who are looking up to me as a role model."
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
Photo of the Day - Leighann Word & TRD Photography
Model - Leighann Word - Photo by TRD Photography
Photo of the Day - 6/9/2014
Apparently, it's gotten to the point that I'm only gonna be able to share a few of my photos on Facebook going forward, as anything with shadows gets pixelated beyond recognition. So good news, it means I'll be sharing more here on my blog, which in reality I should be doing anyway.
Here's a sneak peek from a set I did recently with my pal Leighann Word. This set is going to be insane! This is a raw image, no photoshop except for b&w conversion.
As always, to book me, just shoot me an email to trd@trdphotography.com I'd love to work with you.
Tattoo Artist, Curtis Saffels. Tattoo Video by TRD Photography
Tattoo Artist Curtis Saffels live at the Chattanooga Tattoo Convention
Tattoo Artist Curtis Saffels is a local artist at Inked Expressions in East Ridge, TN. I've been a big fan of Curtis' for some time and back in 2013 he did a killer Humphrey Bogart portrait for me. During the Chattanooga Tattoo Convention last weekend I was talking to Curtis and watching him do a killer Skeletor tattoo on another local tattoo artist, Chris Adkins. I've never done video work of a tattoo but I took a few frames just to try it out and here's what we got. Hope you guys dig it.
Ricky
You can find more of my work below.
www.trdphotography.com
Instagram - @trd_photography (portfolio work)
Snapchat - @trd_photography (bts exclusives)
Twitter and Pinterest - @trd_photography
FB - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
Chattanooga Tattoo Convention - TRD Photography
Tattoo Artist Dietsch of Blackbeard Tattoo - TRD Photography
Chattanooga Tattoo Convention
Today starts the third annual Chattanooga Tattoo Convention at 2pm. Tattoo Artists and Tattoo Enthusiasts will be gathered at the Chattanooga Trade Center and I'm stoked to be a part of it this year. My friends, Tim Harden and Kellie Ruthless have invited me to hang out with them at the Revolution Tattoos booth. The convention has some amazing artists and a lot of cool shows planned. So if you have some time this weekend, come check it out.
As for me, I'll have prints on hand, many of which have never been in print form before, and I'm offering a huge print sale.
8x10's are $10 each or 2 for $15.
11x14's are $20 each or 2 for $30.
I'll also be booking shoots for June 2014, so come put down a deposit on that shoot you know you've been wanting to do!
Below are some more photos I took at last years convention.
The Enigma and Syrena Rose - TRD Photography
Tattoo Contest Time - TRD Photography
David Braden doing a hand poked tattoo on Kitty Konniption - TRD Photography
Tattoo Artist Lynn Buckner of Main Line Ink - TRD Photography
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
Faithmarks Chapter 2 - Tattoos of Faith event
Faithmarks Chapter 2 Event - TRD Photography - Chattanooga, TN - Faith Based Tattoos
Faithmarks Chapter 2 - Tattoos of Faith Event held in Chattanooga, TN
When people start talking about tattoos and faith, the conversations can get sordid pretty quickly in some circles. Last fall I was approached by Anna Golladay and Carl Greene of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, TN. Back in 2013 they held the first Faithmarks exhibit, which served to get people talking about faith and tattoos and the stories of their faith that led to the tattoos.
Anna and Carl were looking to do a "Chapter Two" event and were interested in me doing the photography for this project. I was extremely stoked to be able to do this as I've always enjoyed shooting projects to challenge ideals, such as when I did the "Equality Series" back in 2013.
We set aside four Sundays to do the sessions, which eventually became five, over this past winter. It was such a unique experience for me personally. Folks would come in and let me see their tattoo, what it was and location, and then would share with me their story while I was brainstorming where to shoot it and what kind of perspective to put on it. The stories were very touching and inspiring.
This weekend was a blur, as yesterday I had to get up at 4am to be at the church to see the canvas for the first time, as well as get to be a part of a great live interview with the Faithmarks team on WTVC Newschannel 9. I was nervous to see how my work flowed with the previous exhibit pieces and that was extremely important to me to keep them fluid with what was already done.
Last night we held the event and I was so pleased with the turnout. Fifty minutes into the event I was told we'd already had two hundred people come out. It was very inspiring to see people in my community come out and support this. I saw young children standing in front of my photographs just staring intently, while moments before they were running around playing. I saw elderly people looking at the photographs and reading the stories while wiping away tears. I had people thanking me for both how I shot these photos but bringing up past work that I did with the Equality Series. It was a very powerful experience for me.
Next up, the exhibit will still be at St. Marks on display for the next little bit, but then it'll be going back out on the road as a traveling art show. Last year it traveled across the country to different festivals and churches that wanted to use it as a talking point. This year, I'm not sure if it's been worked out logistically or not, but I know there were places overseas interested in bringing it over to show as well.
Some people don't think that tattoos and faith can mix. I'd challenge you to open up your mind, read the stories, get to know people for who they are on the inside and not what they look like on the outside. You might be pleasantly surprised not just by finding out their stories, but by the renewing of your spirit as well.
Ricky
Check out Faithmarks online at www.ourfaithmarks.com
www.trdphotography.com - trd@trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
IG/Twitter/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
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. .
Photo of the Day 2/17/2015 - Vanessa Michelle
Model - Vanessa Michelle - Group The 86'd - TRD Photography
Photo of the Day 2/17/2015
This photo is one of my recent favorites. Vanessa and I go back a good ways. We met up at a local fav location of mine and did some more "pretty" almost fashionesque work which we hadn't really done before. I loved this angle and the lighting was fantastic!
Be sure to check out more of Vanessa's work. She is also one of my cohorts in our "alternative collective" The 86'd.
Visit Vanessa at www.facebook.com/vanessamichellefilth
Visit the 86'd at www.facebook.com/wearethe86d
Visit me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/trdphotography
Instagram & Twitter - @trd_photography Email - trd@trdphotography.com
Talking Puncture Wounds Clothing with JD Hicks
BTS Photo above with Steph D, Cricket Murphy, Amanda Pocalypse, and me. I'm wearing my PWC toboggan.
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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.
Model - Jessi Anne - Photo TRD Photography 2012 - Puncture Wounds Clothing
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
Model Alexys Graves and Tattoo Artist Kitty Konniption - Photo - TRD Photography - Shires by Puncture Wounds Clothing
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
Ink Revolution - Interview with BMX pro Caleb Ruecker
Ink Revolution - Issue #2 interview with BMX pro Caleb Ruecker
One of the highlights for me in 2013 while I was out in Portland, Oregon was getting to meet and work with Caleb. I met Caleb through a mutual friend, who just happens to be a killer model, Lucille Suicide. Caleb and I shot some photos and it was just great conversation. Recently Caleb has been doing some insane long exposure photos in and around Portland. You should check him out on Instagram @calebrueckersphotos You won't be disappointed! Below is the interview that we did in Ink Revolution Magazine, issue #2.
IR: How did you get started in BMX?
Caleb: I have always had a BMX growing
up, but got really into it after I had a bad
skateboarding accident. I fell in love with
BMX and knew it was my dream, my
passion, and my life.
IR: What is your best memory from being
on the tour?
Caleb: Oh man, there are so many! I would
have to say riding for Metal Bikes and riding,
traveling, and becoming friends with all my
peers and all the dudes I looked up to when I
was just a little BMX rat. They are all amazing
memories and I wouldn’t leave any of em out.
IR: Where are some of the coolest places you
got to visit in your travels?
Caleb: Back east and Montreal for sure. I loved
New York and Boston. Fun memories for sure!
I really enjoyed just pushing through different
states with a van full of rad dudes, just seeing
different things go by.
IR: When you were out on the road, how big
were tattoos in the BMX culture?
Caleb: It definitely wasn’t. I remember seeing
a bunch of BMX dudes all bare skinned and
before you knew it they were all blasted out.
It kinda fell into the ‘thing to do’, but you
should never rush anything, especially tattooing
your whole body.
IR: I wholeheartedly agree! When did
you get your first tattoo?
Caleb: Haha. I got it when I was 14 years
old and I got it done in a Hells Angels house.
IR: That’s just what the health inspectors
like to hear. You’re working in a shop in
Portland now, right?
Caleb: Haha. Right? Yes, I work at Lady
Luck Tattoo in Portland, Oregon. I have
been a part of this tattoo shop since 2002
and I love it and everyone here.
IR: That’s awesome bro! What do you do
there?
Caleb: I run the front, aka, I’m the shop bitch.
IR: What’s one word of advice for those going
to a shop for the first time?
Caleb: Always look at the artist portfolios and
do your homework, no matter what you hear
about the artists. And don’t be afraid to ask
questions or voice concerns you may have.
IR: Great advice! What are your upcoming plans?
Any traveling?
Caleb: Yes! I plan to fill my backpack up and
grab my bike and go wherever the pavement
takes me. Not sure where yet, but thats the best
part about taking that leap and going with the wind.
IR: Sounds amazing man! We wish you all the
best on your journey!
I hope that you enjoyed checking out that interview from Ink Revolution #2 with Caleb. All photos were taken by me, TRD Photography. We'll be sharing some more interviews from Ink Revolution magazines, as well as I've got several new interviews in the works as well.
If you're interested in my work, I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area. I am booking sessions for February and March currently. Slots are filling up fast. Check out more of my work at the links below.
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Instagram @trd_photography - Twitter @trd_photography - Email trd@trdphotography.com - Chattanooga, TN