by Norm | Jun 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
I just recently posted on my facebook and Instagram a new Ultracolour Tree, something that I began years ago after spotting a canopy of shapes, light and form in Tai Po. So every now and then, when I happen to be paying attention to what is above me when I’m walking in one of Hong Kong’s numerous parks, I will look for a tree with a canopy that spreads wide. The more intricate and winding the trunk and branches the better.
My camera is an discontinued Nikon D700 and my lens is a 24-80mm F2.8. I do not try to get everything I see in a single image, but photograph all the parts of the tree on a more modest focal length like 50mm. In this instance, I took 13 photographs. I output the images in TIFF files with LZW compression and then use Photomerge to stitch the images together. The resulting image is like a puzzle that is pieced together. I have included that image in the images above.
I then crop the image to what I feel looks pleasing to the eye and do any image manipulations like distortion, burning, dodging and fill (rarely) until I am happy.
The final stage is the colorization. I normally will convert the image into a black and white and then use a gradient map to find colors that look appealing. It’s rare that I have something set in mind and more experimental, the playing of color and the contrast of one colour to the next. It is more intuitive now and my liking may change from one day to the next.
The series: http://nyvastudio.com/project/ultracolour-trees/
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by Norm | Jun 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
While rummaging through some boxes after moving into my (new?) studio in Kwai Chung, I managed to find some 120mm film negatives. They were images of Jun Li (film director of Tracey). I decided to scan them. Unfortunately. the photographs were ‘ruined’ because of the peculiar numbers appearing on the film negative. I put the images aside because of this problem. Later, I found that this problem was not localized but a common problem with certain batches of Tmax400 films, most likely caused by high heat during transport. I couldn’t find sufficient information to verify the case.
Regardless, I have scanned the trio of images at high resolution and will see if these can be used as a set that includes the numbers on the film. In many ways, I am finding the film flaws rather unique lending a certain character to the photographs. I will return later to let you know how it went and my final decision on whether it is worthy of becoming a vertical triptych.
In my selection of images, I have also included the digital version taken before he took off all his clothes.
To see the online set on my website which have been selected as limited edition prints, go to https://theasianmale.com/project/gallery-32-jun/.
by Norm | Jun 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
This is a sneak peek into some digital abstract manipulations that I am working on. For the most part, I have not gravitated to this genre of artwork, but only testing and evaluating the aesthetics for what the process holds. These are generated initially from photographs of nature and put through a digital process whereby colors are segmented into triangular vectors. They are beautiful to the eye and remind me of D-lab’s seminal work on a more theatrical setting. I have used one image where a human figure is processed. I think in some cases, this way of manipulation is just a gimmick and lends itself to illustrative studies.
by Norm | Jun 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
A set of images of Rango, a guy I met on Instagram last year. It’s taken me awhile to get these online, as I was going through some difficult times with the Hong Kong protests, the model chasing me for images, and searching for direction and focus in my work. Yes, nearly a year has come to pass. In actuality, the photographs were edited, but I had concerns on how I should showcase them. In many ways, Patreon allows to a way to compensate my energy into showing my work.
On my Asian Male website (https://theasianmale.com/project/gallery-36-rango/), I have selected several key images that are available for limited edition prints. Feel free to go there if you want to start collecting my work.
by Norm | Jun 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
Nerol Rose (NerolRose on Twitter) is one of the first models I worked with that would pose fully nude for the camera. Taken in 2010, this is the first time I have ever shown these photographs to anyone, so I thought I would post these in Patreon, as it’s rather exclusive material. Feast your eyes on this beautiful young man and enjoy.
by Norm | Jun 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
Just got this message today when I opened up Patreon. I guess they may be imposing some tax onto your payments. For a small amount, I hope this doesn’t affect you too much.
Otherwise I know it has been awhile as I am juggling several things at the same time. New website designs and some rethinking on how to approach new ways of business with Covid-19 in our daily lives.
I’m working on a new post as I am typing this out, so please bear with me for awhile longer. Also one Patron was hoping to see several post a week (on the Asian Male Project). Unfortunately, that cannot be the case. My aim to have at most 1 post per week… I hope that is okay for the time being.
Okay, feel free to read the notice below. In the meantime, please take care and stay distancing!
Norm
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IMPORTANT SALES TAX REMINDER
Pardon the interruption, but we want to make sure you’re aware: we’re being required by law to start adding sales tax to some patron pledges starting July 1st.
This won’t affect all of your patrons, but some of them may see a small increase to their pledge amount.
We recommend you get ahead of it and reach out to your patrons, before we email them on June 1st, to prevent any unpleasant surprises. We really think they’ll appreciate hearing it from you first. We’re here to help you navigate this. We’ve provided all the info you need, including suggested messaging for your patrons.
