The Blog at Harper Casimiro.com

Lauren Revised

2011-12-07T02:00:00.001-08:00

Mariposa November 2011

2011-12-06T23:00:00.001-08:00

Mariposa, California, late November, 2011.

Surfing Turtle Bay

2011-11-21T16:44:00.001-08:00

Abandoned North Shore

2011-11-21T16:40:00.001-08:00

Taken while in Hawaii recently. These were taken on North Shore, O'ahu.

Andre's

2011-11-21T16:34:00.001-08:00

Taken in Bakersfield, California this is the second image in the project I mentioned here: A New Project.

I entered this photo in a contest that The Bakersfield Californian was having called Capture Kern County. This photo was selected to be apart of the book which I was very pleased with, sadly the printing made the photo dull and the colors didn't pop, but I am still happy to be apart of it.

Fresno

2011-11-21T16:21:00.001-08:00

Fresno, California June, 2011.

Mamiya RZ67

Silly Rabbits, Tricks are for Kids

2011-11-21T16:12:00.001-08:00

These are my mother's rabbits, Chou Chou and Betsy. I got them for her for Mother's Day this year. They are cute and they like to escape and run around the yard.

Mamiya RZ67
Kodak Portra VC

Garrett Sherwood

2011-11-21T01:18:00.001-08:00

Garrett Sherwood is a friend of my mine whom I have photographed before. We recently worked on a project together. I had a very minor roll, but I was honored to be a part of it. You can learn about the project at DeepLoveOpera.com and you can learn more about Garrett, a poet at Garrett Writes .

These photos were for the folk opera Deep Love. We didn't end up using them for anything, but I really like them.

Spencer and Rachel

2011-11-21T01:02:00.001-08:00

I was lucky enough to shoot the engagement photos for Spencer and Rachel. She is a beautiful lady with such a fun sense of style. These photos were a lot of fun. The first is my favorite, they really wanted to do an American Gothic.

Steve and Susie Engagements

2011-11-21T00:45:00.001-08:00

It is about time I put up these photos. These are my favorite ones from the shoot. We went to where they had their first date.

Stesie Engagement Photos

2011-09-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

"Stesie" is the celebrity couple name of Steve Jensen and Susie Jeffries. I had so much fun taking photos of these too. They are so fun and were willing to do whatever was needed.

Here are some of the early scans of the film from that day.

Tea on a Winter's Afternoon

2011-08-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

These image was taken one day when I was practicing with my new 4x5. I also brought along my Mamiya C220. That camera, plus my 4x5 in the case, meant I was packing around at least 15lbs. on ice. Luckily I got a ride home and a gentleman to carry it all back up three flights of ice covered stairs!

I am really pleased with the color in this one, and as usual, I am enamoured with composing in squares.

Garrett Sherwood

Mamiya C220
Ektar 100

Hey, you look familar

2011-06-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

The Greeks believed a perfect face was a symmetrical face. Here are 8 faces that are symmetrical but are they more beautiful? That is up to you.

To learn more interesting facts read this article: Symmetrical faces aren't just prettier, they are healthier too.

Two Minds Are Greater Than One

2011-05-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of multiple exposures. This is a triple exposure. I like to consider the negative and positive space in these images.

Matt Hoffman

*Mamiya C220
*Ektar 100

A New Project

2011-05-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking of starting a new project here in Bakersfield. I've taken a few shots, of those shots this one is my favorite and I think it may be my most favorite picture I've ever taken.

I'm really interested to know what you think about it yay or nay. Please comment and help me improve.

Mamiya C220
Ektar 100
No Photoshop

Clay's Restaurant & A View West at California and Eye Streets
in Bakersfield, California.

Forestiere Gardens

2011-05-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Forestiere Gardens are in Fresno, California and they are unique in that they are all underground! You can learn more about their amazing creation here.

I am really pleased with the images and colors!

Mamiya RZ67
Kodak Portra 400

Garrett

Trinity Garden

The Tree of Seven Fruits

Brady on 4x5

2010-11-11T01:26:00.000-08:00

The second one is my favorite.

4x5's One, Two and Three

2010-11-11T01:20:00.000-08:00

My first, second and third frames.

My First Large Formats

2010-11-11T00:49:00.000-08:00

Dear World,

Let it be known that I accidentally bought a 4x5 monorail camera [on ebay of course] and today I developed my first batch of 6 frames!

I only badly botched 1 frame that I accidentally exposed to light. The other 5 were decently exposed and the last two were the best. The results are as follows.

Love,
Harper

An Afternoon at Spori Villa

2010-11-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

While avoiding the snow storm outside I took shelter at my friends' house. Sitting on the couch was fine and dandy, but I had to do something so I started photographing the things around me.

BYU Idaho Senior Interior Design Class

2010-10-25T00:41:00.000-07:00

I was contacted a couple of weeks ago via Facebook about taking the senior interior design class's class photo. At first I was weary of doing something so bland, but then I discussed it with my friend Brady and he reassured me it would be a fun project.

Upon receiving the details of the project I became very excited about the large group of 23 people that I would get to stage.

In the end I had a lot of fun working with them they were are very fun. I really enjoyed the challenge of working with such a large group and I took my inspiration from the greats; Annie Leibovitz and Steven Meisel as well as all classical painters.
We went to a favorite location of mine that I call "Silo City" out on the dry farms of south eastern Idaho.

Alex and Kristin

2010-10-19T00:55:00.000-07:00

As a fun project Alex and Kristin modeled for me in the drawing room. We used hot lights and it got very hot in there. Here are some of the results.

Last To Russia Show

2010-10-18T12:31:00.001-07:00

The last To Russia took place at Sammy's in Rexburg on 100110. It was an amazing show and all the boys did great. There was glitter on symbols, sweat flying, audience participation and an introduction by yours truly. Here a few shots from the show, it was a lot of fun.

Zach + Christina

2010-10-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Two of my very favorite people in the world are getting married! Zach Gibson and Christina Matekel. I love them so much and they love each other and it is great. I was honored that they let me shoot their engagement pictures and I think I was able to catch a glimpse of their personalities with these pictures.

Saturday Marathons of ANTM

2010-10-18T01:45:00.000-07:00

A few Saturdays ago I found myself trapped by an ANTM marathon. I didn't want to be trapped, but I was. In the end all I could think about was photography and I suggested to my roomies that we dress up and go outside and shoot.

The following images are what we produced and I am quite pleased with them.

Images from Glacier National Park

2010-07-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

If you have never be been to Glacier National Park, you should because it is the most beautiful place. Seriously.

A double exposure of Lake McDonald:

Mike Harker at the view camera:

Just look at those glacial formations. The cirque and the arrêts!

Montana

2010-07-13T15:51:00.001-07:00

I just got the film back from my trip to Montana and Glacier National Park. I am so excited to share with everyone the beauty I beheld!

Avedon-esque

2010-05-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

I am taking a documentary photography class this semester that I love. This week's assignment was to photograph like Richard Avedon. We learned all about his project; In the American West.

I shot two rolls of Fujifilm Acros Black and White 120mm.

Here are the results. I am happy with these.

I really like images 4-6.

As always I am interested to know what you think. Drop a line and let me know.

Skate

2010-04-27T06:20:00.001-07:00

Venice Beach Multi Exposures

2010-04-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

I took a walk outside

2010-04-06T01:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a long day and I had been cooped up inside for most of it. I decided to brave the 30 degree weather and colder wind to go for a walk. I took my camera with me and shot these images before I even got past my block.

The Wolfley Wedding on Film

2010-03-27T00:58:00.000-07:00

I decided to shoot one roll of color film at the wedding that I shot early this month. I learned that color film doesn't really make a difference when everything is white and it is snowing. So next time I am in those conditions I will save the not-so-cheap film for better weather and colors.
Another thing I learned after getting the film developed was that multiple exposures probably were not necessary when shooting the happy couple. I should leave those for more artistic things. ha ha ha. Anyway, here are the interesting ones. I really wasn't too happy with this roll.

I really like the negative space in this one [above], I think it is cool, but I don't think it is something that they [the couple] would want.

Double Exposures with Color Film

2010-03-24T00:50:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do with this camera, okay, lets be real, it is probably my most favorite thing; to take multiple exposures. I went to a party (lets not talk about that) after the show and took these images. I especially like the first one, but I find all of them very interesting. What do you think? I want to perfect this type of image and I would appreciate your input.

Joe & Tyler, with five people behind them.

Black and white movies and a 70's fireplace

Kara and Jack with Kara and Jack

Color Film in the Mamiya C220

2010-03-23T00:42:00.000-07:00

This was my first time using color 120 film. I used it in my TLR and took it to the show the night I got it. At the show the bands: Preston Pugmire, Battle School and the Vibrant Sound played. It was a wonderful show. Here are some of the results. In retrospect using the camera in such low light conditions wasn't ideal, but I was far too eager to use it that I just had to!

What do you think?

The Color Results with the Mamiya 135EF

2010-03-22T00:22:00.000-07:00

The last one is my favorite and was taken in the Las Vegas desert.

Other things

2010-03-22T00:21:00.000-07:00

More adventures with my new love: Mamiya C220

2010-03-05T00:12:00.000-08:00

A new favorite double exposure. I really enjoy trying this out and hoping it works. ha ha ha. I am really pleased with this one. I was sitting in the basement with Alex and Chase while they were recording. I was facing this bookcase and I thought it looked interesting as did my socked feet, so I combined the two.

Alex recording for Chase and his project Manowar Kids.

Chase Howell and Alex McDonell recording for Manowar Kids. Chase recently graduated from recording arts school and his doing his thing here in Rexburg, Idaho.

Chase Howell presumably deep in thought about the track they were laying.

The band To Russia outside of Kilby Court in Salt Lake City. Left to right: Guitarist Gary Becker, Guitarist Ford Erickson, Drummer Alex Fisher, Bassist Aaron Patrick McGregor.

Hired

2010-03-03T02:20:00.000-08:00

I finished editing the photos today, boy was it fun. Here are a few that I thought should go together.

For Hire

2010-02-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

This has been an amazing week. Much to my surprise someone found my website [www.harpercasimiro.com] and emailed me on my professional email address....how legitimate of me. As it were, it was an old friend named Brian and much to my delight he hired me to take some portraits of him.

After 40 minutes of setting up my difficult seven light scenario I took over 1200 pictures...I guess you could say I wanted to make sure I got a couple good ones...
As it turns out, I think I got at least 100 'good' ones. I have started editing the photos today and I want to give you a preview of what I am working with.

I had a lot of fun at the shoot, I hope it shows. Tell me what you think, I need all sorts of criticism.

variations on a theme in AI

2010-01-27T22:49:00.001-08:00

I was being vain and thought only of myself.

Classical Portraiture Portfolio

2009-12-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

Yellow

2009-12-04T02:44:00.000-08:00

2009-11-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

Family Pictures

2009-11-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

I am obsessed with Annie Leibovitz, nothing new there. I have been studying her compositions lately and after much research, I have decided to implement my studies into a massive group shot.

I like the way she uses props, I like that she shows her props:

Every year I do an extensive amount of photoshop-ing and make a "Family Christmas Card." We usually take a big group shot at the Christmas party while we are all in ugly sweaters and then I cut us out and put us somewhere else and add all the people that weren't there. In years past we have been in a classic Porsche in a snowy field, and in the White House.

This year I gathered the children into the studio and coordinated a nice shot.

Here in the painting I took my inspiration from:

Here is a rough version, it has only only a few edits which are: removal of hair light, tile floor, and the colors of the two inner curtains:

Here is the most up to date version. I have changed the colors of shirts and accesories that weren't in the requested color scheme:

All that is left to do is to add at least 4 people into the shot, somehow.....

Family Day 2

2009-11-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

2009-11-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

Alex Fisher

2009-11-02T01:17:00.000-08:00

Alex is a drummer and just got endorsed by a cymbal company. He needed to send in a picture of himself as part of the deal, so this is what we came up with.

Family Day

2009-10-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to be invited to participate in "Family Day" a Sunday tradition of my friend Alex. We went on an adventure, which entailed setting the boys sail on a raft and off-roading up the side of an old volcano, and I got to enjoy some of the marvelous scenery of Idaho.

Portraiture VIII

2009-10-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Portraiture IV

2009-10-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

Portraiture II

2009-09-29T00:43:00.000-07:00

Our second in class assignment was a little field trip using natural lighting. At my suggestion we went to St. Anthony, Idaho, about 10 minutes north of Rexburg on the I 20.

There are some of the images I got.

Monica Farrar on the river.

Mike Harker on some random stairs.

Laura in front of the coolest wall ever.

Doug being a man.

Jen Lee in front of a sweet candy yellow wall.

Kickball

2009-09-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

Some genius friend of mine realized that kickball was the end all be all sport. Everyone is good and everyone sucks in the same way. Perfecto.

Here are some photos I took with my Mamiya C220:

The Hazards of Love

2009-08-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is a photo series that I did for my dark room class. I based the series off of the album "The Hazards of Love" by the Decemberists. You can learn more about the story of the album here.

I worked on the project for close to a month. I cast each of the roles and gave each model, the music and lyrics. I wanted them to be able to be their characters and interpret their emotions.

I have a lot to say about this project, so rather than say too much, I am going to say little.
The images are in chronological order and each portray a different character or situation.

The Queen and the Rake

The Rake in profile

A pregnant Margaret

Margaret with her children, Charlotte and Isaiah

Young Charlotte

A vengeful Queen

The Queen's disposal of Margaret

"Our heroine here falls prey to, her abductor."

The Rake in search for Margaret

The Queen, The Rake, and Margaret

Charlotte before being fed foxglove

The Rake burying his murdered children

He buried his body for incurring his wrath

A burnt Isaiah

Most of the images were shot on a Mamiya C220, other were shot with a Holga or 35mm. All film and prints were made by myself. Some prints have been bleached and sepia toned. Other prints were solarized and some were treated with fixer before development.

Thank you to all of my "cast," I couldn't have completed this without you. Thank you especially to the Decemberists for making beautiful music.

The Queen: Marion Dyer
The Rake: Chandler Olsen
Margaret: Leah Morris
Charlotte: Amy Benkenstein
Isiah: Brady Smith

Holgas

2009-07-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

My first experience with a Holga camera.

Art 110

2009-07-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Technical Drawing: Challenging

Leah Morris in the Studio

2009-07-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Ray of Light (remember that terrible song?)

2009-07-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

After it rained.

Candids

2009-06-04T00:37:00.000-07:00

Mike

Tori

Light at Night

2009-06-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

Camping in Idaho 2009

2009-06-02T01:02:00.000-07:00

studio

2009-05-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

I am taking a studio class right now and I wanted to show what I have been working on. This project was supposed to be about the record player, but I ended up taking some cool ones that Ames modeled in.

Now that is a sassy player!

Multi-functional!

Golley Ames, this is just about the best thing.

Accordionite

This goes here.

Oh so portable!

Chic

Sisters

2009-05-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Lyla

2009-04-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

Last Day with the Simpsons

2009-04-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Sophie

Lyla

Tommy!

2009-04-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me to take photographs of her grandson Tommy. I have never been propostioned to photograph a child. I had fun.

Lyla at the Zoo

2009-04-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

Another Day at the Zoo
We were enjoying lunch when she decided to be cute.

Last Day

2009-04-13T23:25:00.000-07:00

Self portrait
I was not happy about having to leave. I was fortunate enough to have an amazing view from my window that looked back in time. The beautiful old structures the neighbored the home were reminders of all the beautiful places and times I had in my 10 stay in Boston.

Boston Shores

2009-04-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

Big Shells on Revere Beach

A water purification facility that looks straight outta Star Wars.

Charlestown

2009-04-11T23:19:00.000-07:00

Gas Lanterns in Charlestown

Historical Boston

2009-04-10T23:13:00.000-07:00

Paul Revere's statue.

Old North Church

Copp's Hill Burying Ground

Tyler in Boston

2009-04-09T22:54:00.000-07:00

Tyler on his roof. The Bunker Monument in the background.

In the underground.

The Conservatory of Flowers

2009-03-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Saint Francis of Assisi

2009-03-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, California, Part Two

2009-03-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, California

2009-03-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

Grace Cathedral

Huntington Park, San Francisco, California

2009-03-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

Beautiful mansion in the background.

Eglise Notre Dame des Victoires, San Francisco, Californie

2009-02-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

Les fenêtres en verre peint à l'intérieur de la chapelle.

French: Church of Our Lady of Victory

Grant Street and Bush Street, San Francisco California

2009-02-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

The gates to China Town on Grant Street

Beldan Place, San Francisco, California Part Deux

2009-02-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

Tell me, which do you prefer?

Beldan Place, San Francisco, California

2009-02-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

Bush Street & Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California

2009-02-22T11:03:00.000-08:00

I was on another adventure yesterday and I chanced upon this lovely building. I had to photograph it and then to do it justice it has to be desaturated.

Light Pollution

2009-02-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

Everyone Loves a Peacock, Except Lyla.

2009-02-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enought to be able to take Lyla to the zoo today. The peacocks were uncaged and scared the heck out of Lyla. I loved 'em.

A Beach House

2009-02-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

The Ammunition

2009-02-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

Alandra

2009-02-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

Starry Starry Night

Poodles in the SF MOMA

2009-02-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

My favorite installation.

Sculpture

2009-01-25T22:09:00.000-08:00

Then the Car Wouldn't Start

2008-12-27T23:52:00.000-08:00

We had to pull over and dance to a song that the Blow were singing. Lauren danced, I photographed, then I danced and she photographed. Then my camera battery died. Then Lauren's car wouldn't start. Then her car battery died.

A Movie Made

2008-12-01T12:08:00.001-08:00

Celebrating Autumn

2008-10-27T00:40:00.000-07:00

There are a couple patches of side walk that I slip on when I walk home from class. I slip on them because they are covered in what seem to be decorative cherries; from a decorative cherry tree, they are beautiful and look delicious, but I know better than to try and eat one. Anyway, the side walk near the tree is covered is mushed up cherries. This texture on the cement makes for great slipping, especially for someone like me who looks for any excuse to slip and fall.
I have learned from losing my balance in the last couple of days to look at the ground and pay attention to where I am walking, in doing this I discovered something: golden leaves. The trees are turning! The trees look like their on fire and they are releasing their leaves!
Autumn is my favorite time of year. It isn't too hot, it isn't too cold. I can usually sense the day when the weather changes, but I have not felt it yet, I hope I did not miss it this year.
Autumn is something to be celebrated, nature is resting and looks glorious as she sleeps, the wind blows, the leaves rustle, and hot cocoa becomes acceptable once again. There are two things that I crave in Autumn, a photo of the foliage and the smell of mulling spices and cider warming on the stove when I walk in the door. I yearn for that scent so strongly that I feel quite emotional about not being able to capture the security and comfort that it brings.

I have been wanting to do a photo shoot with my new friends and the opportunity came to do one with Leah. We found this cool bike and shoved it into her car; ruining the upholstery of her backseat with oil from the chain of the bike and took off. I recognize now that the color needs to be corrected in these photos, so perhaps I will get on that and post the edits soon.

Dancing because we're young and we can.

No one ever looked so good standing in weeds.

Miss thang with they aforementioned bike.

A shot I took of myself while Leah was in the car changing.

I love the way this turned out. Leah took this one, and I think she did quite well.

Blake Holland

2008-10-20T10:30:00.001-07:00

IMG_6033, originally uploaded by theladyharper.

This photo was supposed to be a band photo for The Soixante, I guess it could still be, however, the band is slow moving.

Lady of the Sea

2008-10-18T01:39:00.001-07:00

FH000012_edited_1, originally uploaded by theladyharper.

Hey, will you put that sea weed on and let me photograph you?
-Only if you put it on and let ME photograph YOU.
Okay.

Magical Forest

2008-10-17T13:41:00.001-07:00

IMG_1246, originally uploaded by theladyharper.

This photo was taken at the Sego Festival III in Provo, Utah.
This was a magical lane. I expected fairies to be floating around.

Sigur Ros in all their glory

2008-10-17T13:28:00.001-07:00

IMG_1463, originally uploaded by theladyharper.

Sigur Ros playing a beautiful song with help from their opening band, Parachutes.
This photograph is an image of one of the happiest times in my life.
This concert is in my top 3.

T Shirt Recycling

2008-10-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

I have a problem. I like to keep stuff, especially when it is beyond being usable. This is particularly a problem when it comes to my clothes. I love my clothes and I don't like to "get rid of them." So I decided today to make them into something else that I can love and never have to give them away.
I wanted to start with a T Shirt for a band that I don't really care for anymore. I researched online ways to renew shirts and recycle them. I found a couple of cools ways.
This link is to a page full of cool things that I would like to do:
http://wiredminds.ca/mari/urbn/urban.html
and this link is to the page of what I ended up doing:
http://www.whatthecraft.com/tuts/cbust.htm

This is how I ended up wearing it.

San Francisco, August 31, 2008

2008-10-02T23:48:00.000-07:00

I spent a lot of time underground while in San Francisco. These are some photographs in the Embarcadero MUNI station. I recognize that these are not sharp, but I kind of like that about them. The light is dim and everything seems really slow when you're on the platform waiting for the train.

San Francisco, August 30, 2008

2008-09-30T23:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I did not spend this day physically in San Francisco, but I was not far away across the bay. I spent a couple of days at my friend Collin's home in Danville, California.
I had a lot of fun with he and his family, it was fun to see the dynamics of a large, and hilarious family!

We went on a walk after dinner on Sunday night and I took this picture for them. I think they are just lovely. Yes, I know, it is blurry, but I like the effect. The sun was really shinning this afternoon and it just washed over everyone.

This is a personal favorite of mine. Sister Willardson has such a beautiful sense of humor and she was cracking herself up here.

Madsen!

Collin and his new cousin Rai.

San Francisco, August 29, 2008

2008-09-30T23:44:00.000-07:00

Slow Food Nation 2008
The Slow Food Nation festival was dedicated to local food. There were vendors from all over northern California toting their goods. There was olive oil, cheese, berries, honey, beef, lamb, lavender, and so many more beautiful and wonderful things.

I was actually in a really bad mood this day and sat on a hay bale for most of this. While I was being bitter I took these pictures. The festival was held in the civic center between the UN building and City Hall.

MishMash

2008-09-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

I feel incomplete when I do not exercise my creativity. Quite honestly, I feel kinda worthless and unimportant if I don't. Due to this fact, I have decided to try something new.
I have long been a fan of "collaging" and transient collages came to mind.

This is my first attempt. This collage is made of things on my desk.
Money, recorder, notes, recorder music, money, photos, I.D.
This collage is a collection of things from my weekend in Utah. I attended the Sego Festival, rode the UTA, and was showered with confetti at the Sigur Ros concert.
Note, tarot card, Sego itinerary, I.D., confetti, ticket.

I am interested to know what you think, how could these be improved?