North Carolina Fall

Spent a little time reworking older images as I sometimes do. I find the passage of time provides for new perspectives and I often wonder what I originally saw in an image. The photo above is a case in point. My original idea was to highlight the foggy conditions but I now realize the the story here is about the glorious morning light.

The rays of the sun were captured naturally without any filter effects. The trees on the mountainside provided me with this spectacular show. One more reason to always, "Be out there."

The Official Launch of the "Portrist"

So today marks the official launch of my new website called "The Portrist." The Portist is my alter-ego, a somewhat shadowy character. Please take a few minutes and vist the site. Comments are always welcome.

The Portrist is the personal portrait photographer to the most exotic, interesting and peculiar people on earth.

This is quite a departure from my usual work as it is neither photojournalism nor corporate. It does have that Murder City feeling about it and satisfies my creative side. It also allows me to join the cosplay society and have fun. The Portrist is steampunk in nature and should be a lot of fun to portray. You will find him at various conventions, events, fairs and the odd card game.

For those interested in having your portrait made by the Portrist contact him through the new website link.

Ghostly Fairies

"Ghostly Fairies" is the latest in the "Dark Heroes" series. I actually shot this photo several years ago and have reworked it in the "Dark Heroes" style. I am thinking of promoting these portraits as work by the "Portrist", a steampunk photographer character I will play at cosplay conventions around the world.

Cosplayers will be able to commission their own "Dark Heroes" style portrait and order prints online.

If you are interested in commissioning your own photo by the "Portrist" contact me at info@murdercityphotography.com.

"Dark Heros" A New Series of Portraits

I am embarking on a new venture for me. A series of portraits of cosplay, military, anime, steampunk and other fantasy characters. These are not your typical heroic action figure portraits. Rather, they are much more personal and reflective of the true nature of the individual.

I also plan on putting together a traveling exhibit of the portraits as well as a coffee table book.

Of course you don't have to wait for a convention to have your Dark Hero portrait made. It might be nice to have your portrait made in advance so you can share it with others. Contact me at barry@murdercityphotography.com to arrange your own photo shoot.

The New Murder City Photography Website!

At last! The new Murder City Photography website is ready. Not that there was anything really wrong with the old site but the underlying functionality was suspect and required more than normal maintenance.

One of the new additions to the site are searchable galleries where images are available to purchase prints or license for commercial or personal use. The Photographer's Notebook is also on a new platform. Easier to read, share and respond on.

Coming soon: a new Calendar page where you can keep up with my speaking engagements, seminars, photo walks and events.

Please take a look around and leave a comment.

Thanks -

Barry

1st Annual Murder City Photography Pin-Up Shoot

To say the 1st Annual Murder City Photography Pin-Up Shoot was successful would be an understatement. Staged at the beautiful Danville Bed & Breakfast by our host Dan Shaw, the event had the makings of a winner from the very beginning. I can't thank Dan Shaw, Stacy Hokett, Rosalind Friday, the volunteers, my crew and my amazing wife, Debbie who worked the event on her birthday, enough. It was the dedication and creativity of people like these that made this event exceptional.

Add amazing models made even more astounding by our very talented MUAs and hairdressers, a wide variety of settings both indoors and out, some really cool vintage cars, military vehicles, aircraft and some beautiful weather and you begin to get the picture on just how unique this event was. Add to this, the City Eats Food Truck and a great bunch of volunteers to ensure everyone was fed and things ran smoothly.

One of our WWII reenactors, Joseph Lorentzson also happens to be a photography instructor. He was one of many who shared knowledge with others on lighting, lens choice, etc.

WWII Reenactors

I spent the weekend at a MVPA rally in Belleview, Florida. I have been to a couple of similar events but none themed around WWII/Vietnam.

The level of accuracy these individuals go to is amazing. Most of their uniforms and gear are actual  items from WWII. Even the vehicles which are restored to original condition are accurate in every detail.

Raise Your Weapons Preview

After completing two shoots we have put together a preview of the Raise Your Weapons project that combines all the separate elements. The music was written by composer Benjamin Newhouse specifically for the Raise Your Weapons project.

We still have 28 scenes to shoot as well as the interviews with veterans, cast members and supporters.