the transfers: I always wanted to photograph the nude but struggled with the approach. What was it about the nude that was so interesting? It wasn't a sharply focused image of any one body in my mind, but a vague memory of light and motion. A mind's eye vision of limbs and curves that evoke an emotional response.

I wanted to convey a dream-like interpretation of the nude. A nude that was open to the thoughts and experience of the viewer. One you could consider before moving on. A nude that wasn't immediately dismissed because it was too... something.

the process: This is an elusive creature in and of itself. The basic process is to expose the Polaroid film as you normally would. I use a 4x5 camera to shoot the original exposures.

The film is processed by pressing the chemicals across the face of the negative. Soon after, you tear apart the negative from the Polaroid packet. This negative is put on your choice of transfer papers, and then the film is allowed to finish the transfer process on your new base. Once developed you peel away the negative to reveal your masterpiece!

If that wasn't enough detail for you, following is a reference to a pdf file that goes into the process extensively. You will learn things about paper, water pH and temperatures that make the process work. Once you have a technique that works for you, then you can start enjoying the fun.

the reason: As a designer I work with electronics often. The computer gives direct feedback on the progress of a design. With that feedback comes the option to change direction, alter your view, or save many versions.

The experience of using a film original to capture what is visualized in my mind, through multiple exposures, until it "feels" ready to reveal, is very exciting. I make judgments of the exposure based on photographic knowledge, yet at the same time there is an element of this type of photography that leaves things to chance.

I could always expose for reciprocity error, or color correct my light source, or even use acetate to trace the overlapping elements, but I think it would remove some of the challenge of visualizing all of this in my mind. Also, I would lose, or at least lessen that almost present-like unveiling of the images.

As I want to focus on your interpretation and not so much mine, I will add more to this page as requested. You can also check out the Frequently Asked Questions page for some other information, or contact me and I will answer your questions there.

education: BA in Communication with minors in Psychology and Art. Honors graduate from two year vocational program in photography and attended Brooks Institute of Photography.