'I find self portraits interesting since every decision is made by one person, the model. However, it is also fascinating to see what Warren comes up with when he isn't having to run over and deal with the camera.'
Some of you remember that I mentioned in a previous piece that photographer Gary Larson from Noplacia Photography had moved from Washington awhile ago. This meant he would be no longer living close to one mine, and one of FH's models, Warren Russell. Gary promised however to share his archive of shoots with FH, and has done so in 9 previous pieces. (listed below) This the tenth of the archive is sadly the last.
Although Warren has appeared in several other pieces, both with other photographers, an with his self portraits, it is sort of apropos that this shoot would be the 10th archive piece from Gary, in FH's 10th year. Gary is still hoping it's not his last shoot with Warren and plans on connecting when is back visiting in the Washinton area.
It is also appropriate that this shoot takes us back into the woods. Although I loved many of Warren's studio shoots, the first time I discovered his imagery, he was outside and some of my favorites from his portfolio feature him out in the Forrest. Warren seems at home in the woods, far from whatever stress's might be weighing him down. Warren is also at home sans clothing, and the forest is truly a beautiful place to be naked and connect with nature, and with one's self.
Although Gary and Warren had done some outdoor shoots, and gotten some great images previously, mostly near Gary's home in Bellevue, WA, Warren suggested they try out some places he knew about in order to get the full outdoor experience. Gary's images beautifully capture Warren's feeling of being naked, and outside in the forests that he loves.
As he peels off his jeans and rips off the rest of the clothing that binds him, Warren reminds me of kid ho had been cooped up in school all day, and is finally outside, free to run and play. I especially love Gary's images of Warren in the tree's and on the logs. You can almost feel the roughness of the bark, and the coolness of the moss as it connects with Warren's skin.
'I had seen the beautiful self portraits he did in those places and was really happy to see what I could do during our fist full outdoor shoot.'
DirtRoad by Noplacia Photography on FH:
