Several years ago, my friend Christopher Bush told me about the half-frame 35mm cameras that were manufactured briefly in the 1960's. Seemed as though some of the big manufacturers thought that offering twice as many shots per roll was a great marketing ploy. The only problem is that twice as many shots = 17.5mm, literally half the negative size. And two verticals vs. one horizontal, if you follow me. Ultimately, the consumers shunned them - who wanted twice as many "skinny" vacation pictures of the kids?

Unless you think about the full 35mm frame - two 17.mm shots - as a whole. 

The Olympus Pen was the most popular model but several other manufacturers followed suit. Chris pointed out that the Konica Aut0-Reflex (circa 1966) was a winner, not because of the half-frame/full-frame switch ("Why would you use it to shoot full frame?" he said) but because of the lens. One of the best Konica ever made, a 50mm 1.4. Crisp, wonderful, and real. Not a toy.

These cameras are hard to come by and the light meter never works (but who cares). I waited for about 8 months on eBay until one came up and snatched it up for $300.00. I've since bought two more.

It's a heavy piece of metal, so, what was I to do with it, other than hit a mugger in the head with it and then take their picture?

How about take in-camera diptychs?

So, that's what I've attempted to do. It forces me to be disciplined about the two shots that I'm taking. It forces me to think about the level of visual juxtaposition. It forces me to think before I shoot. Which is always a good thing.

I soon realized that Chris actually contradicted himself. The reason you would flip the switch to full-frame is because of the quality of the lens.

But that's not the point of this post.

These diptychs are. For better or worse.

Discipline.

Suffer...

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Ever felt like you can't stand still?

Ever felt like your time is gone?

Ever felt like your mouth is sown shut?

Whatever.

Random outtakes, that actually became intakes (is that a word?)  No, no it's not.

I've been visiting my archives for www.latenightfeelings.com. (shown here, as seen on TV).

And I found some shots that no one has ever seen.

Here they are:

Suffer...

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So, I recently returned from Germany.

While there, I shot many hot chicks.

Here are a few of them.

Ahhhh, Germany...

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   So Los Angeles happened, and I seem to have survived it again. It's been two straight months of shooting for my feature movie, and shit has been insane. It's been a war and all I'm left with is a sick montage of 4 hour drives, amazing models, snow storms, hardwood beds and new friends. So far it's been incredible and I've discovered that I don't need to be fucked up to make it through these types of shooting sprees. Apparently it's even easier to do sober. Man, you know... these demons lay dormant in your shadow for life, and they'd have you believe you can't live without them. They say a lot of things. So does Bill O'reily, but you don't have to listen to any of it... unless you are on youtube and having a bad day. Then you have to watch oreily start freaking out and cussing about Sting.

   That being said... I could start in on the stories and such, but I think I'll wait until I start to release the pictures. I've sent a few over to Filthygorgeousthings.com, and they'll be getting them out over the next two months. I've been working with models that are all new to me and new to erotica. Many are working under aliases so new we haven't even made them yet. I don't mind keeping this picture a mystery for now anyway- it's probably the superstitious side of me at work- but I'll be giving away hints and glimpses as we keep going. We are slated to shoot through the end of April and will have hit 7 cities by the time it's done. 

    The above pictures are from Robert Sebree's studio. He built a photobooth there and has all of the people who wander in and out do a sitting in it. He asked to get some of my tattoos, in case you are wondering about the strange teen-just-got-a-tat style pictures. Apnea had just finished shooting in a big blow up pool with more leaks than any  photographer would like to see in the middle of their studio. Actually, I don't think you have to be a professional photographer to hold a strong disdain for anything that attempting to hold a few thousand gallons of water inside of a building. It was great for me watch another photographer at work and to meet such an amazing man with so little ego. I swear this industry... If you could eat ego,  Hollywood would look like Sizzler after an open bar workers party.

   And on the subject of watching others work, it was great to meet Chad Michael Ward and watch him shoot Apnea. He has the perfect mix of Gonzo photography and professional gear. Just a great experience for me in general. I've only recently become familiar with his body of work, and it's amazing to see where so many other people have been "pulling inspiration" from. They say that whole thing about how an artist should be flattered to be copied, but shit... if you want to flatter me, buy me a meal. Being a starving artist seems romantic for the first decade... But when you start looking towards Mexico for dental work... you get the picture. I hope you get the picture... I'm not even sure what picture I'm painting with this entry anymore...

    Well the third model in these photobooth pictures is one of the women from the movie, and the rest will have to remain up in the air until I put it down on .jpg or .mov

    That being said, let it be known I have somehow picked up a bizarre interest in the Guns N, Roses  song "Estranged" and have been listening to it on repeat while writing this. I can not explain why I would like this song anymore than I can explain why Axl Rose turned into a dolphin before going into hiding and emerging with corn rows... corn rows. Axl Rose has corn rows. What a mystical world. 

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"Every time I dream about you, baby
With your hands all over me
I never forget anything
Don't forget that I'm asleep"

"Bulletproof"

- Greg Dulli

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