Guest Post: Joe Tori and “The Psychic Bees”

Guest Post, Inspiration, Portrait, Sony RX1R

I am pleased to share a first-time Guest Post by Joe Tori.

Joe, I love the emotion, composition, and lighting.

…and the B&W tones are visually mellifluous!

—Peter.

Joe Tori writes:

“Detroit has a vibrant and collegial music scene; lots of ensembles spanning all genres. “The Psychic Bees” are just one – and one of the newest — bands making up this energetic landscape. And, of course, I would not miss a performance, since my daughter is one of its members. Previously, she was a founding member of an all-girl, alternative punk band that met with some success, recording and performing original music at a number of well-regarded venues around town. Alas, however, logistics and educational demands forced the demise of “Smudge Candy” and Anna immersed herself in university studies and rock music instruction. Recently, she accepted a career-enhancing job opportunity and her music writing/performing passion was reignited. “The Psychic Bees”, made up of some very capable and genuinely nice musicians wrote new music and debuted it at The Diesel Lounge.

In photographing these events I strive for – but don’t always achieve – the goal of capturing the spirit of the performance. Lighting conditions are often challenging. And, it can be difficult to seize an instant in which all performers are out in the open and in the moment. This image stood out for me as one such instance. Anna was immersed and Adam was absorbed. I’m pleased to have caught this moment.

(The photo was made using the Sony RX1R. The RAW image received only minor adjustment in Photoshop CC).”

Psychic Bees - JTori

Window Light Portrait (Film).

Film, Inspiration, Kodak Portra 400, Leica 35mm Summicron V1 (8 element) LTM conversion to M Mount, Leica M3, Portrait, Q&A

This is a second test shot with the Leica 35/2 v1 (8 element), this time on the M3.

Please forgive the repetitive nature of these test images, but it is important for me to observe the behaviour of different equipment under similar circumstances.

On a related note, I’ve pretty much decided to abandon film (again)… there are more and more obstacles making it difficult for me to continue working with it.

—Peter.

Window Light Portrait (Film)