My experience interning with Bryan Sheffield, an entire year ago, is directly connected to the work you see from me. Much of what I hope to make a living doing can be credited to him. Anyone that knows me, personally, knows I’m an extremely difficult person at times. Bryan had to experience that for two complete months. Everyday I woke up, showered, and drove 101 > 134 > 5. The first time driving that route I was covered in hives. The second time driving that route, which was the first day of my internship, I was a pro. Not really. Finally getting to his studio and meeting Bryan I knew I worried over nothing. He’s one of the most caring and uninhibited individuals that I’ll ever meet. Due to my comfort level, within a few days, I was rambling and bitching as always. During one of the following days while location scouting Bryan told me to throw the idea of ‘Photo Internship’ out the window. ‘Life Internship’ quickly replaced that concept and the next six weeks that followed were nothing short of insanely energizing and inspirational. Bryan reintroduced me to photography. Simple basics; how hues and tones are actually supposed to look like and how post processing is essential in achieving those technicals. How to approach and speak to models. How to function properly as a photographer. How to function properly as a human being. He knew my limits and pushed me every day. He knew why the miles traveled between the east and west coast were so important and he included me as much as he could in his experiences as a fashion photographer. He also invited me into his personal life and I met some of the most amazing individuals. Every day I wake up I can’t really get more than an hour into my day without recalling those experiences. Probably because I just don’t want to ever forget them.

An ongoing research project of mine, Exploring the Boundaries of Blind Photography, will be presented tomorrow in the MPR at Slippery Rock University at 9:30 AM. For those of you who will not be attending I figured I would create a small webpage on my site dedicated to my discoveries. As always, thanks for reading my blog and thanks in advance if you get a chance to check out the site.

a/s/l?

Kidding. I’m looking for: people to stand in front of my lens, people who want a portrait of themselves, and anyone who’s fascinated with their own reflection.

-ek