Purist Methodology

Robert Christian Malmberg, photographer of these magnificent photos which captured my attention with this methodology of purity. Although Robert uses high end digital cameras for his commercial work, he produces a great deal of outstanding work with his collodion camera, Polariod, and Super 8mm without digital alterations or corrections. Robert Malmberg's work of art is "widely recognized due to the slight, random 'imperfections' associated with alternative mediums and retain an old-world ambiance and atmosphere."

Robert Malmberg graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, then moved to New York to work as an Assistant Photographer in the fashion industry. Upon his discovery with Wet Plate Collodion Era process and various alternative mediums, as well as working in the fashion advertising, Robert opened Collodion Studios in Brooklyn, New York, concentrating on private commissions and editorial. With the success of his studio, Robert expanded his business with a second studio in San Francisco's SOMA district in 2010.

Robert Malmberg is expecting to publish a coffee table book featuring his work in 2011/12, published by AP Limited, and he has directed a feature length documentary titled, "The 2nd Assassination of JFK" which will debut at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011.

For additional information about Wet Plate Collodion, check out our previous posting with Ken Merfield, and please visit Robert Malmberg's webpage to view his entire portfolio.

Intimate Association

With a keen eye in perception, Heiko Waechter captured the moment from his creative vision to present to you, his beautiful photography. Whether it is abstract patterns or focused subjects, Heiko paints the canvas from natural lights and saturated colors. Heiko stated, "subjects often appear isolated from their surrounds, which allows their intrinsic beauty to shine through."

Monzuki admires artists who takes control over their creativity to allow the freedom of true art without the tamper of clients. Heiko Waechter is such example, working full-time as an interactive designer but uses photography to explore his creativity without any boundaries. He quoted, "It's the perfect creative outline away from work, there are no clients, deadlines or commercial pressures."

Heiko Waechter uses a Nikon D300 with various fast prime lenses. He finance his photography by selling limited edition prints through his website, as well as exhibiting his work at galleries in Melbourne. Check out his amazing collection of work on his website, designed by Heiko.

Complicated Narrative

Conceptual photographer, Marisa Howenstine created these imaginative, illustrative images, presented with detailed visuals that narrates a short story. Marisa is influenced by Mark Ryden and Ray Caesar, as well as poetry of Anne Sexton, Pablo Neruda and Sylvia Plath. Although Marisa states she 'research and collect extensive tears from relevant artists,' her process in creating a surreal world is entirely unique and merely her own vision.

Marisa is known to cover all aspect of her photography by producing, lighting, designing and finding props, scouting locations, wardrobe, and hiring crew and talents. With a background in graphic design and an English degree, Marisa utilizes her multi-talents to further and express her vision as a professional photographer.

Marisa Howenstine is based in Los Angeles and specializes in advertising and editorial photography.

Beards And Mustaches

I visited Chelsea Market in New York City and came across these photographs by Dave Mead, when a passer-by caught me LOLing by myself in public space and thought I was crazy or something. I shrugged my shoulders and continued to roam the entire building to catch the rest of this amazing and funny series of photography that was carefully placed throughout Chelsea Market. I would have posted original images of the photographs mounted on large gold painted wood framing, but the halogen lighting was not friendly to the camera. From what I could see, the photographs generated a lot of questions and discussions as well as kids pointing and laughing. At one point, there is an suspended wooden frame for people to pose behind a drawn mustache to photograph themselves. That was a BIG hit.

My inquiring mind had to ask Dave Mead some questions about this series, "Magnificent Specimens". Dave Mead is from Austin, Texas. He heard about "The World Beard and Mustache Championships" in Anchorage, Alaska. In 2009, Dave contacted the event organizers and informed them that he was interested in shooting. Dave said, "After a brief introduction, they decided it was in their best interest to fly me Anchorage, provide me with a tour guide and per diem." He continued, "All contestants came dressed and ready. I simply sat each contestant in front of my camera, fed him a sandwich and directed him."

Dave Mead informed Monzuki that the photography was not part of the competition, but they were used them to promote Beard Nationals in Bend, Oregon. If you are in New York City, I recommend paying a visit to Chelsea Market and view these prints in person. The exhibition ends June 30. If you are not in the area or missed the show, you may view them on Dave Mead's website as well as prints for sale.

Raw And Gritty

It started with a friend who organizes concerts for bands and concurrently owns a tattoo shop. His friend had an idea and requested for Fab5, aka Fabrice, to shoot photos of his customers and band members. Upon accepting the request, Fab5 quickly set up some static lighting on a simple red velvet backdrop and began shooting. He quoted, "It reminded me of a David Lynch movie."

He would work alone, without an assistant nor a make-up artist. Before the shoot, he would instruct the models to visually tell a story through photography. The rest is history.

Fab5 is from Belgium who studied publicity and discovered photography at the same time. His passion for human interaction is the reason why he loves to shoot portraiture, and he finds inspirations from film, graffiti, and within his daily lifestyles. This series of work is titled, "Backstage." Fab5 is currently freelancing and is available for commercial work.

Endless Questions

Stop for a moment, and take the time to realize the beauty of nature. At a glance, these images look foreign, yet they are located right under our noses... powerful. A peek in the wonderful work of nature. Stephen Gross captured these amazing images as he states, "... always drawn to the natural world and found it a constant focus for my curiosity. I find the unknown more interesting." He continues, "I am interested in divining something hidden and surprising. As I limit what I see, using a macro lens with a minute area of view and a depth of fiend as thin as a strand of hair, an infinite sense of dimension is revealed. An alternate reality becomes visible. It is not a process of pre-visualization but simply discovery. Much as the vast solar system resembles the tiniest atoms, I find patterns, similarities and, of course, endless questions. The closer I observe, the more mysterious things become."

These photographs were captured with Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, using a variety of macro lenses, all natural light, and without a studio. These amazing quality are printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag on Epson 9800 and Canon iPF9000 wide format printer.

Stephen Scott Gross is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is a professional photographer for editorial, advertising, and fine art projects. Stephen is located in Brooklyn, New York, and he enjoys rock climbing and snowboarding. Check his website for additional work.

Interview With Patrick Molnar

Once in awhile, when we see some beautiful work of art, we ask ourselves, "If I could only ask a few questions..." Well, we did that. Monzuki came across Patrick Molnar's photography, and we enjoy the beautiful work of composition, color, story, and lighting. From his professional to his personal photography, they captured a moment that will last forever. Patrick answered a few of our questions, and we hope you will enjoy this posting by getting to know the person behind the camera.

How did you discover photography?

My aunt Betsy got me into it. she is an amazing photographer and B&W printer in Cleveland, Ohio. Betsy Molnar.

How old were you when aunt Betsy introduced you to photography?

About 11.

What career path did you take to become a professional photography?

Basically hit art school at 18 and started assisting straight out of the gate. After that, for a super-talented fashion shooter named Liz Von Hoene. I stopped assisting at 25. Oh, and I married Liz' producer, and we now have the world's 2 most awesome kids.

Most photographer has a style or a technique they love to use in their work. What is Patrick Molnar's style and what makes your work different from other photographer?

I guess honest, real... real things you'd see in life. A lot of natural light, short depth of field and maybe a lil rough around the edges.

You are known for your split screen photographs, basically showing the same subject with two different point of views. Explain your concept behind your series of work.

Pretty simple. I was trying to show more pictures at once.

Who and what are your inspirations?

Personally, my Wife and children. My Dad. My Grandma. My Aunt. Professionally, Albert Watson is a gangster. I'd love to meet him sometime.

What kind of camera and lenses do you use? And how much post work is involved?

Mostly Canons and Hasselblad. Whatever will work best for whatever we are shooting. Not a lot of post work. Most times we'll put a color move on the images on set and leave it at that. If we are handling retouching, it is handled by Burn Photo.

What do you print your work on?

Epson Stylus Photo R2400 - Hahnemühle Photo Rag.

Where do you see yourself in the future of photography? Do you want to exhibit your work? Commission your work to art galleries? Build a stronger brand and business? or would you want to remain in commercial photography?

I'd probably stick with advertising/editorial. Some of the most creative stuff I see is assigned work. A lot of the "fine art" stuff I see is kinda... silly. How many ways can you shoot an anorexic/asexual girl standing in a field holding an antique shotgun with her left breast hanging out...? What I'm saying is, don't take it too seriously. You're making pictures, not saving lives. That said, I love pictures/photographs/paintings.

Monzuki would like to thank Patrick Molnar for his time. We hope this brings some enlightenment of Patrick's vision as a professional photographer, as well as some inspiration to your own creativity. Check out his website for additional photographs and updates.

In the meantime, feel free to send Monzuki an email and let us know what you think. Any comments about the blog (design, layout, artists) and how we could be a better blog are appreciated.

Have a nice day!