Torry: A King Of Character

Welcome to this month's photo adventure! It was my pleasure to help build the portfolio for comedian and author Torry "Moose" Martin (http://torrymartin.com), whose absolutely unquenchable stream of expressions relentlessly propelled the shoot towards previously undiscovered comedic territory. Torry transforms into a complete cast of characters throughout this shoot with his expressive face, orange hair, and dynamic wardrobe. Thanks to the advent of photographic technology, his stellar performance has now been preserved for you, the fortunate email recipient. Examine this short sample of expressions and poses: The left image coincides with a collection of works that Torry has compiled titled "Torry Stories". I wish there was room to share the string of faces that he offered as he pretended to read this book--which just happened to be a copy of Dostoevsky's unfunny "Crime and Punishment". Torry dawned his own collection of fishing wares in the middle photo to illustrate his former past times in Alaska, where he was a former citizen. Things were especially exciting in the studio as the net and fishing hooks embedded in his hat intertwined during Torry's emphatic maneuvers. I was allowed to get all up into Torry's grill for the right image, where he crossed an expanse of expressions in great detail. I enjoy this embittered character whose left eye appears to signal the hatching of a diabolical scheme of retribution. Because of Torry's history in Alaska and his nickname, "Moose", it was inevitable that we introduce a moose to the adventure. I knew of one moose from last year's Chonda Pierce adventure to "Prettyville." The following pair of images pits Torry against his namesake nemesis, and the right image allowed me to break a golden rule of photography by making horns grow out of Torry's head. If my old photo professors see this they may attempt to recall my degree. I tweaked the contrast and color to appear as if it was a bit of 70's style B-roll footage. Torry conquers the moose and further taunts him with intimidating body language which can be enjoyed here. Note the very small hoof resting in between the roots of the driftwood that attempts to illustrate the moose's left front toe. It's a special effects tour de force! The owner of the taxidermy that we used as a location was diligent enough to re-sand the detached hoof in order that it would set just right for the image. Details, details, details... As we were out shooting, a number of disastrous events occurred which I will not describe, but we were thankfully rescued by a super-hero that looked surprisingly just like Torry! After we had been completely rescued from the afore-unmentioned events, the superhero began to confide in us just how difficult it was to be a superhero in such a tumultuous world, as illustrated in the right image. I had my trusty camera handy and was able to capture the depth of his dilemma-ridden face. Note the small close-ups that detail this encounter. Torry Martin set this shoot ablaze with his display of humor, depth, and charm. A special thanks to Dylan Reyes (http://dylanreyesphotos.com) who assisted on this shoot, and to Scarpati (http://scarpati.com) who also provided services relevant to the mission. Thank you for reading yet another photo adventure. Please enjoy the fall season! If you know anyone who needs images for building promotions, then please forward this newsletter to them. All former newsletters are posted at rorywhite.blogspot.com. Be sure to top your ipod off with music from my rock band Copa at copa.us.com. It's gospel cigar rock and is great for workouts and fast freeway driving! Many cheers, Rory

Rory White Photography 1609 Linden Avenue B Nashville, Tn 37212 615.631.0106 | chilidogcowboy@yahoo.com

September Newsletter: In the shadows of Weegee, Bresson, and Brassai

Welcome to this month's Adventures in Photography! This month is all about pictures of people who aren't posed and are in a world all their own. It's always been my favorite genre of photography because of its unpredictability, limited control, and the resulting magic of a successful image that tells a unique story. The Arc of Engagement From my very first assignments as a student in college, I was fascinated with taking pictures of people without dictation concerning pose or intent. When people become aware of a camera, there is an arc to their reactions. The person will examine the camera, and perhaps the photographer, and decide what kind of face to present. When the photographer presses the shutter, the face's expression is then documented, and it begins to tell its own story-perhaps apart from the reality of what was actually happening at that moment. The time before the face is fully prepared and the pose struck is often the least sterilized moment of expression. Before a person has prepared to smile, smirk, or otherwise stylize his or her features, is when one is probably broadcasting the truest state of affairs concerning his/her emotions and mindset at the time. To my mind spring three significant photographers who were known to be masterful at capturing these moments: Weegee, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Brassai. (By the way: if you click on any of the following images, you should be able to see a much larger version with detail that your email version may not be able to provide.) Masters of the Moment On the far left, Weegee has photographed two ladies who emit opulence, juxtaposed with a contrasting 'bag lady' dressed in a masculine looking hat and overcoat. I have interpreted her expression as that of envy, and the subjects of her gaze seem disengaged from her, but are aware of us, the audience. If we cut the lady out on the right then the image says much less, and becomes just another red carpet celebrity portrait. In the middle, Cartier-Bresson has caught the attention of three seemingly unguarded people involved in the practice of vanity maintenance. Ironically, this photograph is probably the apex of their fame, when their presentation is unguarded. The circuitous wave-shaped arrangement of arms and untended facial expressions seem credible, remarkable, and perhaps even cartoonish. On the right, Brassai has captured a moment of passion. The couple has tuned the audience out and seems to be interested only in each other. They have created a secret world in a public place, and despite the conflict, age, and the other forces that await them in the days to come, their apparent bliss pervades. Mimicry In the same curious spirit, exercising faith that there are millions of moments that tell stories still waiting to be captured, I have ventured into parties from time to time to make my own catalog of meaningfully pregnant images, i.e. images that have a plot embedded in them and reward a patient viewer. Engagement These two images indicate effectively the arc of how a person looks towards the camera before deciding on a sociable expression. The subjects' gaze seems alarmed. The image on the left is one of my all-time favorites, because of the gentleman's brilliant expression and the fiery background that compliments it. His wonderful hand gripping the cane was icing on the cake. The picture on the right seems to make a proper compliment. Partyscape Nightlife can be both energetic and disorienting. The ape can come out of a man, as on the left, and the environment can become very alien, as on the right. Politico These two images, although not as energetic or epic as the previous two, present a political commentary that's worth noting. I sent the image on the right to the lab and had the man's shirt blown up, just like Columbo would do. Note his resemblance to William Ayers. Thank you for enduring yet another exhaustive email. Please remember that this and all former 'Adventures...' emails are posted at my blog here. See you next month! Rory Rory's Web Page: www.rorywhite.com Rory's new alter ego photo page for artist development: www.rorshak.com Rory's Blog: rorywhite.blogspot.com Rory's Music: www.copa.us.com Rory White Photography 1609 Linden Avenue B Nashville, Tn 37212 615.631.0106 | chilidogcowboy@yahoo.com

Gallery Highlights-August Newsletter 2009

Welcome to this month's Adventures in Photography! This summer, I was invited to hang a few photos up at the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts. The contents of this email will provide you with a quick glimpse of the photos that I chose to display, so if you were unable to visit the gallery you still have an idea of how it all looked. For any artists whose picture was made for web/print purposes, I have placed a link from their photos so that you might learn more about them. Mr. Joseph Akins' photo was made on the stage with a piano for his new album 'Spirit Touch'. The Branded Sons for their self titled debut. Mrs. Chonda Pierce for her 'Staying Alive' album. Mr. Steve Satre for his web page. ..and two of my friends, Ben and April, who posed for a 'rooftop escape' scenario. I am proud to share this little family of photographs, and honored to get to hang them anywhere outside of my own residence. Thanks for enduring this, the shortest of all of the 'Adventure's...' emails. Enjoy the fall weather--and thank you so much for being a part of this email list! Many Cheers, Rory Enjoy my blog at rorywhite.blogspot.com--its loaded with all of the 'Adventures in Photography' emails, my Gospel Cigar Rock bulletins, and other strange but wholesome content. Rory White Photography 1609 Linden Avenue B Nashville, Tn 37212 615.631.0106 | chilidogcowboy@yahoo.com

Asking Questions (8/23)

You're not ready for this.

Asking Questions podcast under the Jesus Christ Show.
http://www.kfiam640.com/pages/podcasting/

I tried to make a direct link but failed miserably. It's difficult to know how to take this show, but, after you get past the satire, it actually can point you in the right direction...

Copa Gospel Cigar Bulletin 8/20/09

The following is an online-friendly version of the Copa Bulletin from the Rory Rorshak Copakustic shows from 12th and Porter on 8/19/09 and The Gap in Johnson City on 8/20/09--









Gospel Cigar Rock song Creation Suggestions:

To Write a Gospel Cigar Lyric-Refer Heavily to the Books Of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Imagine Consequences that May Stem from Failing to Apply the Advice Therein. From the Outgrowth of Drama, you will find your Source material for a Darker shade of Gospel Cigar Tune. For a Brighter Shade, Refer to the Song of Soloman and Add WaH Guitar and a Dance Beat. For an Copakustic sound, Borrow Heavily from ‘The Godfather” Soundtrack. Sing or Speak Softly Into The Microphone as If it was Someone’s Ear, Maintaining a Mental Image of Dirty Harry Delivering the “Do You Feel Lucky” Speech.

Throughout this evening you may be presented with the following lines That I have arbitrarily extracted from the song lyrics:

You Never Talk To Me (Anymore)

you never talk to me anymore
they way you used to talk to me oh lord
you never call my name the way you used to call my name oh lord

i haven't seen love laid out quite they way i saw it
when i was knocking with my fist against your door
the air up there vs. the clouds around here
makes me think i've taken less than i should have stood for

you never talk to me
for so long i just do what i please
eat the fruit from the forbidden tree
just hoping that you'll talk to me

i've been green, greedy, and foolish
i've been clean then returned to the sewage
i've been mean, it seems, to the sweetest things
and i don't blame you if you don't take be back
you've no reason for doing that

you never talk to me anymore
they way you used to talk to me oh lord
you never call my name the way you used to call my name oh lord

when i was young i was full of faith
but let nonsense cloud my mind
now i'm too afraid to reach for the light
to believe and not receive

so i lay me down after all these years
for you to do what you will
i keep no strings to sacred things no joker up my sleeve

you never talk to me
for so long i just do what i please
eat the fruit from the forbidden tree
just hoping that you'll talk to me

i've seen weeds growing in the clover
and i cut them down with the blades of a mower
and if they return i will burn them with gasoline and a match
but i don't blame you if you don't take me back
you've no reason for doing that

Lot, Samuel, Abraham, Moses, Jacob, and Paul
burning bush, dancing bones, and a pillar of salt
its hard to believe when you haven't seen anything unbelievable
but in faith we see nothing but the wind
i know there was a time when you spoke to them
so won't you let me come listen....


You’re just sleeping in the bed you made
between a bible and a razorblade
do you want to come back?
can you remember the way?
kissing daddy’s girl
trying to kill pain.
-Kissing Daddy’s Girl

The paradox of the Prodigal
Clipping the Wings of his Angels
and sending them back to their King...
...between the broken and the mended things
lay the feathers of his Angels Wings
-Angels

In grace you may come away a richer soul with less control-
is that o.k.?
In love you may leave this earth without your shirt
because you gave it away.
I know you.
-What Could Be Better Than Loving You?

I may be the accident
who gave you one last chance
to become the punching bag
that started punching back
-I Love You So

By good grace we did collide
and you showed me that every blue-sided mountain
has a sunny side, too
-Children of the Empire

Who broke the glass above the gems that were your eyes when we were new?
-Come Home!

stop. No. Wait.
3 words to hate
to have
to hear
but its not the devils way
no, never devil's play
To Play Fair
-Fingers and Toes


And so, if you weren't able to attend, you have a clue about the content of the show--though you will have to do without the free mustache!

Many cheers!
Rory

Rory White-not the kidnapper and thief in the news. I promise.

I was delighted to receive a Myspace message this morning from a buddy who let me know that a 28 year-old Rory White (not me) was caught by the police in Murfreesboro for kidnapping, theft, and aggravated assault. My name is Rory White, I am 31 years old, and I operate my photo business in Nashville, TN. I lived in Murfreesboro from 1999 until 2005. It is such a thrill that there is another Rory White helping our good name with acts of kidnapping, thievery, and assault. A good percentage of my yearly business comes from people who live in Murfreesboro. I also attend church regularly in Murfreesboro. Because the name 'Rory White' is somewhat unique, I felt that it is important to state that I am not the one who was captured by police on July 28, 2009. I promise. I will be excited to spend the next few weeks clarifying this fact to my client base, friends, and old neighbors.

I welcome all stories of mistaken identity as comments to this blog, as I would like to incorporate them in my next 'Adventures...' email.

-Rory White (not the kidnapper)

http://www.wgnsradio.com/news/local-news/

Man Wanted for Kidnapping Caught

July 28, 2009

A man wanted on charges of aggravated kidnapping was arrested after someone spotted the fugitive at a local McDonalds. 28-year old Rory White was pulled over after leaving the fast food restaurant and served a warrant for the kidnapping. He was also charged with violation of probation, theft and domestic assault. The Jackson, Tennessee man was arrested without incident and taken to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.

Written by Michael Lansing · Filed Under News | Leave a Comment

Artist Booth Confessions Welcome to this month's Adventures in Photography where our spotlight is split between a father and daughter superduo, Brian and China Hardin, who pioneer the Daily Audio Bible broadcast (http://www.dailyaudiobible.com/). Our mission was to create images that would be safe enough for publicity, but to keep them imaginative and armed with an abstract edge. Both Brian and China exude layers and layers of character and were so encouraging that I felt comfortable running through my list of photo ninja tricks to krunktify the images: limited focus, distortions, looking through objects/glass, high contrast light, saturated colors, and absolute plagiarism. When playing the character of 'The Fly', Bono states that "every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief, all kill their inspiration and sing about the grief." As I get older and more transparent with myself, I am facing the truth that most of what I think of as characterizing my art, whether music or photography, is a hybridization of other artists great ideas that I have stolen. The only originality seems to be the percentage influence of each artist that I dial into each image or song. It is said that mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery. As a student in college, my professor refused to allow us, the students, to see his portfolio. It was his effort to discourage imitation and encourage raw formulation. Inevitably, however, I was confronted with television, billboards, magazines, album covers, photo books, etc. and developed a taste for what I would like to see in my own photography based greatly upon those sources. Andre Kertesz One of the most influential photo books to affect my work was by Andre Kertesz. During a later period of his career, he decided to photograph human bodies underwater (below, left). Shooting through water can cause unpredictable and unique distortions. It makes an unruly filter. I did not have water to shoot through for this adventure, but I did have Plexiglas, which was useful for creating this dreamlike (and almost watery) image of China: Vanity Fair Upon my request, Brian sent me a few portraits of famous people to give me a ballpark idea of what we would be 'shooting' for (sorry for the bad pun). Many of the images had some sort of quirk in their pose that made the photograph less like a 'noun' and more like a 'verb'- as if it was a moment sliced out of time as opposed to a pre-meditated and static deliberation. I tried to keep this in mind throughout our shoot. (The left image is a stolen image of a famous person verbaliciously standing on a chair, and on the right is our image with a verbalicious quirk.): Anton Corbijn And I love to spend a portion of my shoots outside, shooting with a shallow aperture and a bare white background to cover my adulation for Anton Corbijn's wonderful style (left photo is a Corbijn image of Tom Waits, right photo is from this month's adventure). Corbijn's work has taught me that it's alright if shadows go black, character is king, and toning can be overt. When an artist steals an idea, it can innocuously be termed 'appropriation'. It is best to understand that whenever the word appropriation shows up, it usually means that someone has tweaked an old idea, extended an analogy, etc. to retrofit a new application. I could ramble on and on about all of the good ideas I have stolen (or appropriated ;) from other people, but perhaps that is best saved for another adventure as this one has grown to be a bit of a novella. On the music front, feel free to steal some mp3s from the Copa site here. You might discern the influences of The Police and U2 on the track 'Flesh and Bone', Gavin Friday and Coldplay on 'The Year I Got Everything I Wanted', and Peter Gabriel and Seal on 'Midnight Mansion Moon'. Thankfully, because of the countless variables in appropriating a style, these images stand far enough apart from their origin that I feel safe enough in sharing my artist booth confessions. Thank you for reading this long email! As always, this email will be archived with all of the past Adventures in Photography on my blog here. Oh, and watch me on television on Wednesday nights on The Gospel Music Channel during the airing of Gospel Dream where I am playing the photographer (here)!!! See you next time! Rory Rory White Photography 1609 Linden Avenue B Nashville, Tn 37212 615.631.0106 | chilidogcowboy@yahoo.com