The Technique
Testing a New Lens
On Sunday morning, March 19th, 2017, I went to a brunch with my cousins. Attempting to complement my other lenses, I was testing a new lens that weekend. The lens is ideal for taking inmate images of people without being intrusive.
A Story Unfolds
Seated across from me, I noticed my cousin beginning to relay a story. My cousin is a very animated storyteller. I photographed about a dozen images, hoping to get one or two I liked. Later, I put the photos on my editing viewer. Instead of individual images, I saw an old-time film strip or storyboard. I chose five pictures and put them together as a single print. I let my creative instincts take over; I created a complete story on a single canvas using multiple images.
Reactions To A New Technique
Over time, I showed that print to a few fellow photographers. Their responses were encouraging.
The Challenge
LensWorks Magazine
In 2016, LensWork Magazine introduced the Seeing in Sixes. A simple concept, create six separate interrelated images. The idea was to stimulate photographers by using this concept. It was a way to jump-start the creative process. They would publish annually the 50 best projects they received. The submissions were worldwide. Several of my colleagues used the concept to start their projects. A few submitted theirs for consideration. The last Seeing in Sixes series ended in 2019.
An Inspiring Idea
In July 2017, I met with Patty Hankins, a fellow photographer. We discussed my first solo exhibit opening in October 2018. During the discussion, she emphasized having a centerpiece or anchor for the exhibition. The exhibition was titled The Color in Black & White. The show consisted of black and white prints only. Towards the end of our discussion, Patty challenged me to do a Seeing in Sixes project, maybe something that might end up in the exhibition. I found that intriguing, if not thought-provoking.