Author: travel67

Sadhu – Varanasi, India

There are many sadhus or holy men in Varanasi. Some are there for spiritual reasons, leading an ascetic life, free from worldly possessions. Others are, to put it politely, a little more commercially minded. It can be hard to tell which is which, both can be friendly, they’ll chat to you and let you take their photograph. Some will then shake your hand, and nod or give a blessing, if you leave a little money in a collection bowl. A few, however, will suddenly demand hundreds or thousands of rupees, the amount seemingly based on how rich or vulnerable you look. Of course the majority of these sadhus are simply trying to find the divine in a world that seems obsessed by material goods.

Tomoko in White

A bright beauty image of Tomoko. This type of shot seems to be pretty much standard for cosmetics particularly in Asia. Model – Tomoko MUA – Summer Johnson-Makeup Artist Pentax 645D HD PENTAX-D FA645 MACRO 90mmF2.8ED AW S Lighting – White background. Octabox powered by Profoto Pro-7a as the main light. Small softbox as low fill. A medium size strip softboxes on both sides adding rimlight (powered by Profoto compacts). A fifth compact aimed at the background. Strobes triggered with PocketWizards.

Alexis in Denim

Model – Alexis Makeup & Hair – Summer Johnson Pentax 645D HD PENTAX-D FA645 MACRO 90mmF2.8ED AW S Lighting – Charcoal background. Octabox powered by Profoto Pro-7a as the main light. Small softbox as low fill. A medium size strip softboxes on both sides adding rimlight (powered by Profoto compacts). A fifth compact aimed at the background. Strobes triggered with PocketWizards.

Royal Post Boxes

A couple of images of wall type post boxes I took while in The Lake District. The VR box was introduced during the reign of Queen Victoria and the GR box was produced during the reign of King George V. Many decades later, they continue to collect mail from the locals, and the occasional postcard from a bedraggled hiker.

Amanda the Medic

Medic – Amanda Perez MUA – Summer Johnson-Makeup Artist Pentax 645D HD PENTAX-D FA645 MACRO 90mmF2.8ED AW S Lighting – White background. Octabox powered by Profoto Pro-7a as the main light. Small softbox as low fill. A medium size strip softboxes on both sides adding rimlight (powered by Profoto compacts). A fifth compact aimed at the background. Strobes triggered with PocketWizards.

England’s Wettest Place

While back in the UK, I went for a hike near Seathwaite, Cumbria. Depending on the altitude, it was either raining, sleeting or snowing. It turns out that Seathwaite is actually the wettest place in England and receives 124 inches (3.15m) of precipitation each year. It was however great to be back in the Lakes. If you’re ever wondering what inspired the likes of Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey, then add The Lake District to your itinerary next time you visit the UK. Just remember to bring an umbrella.

In the Studio – Talisa

Model – Talisa Galarza Makeup and Hair – Mallika Sharma of Glam Girl Sharma Pentax 645D HD PENTAX-D FA645 MACRO 90mmF2.8ED AW S Lighting – Charcoal background. Beauty dish powered by Profoto Pro-7a as the main light. Small softbox as low fill. A medium size strip softboxes on both sides adding rimlight (powered by Profoto compacts). A fifth compact aimed at the background. Strobes triggered with PocketWizards.

The Lake District, U.K.

Here’s a photograph for all of ewe. The model’s looking a little sheepish. She probably thought she might get fleeced. I said I wasn’t trying to pull the wool over her eyes. I apologize for the pun run. I’m being hunted down by the comedy police. As of now, I’m on the lam.