FACECOLLECTIVE

LEFT COAST Catering: short

2012-01-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

Left Coast Catering catered a VIP event for Google in December and they asked me to document the process. I love working for Left Coast, since they are always laughing and feeding me. The event was a huge success, the food was perfect, and the clients were thrilled. These guys really know what they are doing.

2011 Promos

2012-01-02T23:46:00.001-08:00

My promo cards for 2011 – Happy New Year!

(How to make a) Caramelized Tarte Tatin

2012-01-02T23:45:00.003-08:00

Dimity Jones is a creative director for some of the top magazines on the planet, the creator of the Three-to-one blog, which was chosen by Saveur magazine as one of their 'sites we love in 2011.' When she's not figuring out how things should look she's figuring out how things should taste! I was very honored that she invited me to collaborate with her for a spontaneous shoot where she made a savory tarte-tatin, which tasted fantastic - by the way.

See her blog-post here.

Nicholas PHAN album shoot

2012-01-02T23:45:00.001-08:00

This past year I had the good fortune to work with my friend (and client) Nicholas Phan. We met in Seattle in January to do a photo-shoot for his upcoming album called Winter Words. He sent me an early copy of the music to listen to before the shoot. Seattle was freezing and wet but we managed to find some dry spots to capture a few different 'looks' and styles that I think fit well with the feel of the album. Above are a few of my favorite shots. Buy the album here.

Summer Search – Petaluma

2012-01-02T23:44:00.001-08:00

This is another short film for my client Summer Search that discusses their mentoring program and their office based in Petaluma, California.

David and Jessika's engagement shoot

2012-01-02T23:10:00.000-08:00

These guys love to laugh and I can't wait for their wedding.

Darin and Sarah's Kids

2012-01-02T22:39:00.000-08:00

I don't really consider myself a 'kid' photographer. I'm more of a people photographer and sometimes those people happen to be my friends' kids and we hang out and I take some photos.

Apigee 'Whiteboard Video'

2012-01-02T22:33:00.001-08:00

This is a short promotional video that I directed, filmed, and edited for my client APIGEE. Its sort of an idealized version of a whiteboard demonstration (or how I think I wish my classes had been taught in high-school – aka faster!)

Brooklyn, NY – October 2011

2012-01-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn, New York when you were expecting crispy autumn weather and its so damn muggy it might as well be Independence Day. But the sunset glistens through the fog of exhaust and cigarettes and the roof feels like a trampoline to the city. Old friends, cold beer, and the sadness that could have been in remission under better circumstances seems to bloom. Nothing another Negroni or lager can't solve.

6000 kilometres through AFRICA

2012-01-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

fish sandwich restaurant served off the boat in Istanbul

rest-stop over looking the great rift valley in Kenya

Masai-Mara village next to our safari camp

kids doing gymnastics on the beach in Zanzibar

the bar at our hotel in Zanzibar

loading boats – Zanzibar

bicycle fish – Zanzibar

bartender in Nakonde a border-town between Zambia and Tanzania

rest-stop on the way to Livingstone from Lusaka – Zambia

shoe-shopping in Livingstone, Zambia

couple on the beach – Durban, South Africa

stranded ship off of Sheffield Beach up the coast from Durban, SA

village in the Drakensburg mountains between Durban and Jo'burg

back in Istanbul

Between July 5 and August 4 my girlfriend and I travelled from Nairobi, Kenya to Johannesburg, South Africa with a stop-over in Istanbul on either end. Except for our flight from Livingstone, Zambia to Johannesburg we travelled the majority of the 6000 kilometres overland on buses. The trip was an epic adventure although it wasn't always easy or pleasant. Below is our route:

I decided to bring two cameras and 40 rolls of film. For black and white I brought my trusty Nikon FM-2 with a 35mm and 55mm lens. For color I brought a LOMO point and shoot camera that I purposefully chose for its size and the fact that it has a cheap plastic lens that captures high contrast and saturated color. It was a pleasure to have small sturdy and mechanical cameras that did not rely on electricity or computers. One of them was always by my side and I was able to get up close and personal to people who in general were not thrilled about the idea of being photographed.

To see the rest of the portfolio, click here.

SCAPE portfolio

2011-09-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

I call these photographs SCAPES. You can see these (and the rest) in my new SCAPE PORTFOLIO.

Also, if you are interested, you can purchase prints on the site.

A Summer Search Story

2011-09-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Summer Search is a national non-profit that I work for that mentors under-privileged low income high school kids. Not only do they mentor them, but they send them on summer trips and counsel them to get into University. To cut a long story short, my job is to help tell their story. So here's one story about one student from one of the mentors in Petaluma, CA.

FOURTH of July, San Francisco

2011-09-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

Roof-top sunset in North Beach and then fireworks on the Fourth – San Francisco

London in June

2011-09-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

Driving over the Hampton Court Bridge - storm on the way

Clapham Junction in the rain

Two chaps on the way to the races

My Grandma lives in Flat 5

Tea-time at Frances and Henry's

Robin and Alex stay dry

Tasting Vietnamese coffee

Cricklewood, North London

The view from the tallest building in London

Dad at the Pub

Brighton back-garden Tea-time

I played on these climbing-frames when I was a kid

The 'library' at Park Crescent - Brighton

The Bachelors

2011-09-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

Photographs of the gentlemen and the gentleMAN in question, up near Mendocino, CA.

D-Troit, Michigan

2011-09-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

Detroit, Michigan: If there is an opposite discipline to Public Relations - call-it 'negative relations' - then Detroit has this affliction. There are bad blocks, streets, and neighborhoods in every city in the country and yet it seems like the vast majority of photographers, visitors, and journalists have focused on these blighted areas of Detroit. I had heard about the 'Ruin Porn' and even seen a few shocking photographs. And yet on a recent trip, Brian Mulloy showed us around 'his' town - one that he is incredibly proud of. The notion that the city is some post-apocalyptic bombshell was scrapped in favor of beautiful buildings, friendly people, great bars, and tasty food. I'll put my money on a Detroit rebirth and skip the ugly tour.

– HD

One day I will look like this man:

2011-08-31T23:40:00.000-07:00

That's because this is my father - looking like a Polish/Italian aristocrat in a Top Gun leather jacket. Just imagine that he's clad in driving moccasins, navy-blue trousers, and his vintage Alfa-Romeo is parked just out of frame – engine running – ready for the next tip to somewhere.............

Dogpatch Sunset

2011-08-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

The Ramp is a bar about 3 blocks from my apartment. Outside it smells like fish. There is an incredible view of the bay. Inside it smells like beer. Often the sky is gorgeous. The first photograph was taken from the window of my studio. That crane and I are pretty amiable at this point.
– HRD

Kentucky Derby

2011-08-31T17:14:00.001-07:00

Portraits from this year's Kentucky Derby soiree at the Wright-House in SF

Le Pappas Brothers

2011-08-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Austin, TX - Memorial Day

Summer Search non-profit short-film

2011-07-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

Summer Search 3-Mile Run from CLUBSODA on Vimeo.

Summer Search is a high-impact program that gives low-income students the opportunities and support they need to transform their lives, achieve their own potential, and create change as role models and everyday leaders.

This video documents their annual 3-mile run as incoming Sophomores prepare for their upcoming summer programs.

PRODUCED by CLUBSODA: henryrd@gmail.com
MUSIC by CMOORESOUND.com: moore.connor@gmail.com

Lonestar Beer fashion shoot - Austin, TX

2011-07-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

If you head up S. Congress and bang a left at the giant cupcake you get to a 'designer' house on the corner. A designer lives there. Its hot in Austin, TX. and the cupcakes are TEXAS size.

SF – AUSTIN on two wheels

2011-07-05T08:18:00.001-07:00

You're not going to believe this, but I rode 2000 miles from San Francisco to Austin, TX and only took 16 photographs. (Here are 11 of them.) I think I was focussing on not falling off the wind-tunnel at the end of the sauna. Turns out that its hot in Texas and Arizona this time of year.

Labor Camp NAPA

2011-07-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

Portraits from Labor Camp at the Bronson Cottage - Napa, CA

Yelapa, MX and Cafe Bahia

2011-07-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

If you get to Puerto Vallarte, MX and then travel south for about an hour by boat (the road ends) you get to a place that's been celebrating electricity for only about a decade and looks like paradise. Yelapa is home to the best scones and bread for thousands of miles thanks to acclaimed chef Susan Pasko's restaurant, Cafe Bahia. Pasko has trained in France and California and brings that sort of discipline to island life sourcing (and growing) organic produce, fresh fish, and dreaming up giant loaves of sourdough bread.

Last Day at the ACE Cafe

2011-07-04T11:22:00.001-07:00

Rob and Ineke - Owners of the ACE cafe

Rob and Patrons

The Regulars

The view up 14th to Mission

ACE Cafe SF closed its doors on May 27, 2011 after five years of solid work. There are now a hundred or so 'regular bar patrons' who are roaming the streets of San Francisco wondering where they'll get their next drink. Rob and Ineke created a home for the vagabonds and the thirsty that will be sorely missed. This was the bar that we went to celebrate every birthday, holiday, and any other major event for the past five years and I was lucky enough to call it my own. As far as I know Rob H. has no children, and yet there are a whole crew of folk that might call him 'a Father.'

Just good people........

Josh's Tattoo

2011-07-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Josh I's new tattoo. Its not everyday that a tattoo parlor has a giant skylight window with gorgeous light illuminating the work in progress.

CAMERA: FM2

FILM: Trix 400

SF, CA

PABLO slide-show

2011-07-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

PABLO's LEGACY from CLUBSODA on Vimeo.

The impetus for this project was photographer Anne Muller.

She heard about Pablo's music and foundation from a friend and decided to pursue the lead. I accompanied her down to San Diego, where Pablo was stationed for a week of concerts and school visits. While I shot video and recorded sound, Anne, documented the narrative with black and white photographs. On our return I was able to make a short video documentary and then edit Anne's incredible images over the interview for a very compelling slideshow. We plan to do many more of these narratives.

PABLO Stills

2011-07-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

These are some stills I was able to shoot on an old roll of Fuji Neopan 1600 after our interview.

PABLO's LEGACY

2011-05-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Pablo's Legacy from CLUBSODA on Vimeo.

Pablo Sainz Villegas is one of the world's leading classical guitarists. When he's not playing at the most prestigious concert venues he plays for children at schools, hoping to give them their first taste of classical music, along with some semblance of hope and inspiration. He is the founder of the Music Without Borders Legacy, a program that hopes to inspire kids through art and music.

Check out his website: www.pablosainzvillegas.com

This video is by CLUBSODA productions – filmed, directed, and edited by Henry Dombey.
CONTACT: henryrd@gmail.com

Special thanks to: Pablo, the La Jolla Music Society, and Anne and Tom Muller

GUS can train you

2011-05-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

Gus Arellano is a personal trainer based in San Francisco. He knows more about the body, nutrition, and movement than anyone I have ever met. He's got the body and good humor to prove it. This video shows some of his reflections on his philosophy and career.

He is accepting new clients so contact him if you are interested in getting some coaching: (415)-902-6768 or stmalo77@gmail.com

ADAMS INSURANCE – visuals and movie

2011-05-03T10:40:00.001-07:00

I have spent the past couple months working with the incredible company – Adams Insurance. This is a father/daughter run company, which means if you close your eyes and imagine what such a company would be like - its 10 times better. Even though they are in the gritty and 'boring sounding' INSURANCE business they don't let that get in the way of their passion or sense of adventure – they might as well be selling Ice-cream. And while Pamela and her father John are easy-going folks, as soon as the conversation turns to insurance they get serious quicker than you can say settlement.

I was hired by Pamela to be her 'Visual Partner' and to help her establish a sincere presence on the web. This involved branding, photography, PR, and a video. We decided to use the idea of 'knots' and how they represent security as the inspiration for the visuals and branding. You can see the final results on their new site: www.adams-insurance.com

MUTE MORNINGS

2011-05-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

Artist and musician Connor Moore discusses the inspiration for his blog: http://mutemornings.posterous.com/

Chef Lizzie Binder

2011-05-03T10:27:00.001-07:00

Chef Lizzie Binder poses at Bar Bambino and with her chefs.

Coffee Bar Website Shoot

2011-05-03T10:02:00.001-07:00

I was hired by my favorite cafe, Coffee Bar in Potrero Hill, to re-shoot the images for their website. You can see the final site here.

BEFORE THE OPERA

2011-05-03T09:47:00.001-07:00

Opera singer Nick Phan transforms into Almaviva for his debut in the Seattle Opera's performance of the Barber of Seville.

Rainy Weekend in Seattle

2011-05-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Something about the dampness, the cold, and that ever-present aroma of freshly roasted coffee makes me love Seattle. This is supported by the sense of adventure and incredible sense of humor that Chuck Lane and BO bring to everything they touch (including stuffed foxes and horse masks.)

SILVER AND GOLD PARTY

2011-05-03T09:09:00.001-07:00

In some circles an infamous event takes place each year around Christmas in San Francisco. This is Andy and David's annual Silver and Gold party, which beats the hell out of wearing lousy sweaters.

New Years Day 2011 - SF, CA

2011-04-18T08:41:00.001-07:00

The bridge over 280 - deserted

The KT tracks along Third St. - looking North

Joe and Amanda at Sutro Baths

The Golden Gate from the Lands End trail

Josh, Louis, Alex, and Maciek underexposed by about two-stops

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Julie & Alex - Ann Arbor, MI.

2011-04-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

I remember this shoot like it was yesterday - October 30, 1998. I had just purchased a 50mm f1.4 lens for my Nikon D70 camera. I got Julie and Alex to pose for me in the field behind our high school on our lunch break. It was the autumn of our senior year and the whole world seemed so open and exciting as we readied ourselves for college or whatever was next. In retrospect we were all so naive, fresh, and 18 - and yet the lines on their faces show a certain youthful wisdom.

HRD

Sonoma Pig Roast

2011-02-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

Pamela lives in a beautiful house up in Sonoma and has few olive trees. Each year she throws an Olive Harvest party where guests 'harvest' the olives and take them down to the local press for some fresh olive-oil. This past November she decided to roast a whole pig to much fan-fare, logistical discussions, toasting, and hot-rocks.

As usual the party, which is almost a festival at this point, was a great success. It always one of those 'pinch-me' I must be in California events.

You can see the whole story here.

Last Day at 711 - Looking Forwards and Laterally

2011-02-03T11:01:00.001-08:00

Alan

Alex

Amelia

Anna

Calvin

Henry aka 'me' (photographed by Sean)

Josh

Kevin

Louis

Maciek

Sean

Tricia

(Some friends in Alphabetical order.) I lived at 711 for three and a half very happy years. July 31st, was my last day there before moving in with my girlfriend over in the Dogpatch neighborhood in SF. We had a gathering and BBQ and I decided to commemorate the occasion with some portraits in the backyard.

Camera: Hasselblad 501cm with 80mm f2.8 lens

Film: Ilford HP5

What it looks like when I shoot a WEDDING:

2011-01-18T12:24:00.001-08:00

Someone you know is getting married this year. Help save them from a lifetime of lousy wedding photographs. To see my full wedding portfolio click here. For more information email me at facephoto@gmail.com

Cheers,

Henry

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Essaouira, Morocco 2004

2011-01-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Some of the most incredible seafood I have ever had.

CAMERA: Nikon FM2 with 24mm lens

FILM: Fuji 200

Alcohol wasn't involved - I promise: VOLUME 1

2011-01-13T13:00:00.001-08:00

Boston, MA

CAMERA: Can't remember

FILM: Can't remember

Finding Shloimie – outside of London, England

2011-01-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

Photographs from my Grandpa's stone-setting one year after he was buried outside of London. My grandma, Clarice, was positive as usual and happy to have all her family together.

Black and White CAMERA: Holga

Color CAMERA: Mamiya 7 with 65mm Lens

Color FILM: Kodak 400NC

Sunrise/Sunset

2011-01-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

Sunrise and sunset shots around the Dogpatch neighborhood – San Francisco, CA

CAMERA: Mamiya 7

LENS: 65mm

FILM: Kodak 400NC

What it looks like when you graduate from Dental School

2011-01-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

My mate Maciek finally made it through Dental School. Here he is with his family before getting his diploma. Not a bad time for a solid tooth brushing.

CAMERA: Nikon FM2

LENS: 35mm

FILM: Tri-x

Alex Martins surfboard stylist - published in the BOLD ITALIC

2011-01-12T11:13:00.001-08:00

CAMERA: Hasselblad 501CM

LENS: 80mm

FILM: Can't remember - looks like one of my last rolls of Fuji Neopan 400

To see the FULL article click here

The kids on the Fourth at Lake Erie - Buffalo, NY

2011-01-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

From the Archives - Ben Dombey circa 1995

2011-01-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

Six photographs of my brother from when we were kids playing in the driveway. These are some of my earliest forays into photography at age 14.

CMOORE Sound Video Portrait

2010-11-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

CMoore Sound Portrait from Clubsoda on Vimeo.

Here is a video portrait of sound engineer Connor Moore along with his thoughts about how he makes music.

SANDWICHES video

2010-11-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

SANDWICHES from Clubsoda on Vimeo.

I have started shooting videos. This is a 'music-video' for my client Left Coast Catering. Now do you want a sandwich?

Coffee or Cocktail, Cigarette or Beer?

2010-11-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

NYC

San Francisco

Istanbul

London

Brett Marty aka Dutch

2010-09-17T08:53:00.001-07:00

Christopher Devon

2010-09-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

He's forgotten more than you'll ever know..................

Deep sea fishing story published in the BOLD ITALIC

2010-09-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

Another brilliant collaboration with writer Josh Izenberg. Nothing beats dawn on the Bay and a cold beer by Noon. See the story here.

Patrick Williams recording at Capitol Records' STUDIO-A

2010-09-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Check out the rest of the portfolio here.

Photograph Featured in STREETWATER

2010-09-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

It seems like editor Greg T. Spielberg liked the look of my Hathaway Shoot. He posted one of the photographs along with a brief description here.

BETABRAND - a SF clothier - also featured an image from this shoot on their website.

Phoebe and Chris - August 7, 2010

2010-09-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

It doesn't get much better than this!

- HD

www.FACECOLLECTIVE.com

Haircut - August 17, 2010

2010-09-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

I got tired of talking about hair-products with my girlfriend so I finally decided to get a haircut. Josh I. agreed to take care of business along with a still and video shoot. See his short-film here.

Sandra and Dana's Wedding - August 14, 2010

2010-08-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

To see the rest of the wedding portfolio click here

Eat, Drink, Restaurant

2010-07-08T13:58:00.001-07:00

CLICK HERE: http://www.flickr.com/photos/facephotography/sets/72157624079510011/

For my new updated food portfolio.

London Panoramas

2010-07-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

My first test roll with a 35mm panoramic adapter for my Mamiya 7 on a recent trip to London. I can see this format coming in very handy in various circumstances.........

-HD

Sandra and Dana Engagement Shoot

2010-07-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

Results from Sandra and Dana's engagement shoot shot in San Francisco. To see the rest of the portfolio click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/facephotography/sets/72157624327369033/

Cheers,

-HD

Paul and Jessi's Wedding

2010-07-08T11:50:00.001-07:00

I was not the official photographer for my friend's - Paul and Jessi. In fact, I was actually the 'Reverend' or Officiant. That being said, I got a chance to spend most of the week with them as they prepared for the wedding and I kept my camera on me because I knew I had a story to tell.

Here are the rest of the photographs: http://www.flickr.com/photos/facephotography/sets/72157624326276005/

Cheers,

-HD

Christian Burch

2010-07-08T11:46:00.001-07:00

Results from a portrait shoot with author and artist, Christian Burch.

Left Coast Catering Shoot

2010-06-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

This is a promotional piece I put together for my client Left Coast Catering after I shot a wedding that they catered in Cazadero in June. I think this is a very informative and valuable visual montage for them, because it perfectly answers the question, "what does it look like when you cater a wedding?" Its also useful for my business, because it has the potential to answer questions clients might have for me - such as, "what images can I expect from a shoot?"

Cheers,

-HD

Sage with the Dogs

2010-06-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

I managed a quick shoot with my dear friends' baby, Sage, while in Jackson. You can see that she takes after her parents and is already having fun.

Cheers,

-HD

Driving Through the Window in Wyoming

2010-06-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

I know this is a fairly cliched topic - taking photographs out of the car window - and I don't garner any extra points because I was using a completely manual camera. However, these are interesting because they show exactly the landscape that draws me to this area of the world in the first place. I have spent so many hours driving around Jackson Hole and day-dreaming and pondering the beauty of the region. Now I can remember these vistas because I have captured their essence from the vantage point of how I so often see them.

Cheers,

September Vhay - The Painter with Horses

2010-06-15T15:36:00.001-07:00

I shot artist September Vhay's portrait more than three years ago, so it was time for an update. On a recent trip to Jackson, Wyoming we got an opportunity to do another shoot. This time around she wanted to share the frame with horses - her primary subject as a painter.

You can see her work (and my portraiture) at her site: www.vhay.com

Cheers,

Mr. Espresso Shoot

2010-06-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Mr. Espresso is largely responsible for our current coffee culture (obsession) on the West coast. Carlo Di Ruocco has been importing Espresso machines and roasting coffee beans in Oakland for more than 30 years. I got an opportunity to tour the warehouse and roasting facilities a couple weeks ago during a photo-shoot for the company. Let me warn you: once you get a taste for their oak-roasted coffee - you can't go back. Fortunately Mr. Espresso coffee beans are sold to cafes and restaurants through-out the Bay Area.

Cheers,

HD

I Shoot People - Interview

2010-06-07T09:02:00.001-07:00

I was asked to enter some work in a photography show at Enrico's a few months ago – including the two images pictured here (from what I dub a 'documentary fashion shoot.') There I met photographer Trevor Traynor who interviewed me for his blog: I Shoot People.

You can see the interview here: http://www.ishooteverything.com/2010/05/photo-artist-interview-74-henry-dombey.html

Culinary Eye Shoot

2010-06-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

Here are the results from a recent shoot with Chef John Silva for his catering and private-chef business the Culinary Eye. John is not only a talented chef, but he also has a background in nutrition and teaching. What I didn't realize until the shoot is that he is also a fine artist and former art major. His vision and styling were spot on and the shoot was a pleasure - not to mention tasty.

You can see his preliminary work with the photographs here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4016319&id=292550778616

Cheers,

Hathaway Shoot

2010-06-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

I was recently approached by art-director and designer Greg Hathaway. He wanted to replicate the old Hathaway advertising campaign and brand pictured here: (left)

Only there was a twist. Greg was not only going to design, style, and art-direct the shoot - he was also going to be the model.

We had a brilliant time working on all the pre-production, location, props, and finally the three day shoot. I reckon that if Greg can art-direct himself, then he can pretty much do anything.

Photos from New Orleans - Part 2

2010-06-02T15:23:00.001-07:00

A few more photographs from New Orleans along with a link to the final article from The Other America here: http://theotheramerica.squarespace.com/dispatches/2010/5/23/chicken-and-rainwater.html

Cheers,

Henry

Photos from New Orleans - Part 1

2010-05-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

The first set of photographs from a recent trip to New Orleans on assignment for The Other America and to see Cousin Chris. It was also no mistake that we were there for the first weekend of Jazz fest.

- Cheers,

Food Cross Sections - Part1

2010-04-27T08:07:00.001-07:00

I am very excited to present the beginning of an ongoing project. This is my first foray into macro food photography and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. My background as a chef makes me think about food in a different way even before I pick up a camera. Because I have spent so long deconstructing ingredients (literally) and constructing plates of food, I am privy to a whole other visual narrative that I think most other food photographers don't quite see. I have spent many a day in the kitchen wondering why I have never seen images of what I am cutting, cooking, or touching. This is the beginning of this search. While chef's and restauranteurs are well into the midst of the 'organic' revolution it seems that photographers have not received the memo. In fact, I would argue that most food photography veers towards the clinical - sadly, along with most photography in general. 'Clinical' is not really a word we want associated with either food, or our more popular food monikers such as, 'simple,' 'organic,' 'sustainable,' 'delicious,' 'sublime,' etc.. So these images are my contribution to food photography that represent these same adjectives and, I hope, will make chef's proud.

How did I take them, you might ask, ahhhh - this I'm keeping a secret.

Cheers,

- HD

www.FACECOLLECTIVE.com

CORDAROUNDS Shoot - SuckerLab

2010-04-26T20:55:00.001-07:00

Here are photographs I did with model Sean M. for local SF company Cordarounds for their release of their new Seer Sucker line. Sticking with their original plan the 'Seer' goes horizontally just as their Corda - 'rounds'.

See what they published here: http://suckerlabs.cordarounds.com/

Cheers,

-HD

Serious Boyfriend

2010-04-26T20:38:00.001-07:00

Here are selects from I shoot that I did of my friend David R for his website. He wanted to mimic and parody the notion of what it means to be a 'serious boyfriend'. We dressed him up in a suit and bought flowers - clearly the definition of a serious boyfriend.

You can see the rest of the shoot here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/facephotography/sets/72157623515241195/

and the final results here.

This shoot gave me an opportunity to test out an idea that I have had for a couple of years. Using a projection screen as a backdrop with natural light, I was able to mimic the feel of a studio. What I think is more interesting is when I took a few steps back and you can see the subject in front of the backdrop, but also you get a glimpse of the rest of the surroundings (in this case the street.) I like how this gives context to the portrait. Its like putting a stage up on the street.

Cheers,

- HD

Film Strip Photographs

2010-04-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

I have really been enjoying scanning in my strips of 35mm film in sets of twos and threes in the order that I shot them. This format reminds me of the, now extinct, contact sheet - which was my guiding force when I was learning to take photographs. The contact sheet was a beautiful tool to exhibit the organic timeline and vision during a shoot. These strips or 'diptychs' and 'triptychs' give the still images such a cinematic feel.

These images are from a recent trip to Barcelona. The first strip is what happens when you get a Cafe Con Leche - my vote for the best coffee drink on the planet. The black and white shots look antiquated and timeless in a way that I feel is indicative of Spain.

Cheers,

- HD

Robs and Lydia

2010-04-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Robin and Lydia on the bus from London to Wimbledon - early AM on the 7th of February. God bless'em - looking like its their first date. Happy birthday ROBS!!!

Cheers,

Studio Shots of Chloe

2010-03-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late on the 'upload' here but I'm really pleased with these shots of - my mate's daughter Chloe. I was in the middle of another portrait and Chloe walked up seeming very relaxed, content, and curious. So I quickly switched gears (and subjects) and focussed on her. My intuition was right because after I finished a quick roll, she refused to look at the camera again. Fortunately I got some winners while she felt like modeling.

Cheers,

Wild Horses, Victor, and Jackson Hole

2010-01-13T00:00:00.001-08:00

Some Mondays you find yourself driving from Victor, Idaho to Salt Lake City and a pack of escaped horses find themselves onto your road and you meet for a brief moment then you continue to the diner and have a pancake sandwich and move on. Some of my last photographs of 2009 and first of 2010.

-- HD

Peter at the Studio

2010-01-11T22:36:00.001-08:00

Peter. Photographs taken on December 13, 2009. Natural light. One roll of 400NC - 12 Frames.

--HD

Daniel at the Studio

2010-01-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

Photographs taken on December 13, 2009. One roll of Kodak 400 NC.

- HD

Sunset in Joshua Tree

2010-01-06T00:58:00.000-08:00

We drove all day from Vegas to Joshua Tree, or atleast that's what it seemed like. By the time we left, we were all a few minutes away from going insane. Vegas can do that to you. As the adult Disney Land receded into the distance we began to forget our debt, over-indulgence, and nausea. The desert landscape opened up and the air smelled like a free-sauna. Once we got to the house in Joshua Tree we were in such a rush to see the sunset that we forgot half of the grocery supplies (including most of the steaks) at the store. We also bought a case of miniature beers by mistake. Fortunately we returned with just enough time to watch the show and forget our woes.

- HD

London meets Vegas

2010-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you have a bachelor party in Vegas and you are spending pounds-sterling then all of the drinks are half price. Does this mean you can drink twice as much? Alas, the winnings are also worth half.

- HD

From the Rooftops

2009-12-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

Downtown San Francisco, 6:15 am on December 11, 2009.

PENTAX 6x7 TEST

2009-09-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

I borrowed a Pentax 67 camera from a friend of mine and shot a couple of test rolls in late June and early July. If a Hasselblad is a tank then the Pentax is a canon. Its known as one of the biggest cameras around. I took the first two photographs at the cafe near my house on a gray morning. In the first photograph, I just love the open jacket pocket and the seemingly intense scribbling. Its as if this character embodies the lonesome poet/author with a notebook in his pocket and a cigarette behind his ear. The second shot would be timeless were it not for the cell phone, but its usage doesn't strike me as obtrusive. The last three shots, I took in my living room and am pleased with the results, although I underexposed the last two by about three stops. Both Joe and Larz look very comfortable, stark, and yet, resilient.

Cheers,

-HD

DO YOU FEEL LIKE A GUINNESS?

2009-08-21T01:57:00.001-07:00

........... Friday afternoon in Borough Market, London in July and the last thing I need is another drink. It had just finished raining and I was having a hard time recovering after a night mixing Grappa and Johnny Walker Black, which is like riding a Ducati in a kilt. It was one of those times where the camera just does the talking. In this case it was an early '80s Yashicamat twins-lens reflex job - still covered in mud from the mud-wrestling tournament I had photographed in San Francisco a year before. The lid does not open correctly because I dropped it on the floor at a bar after declaring how great it was to have a camera that isn't too dainty so that you have to worry about it all the time (a serious problem when it comes to the logistics of walking around with $5000 digital cameras.) I had heard about this place that serves oysters and beer in Borough market and from the looks of things I had stumbled on it. I slung the camera round my neck and ambled around looking conspicuous. The two lads, pictured above (drinking Guinness) started admiring my camera and we started talking. It turned out that they were retired police officers who had an appetite for fine wine and food. Three pints later we were all friends. They told me that they were glad they never had to carry guns to work.

- HD

Photos from the Wedding After-Party in Boston August 9, 2009

2009-08-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

Morning after walk around the neighborhood - 1/25/2009

2009-02-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

It was on this walk - to and from breakfast on a Sunday morning - that I came to the long awaited conclusion that I want my documentary work to look posed, and my fashion/posed work to look like documentary. I love all these people waiting outside the diner for breakfast - they all have a story.

-HD

False Starts - January 24, 2009 - #1

2009-02-24T14:43:00.001-08:00

For me, photography is all about glorifying the mundane, the normal, the ambiguous. Here Alex P. attempts to start his rocket-ship but fails. The light was perfect San Fran foggy-bright, where the clouds act as a polarizing filter and its bright and cloudy at the same time. All of a sudden we've got this dialogue about starting a motorcycle that you can appreciate even if you've never started a motorcycle before. Its all about a cloudy/bright Saturday afternoon before the party starts and two friends tinkering with machines in the middle of the road.

- HD

False Starts #2

2009-02-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

Inauguration Photographs - January 20, 2009 - #1

2009-02-24T14:16:00.001-08:00

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A formal gathering marks the beginning of a new era and a chance to drink some champagne.

- HD

Inauguration Photographs - January 20, 2009 - #2

2009-02-24T13:51:00.000-08:00

Nick Gage's Sprinkler System

2009-01-14T17:19:00.000-08:00

Photographs from a band-shoot I did in Chicago for Nick Gage's Sprinkler System.

The View from the Studio

2009-01-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

Sunset photograph taken in 1942 from the North facing windows of the Nordstrom Studio, where I'm renting space in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco. Actually I shot this a couple days ago with some expired polaroid film. Pretty cool.

Old Negatives

2009-01-06T18:26:00.001-08:00

What happens when you load a Holga wrong and then find the negatives five years later - amazing! This was my first roll of film with a Holga shot in Helen, GA. in July of 2004.