Septemeber 24, 2011

Hear ye, hear ye - I'm finally updating my website! What can I possibly say after so many months? I could say a lot, but instead I'll just let you take a look at 7 "new"sessions!

Amina, Sofie x 3 ,Sara, Helena, and Achillea.

February 19 , 2011

Not even I can come up with a good excuse for a three-month update gap, so instead of trying I'll just give you a quick run down of the last three shoots I've done:

Back in the middle of November, Sara showed up at my place with a carful of western accessories and props, and even a giant bag of genuine Nynäshamn hay (complete with barn bugs!). While I prepared the scene, I sent her to Lina and she came back looking like a gorgeous Cowgirl!

Not long after that Evelina, and her friend and assistant-extraordinaire Viktoria, came down from Uppsala for a fun evening and a fashion shoot that was rather Dark.

And last but not least, who better for 2011's first session than my beautiful buddy Jacq! It was great to see her again and also great to find out that she works at a bagel place only a few blocks away! I do like my bagels =)

So... Jacq in Black, I hit the sack,
I've been too long I'm glad to be back...

See you again soon I hope.


November 8, 2010

Another double update - my way of rewarding you for the long wait bewtween me posting sessions here.

So, it was about time for a new session from Lina and I, this time with last-minute model replacement Gaby.

Lina and I had been planning a really cool idea for some time and wanted to do something a bit more extreme. She put a whole lotta work into this session and I think you can see that in the results.

I don't think Gaby quite understood what Lina was going to do to her or how long it would take, and I am not quite sure this is her style of choice, but in the end, I think she did a great job. To me, the session falls somewhere between beauty, glamour and fashion, set against an industrial backdrop, hence the name Beauty | Industry.

Then, a few weeks ago, Michaela was in town and since we had a great time way back when we did the Glitter lips session last Novemeber, she was wondering if I'd like to do some fashion-ish, hair and make-up shots with Angelica as MUA. The only real details I got were something about big hair and panty hose... But hey, what's a guy to do? So I said sure - why not?!

They came by one Saturday afternoon in October and slowly but surely I got to see what Angelica had in store for Michaela and her hair. Then, not long into the shoot Harper came wandering by and before he knew it he was in a few shots, even posing as "living fur" in one! But don't worry, no animals harmed in the making of this session ;-)

In honor of both Angelica's creation, and Harper's cameo, I called this one Hair I am.

September 19, 2010

Well once again it's been awhile bewteen updates, but this week you get two for the price of one, and hey, you aren't even paying!

First up is Jasmine in my first nude shoot. Yes, that's right, nudee, naked, no clothes - so if that in any way offends you, dont look. Jasmine came to Stockholm for a spontaneous session. I went out a found a new/old chair in the morning, and late afternoon we were taking pics.

Then, after that a session with Jacq and Annie that we did some time ago. Annie did a great job with their hair and make-up for some fun, feline, photography.

So, have a look at and Feline fantasy.

Thursday if the official first day of Fall and I hope the beginning of another great season. Autumn in Sweden isn't quite the same as in New England, but if the weather isn't nice enough for a long hike in the woods or drive in the countryside, I can always look forward to more photo sessions!

Next Saturday, Ann, Lina and I are getting together for what I hope will be another out of the ordinary shoot! So check back soon!

August 25, 2010

As you can surely see, the little green guy to the left is not one of my normal models! Nope, instead, this Green Mamba is part of a group of photos of "other things" that I took over the summer, as per tradition here at the Beholder.

This summer was spent here and there, east and west and south (I missed north) in Sweden. Of course I too take the normal vacation photos that everyone else does, but come on, do you really want to see me enjoying a gin and tonic in the Riverton Hotel Sky bar in Gothenberg or walking through the streets of Ystad eating an ice cream cone or someone else posing next to a giant plastic lobster in Kåseberga? Nah, I didn't think so.

So instead you get a fire show in Stockholm, a rune stone and close-up insects at Gripsholm, Glimmingehus and Ales stenar from Skåne and some cool reptiles at Universum in Gothenberg! Oh yeah, and one nice duck and a crazy brace of ducks (bet you didn't know that's what a group of grounded ducks is called, now did ya?) See, not only do you get to see great photos here, you learn things too, ah...

Oh, did you think there were going to be links to all those things?! Don't be lazy like me, just go to the Places and Things sections instead of to the People section like you normally do!

And to my wonderful models, have patience girls, I really needed to chill this summer! And, I promise to start Photshopping again tonight! So stay tuned for a wild session with Jacq and Annie, followed by a stripped down shoot with new model Jasmine! ;-)

See ya soon!

 

August 1, 2010

Many many moons ago I contacted a very talented and promising graphic artist, who I later learned doubled as a model. We discussed ideas for a session we could do together, and soon the quest was on for a sweet blond maiden.

As pure girls are not that easy to find these days, we searched and searched for our victim, only to find her in the predator's close circle of friends.

And so it was that Evve and Yulia came to Stockholm one rainy day, and graced me with their presence. They are both fantastically warm, fun and wonderful girls who played their rolls so so well.

The session was shot against a white background and floor with a large softbox as key light, two background lights, and two backlights. Everything else you see is the amazing work of Evve.

A huge thanks to Yulia, the sweet and innocent victim, and an even bigger thanks to Evve =)

Some dream of heavenly light, while others are filled with a hellish lust. Good vs evil - the age old battle, an eternal struggle. But, try as we may, The Fire in Our Veins the fire in our veins is not to be denied.

June 13, 2010

Part two of the burlesque session with Hanna and Lina. A new outfit, courtesy of the Pom Pom Parlour, new accessories, new colors (through the magic of Photoshop!), a little different editing style and some additional graphics work on the floor and background resulted in Lush, plush, velvet crush.

Hanna is a fantastic model who really knows her stuff and she has brains to match her beauty! :-) Lina F of
course is always wonderful to work with and we have a few ideas up our sleeves for some future sessions that we will hopefully get to before vacation season really kicks in!

About a month or so ago the studio got invaded by some Russian vampires! :o) After "turning" an innocent, young victim, the vampire queen made off with the photos but has promised to return them in spectacular fashion - something I eagerly await!

And if that wasn't enough, two wild cats (Jacq and Annie) found their way in a few weeks ago, and every time the sun pokes it's head behind the clouds, I will be taking some time to work on those exciting images!

Life is short, so take care, play hard and live NOW!

June 5 , 2010

Time flies yes indeed! But just because the sun is shinging and the birds are chirping doesn't mean photo editing grinds to a halt - well, at least not yet anyway!

Another successful collaboration with make-up artist extraordinaire Lina F has resulted in two sets of burlesque images with the lovely and talented Hanna Marie! While discussing HMs modern burlesque/cabaret idea, somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered these orange curtains that a friend had up at their old house. Sure enough, they were tucked away in the attic and then a few days later, proudly hanging in the studio! So a big thanks to Neil, even if he doesn't like my silly name for the session Orange you glad to see me? Haha. I couldn't resist =)

I'm already hard at work on part two, where, through the magic of Photoshop, the curtains become a velvety red - to match Hanna Marie's second outfit! Ahh, now you are curious aren't you? Well, you know where to look! See ya soon!

May 16, 2010

Another update, another year older, yes indeed. But let's not talk about that ;-)

This time 'round I've got a fsahion/beauty mix for you. Make-up by the talented Christina and Elle, a great, flexible model who even makes her own clothes (seen here and in the first half of photo 02 of this session.)

Clever as always with my session names, Back on Black was shot with Elle lying flat on the floor, and me, precariously purched above, hanging off the edge of a high ladder. Not an easy task for any of us, and quite a challenge to light compared to standing/sitting models.

So, if your not already there, so check out the pics!

Me, I gotta get ready for a Russian invasion as Evve and friend are due any minute. And then it's back to the "shop" to take care of the burlesque shoot that Lina/Hannah have been patiently waiting for!

Take care! And come back soon!

May 9, 2010

Wow! Did I really manage two updates two weeks in a row?! Whoo hoo for me! =) Ok, one shouldn't pat oneself on the back for too long. I am, after all, still way behind schedule.

I really have been "getting by with a little help from my friends" as the songs goes. This week's thanks, credit, mad props . . . go to Canadian Dave! Not only does he have rusty oil barrels hanging about in his yard, he also has a very cool, big bathroom!

These pics have already been up on Modellbilder for a few days and I have to say one of my favorite comments was "I am usually hesitant about these kind of sessions, i.e., bathroom and shower sessions, because I often find them too overtly sexy. However, this one appeals to me, thanks to the restraint that has been practised in its execution, viz. the greyscale rendition, the treatment of the lighting, and, not least, the model's poses! Nice work!"

It's always a joy to hear that what you set out to achieve was accomplished. I do like to dance along the fine, proverbial edge, but try to keep my toes on the "right" side. A super mega thanks to Jacq (who does a bit of dancing herself ;-) my baggy-clothes buddy, with the heart of a glamour queen.

For your viewing pleasure - Steamy!

And yes, yes, yes - Christina/Elle and Lina/Hannah - I promise to be a good boy and get straight back to the photo-shop now. Promise!

May 2, 2010

I can't believe it's gone two weeks again! Yeah, I sound like a broken record! Well with Valborg out of the way it looks like sun and warmth have come to Stockholm so in a few hours I might just be taking a sunny stroll with this week's model - my buddy Jacq.

After being sprayed with water, covered in mud, cold and naked for the dark Lust, Rust, and Fear session, I owed it to her to do a fun, warm, sweet, cute, fluffy, pink session. Girls and their pink ideas and pink dreams - but whardaya gonna do? ;-)

Jacq wanted pink and that's what she got: pink toys, pink candy, pink balloons and a pink background that took me ages to get just right. Jacq did a great job with her own pink make-up too!

So check out Jacq, who is definitely Pretty in Pink.

April 18, 2010

Been a little over a week but now I have a double update for you!

Christina got in touch with me and asked if I'd like to take some beauty shots of Anna, after she applied her handiwork and some pretty big peacock eyelashes! For some strange reason the makers of the eyelashes decided to put the peacock colors facing up?! Guess they were expecting the wearer to walk around with their eyes closed and head down, huh?

So I dubbed part one of this double update The Fox and the Peacock!

But wait, don't run away just yet!

With the weight of the peacock eyelashes gone, and a fan pointed at her a new Anna came to life. CC's eyeshadow makeup became more prominent, so matching the cyan/turquoise shade, I covered a gridded flash with a color filter, messed around a bit in PS and created The Electric Cyan Mist!


This was my first time working with both Christina and Anna and they were both great! Thanks! It turns out CC lives just around the corner so she's already been back once with a new model! So you be sure to come back soon. too!

April 06, 2010

So, I have to say, that this week's session is one of my absolute favorites to date! I guess that it would be great to always say that, but it's not always true. Still, with this, Pony Girl and Victorian Storm all within two months, it does feel pretty good.

Still, this is a hard session. If the last one raised a few eyebrows, I guess that'll continue here. Jacq has been "nagging for something pink and fluffy" (and she finally got it!) but not just yet, not here.

I said, "Sorry, I'm thinkin' dark, cold, down and alone." Jacq added "wet, glamour and "dirty" (literally, as she told me "I'd like to have some dirt to rub on me." These are actually studio shots, but we had some dirt from the barrel. ) And this is the result.

Lust, Rust and Fear - An emotionally strong session where I asked and Jacq delivered. Her commenting "I love what you can get out of me." means more than you know. Despite the gravity of the images, I assure we laughed and had the greatest time! Thanks Jacq! And thanks also for a few fun days this weekend!

Go on, get outta here, stop asking questions and go look at the session!

You're still here? OK, well the I can also thank "the Daves" for helping me out with the barrel! Chris: "What color is it?"Canadian Dave: "It's green with some rust." Dude, that thing hasn't seen green in like 20 years! That's moss! And that "lid", haha. Ah, thanks guys, for helping me out with the weird thing of the week!

March 28, 2010

Nope, I haven't been taking it easy - been Photoshopping my butt off! (No, Ok, I didn't actually remove my butt in PS, but one can do such things ;-)

A double-shot of Ann this week! Ann got in touch with me back in January and she, Lina and I started planning a rather unusual session.

About 6 years ago, Neil, a friend of mine, thinking (knowing?) I was a twisted weirdo, bought me a book entitled "Perversioner".

Among the ten or so bizarre short stories was one called Hästflickan or, in English, "Pony Girl". A few months ago, quite unexpectedly, via Lina F's Facebook page, I saw an entry: Rebecca Wilcox, Author of "The Human Pony" and 2009 North American Pony Trainer is holding a workshop at the Pom Pom Parlour. The pony girl had returned.

At the same time, in another part of town, Ann was writing me a letter saying she had 13 years of experience with horses, wanted to do an extreme shoot, with "only our imaginations as the limit". The pony girl had DEFINITELY returned. There was only one thing to do.

A super, huge, mega thanks to Lina for fixing everything (and to the Pom Pom Parlour) and for doing yet another outstanding job with hair and make-up. And of course the same to Ann - you are super best and such an amazingly cool girl!

I'm really looking forward to our next session!

It took us a while, but we finally brought Pony girl to life. Thanks so, so, SO much to you both!

Another small thanks/mention is in place. Firstly, to all my close friends who always support me. I know I'm warped, but just think where I'd be without you all! And this week especially, to Pehr, who I drag to the malls and furniture and hardware stores in search of an ever-varying array of strange and unusual items - and who found that amazingly exact, little replica pony, with red plume and all, in Panduro - thanks dude!

(Don't miss the "bonus session" we did while we had some issues obtaining the pony gear and props. Ann's idea with her and some Roses.)

March 12, 2010

Oh well, promises come and promises go. we all learn that sooner or later. And yes, a month has gone by, but I'm here again.

Not long after the new year rolled in, Tallee Savage contacted me and asked if I wanted to do a session. We discussed ideas, clothes, props and then she found out I had a cool, black cat, Harper, and well, he just had to be part of the session.

Harper is a ladies' man, and an instant favorite with all models and MUAs, whose eyeliner pens and mascara make the perfect toys! And if you happen to have long nails, like Tallee, well, you might just have a friend for life!

So go check out what we like to call Vintage Gothic (featuring Harper!).

February 13, 2010

Well, two weeks and two updates, not so bad.

The photos I uploaded now are actually from my last session of 2009, so I am slowly but surely getting up to date.

I don't know about you, but I have always found there to be something special about redheads, and in late 2009 I definitely went through a redhead phase.

I contacted Kristina Matilda, we decided on a more or less spontaneous session and one week later she showed up with a sheepskin rug, some blankets and some pillows, I threw in a few more pillows and some sheets, and we decided to just wing it.

KM is a very cool person, with a somewhat quirky style (and I mean that in the most positive sense of the word) that I hadn't really experienced with previous models. She was so relaxed and down to earth and came up with a variety of interesting poses.

You know the drill, head to the Gallery and check out our session, that I've entitled Cabin fever.

February 6, 2010

Finally! I don't know what else to say other than"Finally!"

After more than two months I am finally posting a new session! There are more than few reasons for the delay, but the most relevant one is the amount of time it took me for all the post-processing. I stepped out of my comfort zone on this one and underestimated the time it takes (for me at least) to add all these elements and get it all just right! (If you are at all interested in the background to the idea and what I did in Photoshop, check out the MORE page.)

This was my second shoot with Lina and she did a great job researching typically Victorian make-up, fixing that and Magda's hair, and getting the Pom Pom Parlour to loan us the clothes and accessories!

Then, the sweet and talented Magda in her first studio shoot, got strapped into an amazingly tight corsett and put on a fantastic show. She had such a range of emotions and poses that I think there were 50+ great photos! From proud, to silly, to annoyed, to cold and scared - she did it all.

A super big thanks to both Lina and Magda for their effort, and for their patience as I then snailed my way through the editting process as best I could. You are both fantastic!

I know that after a two-month wait you don't really want to read anymore, so go check out Victorian Storm!

What? you are STILL reading? Well, then I can also thank Kristina Matilda, my last model of 2009, Tallee, my first of 2010 and my most experinced model to date ;-) and the absolutely beautiful Ann who I just photographed this past Thursday. So be sure to stop by again soon.

2009 sucked, but you know what? I'm back.

 

Novemeber 29, 2009

Well, today is the first of advent, so with Thanksgiving behind us it's officially OK to start being Christmasy!

This also marks the beginning of my collaboration with a great new makeup artist - Lina F. This session got changed around at the last second, a new model hopped in and our original plans went out the window. Still, Lina and friend Annie W (hair and ornament-necklace design) did a great job.

Then it was just up to Filippa and I to get some good shots! So take a look our Fashion Elf session. (A silly name, I know, but that's just the feeling I got! How about you?) And, let the season's greetings begin!

I've been keeping the news short, so I thought it was time for some extra news this week. As I mentioned, this is just the first of hopefully many sessions with Lina. Last week we had a fantastic well-planned session, where for once, everything went EXACTLY as planned! I'm my own biggest critic, but believe me when I say that you are soon in for a real, out of the ordinary treat. It's just up to me to turn up my Photoshop skills a notch and put the final touches on my idea - so come back soon and see!

Once again I wish everyone a happy start to this holiday season wherever you are, however you celebrate, and even if you don't. Here in Sweden it's time for glögg (spiced red wine), gingerbread cookies and saffran buns! Ah, I can smell them now :-)

Novemeber 23, 2009

Oh, I know, I know I missed the weekend update, but only by one day! And hey, I was taking photos all weekend!

Anyway, several Saturdays ago Michaela wrote to me and asked if I wanted to do a session with her while Cecilia was in Stockholm and could do her makeup. The three of must have gone back and forth for an hour, suggesting dates and times, and then alternate dates and times . . . and then I said, "Well what about tomorrow?"

So we met here, Michaela got some glitter on her lips, some more in her mouth, a little more in her mouth, and even a little on her fingernails! And now, a few weeks later, you get to see the results! So head on over to the Gallery and check out Michaela and her Glitter lips!

November 15 , 2009

You didn't think I'd break my promise already, did you?

This week's photos are of a young, Ethiopian beauty I discovered here in Stockholm. Nadja is only 17 and had never been photographed before so we decided to keep things simple and take some portraits. A special thanks to Catarina, her first shoot also, who came by to do Nadja's make-up.

So head on over to the Gallery and check out this this week's photos!

On Tuesday, I'll be working with Lina, a new MUA, for the first time! It's always exciting to meet new people and I'm really looking forward to lots of mutually beneficial teamwork with her! Sofia will be our first model and then next Sunday it's Magda's turn!

But before all that I better get started on Michaela's red lips, which are next on my retouch list! So I'll keep the news short and get straight back to work!

November 7 , 2009

OK, lag time is down from one month to two weeks and I solemnly swear that you, my loyal viewers, will get new photos every weekend for the rest of the year! OK, until Christmas at least :-)

The "big" news this week is that I had another photo session selected for Modellbilder's "Exhibition" page! Maybe not such a big deal, but pretty cool for humble, old me!

Suddenly people want to work with me. I have five, count them: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 shoots planned in the next two weeks - starting tomorrow with a completely spontaneous shoot with Wysteria and Michaela B. that we just decided on only hours ago!

But let's not get ahead of ourselves! Back again, as promised, is the lovely Jacqueline! And once again we had loads of fun! This was only her second shoot, but if her first was good, this one was just great! You'd never know it from these sexy rock-inspired pics, but Jacqueline is the sweetest, kindest person.

Whether in a leather jacket, or only underwear, when she steps in front of the lights, Jacq goes into her roll, and that innocent girl gets left behind! Someone on Modellbilder commented that they wished she'd smile, but it is just her ability to NOT smile that is the true test - I ask her to perform, she delivers, simple as that. If you are all really, really nice I may just let her smile next time, or secretly upload one of those photos where we are both just laughing out loud - but only if you are really nice ;-)

I know that is about all the reading you can handle, so on to the photos: Jacq 'n' Roll!

October 25, 2009

I can't believe it's been over a month! I won't even try to make any excuses - you don't want to hear them anyway. But now, finally, some new photos! I hope you will agree that it was worth the wait!

I'd been in contact with Emma for some time when she wrote in early September and asked if I finally wanted to do a session. We decided on a kind of "oldstyle boudoir meets modern fashion magazine" look.

I had seen some dark fashion shots of a model lying on a patterned carpet, and that sparked my "wallpaper" idea. I then went to a local second-hand shop and picked up an antique night table and matching chair. Emma came with a mix of black outfits (and some fantastic shoes) and Jelena did her make-up and hair.

I hope you are still reading because now I have an important announcement. After a bit of deliberating, I have decided to post the first semi-nude photos on this site. Ok, now the majority of you have already scrolled down to the link and clicked, but you others...

...if you are in anyway offended by nudity and the female form, if you are not old enough, if you are looking at this site with your mom (or mine!), you might not want to view this session. (I was joking about my mom of course - she is the coolest.)

So, if you are ready, take a look at the lovely, and oh, so cool, Emma A!

Thanks Emma, you are great, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!

September 20, 2009

Things are starting to pick up again after my summer break from model photography. A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing Jacqueline. It had been a while since I'd taken any glamor photos and I'd forgotten how much fun it was! Jacqueline told me her ideas for poses and what she was going to wear, and Jelena took care of her hair and make-up.

I set up the studio and at the same time Harper and I tried to entertain Jelena's young daughter, who decided to entertain herself by hiding my camera batteries!

It was Jacqueline's first modeling experience and she did a great job! If she sometimes looks quite serious or angry, it's only because I asked her to. Actually, we were both laughing throughout the whole shoot and we had such a great time, that she will be back soon for another session!

September 5, 2009

Just uploaded more photos from this summer's vacation to Cephalonia and Ithaca. (And fixed some of the slides I uploaded during the week.)

A few people have already written me, telling me how much they enjoyed the photos and how they really give you a feel of what the two islands are like. Thanks so much - I aim to please!

And before anyone else asks, I can assure you that the water, espcially at Myrtos Beach, was actually that blue! There was no Photoshop invloved in the color of the water - what you see was what we got! (Or, what we swam in, I should say.)

Lourdas was a fantastic little village and the whole of Cephalonia was just wonderful.

The roads traversing the island, and even more so on Ithaca, were absolutely insane! STEEP, narrow, and winding! The panorama of Cephalonia (made up of three photos) was taken from one of the highest points of the Ithaca coast.

There was lots to do and see and a brand new 4x4 jeep was really the way to do it! (Oops, forgot to add some photos of that, but guess I have at least one more batch of vacation photos to go!)

I'm also back on track in the studio, and last Sunday Jacqueline stopped by for some hot glamour photos - so I'll be getting those up for you asap! Take care and come back soon!

August 24, 2009

Well, everyone needs a break now and then, but after a three-week vacation and then one week at work to let the inevitable shock of reality sink in - I'm back!

I know, I know, it's not me you care about, it's the photos. This week's photos are from a session from the beginning of July. I have a few a more photos to upload, but I thought you had all waited long enough and deserved to see some now.

Jenny U. was once again the make-up artist, but this time it's her amazing hair styling that steals the show! I'm not even going to dry to describe it. You have to see for yourselves: Emma R - Hair today.

My summer vacation in Greece also gave me the opportunity to take some photos outside the studio - hopefully I'll be uploading a few photos every day this week. So if you're back to work too, and still aren't in the mood for working, you know where you can come waste a few minutes!

July 26, 2009

A few weeks ago I said that I had had the best photo session ever, and hoped to be able to say that again and again - well, it's time!

Even though the Swedish summer has left a bit to be desired, it's still hard to sit in front of the computer when it's time for vacation. But I can't leave the girls, or you the viewer, disappointed, so I take my time edit my pics as best I can. And the wait, I hope, is worth it!

I guess the story behind this session should start a long, long time ago. When I was but a little boy, my father used to be an antique dealer. Dusty antiques filled our basement, among them, some fine old chests. I always wanted one and, one Christmas, to my great surprise, my brother had refurbished one, and gave me one of my best presents ever. It was incredibly heavy and bulky and it's amazing I ever got it through customs, and onto the plane. I don't understand why I never opened it until just the other day - you'll never guess the Treasure I found inside ...

July 11, 2009

Yeah, while all ya all have gone on vacation, I'm still working at work AND at home. Lucky for you that means another session is now up.

This week we have the talented Emelie W. - one of the few professionals models I have photographed. Emelie is working in Spain for the summer and with any luck one of these photos will be used by her Spanish agency.

So, it was time for another Jenny idea - lots of Yellow tape! After Jenny applied the make-up and teased out the end of Emeilie's hair (Yes, that "collar" IS her real hair!) the girls disappeared into other room to work out the tape. After 15 minutes, and quite a bit of laughing, the two emerged and Emelie had quite an interesting yellow tape-top! (The only small mistake we made was not re-taping after an outfit change, but eh, you live and learn - and we'll remember that the next time we tape someone up!)

So, without further ado, another Chribba/Jenny creation: Emelie W - Yellow.

And one other thing is new - a new logo! What do you think?

July 4, 2009

Although I missed last week's update, you have to admit I've been keeping the news short, well, this week I am going to blab a bit.

You are about to see maybe the best photo session I have had in my short model photo career. Are you going to like it? Will it be your style? Who knows. But I am really pleased with the combined efforts and overall results of this shoot.

Jelena was supposed to model one week and do her own makeup, Jenny was supposed to do the makeup for a different model, and both plans fell through. So, I started by asking Jelena, a makeup artist herself, if she minded having anoher MUA do her hair and makeup. She agreed and Jenny did, too.

The theme, if you can call it that, comes from two different places. Over a year ago, someone showed me a high-key, black and white photo of a girl all in white, wearing little more than a white tie. Then, several months ago, I was watching Blade Runner: the absolute final ultimate director's cut version 10, or something like that, and I was thinking about how I liked Darryl Hannah's (Pris the android) make-up. Somehow I got it in my head to combine the two. In the end, our photos evolved into something quite different, but sometimes it is interesting to know where ideas and inspiration come from.

So the girls and I talked and had a basic idea of what we wanted to do. I then discovered that either the Italian mafia has invaded Stockholm, or lots and lots of people died (hmm, could there be a connection?) because it was nearly impossible to find a white tie anywhere in the city. (Well, if I found evaporated milk in Stockholm, to make pumpkin pie, I was surely not going to give up until I found a plain white tie.) And so, 15 minutes before the girls were due to arrive, I bought the last white tie at shop #100, just down the street from me - unbelievable.

Jelena brought over one white outfit and one black. And while I arranged an over/under lighting set up, Jenny got to work with her interpretation of my eye make-up description, combed some oil through Jelena's hair and we were ready to roll!

Have you made it this far? Really?! I bet you just looked for the link and clicked, didn't you? Oh well, happy 4th of July!

Jelena - Behind blue eyes.

June 20, 2009

Just over a month ago I took these great shots of Maria, a make-up artist/modell in one, originally from Russia. I had had this accessories-only idea for a long time and was happy to be able to make it reality with Maria's help.

June 12, 2009

Another week - another update. I'm going to keep this one short so I can get right back to editing some more shots.

These shots of Elin are from my second shoot with the amazing Jenny - a make-up artist with a flair for creativity. We've done two more shoots since this one and another is in the works - so y'all come back soon ya hear!

June 6, 2009

So today is Sweden's national day, but people still aren't sure what or how to celebrate. I think I'll do my part by having a beer, a hot dog (veggie of course) and some potato sallad while I watch the Sweden vs Denmark soccer game!

And you, well, you get to see some new photos of Lina in rockabilly mode! Lina came over at the end of April (Yeah, I know, I am wayyyy behind schedule) and Jelena helped out by doing her hair and make-up. This was Lina's first modeling experience and she did a wonderful job - and don't miss those matching polka dot shoes! After the first, rockabilly-inspired part of our session, Lina let her hair down - keep your eyes open for those shots which are coming soon!

Last week's shoot was the absolute best for some time now - Jelena and Jenny - "my" two make-up artists, both came over. Jenny worked the make-up and hair and Jelena showed off her modelling skills. Hopefully you won't have to wait too, too long before these are up - but I assure you they are worth waiting for!

May 30, 2009

This week's update features a great model/make-up artist in one - the beautiful Jelena. Even better is the fact that she lives two streets away from me and my studio!

So, one evening when another model cancelled (Yes, this happens all too frequently) Jelena came over. The night before I had set up a new, rather complicated background, so we decided to take some portraits, test out the background, and see how we work together. I hope you all like the results as much as we do.

Other great news: The Kabukia Samurai session, my first since joing Modellbilder was featured on the site's "Utställning" (Exhibition) page! So what?, you ask! Well, I was reluctant about joining/posting on the site because I wasn't sure I have what it takes to be among the better photographers there.

So, well, while my learning curve is still going up, I can happily say that it seems people like what I do - together, of course, with the wonderful models and make-up artists I work with.

This reminds me, I'd like to thank Magnus, friend and fellow photographer, for his kind comments about my photos, especially "I can see in the pictures that your subjects feel comfortable with you." This is one of the most important things to me and to my photos. And I think this can be seen in the great, first-time results with Jelena. Thanks for stopping by!

May 20, 2009

Just over a month ago I had the pleasure of working with make-up artist Jenny U. for the first time. She had a great idea for some Kabuki-inspired body painting. When our original model cancelled, Suzzie eagerly jumped at the chance to fill in, with less than 24-hours' notice.

Jenny showed up with Samurai swords and some different material that we turned into some "clothes" for Suzzie. I set up the studio as Jenny slowly turned Suzzie into a beautiful, porcelain warrior, and then it was finally my turn to capture the stunning result as Suzzie showed me her best moves.

So, now it's your turn to feast your eyes on Kabuki Samurai.

May 10, 2009

Back again with another update! This week's highlight - Elissa and her colorful personality! Not just a pretty face, Elissa aka Elodie is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston and a talented and budding musical artist! Be sure to check out some of her tunes!

We had a fun 3-part session, with gelled flashes, balloons, shades, and a hat! We even had a guest appearance by Harper, my cool black cat, who's been a favorite of many a model. Special to thanks to Mikaela for doing a great job with Elissa's make-up!

Some news is not news at all - I've been so busy taking so many photos that I can hardly keep up with all the editing and updating that needs to be done.

Samurai Suzzie is up next, followed by Jelena, Lina, funky Elin and Maria. Just seeing all those names fills me with "retouch anxiety" - better get back to work! Check back soon!

April 25, 2009

How about that Swedish sun! Finally the light is upon us again after a long dark winter. Ahh, my sunshine has returned and is mine all mine!

In photo news, Thessan shows off her terrific tattoo. Enjoy!

I've been making lots of contacts and doing lots of shoots! It's so great to work with some great make-up artists like Mikaela and Jenny, and some new models, Elissa and Suzzie, and sometimes I get 2-for-1 as with Jelena!

That means lots of great updates are coming your way. So, for the few hours when the sky isn't light - you know where to come!

April 18, 2009

This week we have some shots of yet another new model, the beautiful Bella. One of Thessan's friends, Bella came over one evening in March for a "Wet 'n' White" theme. Thessan was more than happy to help out, and the water spraying began!

I'm sure it looks like we had a lot of fun, and we did, but it wasn't easy exposing all the whites to super white while keeping her skin dark enough to make the water droplets visible.

I'm really happy with the results and the edginess that some of the photos have. And I think you'll have to agree that Bella is fantastic!

April 9, 2008

Well, what can I say?

Here we have even more photos of Sandra minus everything apart from Karin's great make-up. These are some of my favorite photos in a long time. Hope you like them as much as I do.

Mar 27, 2009

Oops - missed a week! But hey, I've been doing well, haven't I?

So here we have more photos of Sandra minus the cardigan. I have to say once again how great I think she is at posing! More than a few people have commented on how professional these images look and that they could come from a top fashion magazine! I give a lot of that credit to Sandra.

Others have commented on the quality of light I manage to squeeze out of my Vivitars:

I can't believe your getting that level of detail out of two 285's. Your going to have the big studios second guessing themselves. Really impressive.

I can't tell you how happy comments like that make me! Thanks Jesse James Allen aka Savage Land pictures!

Keep your eyes peeled and have a great weekend!

Mar 14, 2009

Seeing as how yesterday was Friday the 13th and tomorrow is the anniversary of Julius Ceasar's death I thought I'd sneak in an update today!

This week we have the sultry Sandra and once again the talented Karin J helped out with hair and make-up. Sandra was a natural beauty and a nataural at posing. There were so many great shots from the session it was hard for us all to pick out our favorites. These nine photos are only a small sample of great shots, and I 'll be adding more from the second half of the shoot next week.

Apart from photoshopping the day away, I have also been calling friends looking for some 60s style furniture and accessories for tomorrow's shoot with Tatsiana. So be sure to check back soon to see what I've found!

Mar 8, 2009

So here we are again with more new photos for you to feast your eyes on!

New photos of Thessan, this time in a kind of purple-ish lycra hoodie - I personally love the contrast of the color with her hair! I mentioined last week how Thessan struck an amazing variety of crazy poses, so this week I've uploaded a couple of those shots, one of her in mid air, still maintaining her grace and poise. It's not easy folks. Once again, thanks to Karin J for hair and make-up.

We had so much fun that Thessan came back this past Wednesday and took the beautiful Bella with her. Shots from that wet and wild night will be up in a few weeks! Trust me, you don't want to miss those!

Hopefully I'll have time to work on my Modellbilder profile soon and then it's time to start retouching photos of Sandra!

Oh, and as the soothsayer said, "Beware the Ides of March!" See you then!!!

 

Mar 1, 2009

Woo hoo, I'm on a roll! This week we have photos of Thessan, a fantastically flexible girl who could strike and hold some very difficult poses. Some shots of the first set are up now. With a little luck I'll upload a couple photos from our second set during the week.

A special thanks to the talented Karin J, make-up artist and hairstylist extraordinaire, who went above and beyond the call of duty, with some great pose and style suggestions!

Other great news, which I got yesterday, is that Thessan and her good friend the beautiful Bella are coming over for a shoot on Wednesday! I can't wait!

I've also made some new contacts this week which will hopefeully lead to some shoots with some new, exciting models.

But wait, there's even more - After being invited by Nina, I've FINALLY joined Modellbilder. A link to my page there is coming soon!

 

Feb 22, 2009

*** Due to popular demand, and the amount of snow that Stockholm is getting hit with, I've updated the site again! *Bonus* Check out the snowy Södermalm images in the Places section!

 

Feb 22, 2009

Well I'm getting better and faster these days now that I'm all caught up with my post-processing - let's see how long that lasts!

Feb 15, 2009

Time for another update! The shoot with Emma was my last of 2008. Due to extenuating circumstances, it has taken me so long to get these up, but finally they are here! The two styles we decided on for that day couldn't have been more different, and I find it fascinating to look at the first angel shots compared to the darker ones, and the completely different look Emma projected - well done girl!

So, I now officially have both my photo feet in 2009! After two months out of the studio and away from my camera I kicked-started things with two shoots this week: Thessan and Sandra. They were both great!

Other great news is that I've finally found a wonderful new make-up artist and hairstylist - Karin! Thanks SO much for your hard work this week and for also being what I like to call "creative director". Karin has a great eye for poses and we worked well together.

Remember that nearly all of my models are total amateures and have never done this before, until they stood there in front of my camera and had to pose. It isn't always easy for girls with no modelling experience to pose and often even harder to convey feeling and emotion through strong facial expressions.

Most never realized what hard work it is and all the things you need to think about - your hands, eyes, body, posture, the crazy poses I ask them to do, where the light is and, most importantly, the concentration required to bring it all together. Both Thessan and Sandra were SO easy to coach and work with and so quickly came up with their own poses and looks!

 

Jan 26, 2009

Pixel by pixel I'm reducing size of the digital pile of RAW images I need to take care of. This week's lucky model - Johan! Yeah, it was about time to take photos of another guy. And once again I discover that I've forgotten how cool it is, and how great guys can be at posing an acting. Helena's black and blue dye and sharp scissors were responsible for the awesome hair.

So I better now spend any more time writing and get back to the pile of photos. Finally, yes, finally Emma, you and the other eagers visitors will be able to see your angelic images... In about a week or so :-)

Jan 17, 2009

I'm finally getting back into the swing of things and catching up on all the post-processing I need to do before more new models start coming next week!

So why are you wasting you're time here? Head on over to the gallery and check out the newest addition - some shots of amazing Mikaela! She was a natural at posing, extremely easy-going and just a general pleasure to work with. Let's hope she comes back for another session in the coming months.

Emma and then Johan (my second blue-haired model and the first guy in a long time!) are next on my list of frantic, photo-finishing, and then I'll finally be up-to-date.

Jan 7, 2009

Happy New Year!!! OK, so I'm a little late, but not sooo late. Truth be told I am way behind when it comes to working on photos. But finally, some pics from my first multi-person shoot are now up!

Malin, Jennifer and Erica are three fantastic models I photographed back in November, before the hustle and bustle of the holidays had set in. Organized by Malin, the girls did some shopping especially for the shoot and I have to say they did a great job of matching clothes, and mixing styles, and Bonding.

Then the challenge was all mine! Posing three people of different heights, keeping track of six legs, six arms and six eyes . . . Might sound like fun, but I assure you all this is hard work!

Now I have to get straight to work on photos of Mikaela, and some others. Hang in there everyone, all your great photos are coming soon!

Dec 6, 2008

More photos, more blue - well, turquoise in this case (think about "turquoise" when see the title for this series). A special thanks to Evelina, for doing a great make-up job.

More photos, more skin. Read on...

As some of you may know, I have a Flickr account as well and usually upload one or two photos from a series to Flickr. Flickr has "moderate" and "unsafe" filters to supposedly protect viewers from material that they may not wish to see.

Recently, a contact on Flickr had some boudoir style photographs tagged as "moderate". There was absolutely no nudity in his photos, only vary tasteful, artistic photos or women in lingerie. At the same time, there is a growing trend of depicting, horror, violence, blood (fake), guns and knives in photos - these seem to be considered "safe".

Having lived abroad for nearly 15 years now, I'm astounded, as is the rest of Europe and probably the world, as to why American censors find the human body to be offensive and ban nudity on televsion and in other media. However, turn on the TV at 9pm and you can watch some action "hero" brutally kill 100 people in two hours, and that's just fine.

Is seeing a naked human body more dangerous than watching brutal violence? I'll leave that decision up to you. 2009 won't see any photos of guns popping up on the Beholder, but you might see a little more skin.

Dec 1, 2008

Can you believe it? It's already December! :o)

Well, I've been hard at work (yes, it IS hard work taking photos of beautiful girls, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise) And this week's featured model is Isabelle!

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I am full of interesting stories (I really hope they dont say "boring" stories). And, what's interesting about Isabelle is that I had never seen her until she walked into my apartment on the day of the shoot! All 153 cm of her! I had been in contact with her friend, Helena, who is responsible for Isa's incredible hair and we planned the shoot, the colors, everything, without my ever setting eyes on the model.

I always tell girls that height really isn't the most important thing, unless they are going to do high fashion or be a runway model, and I think these great shots of Isa prove that. While she may have been just a little nervous at first, she did a great job, and by the end of the day she was standing tall and tough!

And she also took the time to plan her outfits, and brought some great clothes and shoes! (I knew it was going to be a good shoot when I saw the shoes!) And Malin, Erica and Jennifer whose photos I need to start work on soon also knew a thing or two about clothes - so y'all be sure to come back soon and check out more new pics!

Nov 23, 2008

Oops - first time I broke my promise to update weekly. But hey, look, it's snowing out and Stockholm is covered in a blanket of white!

Well, I finally had time to retouch some photos and then I just couldn't stop. These photos from part 2 of the session with Alexandra are some of my favorites! This series wasn't really planned and the style and feel evolved as we went along. I started to feel like I was looking at some kind of strangely beautiful, fashion model in a hospital or even mental institution - haha - weird, I know, but that's the way it played out, and I love the results! The finally touch and coloring was something I debated on, asked others' opinions, asked Alexandra and I finally settled on what you see - I hope you like them as much as I do.

Thanks to Malin, Erica and Jennifer for a fun time last week! My first multi-person shoot was a blast!

And Mikaela is on her way her as I write, so I better go get things set up!

 

Nov 9, 2008

Another week is in the books. And what a change this week brought about! Barack Obama won the US presidential election - something that the not only the people of the US, but indeed the citizens of the world, wanted and got. Let us now hope that the change that is in the air comes to fruition and is a change for the better.

But the Beholder isn't about politics, is it, it's about photos! And this week, you get two updates for the price of one!

Alexandra, a young girl from Värmland, came to see me a few weeks ago, and you can now see some shots from part 1 of our session. We had a great time and I hope she comes back again soon - and you should too, to see part 2!

I also bought some new fish last weekend and then took some spur of the moment shots of each type of Malawi Cichlid I have. They aren't the best, but eh, Things, needed some new additions.

Before I wind up this longer than average newsflash I want to say thanks to Isabelle, model, and Helena, hairstylist, for today's fun photo session! Those pics up in a couple weeks!

Nov 1, 2008

The air outside is growing colder as the Scandinavian autmun sets its sites on winter - the perfect time to look at more photos of Croatia and think of sunshine and warmth. I'm slowly making my way through all the images of that wonderful vacation and one day soon I might just be finished!

I also started working on a guestbook today - judging by my early (lack of) success, it'll be a while before it's up and working correctly, but I don't give up easily now do I? ;-) See ya next week!

 

Oct 26, 2008

With no shooting planned last week I hunkered down in front of my computer and spent my evenings with my beloved Photoshop.

Oct 19, 2008

Welcome back! Another week has come and gone - and what an event-filled, full-packed week it was! (Actually, as I am writing this, it's closer to a new week beginning than last one ending.)

Still, I managed to upload a few new pics, this time of Evelina. And, pay attention now, another Evelina did her make-up. Evelina by Evelina you could say!

Oct 11, 2008

The Beholder isn't only about people. I love to travel, so regular trips to different Places provide me, and you, with a chance to see new cities and countries. I also get to learn a bit about other cultures and, in the case of this year's summer vacation, get some well-needed sun that doesn't always show itself in Sweden.

I have tons of photos from the trip and have managed to go through about a third of them. First up are some photos of Montenegro - in and around Budvar, Kotor and Perast. Pics of Croatia coming soon!

Oct 4, 2008

As promised - here comes the first weekly update of the Beholder!

I am now hard at work with some photos of Evelina so check back soon!

 

Oct 1, 2008

The final version of the Beholder is now in place, and has expanded to include more of my favorite photos. So start coming back regularly and enjoying the new and improved Beholder.

Apart from People, now Places and Things, have become a part of The Beholder! I'm finally working on some pics from my summer trip to Croatia so keep your eyes peeled - they'll be up soon!

People, Places , Things ... "What is this, the noun site?" a friend of mine jokingly asked and we both laughed. "No," I replied "this is The Beholder."