Denny Henry

I often photograph lectures and visiting artists who come to The Corcoran. This week's lecture was designer Stefan Sagmeister.  His lecture was different from many others I've shot recently in that it was more in depth than just a slideshow of his work.  He gave great insights into how he designs and the thought process that leads to new ideas. 

After the lecture, he met with a smaller group of Corcoran design students to answer questions.   His answers were candid and held the type of advice that is actually helpfull to people learning his craft. 

Stefan Sagmeister speaking to Corcoran design students.

Stefan Sagmeister speaking about his work at The Corcoran.

Stefan Sagmeister shaking hands with Corcoran Alumnus Kevin Robinson.

This past summer I upgraded my scanner to one that can handle 4x5 film.  I recently discovered that along with the ability to scan my 4x5's , it can also help me create substitute contact sheets for any 35mm film I shoot. These have been very helpful in determining what and what not to scan. 

The below is a scan of negatives from Joel and Chelsie's wedding.  Normally I only shoot digitally at weddings with a few sheets of 4x5 film thown in.  At this wedding I shot a few rolls of 35mm to go along with the rest of what I shot. 

Contact sheet from Joel and Chelsie's Wedding

 Recently I shot some images for an annual report.  The shoot was schedulued last minute and had three locations for pictures.  The biggest part (or at least the part with the most equipment to lug) was for headshots of the board of the agency.

 The image below is one I shot while setting up. It's of my friend, a fellow photographer, Harry Chun who was helping me carry gear and set up. 

Portrait of Harry Chun

I normally arrive at assignments at least a half hour earlier than the earliest I think I think I'll need to be there.  This often leaves me sitting with nothing to do (sometimes for hours), but it always gives me plently of time to get set up and checkout wherever I'll be shooting. I use the time to check out different areas that I think I'll be shooting in, and figure out my exposure for each of them.  I normally meter the scene, and shoot a few shots, normally right from the hip without looking.  I've found recently that I really enjoy some of these test shots when I see them on the computer later. 

The image below is one of those random shots. 

Seats in the auditorium of the Department of the Interior

I recently photographed a Manuscript Gilding workshop at The Corcoran. The workshop was part of their new book-arts program. The workshop was interesting because it focused on traditional ways of producing manuscripts by hand.  Everything they worked on was done by hand without digital technology. 

Application of the Gold Gilding

A Corcoran books-arts student working with instructor Maryanne Grebenstein

Bookarts Supplies at the Corcoran