TONYWARDSTUDIO.COM

Self Portrait With Nancy, 1975

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Since the invention of photography in the early 1800’s, picture making has become part of the visual vernacular of modern cultures. This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of traditional analog black & white photography. Each student will learn how to operate a basic 35mm camera; the exposure of film to a variety of light sources that include available, continuous and stroboscopic. Student’s will develop a fundamental understanding of film speed as it relates to exposure, film development and the printing of developed negatives on to light sensitive photographic paper, also known as silver gelatin printmaking.
The course work will emphasize mastering basic technical procedure and craft including; how to properly store developed negatives, archiving and print finishing. Students will be introduced to the creative aspects of the medium though specific assignments that are designed to raise the level of visual awareness and acuity. A brief introduction into the realm of digital imaging is also incorporated into this course.

Girlfriend, Rochester N.Y. 1977

Rachel

Posted on August 29, 2010

Dirty Dry and Dull

I wanted to create a study of faces and texture. I covered my models in powder to simplify their features as well as make some stand out, such as the shape of their face. The idea was mostly inspired from a photograph I had seen of a man covered in powder; however, it had more of a tribal reference, which I wasn’t interested in recreating.

Yuffie

I was looking to make them look as if they were sculpted heads. The stark expression helps add to this idea. The title of the series encouraged how I would approached my idea but has very little to do with the project itself.

Dessa

Ultimately, I was hoping to make something strange and hard to look at but beautiful at the same time by showing how unique the face is.

Christina

To learn more about Victor Rodriguez Jr’s work, log on to www.studio206id.com.

Woman With Magenta Hat

Posted on August 21, 2010

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My adventure into photography dates back to 2005 while attending Burlington County College in New Jersey. It’s safe to say that it wouldn’t have happened if the question were never asked, “Do you want to learn how to take better pictures?” I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures as a hobby, but I never imagined that it would end up being something I would want to make a career out of.

Headdress

At first, I used photography to enhance my graphic design work. However, the more I learned about photography, the more I wanted to be a photographer instead of a graphic designer.

Man-Woman And Vintage Chevy

Street Stroll

My early interests were nothing like they are today. I wanted to photograph things that didn’t move, but I was never opposed to trying something new. I guess it was mostly because I would see a photograph and ask myself, “How did they do that?” Spending countless hours in the studio or darkroom trying to figure out how a particular photograph was made, contributes to my work ethic today. I was always experimenting and luckily I have a lot of friends to pose for me, no matter how crazy or risqué the idea. The body, fashion, portraits, sex… all of these things grasped my interest.

In 2007, I transferred to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. I learned so much more about photography and many different photographers, a lot of which had a major impact on how I look at photography. Among some of my favorite photographers are, Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Robert Mapplethorpe, Tony Ward, Annie Leibovitz, Lois Greenfield, James Nachtwey, and Philip Warner. I feel each of them has inspired me and my work, which helped me push myself to learn more and take full advantage of my time at the university.

Now, a recent graduate, I hope to continue to make a career as a professional photographer. I would love nothing more than traveling the world and getting hired to do shoots for Vogue and other well-respected magazines, fashion designers, advertisers and other companies.

Profile

I would also like to show and sell my work in galleries around the world. Besides desiring of becoming a well-known photographer, I also would love to teach photography. I think that by helping to educate young photographers keep’s the importance of photography alive and an inspiration to others.

Victor Rordriguez Jr.

To learn more about Victor Rodriguez art work, log on to www.studio206id.com.

Gina Climbing Stairs

…….I went back to the same location again just a few days later with another model. Gina wasn’t recommended by my friend Nick this time. Another photographer suggested a student that he knew from one of the area’s colleges.

She was curious about the location and wandered around the property comfortably in the nude……

Gina Relaxing On Steps

The pool was especially appealing to her……

Gina Floating

She struck a classic pose by the large clay pot. I realized instantly it would be a memorable shot as it was a location that I had utilized successfully in previous pictures over the years….

Classic Pose

Gina Relaxing After Swim

Chanel Ward: Masters Of Education

…….. As I entered the old stadium, it brought memories back of my childhood. My dad used to attend the Eagles games there and made countless hours of color video footage of the Penn relays during his film making days in the early 60’s. It was in those early movie frames, when my age was still in single digits that the majesty of the stadium became permanently embedded in my young psyche. Franklin Field as it was known then was one of the earliest examples of classic architecture that was innocently introduced to me by my father via his love of sports.

It wasn’t a sporting event that brought me there on this day.

It was the graduation of my daughter Chanel, with a Masters degree of Education about to be placed in her 22 year old hands. I looked all around trying to find the right place to prepare myself for the best possible photographic capture of this momentous occasion. I knew how important that moment was for Chanel, as well for all that have come to know and love her.

And then it came to me. I observed two large monitors, the kind you see at most sporting events these days, capture each student receiving that most important piece of paper, the diploma. I had a split second from the time her name was called to the moment I zeroed in on the huge screen, frame then trigger. It was a decisive moment that would be remembered for a life time, and I captured it! Congratulations to the Class of 2010.