Images by Johnny Stevens

This is a different sort of architectural photography project. Patrick Dougherty is a sculptor who builds these huts out of sticks. When I read about these he was building at Pease Park in Austin, I just had to go do some photographic spot lighting and see if I could get that glowing Hobbit Hut feel out of them. This is what I got after masking 40 layers in Photoshop. Patrick's home is near Chapel Hill, NC. He installs these all over the country.

As my architectural photography work slows in the winter, it lets me enjoy my next favorite passion – portraiture. When I saw the Statesman article about Buck Moore Feed and Pet Supply closing after 72 years in business, I was inspired to ask the owners, John and Ken Bushong, if I could shoot their portrait for posterity. The shop was ideal for a photoshoot since it has iconic items like a 1920’s cash register, a 1930’s adding machine, and scales that are over 50 years old. I knew this setting would be perfect for a composite portrait where I light and capture the people first, then remove them and the lights from the scene, and then go around the room and pop a light on different areas and paint in those spot lit areas layer by layer in Photoshop. I love the drama that spot lighting gives you because each light pop comes from a different direction.

Was on location doing a photo assignment in Eugene Oregon and screeched to a stop to shoot this. Some of the odd things I find in nature.... Any guesses what it is?

All the details you need for my Rust Rapture exhibition on June 12 in Austin!

My favorite collection recently featured on TWC News and opening in a local gallery this June.