Matt Hill 12/2/12 Matt Hill 12/2/12

Night Paper #5: Rockaway Beach

This Wednesday past, on the full moon, Gabe, Sylvester, Mabel and I spent a brisk evening on the beach at Rockaway. Having previously seen Sylvester's panoramics from when he was volunteering, we decided that the beauty of the repeating shapes from the concrete supports for the now-missing boardwalk was of such beauty that we were simply compelled to make art in that scene. Of course, we got to see the continuing efforts to clean up and rebuild Rockaway on the way in, and seriously, it's still not good there. My heart goes out to those displaced, and I hope that they find housing soon, and perhaps their new homes.

On to the art. I decided to roll the dice and continue the Night Paper Series. Our brave soul, Sincerely Y Ours, came ready to bare all and dress in paper when the temperatures reached the freezing point.

Here are my two top favorites:

And one portrait I just couldn't resist taking:

You can see a little more from this shoot here.

Matt Hill 10/7/12 Matt Hill 10/7/12

Night Paper #4 - Dumbo (NSFW)

This next shoot involves a second night of shooting with Gymnos Alitheia. Originally, we were scheduled to do this on the heels of the Long Island City shoot, but he was feeling under the weather, so we postponed. Luckily, we encountered a street fair! (grin).

Matt Hill 10/2/12 Matt Hill 10/2/12

Night Paper #3: Rainy Rooftop in Williamsburg (NSFW)

Last Friday evening, I completed my third shoot in the Night Paper series. Deepest thanks go to the very courageous models who braved the high-60′s temperatures post-rainstorm atop the 11th floor of a building in south Williamsburg. One was Clara Coquette, a fantastic and talented local burlesque dancer and the other wishes to remain anonymous. You were both amazing, and I thank you. Also big thanks go to my assistant and girlfriend, Mabel, for making many important details happen effortlessly. Mwah!

Here are some favorites from the shoot. More after the jump!

Here are test shots from the fitting:

Matt Hill 9/9/12 Matt Hill 9/9/12

Night Paper #2: Gymnos in Long Island City (NSFW)

Second in the "Night Paper" series, I present the shoot we did on 8/30/2012 with Gymnos Alitheia, a fantastic creative mind and eager participant. I can't say I've met anyone with his energy and ebullience yet! Thank you, Paul. Also deep thanks go to Mabel for being an awesome PA on this shoot and Jeremiah Sjoberg who joined us as photo assistant. Three digital shots, first being my favorite:

One 4x5" film shot so far - more to scan:

And some test shots from creating this outfit and fitting after the jump.

Test fitting. This shows Paul's creativity - I hand't figured on wearing the paper cape backwards. Great idea.

And here are some shot from Mabes and I scouted the location:

Matt Hill 7/1/12 Matt Hill 7/1/12

Star Trails in Downtown Salt Lake City

Last night I stayed in Salt Lake City on my way from San Francisco (well, San Francisco to Reno) to Denver. After having some bourbons at Bourbon House (I highly recommend going!), I headed back out to make some night shots in Temple Square.

3-shot HDR to capture the REALLY bright spotlights, mid tones and deep shadows mixed to taste in Silver Efex Pro 2. What look like imperfections in the reflection are actually my 3rd exposure made to get the coins in the reflecting pool.

2-minute exposure. Star trails in a metro downtown. Unheard of!

This is just to the right of the above frame. I love soft water :)

LDS Headquarters. 20x 1-minute exposures stacked in Ps.

Matt Hill 10/14/10 Matt Hill 10/14/10

NYC in the Dead Hours

In NYC, the bars close at 4am and the trains north start running at 6:30am. This are the dead hours, and I love shooting it. It's quiet, slightly dangerous, and like a thick blanket was thrown over all the sounds the City usually makes. Muffled, sleepily proud. Quiet vigilance. Desperate, unseen and for some, lonely.