Kenneth Payne

The Virtual Strangers Series

For years, I have been fascinated with artist manikins (12” articulated wooden figures) and would periodically pose and leave them on my bookshelves for periods of time. One day, while casting about for some new subject matter for the still lifes I like to photograph, I decided to try incorporating the manikins.

I became intrigued with the story telling potential of the created scenes and started spending more and more time searching out convincing props, and finally to building many of the props I needed.

Not only did the manikins provide new subject matter for me, they also provided a huge challenge. I had not fully anticipated the compositional, lighting, and technical requirements of such work, and I spent the next year in intense learning, threatening daily to abandon the project. That was Series I, now mostly retired.

Series II followed in 2002-3, and I started Series III, which involves handcoloring, in January 2004.

I am a very traditional photographer in technique and process all my work in a “wet-darkroom.” I did consider “going digital,” but the fact is that I do not enjoy computers.

I do all my work with one camera and lens, using 120 Tri-X film, developed in a pyro-formula and light with bounce umbrellas. I regularly sepia tone my prints, and do all my own matting and framing.

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Freefall Designs©
Suzanne Donazetti and Kenneth Payne
180 Marcy Ave
P.O. Box 1022
Raton, NM 87740
click here to contact us: suz@bacavalley.com
Last Updated January 15, 2006