UNDERNEATH IT ALL
Some sessions that were planned and executed didn't always yield the planned result, what that did was force me to work harder on newer ideas to succeed where I had failed. The wigs, props, make-up, outfits; all of it helping me to transform myself. Altering my natural into something not natural, the reshaping of a face and figure with lighting and make-up alone a challenge. Of course it was trial and error for me but I am very happy with what has been produced. I hope that anyone that comes across this work of mine enjoys the outcome as well.
"At 50 years old I feel born again but my re-birth began when I picked up the camera again. Though I've been pushing buttons for a long time it's the camera shutter button that I love pushing best. The camera takes away something when it captures an Image but what it gives back, to me is Immeasurable. " - Andre Steven Rutgersen
"Modesty Imperfect."
"It's Photography, It's Magical! I Really Just Want To Have Fun With It!" - Andre
“It’s about bringing a light in this world that’s most times very dark. Accepting who and what you are is the beginning of this. I’m embracing it, I love it.” - Andre Steven Rutgersen
“For creative people, it’s about staying open to it all. That’s part of where creating comes from. The trick is to stay thin-skinned and still survive.” - Montgomery Clift (Actor)
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place…” - Eliot Erwitt (Photographer)
"“The thing that’s important to know is that you never know. You’re always sort of feeling your way.” - Diane Arbus (Photographer) "
"Neo Noir"
"Who Say's All I Do Is Take Goofy Pic's With Shiny Props?"
"Oh You Pretty Thing!"
“Your photography is a record of your living, for anyone who really sees.” - Photographer Paul Strand
"Moon Child"
"Marilyn '62"
"In The Eye Of The Viewfinder"
"Blue Is The Warmest Color"
"Writers Block"...feature in the self portrait photography book "Picture This..." 2022
"Blonde's Ambition"
As "Sammy Davis Jr." for Vanity Fair Magazine by Phil Stern 1949...
an ode to James Bidgood's 1971 film "Pink Narcsissus"
An ode and personal interpretation to one of Edward Steichen's self portraits.
"Cab Calloway circa 1930's"
"Cary Grant" On The Set of "The Toast Of New York" 1933
"Phoenix"
"Heavy Lies The Crown"...from the portrait photography book "Into The Lens"
"Flower Power
ode to Richard Avedon....as "Domiva"
ode to Edward Steichen....as "Anna May Wong Redux".
"Silence is Golden"