The Aloha Bear

Today, I photographed great friend, Flint in the Hui pool. Actually, I was really interested in his new tattoo that took months to do. This image is so personal to him and symbolizes his spiritual path and, in fact his life. The carp’s struggle through the rapids, tells of man’s quest for enlightenment and the difficulties along the way.

So three of us collaborated as we photographed in the pool. We had a good dialogue and checked out the images as they came up. I even shot a few in infrared as I knew that the water would turn black and the skin would turn white. I have photographed tattoos before in IR. All the stuff of loosing myself in the moment didn’t happen so much, but we had a wonderful time catching up.

Where things got interesting was once I downloaded the images into my computer. The graphic quality of the IR especially captured me. Soon, I was off on an inner adventure pulling in the full gamut of the potential of Photoshop, Nik’s filters, tone mapping and noise reduction. The only intention here was to communicate the power of this tattoo and it’s innate aliveness with Flint.  My only guide in this process was the spark of excitement in me that guided the way through a whole world of potentials and opportunities that these programs offer. So here I sit indoors and lost in the process, filled with new enthusiasm. I just love it when time flies by and I’m having so much fun. I can’t think of a better way to honor and connect with a friend. Thank you, Flint.