About

Chris Keeney, a San Diego California based professional photographer, creates images with the highest of integrity and originality. Specializing in portraits (babies, children, families, couples, graduates), weddings (bridals and engagement), lifestyle, events (parties, corporate meetings, etc.) - as well as personal and fine art projects.

Primarily shooting digital, Chris Keeney constantly is refining his passion for traditional film and alternative film processes. Well known for his pinhole cameras and hand-made prints, distinguishes him as a one of the most unique photographers of his time and area. Bringing an unparalleled eclectic eye to the [viewfinder] of his camera (a marriage between his literal and intuitive eyes), he channels his style to reflect that of his clients’ vision and essence. Chris’ love for his family, children and friends has taught him the importance of time/timing; flaming his desire to preserve each moment as it unfolds. For him, knowing photographs he takes will touch lives, or simply bring a smile to someone’s face by visually recording a memorable moment that will be passed down through generations, fills him with gratitude and humility.

John A. Fobes > September 2009 – Featured Pinhole Photographer

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Posted in Monthy Featured Pinhole Photographers, Pinhole

John A. Fobes
September 2009 Featured Pinhole Photographer
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“After years of working in the medium of pinhole photography with various self-constructed cameras, the pinholes’ serendipitous quality continues to fascinate me. Regardless of the control I’ve achieved through experience, I’m always excited with the range of suprises offered to me on the developed negative.

The images presented here are a self-portrait from the real world that are transformed into a fantasy world by way of the pinhole images’ unique visual syntax. The ideas were conceived from dream fragments and constructed mentally before even touching a camera. Because there is no viewfinder. I am more conscious of the visual space and how the pinhole camera will render the scene. I choose and arrange visual elements to create mystery as well as to emphasize spatial relationships. And then I just work until that image is a print held in my hands. I’ll enhance the final print with one of my home made toning formulas.

A pinhole camera is a magical Cracker Jack box waiting for the unknown suprise to be discovered. With pinhole photography there are always juxtapositions that cannot be anticipated and these wonderful suprises drive me to continue creating. The pinhole camera is the perfect tool for grasping the ethereal dream.”

CK → I’ve always admired photographers who are able to create compelling images with pinhole cameras they made themselves. John Fobes is one of those photographers. I think you’ll find that by viewing his pinhole photos, he knows how to see the magic of life through the pinhole of his camera. I also like how John has created his Pinhole Dream Series, where he has threaded many of images together by being the reaccuring subject in his pinhole photos.