Inspiration, Journalism, Photography

TURNING ORDINARY MOMENTS INTO MEANINGFUL IMAGES

C. Coleman

I’ve always admired my partner, Dakota’s, ability to turn even the most boring settings into beautiful photography. It doesn’t seem to matter what kind of camera he has in hand- whether it is an expensive full-frame digital camera or just his iPhone, he knows how to angle things just right to add intrigue. 

When we first started dating, he gave me a disposable camera. We later developed the film in the closet of his Hollywood studio and hung the rolls to dry on his shower curtain rod. I had a new appreciation for the art and chemistry of photography after that. We have it so easy now with digital cameras and high-quality phones. Even so, it takes a certain eye for angle, light, and perspective to really capture a meaningful image.

Below (minus the first one) are some of the photos Dakota has taken over the years using various mediums. Maybe I’m biased, but I think each one shows his talented ability to tell a story without saying a word. 

Dakota in South Point on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The Big Island of Hawaii is littered with abandoned broken-down vehicles.
South Point on the Big Island of Hawaii is considered the southernmost part of the United States. The region is surprisingly reminiscent of the midwest with fields of golden grass, grazing cattle, and herds of horses. The area is also known for nearly constant winds.
Dakota has always been drawn to landscapes. This photo, shot on film, was near the
Bonneville salt Flats in Utah while on a trip working as a photo assistant to surrealist photographer Jean Paul Bourdier.
This image was shot at night, in Dakota’s hometown, Chico. Moonbeams shone in between the walnut orchards the town is known for.
In his early 20s, he took a trip to Tanzania to help build computers for an orphanage for a summer. Everything was shot on film.

This is a scan of a silver gelatin print from a series Dakota did on large-scale film photography. He used a German dark room development technique called lith printing to create a textured, aged look.
Dakota is also known for unique profiles, which tap into his journalistic side. This image was of a family friend, Ahmed.