The Print is the Performance

Images © Robert Harris Photography


We just had the pleasure of installing and presenting a beautiful portrait to the Colonial Theatre in honor of Mayor Earl Horne and the auditorium named after him. The 50"x30" framed canvas portrait was created to celebrate the theatre's past history as well as its future importance to South Hill and the entire Southside area of Virginia and northern North Carolina.

In creating the portrait, we wanted to feature Mayor Horne who largely steered the efforts of the theatre's revitalization. The process of designing the portrait began by placing a beautiful new grand piano on the stage to layer the portrait with meaning and tell a story of the new life of the venue. This elegant instrument creates visual depth and contrasts the antique movie reel Mr. Horne is holding. This piece pulled from the theatre's archives dates back over sixty years and represents the Colonial's previous life. Eric Sadowski, the theatre's technical director, helped light the stage and curtains which compliment the portrait with the musical notes and contrasting red gels. We then added five strobes to light the mayor in the balcony of the auditorium with depth and dimension. Finally, we asked Mr. Horne to wear his tuxedo to complete the story of past, present and future.

As Ansel Adams said, "The Print is the Performance." More on this in a later post



Mayor Horne and his wife pose with me on the night of the presentation.

Mayor Earl Horne: South Hill, VA

Image © Robert Harris Photography


South Hill, VA is a small town in Southern Virginia that is situated nicely near two beautiful lakes (Lake Gaston, Buggs Island: Kerr Lake) and the crossroads of US 1 and Interstate 85. It is the home where I grew up and still visit once a week to create portraits for clients in Southern Virginia. I have recently enjoyed working with the Mayor of this thriving small town. Upon entering Mayor Horne's office I mentioned it would be the perfect setting for his portrait. The office overlooks the town from the second story of the newly restored Colonial Center. We planned the portrait session for mid afternoon as the sunlight on the exterior buildings would be at the best angle at that time. We added four strobes to light the Mayor and the interior office. The resulting light created depth; from the chairs positioned in front of Mr. Horne to the town in the distance. A 20mm lens was used to capture the office interior with the town's name visible through the window just over his shoulder. Finally, an office plant was placed in the far right edge of the frame to balance the composition. Mr. Horne's expression completes the camera study very nicely and gives a warmth to the portrait that is both inviting to residence of the town as well to those researching from afar on the web.

Technical data: Nikon D3: 18-35 lens. ISO 100. 1/250 @ f 11.5

Kenston Forest Prom 2011

Robert Harris Bridals

Mrs. Molly Brookshire


Mrs. Mary Waters

Images © Robert Harris Photography


With today's disposable society and "trash the dress" sessions, you may wonder; do today's brides desire beautiful portraits anymore? The answer is a resounding, yes!

During this past month, we have been busy creating beautiful portraits for brides being married this spring. We create a large percentage of portraits in the studio where we have ultimate control of light and zero chance of soiling the gown. The camera studies and resulting finished portraits will become a beautiful memory for generations. Future grandchildren will appreciate the beauty of "grandmother's" gown and elegance.

Light and form are at the foundation of the bridal portrait. We sculpt as many as six individual strobes to feature the gown as well as the bride's beauty. Before completion, the portrait is enhanced by hand to bring out the subtle detail of the gown and finally framed in an appropriate moulding for the client's home.

The session is usually scheduled about 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding. This gives the bride a chance to enjoy her gown and "test" the alterations. If any adjustments need to be made, there is time to "tweak" the final alterations if necessary. The bridal session also is a great preview of the complete ensemble (hair, makeup, flowers, gown) This is a great stress reducer for the bride to know that her vision has become a reality.