I have been a commercial photographer for . . . let's just say, a while.

Most of my work consists of studio still-life imaging for print publications. Of that work, most involves jewelry photography, followed by architectural photography, and also a fair amount of art-reproduction work. Nearly all of my studio photography is large-format digital, and I use a Better Light Super 6K-HS scanning back and a 4x5 view camera for most work.

I started to develop an interest in high speed photography in early 2011. I was particularly intrigued by the air-gap flash. So, I began some research to determine if I really wanted to pursue it further. As I progressed, I soon realized that the most important area in which I needed to be well versed was that of high voltage electronics (as in: how not to be killed by high voltage electronics). To be honest, it took a while before I made the decision to move ahead; however, by the summer of 2012, I was knee-deep into the air-gap flash project, and by early September, I had conducted my first successful test of the equipment (successful in that it actually fired, and I was still around to fire it again).

It wasn't long before I realized that the flash --while the most dangerous and conspicuous component of the system-- was actually the simplest part of the system to build. In order for it to function as intended, it needed to be integrated with other components like sensors, gates, a trigger isolator, a trigger delay timer, etc. (I guess that's why it's considered a "system"). And, of course, building each of these "sub-components" seemed far more complex than building the flash itself.

Nearly four months past as I worked on three additional components: an IR detector/trigger with a matched IR emitter, a trigger delay timer, and an isolator/converter between the timer and flash (allowing the timer's low voltage signal to indirectly short the much higher trigger voltage, thus firing the flash without frying everything downstream).

In late December, 2012, I was finally ready to run my first real-world test of system. The only suitable camera I had available was a Nikon D1x that I had purchased in 2005; and, with no other options, that's what I used. So, if you're asking yourself "Why is he using a D1x?". . . now you know. Anyway, the system worked pretty well right from the start. Sure, I encountered a some bumps during the first couple of weeks of use, but most have now been ironed out and the system has been working reliably.

I decided to start posting some of the images I have captured using my air-gap flash system. I'm definitely enjoying this pursuit, so maybe I'll invest in a new DSLR at some point in the future, but for now, the D1x is fine within its limits.

I'm happy to answer any questions regarding the images and/or the capture methods.

As for building the equipment: There is plenty of information available online. If you are thinking about building an air-gap flash, you should really do your own research so that you have a solid understanding of the equipment. Some of the components are extremely dangerous, and may not allow you a second chance if you make a mistake.

One final note: The titles of my images are generally inspired by the first thing that pops into my head. I don't take them too seriously, and neither should anyone else.