Richard Ellis, Jonesboro, Tennessee
A frequent contributor to Reader Gallery, Richard enjoys photography as well as modeling. He writes: “Although I stopped using film many years ago, the principles are the same with digital photography: Correct exposure is paramount. The best photo software program in the world cannot produce what was not there in the first place. But now your models don't have to sit on a shelf. Have some fun photographing them ‘in action.’ With digital photography, the world is your oyster. No more the rigors of cutting and pasting with a scalpel, or multiple exposures on the same piece of film — not to mention the good old Scheimpflug principle. (Never heard of it? Google it or ask an old photographer!) The idea of building a space freighter was an opportunity to delve into my spares box and see what could be utilized. This space freighter, en route to the fictitious planet Tsraina’s moon base, is mainly a plastic 35mm slide box with various aircraft and vehicle parts added to it. The nose cone is a candlelight bulb with the cockpit area masked before painting to maintain its transparency. You may recognize other parts, such as the inverted Tornado recce pod on the top.” Richard did not mention scale; apparently all bets are off while orbiting Tsraina.