I shot this in 1983, with my first camera — a Nikon 8008, using a 24-70mm (I think), kit lens, SB-24 flash, and, if I remember correctly, Ektachrome 100.

I was working as a freelance graphic designer, and had landed an assignment with Gallaudet University to design a catalog of books for the deaf. The layout was easy, but I was stuck coming up with a cover.

I got an old hardcover book, painted the edges of the cover, and nailed it to a piece of scrap wood. I used the SB-24, set to strobe, with colored gels, and shot multiple exposures (6 exposures, I think), while blowing the pages of the book with a hair dryer.

I had no idea what I had captured until I had the film processed. The photo exceeded my expectations, and those of the client.

It's amazing what desperation can drive a person to create. Those were the days!