A conservative theatre producer living in a liberal world

The editors of Narratively emailed me the first draft of David Marcus’ article about being a conservative theatre producer. Being a liberal who enjoys discussing politics, I was excited to photograph him. Needless to say, I learned a lot. The shoot occurred over the course of two days. David and I got to know each other. I had a great time, I learned a couple of things and I truly enjoyed getting to know this intelligent, witty and creative artist.

The article was just published. Here’s an excerpt with a link:

David Marcus at St. Marks Church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was checking the Phillies score on my phone when Eliel, the night manager at the Bowery Poetry Club, popped out and found me in my usual pre-show pace and smoke routine. “You know who I like?” he said. “Condoleezza Rice, thatʼs who you guys should have gone with.”

Eliel means it. Heʼs told me many times that he admires Rice and thinks she would be a good President. But Elielʼs point goes beyond the horserace or even the merits of political views. In a very real way, he was saying: “Youʼre a conservative, that’s cool, letʼs talk.”

READ THE REST HERE.

Meanwhile, deep in the heart of Manhattan

Hair whips and wine kicks.

Head, body, feet at Carrera Ignition

A photo of NYC’s new middle finger as seen from the James Hotel

Last night, I went to photographer, Ben Watts’ WattsUp wine party at Jimmy (the rooftop of the James Hotel). Besides being treated to free wine, cool people and an astounding view of Lower Manhattan, I couldn’t help to notice this huge middle finger sticking up from the bedrock of New York City. I think I’m in love with all 1776 feet of this building. You will never catch up working or going up there but it sure is pretty to look at and it goes well with wine, revelers and stormy clouds.

Jimmy
New York City
June 11, 2013

Photographers: Why you should stick to your guns

I remember struggling with personal style vs job viability when my career in photography began so I wanted to share the following:

Every photographer inherently develops his or her style from practice, study and personal vision. When we join this ultra competitive workforce (I live in NYC, which is crazy competitive), some of us find it difficult to compromise how we photograph for clients and the kind of work we can get if we conform a tad. A couple of things I’ve learned about this approach:

1. It’s already competitive. You may as well stick to the style you do best and work at it until you get the clients who best suit you. Your style is what makes your work special. A client who understands and appreciates your vision will stick with you for a long time.
2. There’s nothing worse than doing a job you can’t identify with and deliver a product that looks lackluster. We’re artists first and business folk second — neither of these should be neglected. If you’re not feeling a gig and your photos come out meh then you’re probably not working on the right project. You should save your time and their money. Can you imagine Henri Cartier Bresson as a wedding photographer? All projects aren’t for all photographers so aim yourself toward the shoots you want to do. You’ll feel better about yourself.

I was just thinking this morning that I would have loved this info when I first started. I’m glad to have  learned this lesson as I have been able to work on projects that are more satisfying than the ones I did in the beginning of my career.

Summary: Work hard on the projects you would love to do and every one will be happy.

I don’t usually have advice to share but what the hell. If you’d like to see more of my work, just head over to this LINK.

Watcha think? I’d genuinely love to hear everyone’s experience with this.

This project for Olga Sorokina of IRFE, Paris was such a perfect fit for my style that it felt effortless, stimulating and creative. We have developed a working relationship and continue to stay in touch from either side of the Ocean.

This consumed my life for nearly 72 hours straight

My new portfolio.

Only 31 photos to keep it short, sweet and expresses a full range of event, portraiture and fashion photography.

I’m New York City based. If anyone needs an event photographed in a unique and bold style, please feel free to review the new portfolio to see if I’m the right fit for you. If I am, contact me! I’m still booking for the summer.

Click this LINK to go there.

Dead Fish Down

Image

Black and white photo of an ancient fish inside a faux aquarium at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

Bauhaus Meal

Reblogged from Moss & Fog:

• 
• 
• 
• 

Reimagined by food stylists, these Bauhaus-inspired creations are deliciously minimal. Via FastCo Design:

Bauhaus + art. Put both together and this is what you get. Beautiful photos.

Event Photography to Tell a Story (Sorry, posed group shot slammers)

My photography business offers documentary event photography curtailed for modern marketing and content sharing. I like to tell stories about the events that organizers work so hard to make.

Jada Coles
Miami, FL
May 17, 2013

Model at Gramercy Park Hotel

We had finished shooting for the day and went back to the hotel to cool down and have a drink. She and her assistant had a soda and I a mojito. While we relaxed and enjoyed our beverages, I made this portrait of her. Olga Sorokina is easily one of the most talented models I’ve worked with and I hope we get to work together again.

Gramercy Park Hotel
New York City
April 9, 2013