New Gallery: Richard Hackman, 2015

Richard Hackman and I have known each other for about 13 years, having met in high school. We were nerds. We did Speech and Debate (or Forensics, for those of you in the know), we wore suits for tournaments more often than any high schooler should have to on weekends, and we remained friends despite multiple moves and thousands of miles between us. That's the amazing thing about technology and social media, it truly can keep us connected, even if it's just seeing an occasional status update or uploaded photo of a recent life event.

That's why I was thrilled when we both eventually settled down around NYC! Not only is Richard good people, he is a supremely talented artist. On top of that, he is a generous artist. I'm not sure if I can explain how important that last part is to me personally and to people who are just starting out in their medium. He's someone I can always go to when I need feedback on an idea or when I just want to create something but don't feel like doing it on my own at the moment (let's be honest, creating can be very intimidating at times, especially when that crippling fear of failure sneaks up on you).

We Speech and Debate folk gesticulate.  Frequently.  Whether you like it or not. (Click on the photo to go directly to the gallery) — We Speech and Debate folk gesticulate. Frequently. Whether you like it or not. (*Click on the photo to go directly to the gallery)*

So I did my best to make one of my oldest, dearest friends look good in these pictures. And Richard, if you're reading this, I hope I've embarrassed you immensely with this post, as fewer things give me more pleasure in life.

To another decade of friendship!

Click here to see the complete gallery of photos from my shoot with Richard Hackman!

New Gallery: Laura

Photographing Laura was so easy. I only make a point to say this because she's not a professional model and doesn't spend hours posing for pictures. When photographing people who aren't used to being in front of the camera, it can be difficult for the subject to feel comfortable. There can be an awkwardness and a hesitation. It can be a miserable experience for the model.

Laura, fortunately, was a natural. Her personal style was classic and timeless with a flare of the modern (check out her socks--killer, right?). Years of dance training was evident through her movements and awareness of her body's lines. If you look closely at some of the photos, you'll see that I shot a few where the angle is a little askew so that the photo seems off-center. I wanted to contrast her effortless sense of balance with something that didn't feel quite right. It also helped that she kept a great sense of humor about her the entire shoot, despite being directed by both me and Richard for over 2 hours with a loud heater blasting overhead.

Perfectly balanced model, camera tilting left.

Check out Laura's full gallery here in the Portraits & Headshots section!

(And check back tomorrow for another new gallery featuring Richard Hackman)

Preview: Richard and Laura

I'm so lame, but I've somehow managed to become friends with so many cool people. And they happen to know other cool people. And sometimes these cool people let me photograph them.

Here's a preview of the shots I'm currently editing of two immensely cool people I photographed--Richard and Laura. I'm incredibly pleased with how these photos are turning out, so stay tuned for the full galleries.

Happy Holidays!

Resolutions for 2015

Happy Holidays, lovely people! Christmas came and went in a flash, and 2015 is quickly approaching. It's really hard to believe that we're halfway finished with this decade. As a kid, 2015 seemed impossibly far away, but now that it's here, I hope we can all make the best of it.

For 2015, I resolve to be a better blogger for all of you. My updates are so sporadic that it annoys me! It helps that my other resolution is to take even more photographs and work hard at improving my skills. If you need a photographer for events or portraits, don't hesitate to tap me on the shoulder--I'm open to everything (as a photographer, you nerds) in 2015!

I'm also going to try and get back into the running groove. I had some good momentum going in the last half of 2014, but a minor knee thing (I don't even deserve to call it an injury) derailed me. I enjoyed it when I did it, so hopefully I can get back to it soon.

How about you? Any resolutions you're committing to for 2015?

Preview

Also, keep an eye out for new galleries and links to the last show I shot for 2014. Featuring Adult Mom, Manors, Free Cake for Every Creature, and Jawbreaker Reunion at Silent Barn! An excellent showcase brought to the people by The Le Sigh, a blog that features women in music and art. The galleries will be posted on New Years Eve, but here's a little taste:

So go forth, live your lives to the fullest, and ring in 2015 with the loudest cowbell you can find!

Update: ArtPhotoArt

I'm very happy and excited to announce that I've recently become a member of ArtPhotoArt, a fantastic studio and gallery in Bushwick (that's in Brooklyn for all of you non-NYers). It's an outrageously affordable option for photographers that need a studio space and access to basic equipment.

A peek inside the studio. (photo courtesy of ArtPhotoArt) — A peek inside the studio. (*photo courtesy of ArtPhotoArt)*

But what really sold me on joining was the sincerity and passion of ArtPhotoArt's founders--Patricia Maldonado and Ryan Bevilacqua. Patricia and Ryan spent two years running Loft594 and bring their experience and knowledge of the Brooklyn art scene with them, recently curating a show featuring artwork inspired by the borough, "My Muse, Brooklyn". Follow ArtPhotoArt on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for news about future events and shows!

Hey, that's my picture and name on the Members page!

So what does this all mean for me? Well, it means I am more available for portraits and studio work! Need some new headshots? Want to take a family portrait to send grandma and grandpa back home? Contact me with details and let's work something out!

This also means that I will hopefully be able to pursue some ideas I've had written down forever. I think my early New Year's Resolution will be to complete one of these projects and share it with the world before 2016 comes knocking. Who knows, maybe I'll even finish two projects. Whoa, I know--ambitious. ;-) And yes, I just used an emoticon there. Deal with it.

If you want to collaborate or have had a burning desire to get a project rolling, I'd love to hear about it. TIS THE SEASON TO GET CREATIVE, FA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA!

The Next Step

I know, I know. It's been way too long since there has been a legitimate update or blog entry. It has been a very busy couple of months involving a bit of travel, a bit of organization, and a bit of decision making. But all of the above have been accomplished!

I have some exciting new developments in the works as we head into the holiday season. I don't want to reveal everything quite yet, but rest assured more details are soon to come. Let's just say I'm very excited to take this next step.

As always, feel free to message me if you're interested in sitting for headshots, need a photographer for an event, or would like to purchase a photo you've seen on my website.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving: eat too much, drink too much, and enjoy your friends and family!