Whenever I am grinding away at my assignments at break-neck speed, I start to crave a little more fun and surprise in what are otherwise pretty straightforward shoots… I rack my brain of all the random trivia that could possibly spark some intrigue until I feel I have lost that wide-eyed curiosity that made me pursue this stuff as a career.
Amid my self-flagellation, a lead will glimmer in a passing comment, an invitation, a Google search. Then there I am in the low-lit heart of the crowd clicking away as the three-piece jazz band plays straight Gershwin asking myself; why hadn’t I thought to take my photographer-self out on a night like this before?
Jazz is one of those vibrant, synesthetic arts that is such a treat to shoot. Bold, expressive musicians and dynamic arrangements of shapes all illuminated with dramatic slashes of light; it’s like candy for photographers. An absolute delight to shoot (and to listen)! Huge thank you to the talented saxophonist Stephon Alexander, cellist Peter Consiglio, pianist Billy Regan for stage-side access and such a wonderful show. Special thanks also to mixologist Max Overstrom-Coleman and Carpenter’s Chef/ Owner Bruce MacLeod for all the support and enthusiasm (and for keeping me well lubricated…)
Check out some of my favorite shots of the night below. For information on upcoming jazz nights at Carpenter & Main follow their Facebook page here.
How do you refresh your creative self?
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