TRANSLUCENCE…

(Not To Be Confused with Transparency)

When I was a young person first attracted to photography, my early heroes were Henri Cartier-Bresson and Ansel Adams. Cartier-Bresson for his images of sublime composition and beauty created in the spontaneous blink of an eye with his 35mm camera that remain beyond compare. Adams for his studied artful work in nature created with an enormous 8x10 camera and then masterfully rendered in the lab via his exacting printing techniques.

At some point, I cannot remember exactly when, what caught my eye was work by a photographer named Duane Michals. His approach to the medium was not about spontaneously recording life or about crafted technique. In fact, on the surface, his imagery is very simply and straightforwardly executed. Yet Michals stood out for a very different approach. He concentrated on inner narrative, dream, and an off-balance aesthetic. His was an imaginary, created world based on ideas. And, as such, he also introduced an element that, as far as I know, was quite unique: not only did he compose multiple-image sequences but he wrote shorts scripts in the margins that amplified even as they contextualized the images.

I was always so fascinated by this approach. I never forgot it.

As time and technology have marched inexorably on, the very nature of photography and the type of photographers which originally drew me to it have entirely evaporated. For starters, everyone is now a photographer. As that became so, I began to get bored with the medium. It wasn’t that there weren’t incredibly brilliant images being ‘made’. But digitalization and the sheer quantity of images resulted in everything displaying a sense of sameness. No doubt, another factor is that the people commissioning, editing, retouching and ‘directing’ images were motivated more by commercial interests.

Inevitably, there came a time when I had to wonder how was I to distinguish my work. How could I individually express who I am and what I wanted to communicate with “photography” having become so inadequate? Fortunately, as is said: when one door closes another opens. It is the impact of Duane Michals approach along with other modern masters such as Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha and even Andy Warhol, who all frequently incorporated photographic imagery into their work, that provided me with inspiration. Their work shown a light on a new/old path to pursue that reinvigorated my interest and passion. It led me to venture into the realm of mixed-media. None of this is to say that “straight” or traditional photography doesn’t still hold a place in my world - it does. Yet there is now another avenue wherein an image I may create becomes “just the beginning”. What I particularly enjoy about this is that the elements of texture and space are brought back into the equation. This makes the possibilities for exhibition and the aura of “one of a kind” appealing again. Yes, online images are wonderful but there is nothing like seeing objects in real time and in real space to get a sense of an artist’s actual individuality and presence, the aura, sharing the space with you.

So, yes, time for some of my work to venture again out into the real world. If you or someone you know have ideas about appropriate gallery spaces please let me know! I’m on the hunt. And thanks again to Duane Michals for showing me a different way to see and think about photography. Standing on the shoulders of Giants.

Coda 1: Coincidentally, after titling this piece I came across a fascinating article on Michals in ArtForum entitled “The Self as Apparition”.

Coda 2: I had the pleasure of meeting Duane years ago when he was acknowledged into the Hall of Fame of the Art Directors Club. He was kind enough to sign my copy of his book “The Portraits of Duane Michals” that I’d brought along. His signature was how I learned of his wonderful sense of humor.

Coda 3: This is a link to my favorite Michals image - a photo of bittersweet simplicity that cuts through the heart. It’s entitled “This Photography Is My Proof”

Used Flag SOLD!

"This Flag’s In Tatters. Shattered.”

I am very happy to announce another print sale. The image is “This Flag’s In Tatters” and a 20x20 limited edition print was purchased by art curator Christine Carrier for the personal collection of hers & Manuel A. Mendez NYC/FL. Christine had noticed my post of the piece on social media and appreciated its summation of the current social atmosphere.

It’s a good time to include this reminder: if you happen to see any of my images here and think they would make a nice gift for someone, or perhaps even yourself, please do not hesitate to contact me. Since the possible iterations of sizes and styles are too numerous to list I do not have an online store. Besides that I always prefer discussing the available options directlywith the awareness that practically anything is possible. As a perfect “for instance,” Christine Carrier and I communicated several times with visual samples before arriving at just the right size for matting/framing/etc. So, please, drop me a message and onward we can go to putting my artwork on your walls. Already another sales is in the works even as I type so “stay tuned”

TIME SHARE SOLD!

“Time Spent On the Beach (Montauk)”

Yes, Happy Holiday News! I have word from reliable sources that someone just purchased a gift for their significant other so that said special person could open a nice Christmas present under their tree. The gift is meant to serve as a reminder of the couple’s “Time Spent On the Beach (in Montauk)”.

Thanx to Chris Lucore and the Lucore Gallery in Montauk for the Holiday Show opportunity. And to the Happy New Owner: “Enjoy!”

FYI, if you happen to see any of my images here on my site or in a social media post that makes you think it would make a nice gift for someone, or perhaps even yourself, please do not hesitate to contact me. As the possible iterations of sizes and styles are too numerous to list I do not have an online store. Besides, I always prefer the fun of discussing the options directly. These days, anything is possible. In this instance "Time Spent" is an 8-ply matted 16x16" print in a 21x21" glossy white wood frame. Please drop me a message so that onward we can go to putting my artwork on your walls. Two other sales are in the works from this basis even as I type so “stay tuned”

Then & the Now

Then: “Sag Harbor Cinema 1999” - Hasselblad - Fujichrome

Throughout its very short history, Photography has passed through tremendous changes. Even in my own journey within the medium there have been constant shifts, not only with technique and equipment but also style and approach. Yet as everything changes I can be confronted with a surprising truth: (certain) things stay the same. I cannot say that this lesson is either comforting or alarming. Perhaps both. As always, a picture, or in this case two, can stand in for a thousand words.

The first image is one of my ‘vintage’ favorites. This was accomplished when I made two shifts: 1) I moved back from strictly infra-red black&white to color; and b) to get really serious I switched from 35mm to the medium format of my Hasselblad 500c/m in the late 1990s. A group of these efforts was made throughout the Hamptons as that was where, after a hiatus, I had returned to spend the summers.

The Sag Harbor Cinema was not only an icon of the Hamptons but as an ardent film student & goer in my college days it represented the classic era of American movie houses. It did not have the usual marquee but that big neon sign could not be missed.

Early on I was drawn to the drama of the post-sunset color spectrum. In the Hamptons that usually meant working in late Sprint or late Fall. The long exposures required schlepping a heavy-duty tripod to handle the extra weight of the Hassy. There was a lot of anxiety but when the film finally came back from the lab the results were exhilarating.

In the decades since, much has changed. While I still have my Hasselblad it has been given retired statesman status. Digital now rules the day if only because of the expediency that having become a professional photographer has required. But beyond that, my own tastes actually prefer the speed, agility and flexibility that digital cameras offer. Once Canon offered their 5Dsr camera that provides a 50megapixel+ image I knew I had a piece of equipment that delivered an abundance of favorable options.

There was, however, one more dramatic change: the beloved Sag Harbor Cinema had been almost completely destroyed a few years ago by a devastating fire. Major landmark that it had been, many hearts were broken. It was awhile before I could even bring myself to go by. Ironically, the one remaining feature was the front exterior — but that neon sign had been irreparably damaged. That fire in the theatre, though, sparked a fire in the heart of the great artist, April Gornik, who now lives in Sag Harbor. She organized a fund-raising committee determined to resurrect the fallen symbol of the Sag Harbor Cinema. Almost miraculously, an auspicious revelation was revealed: it was discovered that a duplicate sign that had been long forgotten actually existed in a warehouse somewhere and it was in perfect condition. And so the theatre was brought back to life from the ashes and is now the same but even better with modern technological improvements available. Additionally, everyone realized what a gem of community gathering had been saved and it is appreciated more than ever.

As it happened, this Fall, I was back full-time in Montauk after almost an entire year away. The skies were lighting up later than usual (October-November as opposed to previously mostly being September-October) and a feeling kicked in. April Gornick and her husband, Eric Fischl used their momentum from the restoration and went on to renovate an old church just a block from the Cinema into an full-on, open space art haven called, appropriately, The Church. They host regular events such as Knowledge Fridays with guest speakers and various presentations. I attended one in early December. My camera gear was in the car. As I had hoped from the weather report, during the event a slight shower had dampened the streets. It provided the perfect ambience as I grabbed the gear and headed down to ‘the spot.’ I chose not to review the older image which was stored on my phone. I was curious to see if I would be drawn naturally to the same spot. I was very close. I placed the tripod where I wanted, carefully framed the image to include the street lamp. I waited for passing traffic. Yet . . .

There was one more major change. With the proliferation of digital cameras especially with regard to cellphone cams, any composition and click of the shutter can quickly seem less than the unique event it was when I first became interested in the medium. My personal quest for quite some time now has been to find ways to bring back that sense of “this is what I see” individuality. Then this past month I literally stumbled onto one new solution and I began including myself within the frame.

So, yes, this second image is the then and the now. This is what I Witness.

Now: “This Is What I See: Sag Harbor Cinema" 2023” Canon 5Dsr

Fate of the Golden Boy

Voyager Phaeton - Panel

from the Voyager Myths:

Voyager Phaeton - the Father’s wish granted; the Father’s fear confirmed: the fatally injured son alongside the crash site of his chariot.

(production notes for those interested - archival inket print, torn metal foil [gold and black] mounted on wood panel)

The 5th of July

As seen in Montauk on the 5th of July

Look at this:
This flag’s in tatters
It’s been shattered
Splattered all over by Mr 5th Avenue
This place, it’s in tatters
Shattered
shh-doo-bee

#montaukphotographer #expandthecourt #scotusforsale

5w

New Skin . . . . . (gone camo-style)

I’ve been busy lately on many secret missions wherein I had to be completely incognito. As such, my constant companeros needed to play along & to be #camerasindisguise. I’m certain that no one noticed nor realized what I was up to.

Tick Tock . . . . . Time Out on the Beach

. . . & the Weight Goes On

from Tales of the Voyager Myths:

Voyager Atlas - the weight goes on.

(production notes for those interested - inket print, eletrical tape, ink, torn metal, acrylic spray paint)

Linda May Han Oh

Linda May Han Oh at Southampton Arts Center 2023

Immediately after my photo exhibition & reception @southamptonartscenter came a real treat: listening & photographing the transcendent performance of the fabulous musician @lindamayhanoh who performed with the @fabianalmazan quartet .

See Hot Sax!

“Hey Kids, let’s put on a Show!” Please put this date on your calendar and come on down to the awesomely awesome Southampton Arts Center on Saturday, April 22 right in downtown Southampton, NY. It’s all part of the Hamptons Jazz Fest (for which I, every so humbly, am the official photographer) and the show reception will be followed by, what else?! Great music via Cuban/American Fabian Almazan and his quintet. As one might suspect, my show will be a collection of the work over the past year at the Festival — 30 images of hot jazz stars and ambience (Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Randy Brecker, Bakithi Kumalo, and more!) And, YES, to keep the groove goin’ you can purchase the framed images and take them home with you!

Remembering Dan Wieden

It was not just an honor and privilege but an incredible inspiration in the several occasions where I had the opportunity to photograph Dan Wieden. His sense of humour was uplifting, his graciousness was grounding, and his belief in the power and the glory of creativity was and always will be a high water mark. Grateful for having shared time in this sphere with he and his late partner David Kennedy.

Dan Wieden

Lisboa - amarelo e azul

Como visto nas ruas de Lisboa

Bonde vinte e oito + lambreta em amarelo sob um ceo azul.

Minha cidade dos sonhos…

Lisboa å Noite

Among the many enticing characteristics of Lisboa are the sensuous curves and undulating hills. A feast for the eyes. Roaming along the cobblestoned streets at night is like wandering through a dreamscape.

Last Year in . . .

LizBoa In Marienbad

The Sunday Post:
Last night, El Somnambulisto returned.
Suddenly it was
LizBoa Year in Marienbad.
Or am I getting my places confused?
It's so frustrating when I wake up
and the answers disappear
like vapor
on a windy day.

Ohlos de Lisboa

Olhos de Lisboa

The Sandman, probably jet-lagged, arrived late last night. Maybe that's why I dreamt I was in the time zone of Lisboa and I saw a woman from the past staring into the windows of the state of the future of the state . . .
It was #surreal.
But then I woke up.
And I was in Lisboa.

This post goes out to my great and longtime friend Donna Donato, Parisian expat photographer extraordinaire whose work of reflections & shadows on Instagram as @parisdeed is an inventive & imaginative set of imagery. I was thinking of D when this image came to me.

Thought Cloud

Liz and her Thought Cloud

The Sunday Post:
I had a technicolor dream of Liz and her Thought Cloud

Photographing Wynton

My life as a photographer has transported me to many a significant place and moment. My role as Official Photographer for the Hamptons Jazz Festival now has added a special one to the list: documenting the 4th of July weekend concert by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

When I first moved to New York, I coincidentally moved to an apartment on Duke Ellington Boulevard (West 106th Street). Another twist had me happening into a bar on Broadway a few blocks up where I followed the sound of music into a back room & first heard the great Russell Procope and his band Ellingtonia. Mr. Procope had been a clarinetist in the Duke’s band. I was hooked and became a regular at his appearances there.

Now, I was at Southampton Arts Center to hear the master, Wynton Marsalis, and this incredible ensemble of mesmerizing soloists perform an entire evening of Ellington compositions. The sound was amazing, the musicianship off the charts. There is nothing quite like being in the presence of this music LIVE!

Mr. Marsalis sat with the other trumpeters in the back row (as someone mentioned to me: always closest to the rhythm section) and at the SAC this meant on a riser just in front of their array of organ pipes. He stayed seated the entire evening even as he played the role of MC, announcing the program, the numbers, and his fellow players. His voice has a mellifluous tone and he weaves a spell with stories of history, anecdotes, and the cultural importance of music especially in our current time. The backdrop of the organ pipes was perfectly suited as it often felt like being in a place of worship with an honored minister conducting a sermon. It all makes sense as EDUCATION is a major part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s mission.

His own playing, of course, was indescribably incredible. Refusing the spotlight for the entirety of the program, Marsalis remained a member of the ensemble. As one might imagine this offered a unique challenge towards securing a singular image of him. Yet having team access as I did allowed me to find the one tiny window I could to photograph him while playing. This meant dusting the floor of yet another auditorium with the seat of my trousers which, by this point in my career I am well used to. I got as low as I could alongside the rising stage and photographed through the music stands. For me, compositionally, it was a great vantage point and using my long lens gave me a singular view for watching the concentration, intensity, emotion, command and the cool of this Master at work. BONUS: I was given quite the rush when he provided me THE photo op of looking straight at me and my camera for just long enough to result in my “keeper."

Art & Transformation - the Ukrainian Village Voices

An Assembled Portrait of the Ukrainian Village Voices

Prior to photographing an event I always make sure to scout the location and run-of-show. That was how I learned that an unannounced opening musical piece had been added to this year’s AMP Awards. First the screens would display title cards accompanied by silence that reminded everyone it had been three months to the day that Russian forces had invaded Ukraine in an act of war followed by a refugee crisis the likes of which has not been seen since World War II. In acknowledgement and support of the Ukrainian struggle, AMP organizers had asked the 14-member a cappella Ukrainian Village Voices to perform a folk song in their native tongue.

When I learned of this I made it my business to arrive early at the venue, Sony Theatre in order to watch the sound check. These tech and blocking warmups are always a great way to study what’s going to happen in advance so as not to miss any key visual moments during the performance.

I found the piece incredibly moving and the group’s harmonies exceptional. It was an incredible reminder of the transformative power and necessity of art in times of harsh realities.

Having a few extra moments before the house opened, I hustled three levels down in the bowels of the building below West 46th Street to the dressing rooms. I asked UVV if they’d pose for a group photo. I wanted to get a good portrait of everyone and due to the size of the group, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to return to an old technique of mine: the assembled portrait. They were game but of course “where?” was the question of the moment. Given the few moments that we had the stairwell, ironically painted deep red, was the best place to work.

In addition, I’ve created a very short video to provide an example of the piece performed.

Thanks to the Ukrainian Village Voices and, once again, to the AMP organizing team Georg Bissen, Jeff Rosner, Matt Miller, Al Risi, Phil Schuster and Anthony Vagnoni for staging an awards show that goes beyond the boundaries of what is expected, for reminding us that what we do is important, and making this show one of the most exciting to witness and document.

#montaukphotographer #hattrickstudio #ukrainianvillagevoices #standwithukraine #amp2022 #stopthewar

Thanks to the UVV and, once again, to the AMP organizing team Georg Bissen, Jeff Rosner, Matt Miller, Al Risi, Phil Schuster and Anthony Vagnoni for staging an awards show that goes beyond the boundaries of what is expected, for reminding us that what we do is important, and making this show one of the most exciting to witness and document.

#montaukphotographer #hattrickstudio #ukrainianvillagevoices #standwithukraine #amp2022 #stopthewar

Small Businesses Back to Work?

As If You Ever Stopped!

Working methods may have shifted over the last two years but for small business teams to survive it has meant living the words I have tattooed on my forearm: Adapt, Improvise, Overcome.

As the world picks up the pace to post-pandemic normalcy, it’s time to polish off the company image by strengthening your brand’s identity and reinforcing how your group works in a cohesive fashion.

One fantastic way to do this is with professional headshots that represents your company’s image in a visually cohesive fashion. Yes, it matters how you look, and it matters how you look together. A key element is style, and it takes some insight into who you are, what you do and how you do it. A great example was my experience with Big Sky Studio Edit.

My friend, Anthony Vagnoni, who was handling PR for AICP introduced me to the about-to-be-awarded and incredibly talented, Chris Franklin (who also had an Oscar nomination iin 2020). They needed a good portrait of Chris for the annual AICE awards. Of course, as it goes with great editing, timing is everything and we needed a studio in a flash. I made a quick call to another super talented friend, the awesome Mary Nittolo, Founder/Proprietor of her animation house , THE STUDIO NYC. As it happened, she told me they were in the process of moving! (Oh, NO! Mr. Bill!!). BUT as fate would have it, due to a snafu in the new space that placed everything on hold, her existing shoot stage was available for a couple of more days. Again, that timing thing.

I made arrangements with team Chris, grabbed some lighting gear, beat a quick path to THE STUDIO and began thinking up an interesting portrait, I hadn’t had time to pull together a backdrop but the white cyc provided me with the equivalent of a blank canvas. I rummaged around in what was laying about & found a cool cooling vent leftover from an equipment rack. I set up a light to blast out through that & created a fetching pattern on the wall that reminded me of watching film running through a projector. Naturally a modernist red (my favorite color) made its way into the picture. When Chris arrived I plunked him down and though we grabbed many a frame it was that first one that won the day. (It so often happens that it is either the last or the first — which is why you can’t just count on the first).

As conversation ensued, what with all that was going on with Chris’ career, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get the full Big Sky team into the picture. By this time, I had heard that their offices were beautifully curated and art directed. I suggested we take a look up there. A scouting session was put into the calendar and, oh, yes: Eye Candy City.

When you want to enhance your team image there is no better way to give yourselves a unique identity than to incorporate every element you can. A uniform look is the first place to start. And if you have work environment that reflects your image there is no better thing to do than to incorporate that spatial dimension into your team photos. Big Sky’s offices totally fit this bill and so my incredeble assistant, Ian Duncan Ball, and I staged each portrait in one of the seemingly endless “stages” we found around the space. Voila - unique and consistent team portraits.

As we know “every picture tells a story, don’t it?”