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Each photograph in The Jazz Series has its own story…and here’s how it all began. I was in the studio taking photographs of my children using a black backdrop. When we finished, I relaxed awhile by playing my saxophone. I then laid it down on the backdrop and walked away into another room. Returning to the studio, I observed the sunlight reflecting off my horn in a way that was breathtaking. I picked up my camera and began a new photo session … with my saxophone. What a workout it was! I found the end results astonishing and at that point, I became addicted.
Same time, next day, I added my trumpet and clarinet. The clarinet is the only instrument in the series where I used a white backdrop which just happened to be my mother’s wedding dress. I love the texture of the material and thought it was a perfect fit. The trumpet, with its pearled keys and touches of red surround the valves, was a joy to work. I played with the natural light and added some elements to the room to create sparkle and pizzazz.
For my next shots, I chose the flute and the microphone. I waited for the time of day when the light is at its best. The flute and microphone came to me from a dear and talented friend of mine, Stacey Boccali, a flautist and singer in the band I play in. In the flute shot, I utilized two different lighting techniques: one with all natural light and the other by adding some green to the room, giving a neon look to the instrument simulating the feel of a gig in a jazz club.
To complete my series required access to additional instruments. I asked my friend, George Cole, if I could borrow his guitar for some shots. I love the look of this classic instrument; so, you can imagine how happy I was when he just handed it over to me! However, it was a bit of a challenge, with its high gloss finish and being a magnet for dust. Needless to say, I gave the guitar a good polishing before I returned it. Out of all the shots, this one took the longest. I think I learned a few new yoga poses while taking these pictures.
The next instrument was the drums. I tried to get together with Brandon Winans, a drummer who I play with in several bands, but nothing worked out due to our conflicting schedules...until we got an outdoor gig. I brought all my gear with me and after the sound check, I set up and took a few shots. The pictures came out great and I still had time to take some shots of the trombone resting in the late afternoon sunlight.
For my piano shot, I wanted a black grand piano in a location with natural lighting. This was difficult to find and I thought it was never going to happen. Then, one evening, before a jazz band rehearsal, I walked by a room and found a beautiful baby grand. I polished its surface and began to shoot using a reflector to enhance the lighting in the room. (Yes, my camera gear travels with me wherever I go!) I was very happy with the outcome.
The last instrument to complete my series was the bass. I was rehearsing at a local school when I noticed a row of stand-up basses in the next room. Fortunately, I had good natural light coming in from a window above me. It was difficult to take photos of this large instrument when you’re short like me and to make matters worse, I had no stand to hold it in the positions I would have liked. However, I still managed to take the shots and was happy with the end result.
All of these photographs have been enhanced in my own unique way, keeping the same feel so they match and fit together. I loved creating The Jazz Series; the many hours and labor that went into this project was well worth it. I take great pleasure in photography as well as playing and listening to jazz; it was great fun combining the two.
Same time, next day, I added my trumpet and clarinet. The clarinet is the only instrument in the series where I used a white backdrop which just happened to be my mother’s wedding dress. I love the texture of the material and thought it was a perfect fit. The trumpet, with its pearled keys and touches of red surround the valves, was a joy to work. I played with the natural light and added some elements to the room to create sparkle and pizzazz.
For my next shots, I chose the flute and the microphone. I waited for the time of day when the light is at its best. The flute and microphone came to me from a dear and talented friend of mine, Stacey Boccali, a flautist and singer in the band I play in. In the flute shot, I utilized two different lighting techniques: one with all natural light and the other by adding some green to the room, giving a neon look to the instrument simulating the feel of a gig in a jazz club.
To complete my series required access to additional instruments. I asked my friend, George Cole, if I could borrow his guitar for some shots. I love the look of this classic instrument; so, you can imagine how happy I was when he just handed it over to me! However, it was a bit of a challenge, with its high gloss finish and being a magnet for dust. Needless to say, I gave the guitar a good polishing before I returned it. Out of all the shots, this one took the longest. I think I learned a few new yoga poses while taking these pictures.
The next instrument was the drums. I tried to get together with Brandon Winans, a drummer who I play with in several bands, but nothing worked out due to our conflicting schedules...until we got an outdoor gig. I brought all my gear with me and after the sound check, I set up and took a few shots. The pictures came out great and I still had time to take some shots of the trombone resting in the late afternoon sunlight.
For my piano shot, I wanted a black grand piano in a location with natural lighting. This was difficult to find and I thought it was never going to happen. Then, one evening, before a jazz band rehearsal, I walked by a room and found a beautiful baby grand. I polished its surface and began to shoot using a reflector to enhance the lighting in the room. (Yes, my camera gear travels with me wherever I go!) I was very happy with the outcome.
The last instrument to complete my series was the bass. I was rehearsing at a local school when I noticed a row of stand-up basses in the next room. Fortunately, I had good natural light coming in from a window above me. It was difficult to take photos of this large instrument when you’re short like me and to make matters worse, I had no stand to hold it in the positions I would have liked. However, I still managed to take the shots and was happy with the end result.
All of these photographs have been enhanced in my own unique way, keeping the same feel so they match and fit together. I loved creating The Jazz Series; the many hours and labor that went into this project was well worth it. I take great pleasure in photography as well as playing and listening to jazz; it was great fun combining the two.
The Jazz Series
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