Rain Rain go away - The sunny side of working in England

So as many have seen Dan had a good time documenting our trip while I worked with the well-known classical music group Aronowitz. My childhood friend Jennifer Stumm is an accomplished violist who invited me to England to photograph her group for their upcoming album and press photos. Coming from shooting rock bands and fashion editorials I know very little about the rules of the game for photographs in the classical music world. As I am shown the typical press photo, I dismiss the idea of shooting within the confines of that box. Why not put my mark on classical music? Why can't they look as cool as any rock band or as beautiful as a pop star? So in typical Angela fashion I infused my general sense of humor and love for vibrant color into the photos. I aim to capture not just their faces, but their personalities as well. Of course there were challenges - there were no stylists or make-up artists, no art director, no trained assistant, and my light blew up (even with a power converter for UK). Oh, and not to forget there's the challenge of shooting 7 people that were used to being on stage, but certainly not models in a photoshoot. For many it's easy to take a picture of a beautiful setting or a pretty flower they see, but here a photographer has to separately light and bring beauty to 7 people in a way that makes them look like a cohesive group, and match the background chosen. Of course, they were all extremely gracious to work with and willing to try new things. On this trip I realized that my love of music and photography causes me to enjoy shooting every genre.

Who is going to want an Angela Photography t-shirt anyway?

It's been said to me by other photographers that my website isn't "professional enough". That it's not the clean conservative website that my peers are showing.  They can't believe I have a flashy logo, and now I'm going to have a t-shirt!  "You are not selling a brand, " they tell me.   My response to them, and anyone else who wants to put me inside a box is that I just got tired of looking at hundreds of boring ass slow loading photography websites.  I am so sick of simple, clean, and boring.  I want people to smile when they come to my site, not just because they enjoy the photography, but also because it's a good overall experience.  No, I am not a graphic designer, but I work with talented graphic designers who layout my photos and can create an even better packaging of my work.  Why not embrace that?  If the layout of the website or my logo turns you off then you probably wouldn't like working with me. I am a perfectionist at work, but I also like to have fun.  I love what I do, and I've been told that it shows when I work. 

That said, I have teamed up with an amazing graphic designer Chris Rucker, at ruckercreative.com to design my first t-shirt.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the shirt - whatever they may be!  Lemme know if you'd wear it.  

VOTE for this picture in the Billboard contest!

click on the link below the photo to vote. it's ONE vote per email so only vote once from that email address or the vote will be voided. thank you! 

www.billboardphotocontest.com/bin/Rate?image_id=1006100797

on a personal note - here are pictures of ben from his younger years!

Recent Work -Susie Park from Eroica Trio, pianist Elizabeth Pridgen, and new mag. editorial

Who says that classical music photos have to be stereotypical and boring?

Thoughts?

 

Billboard Magazine cover - a lucky break?

I've never had what most people consider a lucky break in this industry. I know many who have. I can honestly say that I've never gotten a job because I knew the graphic designer at a record label or had a friend that worked at the magazine. It's been blood, sweat, and tears for my work. I landed the job for Billboard Magazine through flying myself up for a portfolio meeting with Island Def Jam Records in New York. That doesn't mean that I don't think I'm blessed to have the work. I know that the competition is fierce, and it's even harder when you don't backstab and lie to climb to the top. Like many photographers I've been burned by people whom I've done favors for, and figured out the industry through trial and error. I still have a lot to learn. Since the Billboard shoot I've decided to add to my music portfolio by collaborating with established and a few unknown musicians. If you know anyone that fits that description let me know.

It's funny that in the world of photography you don't have time to sit back and enjoy what you have done because there is always someone that is vying for your job. Of course, I was discussing this with my musician friend who said that it's the same way in her world. Sometimes I miss the days when I was in school and working for a bank where if I followed the rules, reached my goals, and completed my tasks - my job was safe. One of my goals for 2009 is to enjoy where I am both personally and professionally, and to be thankful for all that I've been given. I challenge you to do the same.

Here I am in LA!!

So today I photographed Victoria Recano from The Insider for Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine! She seemed to have no celebrity airs about her, and was someone you instantly feel like you could be great friends with. You know like thinking you and Jennifer Anniston could be friends. Of course there was some stress because we had minimal time on the actual studio set, and they have a lot rules of what you can't do.

I was able to take around 10-12 shots of each set-up and then we ran (yes, we literally were running in heels), from one set to the next loading and unloading our equipment. As we wrapped, the make-up artist was heading off to NY to shoot Kevin Bacon in the morning, and the hair stylist has a steady job on The Closer with Kyra Sedgwick. Being at CBS studios, with film cameras following us everywhere was kind of surreal, and you try to recognize everyone you see. Here's one of the shots! The finals will be released in P&N in March, and the show will be airing a 30-45 second promo of our shoot.