Let's Take it to the Stage

Every time I photograph a live performance I describe the end result as a perfect disaster.  The lights are never where you want them to be, they're never bright enough or too bright, and ya wanna tell the live performer, "Hey, that was really cool, can you do it again?" 

...And after many years I've learned to look past all of those once terrible circumstances and instead embrace them!  Which is hilarious by contrast, because when I sit back and think about the topic, the majority of my style has been evolved from breaking rules / making errors and turning them into a formula.

My buddy Albin once told me, in one of our many lengthy conversations, "You're allowed to break the rules whenever you want, as long as you know 'em."  In which I completely agree with and somewhat feel I always knew, but completely adopted the philosophy / way of life in the end.

But in this shoot I'm about to share with you, I was contracted to stage a solo performance in my studio space for a local musician / songwriter with more of a blues look 'n feel.  So I invited some of the same live performance lighting set ups along with me, which back lit my subject, only leaving me with his body's contours well lit. Sometimes I would lean my lens into the flare of the back lights, while framing up my client to get that messy, careless live performance perfect disaster look...And, by doing so, it really took the shoot to the stage.

"I feel that bringing real time elements into the studio is a must for correctly conveying an authentic vibe.  We all know when something looks and feels forced.  And we all hate that look.  ...I take note of that and do my best to completely avoid that outcome.

Extra Notation:  I over exposed (for intended clipping.  A stylistic decision on my behalf) and shot with just two rear back lights for one half of our session.  And then, for the sake of identification, I moved in with a front main light and fill card for the second half of the session.  The variety between artist "integrity" portraits (with more artistic looking photos which evoke thought and mixed emotions) and artist "identity" portraits (which provide you with an idea of who they are if ya saw 'em on the street) supplies you with the perfect, fast 'n well rounded press kit in the end. 

But check 'em out.
Let me know what ya think on Facebook and all that jazz.

Thanks!

Foundation Photos For Indiana Based Sign Company

Ok, so these photographs might not change your life, unless you're a sign building company based out of Indiana that contracted me to photograph distance foundation shots of Red Lobster to get their part of the job finished right.

It really was a strait forward shoot, not really any surprises.

The only things I knew that were going to be huge problems on this shoot were:

A.)  The weather, the weather, the weather
B.)  Getting there early enough that the parking lot would be nearly empty.
C.)  Getting there early enough that the sun was up, but not above the tree line (cause it would have made for a nasty back lighting effect on the foundation itself.
D.)  A "1ft. X 1ft" piece object, for the company to judge size relation and scale with for reference later.
E.)  (The only thing I forgot)  My hat and gloves.  ...It was absolutely freezing out.

Here's a few from that morning a couple weeks ago:

The Will To Death

"The Will to Death." 

That's such a strange concept...
It truly is one thing we're all entitled to.

It's also a fantastic album written by John Frusciante that I used to listen to years ago while logging my notes into a crappy beat up note book.

But the reason I'm showcasing a series of images from the graveyard is cause, I simply never did it before and the only way a ten year old professional gets any better is by experimenting.  Throw yourself in the pool and swim...

This project wasn't about catering to someone's needs.  I just treated it like an assignment about setting the mood for a location.  Visualizing the vibes given off by the place itself.

Definitely went on rainy days and had to wrap my gear up with the weather proof zip up sleeves.

All in all, it was just get'n bored and say'n "To hell with it.  I'm going to go spend a couple Sundays in the cemetery and let people look at me like a creeper."  Maybe I'll take a photo from a project like this and create a contrast piece between two images for a gallery?  Hang a cool one up on the wall?  Sell one!  Imagine that?!?! haha.

No matter what I'm shooing, in the end, every photo I take is based around my one adapted saying that I seriously live by:  "Every perfect photo is one that speaks loudly on a spiritual level and never lets the technical aspects overwhelm the concept / message."

And clearly if you're able to walk up to anything you're suppose to shoot in this universe with that one liner in the back of your pocket, you're legit.

Well, check out these photos and let me know what ya think, kittens...

"Hang in there, you'll make it."

The simplest titles weigh in with such impact.

Wanted to find an inspiring way to photograph troop graves.

This door handle means business!

These doors really got my attention.

This was the most difficult shot to compose.  This was actually the only angle to make it all work out.

I absolutely love the group photo loosely attached to the door.  It made the shot.

Wanted to create a "dizzy" feeling, like being chased through the graveyard.

Interior/Product Shoot For Print Advertisement

Advertisement from Marketplace Gazette: 
Photography:  Obviously Joe Cottrell Photography  ...It's my blog, duh.

Impromptu
Erie's "Unique Boutique"

Owners:  Debbie & Dave Bliley
Located inside the Avalon Hotel
12 West 10th Street
Erie, PA
(814) 455-2518

Visit Erie's Unique Boutique for:
-Heidi Draus Jewelry Collection
-Sweet Romance Jewelry
-Crystal Jewelry by RJ Graziano
-Vintage Purses

-Swarovski Reading Sunglasses
-Beautiful Silk Shawls
-Stunning Home Decor
-Katherine's Collectibles

ONE OF A KIND GIFTS!!!

My intentions with this shoot were to bring readers the Impromptu experience before stepping foot in the door.  I started with the place setting of the interior, then ran around pumping out close crops of products that spoke to me the most.  ...It was hard, because the shop is completely filled with interesting items!  If you're trying to find great holiday gifts, definitely stop in.

 Here's some layouts I threw together for this blog real quick:

Feel free to leave your thoughts, questions, concerns, and love confessions!

Later cuties.

Make'n Erie Landmarks Look Legit For Ads

Here's the November advertisement I shot for Volvo Erie printed in Lake Erie Lifestyle full page color!

This time I set up shop in front of the Erie Zoo to identify with a local landmark for this particular on going ad campaign.  Had to wait for a nice break in the weather.  Get's harder and harder to lock blue skies with these winter months approaching.  As usual my outdoor advertising shots are most likely going to chill out for a bit again. 

...Which is the majority of the reason as to why I wish to ultimately relocate in the future.  Not nearly enough nice days to keep this guy happy year round.

haha
Later cuties...

Musician Head Shots

So Zack Knight's doing some incredible things with his music and knows exactly how important it is to maintain a legit visual web presence experience for his audience, before they even begin to connect with him.

I told him to bring some sample ideas of what he was looking to walk away with from this session and what backdrop color he preferred.  I set up shop, looked over a couple of the samples he brought, pounded a Rockstar, and cranked out some awesome lighting to convey the mood.

Honestly, I'm jealous of how his head shots turned out.

...I want head shots like these of myself so bad.  haha

Take a look 'n see for yourself, cuties.

BTW:  Here's a link to his facebook music fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/zackknightmusic