Betsy Photography
Sweet Charity Photographer Series: Erika Horn
+Rockstar Photographer
Article and above photo by Betsy Spruill Clarke.
Second image of Erika by Michael Domingo.
All other photography by Erika Horn...cause that's who the article is about, Silly!
This year, I was asked by Heart of America Foundation to put together a team of photographers to handle the paparazzi wall for Sweet Charity. I was already planning on attending on behalf of DC Modern Luxury, so I was really stoked to get involved and called 4 pro-togs that I knew would really enjoy hamming it up for the evening, both at the door and along-side the catwalk.
I met Erika Horn, Founder/Photographer of Cozmik Photography, at Dahlak for the "I'm With the Band" opening. She introduced me to a tool that I consider to be just as valuable as my lens...my Fong (flash diffuser).
"I love the details
that most people miss."
When she's not shooting, this kick-ass hot shot tends bar...DC's best female bartender, 2009, as a matter of fact!
Anyway, I knew she would be a perfect fit for getting everyone in red carpet mode! In retrospect, she was running the show with a quiet confidence and a not-so-quiet big heart. Erika also found the money spot, next to the catwalk, which--like a smart shooter--I followed right away!
Erika is truly a DC hot shot and most definitely someone to know, whether you're a photographer or have a love for photography.
As a photographer, it's hard to pinpoint your favorite shot from an event and understandably so. I asked her to share with me her favorite from her Sweet Charity collection and she sent me the above, "The shot Sweet 392 - I love details that most people miss."
"I feed off the inspiration I get from the musicians' energy & music."
As stated before, she specializes in music photography, which--in this event photographer's opinion--makes you one hell of an event photographer. She works mostly with local bands and their live performances and CD release parties. Her most recent shoots include Oddzar, as the official documentary photographer, The Flaming Lips at the Green Apple Festival, and even Disco Biscuits at the 9:30 Club with John Lee guest starring.
As it often goes, sometimes it is easy to fall in a rut, as a photographer, and just photograph the same thing, over and over, especially with concert photography. Erika's method to keeping things fresh, "I feed off the inspiration I get from the musicians' energy & music."
And even though she's romantically linked to local rocker John Lee, it's her reputation as a true documentarian--capturing what is real, raw and easy to miss--that serves as her proverbial backstage pass.
A photojournalist at heart, Erika's "pilgrammage" is Rolling Thunder, which happens every year on Memorial Day weekend. You can check out her site for details as she does post her "itinerary." Oh, and take a look at the portfolio, too, while you're there!
Erika Horn photos featured:
1. Sweet Charity
2. Oddzar cd release show at the Recher Theater in Baltimore, Md March 27th.
3. Green Apple Festival on the Mall DC, April 19th, The Flaming Lips
4. Disco Biscuits at the 9:30 Club featuring John Lee April 20th
DC:Through The Lens - Le Fun at Le Bar
+
Despite the drizzly, grizzly weather and the ridiculous gridlock, DC Magazine's Retail Happy Hour at Le Bar pulled in a sizable number, especially for a Monday night. The Sofitel staff, including Le Bar's gracious manager, David Kianni, and DC Magazine staff, including Erica Litman, helped this time-frazzled photographer get settled in and shooting in no time.
Among those spotted at the happy hour, DC's photography community found great representation with 3 talented shooters--Moshe Zusman, Muriel Silva & Michael Domingo--seen chatting with other young professionals.
For more information on this event, make sure to pick up a copy of DC Magazine in a month or two and check out their Scene in DC section.
Enjoy the photos...
DC:Through The Lens - Cherry Blast
+
On Friday night, boat loads, or rather yellow school bus loads of "peeps" turned out at a warehouse across the river to celebrate their love for arts and cherry blossoms at the Pink Line Project's latest rager, Cherry Blast. To those who have attended previous Pink Line Project parties, Philippa Hughes did not disappoint, as she could have possibly topped them all with her location selection in Anacostia at 2020 Shannon Place SE (the future home of JazzNSoul Cafe), and super-convenient yellow school bus shuttle transportation from Dupont Circle. Quite possibly the most unusual, thus, most fun official Cherry Blossom event, Cherry Blast revolved around a Japanese theme while spotlighting local artists and businesses.
Some of the highlights of the evening...er...late night into morning...included the Pink Line signature graffiti decor, swag that included yummy peeps, painted models and a caged go-go dancer provided by Moojoo Ken, On the Fly eats parked in roach coach style outside the building, and--if fantastic music and DJ beats weren't enough--there were plenty of hula-hoops for all hips on the floor.
