July 4th Shot Call and Your Thoughts on Young Talent
+July 4th Shot Call and Your Thoughts on Young Talent
"Fireflies," July 4th, 2009, by Adam & Betsy Clarke
Did you enjoy your three-dayer? I organized my ass off, we helped in-laws with attic insulation, and watched movies and episodes of "Always Sunny in Philadelphia." If you haven't seen this show, you are missing out on piss-your-pants-comedy. But this isn't a television blog, this is a blog focused on DC's best in all-things photography and I'll get on with it...
Jumpstarting my weekend was a shoot with Washington Life, alongside of two very talented DC photographers: Nakeva Corothers and Anchyi Wei. This inspired an article that I'm going to write sometime soon about the importance of nurturing all aspects of our photography community in support of DC's growing reputation as THE city of photography. For example, Anchyi, is very hesitant on pushing her photography forward, regardless of the fact that there are many who feel that she has an incredible eye. In my opinion, when we fail to give encouragement to those who may not even realize their talents, we fail the greater deliverable of our photography community.
Ideas? Thoughts? Please let me know!
Also, Adam and I were so exhausted after helping with the insulation that we did not make any plans for fireworks. So, we tried a little something different...fireflies. We found a great spot on Beach Drive (Rockcreek Park) where the fireflies were overly-abundant...as well as the mosquitoes. In between applications of cortizone cream, we managed to kick out a few through the editing process.
Featured above is one of the shots from the night. Since we were trading cameras constantly, I have no idea which person took this. But, Adam took a series of sweet shots. I'm hoping that he will submit to the following request...
Satisfy the DC Shot List curiosity...what were some other shots taken from this July 4th? Got anything unique or unusual to share? Please send it along and if I get enough, I'll do a posting of these pics this week (you will get credit, of course).
So, that's your Monday homework...send me your thoughts on the influence of supporting up-and-coming photographers as well as any photos from July 4th that you would like to show off...
In the words of DC's Erika Horn, "Shoot 'em dead!"
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
Keep It Poppin in May
+May Events & A Call For Contributors...
Pictured from left to right: ROW 1--Erika Horn, Christopher Chen, Random-Guy-Who-Pops-Up-In-My-Shots-At-Various-Events; ROW 2--Betsy Spruill Clarke, DC Shot List yo!, Adam Clarke; ROW 3--Dakota Fine, Random-Guy-Again-Seriously-Who-Is-This-Dude?, and Martin Locraft.
A Couple of Hot Shots, if You Will
Well, these aren't the only events for this month, so I will keep this updated throughout this month. But I wanted to get this out, ASAP, so you know where to find the best eye candy!
Before I share the goods, I want to call out for contributors. If you are interested in covering any one of these events for DC Shot List, please shoot me an email! I want to talk to you, today. foto.maven@gmail.com
Okay, now, mark your calendars...
Wednesday
May 6
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Critical Exposure's "Through the Lens of D.C. Youth" Photography Exhibit
Host: Critical Exposure
Where: ARTiculate Gallery, 1100 16th St. NW (16th & L), Washington, DC
Who: For the past year, D.C. youth and young adults have been given cameras, workshops in documentary photography, and the opportunity to record the causes, consequences and solutions to the dropout crisis in D.C. public schools.
Why: Because D.C.’s dropout rate is too high to ignore--nearly 50%, a number that has serious implications for both the youth themselves and the community as a whole. Also, there will be:
-Great Photos – See powerful photos & writing by local students, and get the chance to talk to them about their work.
-Food & Drink – Make a donation of $35+ and enjoy free wine, beer and food.
-A Good Cause – All proceeds will support Critical Exposure, a D.C.-based nonprofit that teaches students how to use documentary photography and their own voices to advocate for school reform and social change.
Suggested Donations:
$35 Snapshooter: Cost of a 35-mm point-and-shoot camera.
$75 Shutterbug: Cost of exhibiting two students' photographs.
$150 Photo Pro: Cost of providing one student with a digital camera.
$500 Photojournalist: Cost of 1,000 photo postcards to send to policymakers.
Info: +1.202.745.3745 or info@criticalexposure.org or www.criticalexposure.org
Above right photo by Jaime Windon.
Friday
May 8
7:00pm - 10:00pm
The New Color
An exhibition of Corcoran photography majors
Host: Civilian Art Projects
Where: 87FLORIDA at 87 Florida Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
Who: Featuring Corcoran photography majors: Jake Dingman, Carrie Greenwood, William Knipscher, Caitlin Lennon, Collin Sundt, Michelle Yo
Why: Because new speaks to you! As Andy Grundberg writes in the foreword to the exhibition’s catalog, “every generation has the opportunity to create new art that speaks to its particular moment in history and culture.” The New Color displays six artists’ take on that moment as seen through the rich possibilities of light recorded on color film – a rapidly disappearing discipline in the digital era.
Info: +1.202.347.0022 or info@civilianartprojects.com or www.civilianartprojects.com
Above right photo: "Undiscovered 4," by Collin Sundt
Inked Souls Closing and B-Boy Battle
Host: Art Whino Gallery
When: Saturday, May 9, 2009; 6:00pm - 11:55pm
Where: Art Whino, 2450 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA
Who: DJ Fleg in the house plus featured Photographers: Lady Glock, Michael Colon, James Walker , Roger Snider
Why: Because you feel jipped on the 3rd sequel to "Breakin," or lack thereof, and you want to come out and see Breakers Battle 3 versus 3 for a $600 in Cash and Prizes.
Info: info@artwhino.com or www.artwhino.com
