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!

www.cozmikphotography.com

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

Flickr Me Your Folio, Today!

As soon as we get in enough photos to select from, DC Shot List will start up the "Shot of the Week."  The image will be open to all comments in an effort to inspire the good ole days of critique, but also to show off DC's strong suit in the photography market.

"Shot of the Week" is selected from a pool of photos submitted by you on the DC Shot List Flickr group page.  The best way to join the group is by shooting me your link via Flickr.  You don't need to be a pro or have a pro account, so don't think about using that as an excuse!  Once you are in, you can start submitting what you think is your latest and greatest or even those that you are "middle of the road" on. 

The spirit of this "Shot of the Week" is feedback. 

DC Shot List Group Page: http://www.flickr.com/groups/dcshotlist/

Betsy's Flickr Page:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/betsyhiggison/

Can't wait to see what you got, Hot Shot!