A Confession to Make

Lowes Wharf in St. Michaels, by Betsy Spruill Clarke

Shot a party the other day with the theme Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall and I thought it would make the perfect title to kick off this part of the year in blogging the DC photo world.  Of course, my deliberate theft of another person's title is not the confession I have to make.  My carefree neglect to this blog, however, is.

I thought, back in June, that I would be able to blog more, since photo jobs and more tend to thin out over summer.  And I would be partially right, except for one thing that I never saw coming...the very fact that my husband needed a vacation.  And therefore, I would also need a vacation.

Working in a creative department, he puts in long hours through the spring and into the early weeks of summer.  And, much like any human, he was going to crack if he didn't get a little air.  So, I started focusing all of my energy into two things...his sanity and renewing my portfolio.

When August rolled around, I figured that I would take the month off, since it seemed that most people would be getting in those last weeks of vacation anyway, and jump back in this month.  But, alas, I am jumping in a little later than I wanted.

I apologize and I confess, I got carried away with the summer.  But, while we're on topic, here's a summary of our two big trips:  we went to St. Michaels and Rehoboth with Mom and Dad Clarke and we went to LA to see one of the final NIN concerts and visit with our friend Diamond Dallas Page (DDP).

The St. Michaels and Rehoboth trip was awesome and ended with a delicious crab feast/birthday dinner for me.  Southern Maryland is fantastic and has so much to offer--relaxation, shopping, much to photograph.

El Lay, what can I say...first time for both of us and the opportunity to see one of the final NIN concerts before Trent had to take a few sick days was...well...sick.  Plus, it was fantastic getting to visit with our friends DDP and Angela and getting to try out some new moves (quick background on DDP - former pro-wrestler-turned-fitness-guru; creator of a brand of power yoga called YRG that Adam and Betsy swear by).

There were some pretty nice activities going on here, too - SynchroSwim being my fave - WPA rules!  The DC Photography community also had to say goodbye to good friends and fellow talent - Stirling and Rachel Elmendorf, who have pulled up roots and moved out west.  And, while working on my portfolio, I did get some portraits and interviews of local photogs Megan Nadolski and Michael Domingo, so please stay tuned for that as well!

Of course after such a busy month or two, my husband says "You know, you really haven't put anything in the blog lately." Argh.  The reality that you have wronged someone...or an entire community...is a lot to take.

Let's kick this off right and get this engine up and running...

So, tell DC Shot List - you know the drill...in photo...what you did for the summer:  foto.maven@gmail.com

And for goodness sakes, please tell us that you met the DC Fotoweek submission deadline!

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