If you live in NYC you’ve experienced it, we’ve all experienced it walking down any NYC street you can see dozens of beautiful, tall and lanky models or women who could be models. Each are eye catching and a few even warrant that over the shoulder glance as they pass (go on admit it you’ve done it too). While it is certainly true these splendid genetically gifted people are so pleasing to the eye we can’t help but sneak a peek if even for a moment. This photographer sees the beauty from within a woman as the most alluring and attractive not youth, perfect bone structure or measurements none of that can compete case closed!! Given the choice to shoot a top ten model with a horrible personality or a far from the top ranked model who comes with a natural beauty from within, the latter wins hands down every time. Now I’m not taking about shooting for a client or editorial you have to shoot what the shoot calls for. This is a personal preference whether large scale fine art prints or just having fun in the studio nothing completes with the beauty from within, so ladies tap into what makes you so special and let the natural beauty within, out!!
It’s not everyday you get to shoot an Iconic Film Director and Producer with over 58 movie notches in his belt, having acted in 91 movies (so far), having created an international cult following of his movies and comic books and lets throw in a Broadway show in for good measure. I had the good fortune to have met Mr. Lloyd Kaufman socially several times prior to our shoot along with his lovely and charming wife Patricia. Let me tell you Lloyd is one smooth operator putting you at ease from the get go but be forewarned Lloyd’s a character and quick as a whip and if you can’t keep up with his razor wit well too bad for you cause you don’t know what your missing, literally. You’d think being a pro photog in NYC this sort of thing happen all the time not so!! I mean really this guy was directing and producing his own independent films when I was still trying to sneak booze from my parents liquior cabinet and not get caught. When I think about the decades of experience in lighting and directing a set as Lloyd has it was an incredible honor to have him in my studio.
My objective was simple to create a dark, moody 50’s style portrait an iconic photo of an iconic director but not just that I wanted to capture below the surface and see the man that years of so many unique experiences has now given us. You can’t just snap your fingers and get this style of shot but I think we may have just got lucky this night. Before I continue, I want to mention beautiful Lily-Hayes, Lloyd and Patricia’s oldest daughter who also graced my studio with her presence that night having just returned from overseas in Yemin. She and Patricia both walked in just as the fun was beginning Lily-Hayes recorded some video with her trusty phone you can see the link here and catch some of the live action. Not used to being in front of the lens rather than safely behind it I was trying not to stutter too much. Once Lloyd and I finished with our shoot I had the equal pleasure to shoot both Lily-Hayes and Patricia and then with Lloyd all together. I don’t believe I’ll be posting the family pics that’s just for them but here are a few of Mr. Lloyd Kaufman after allowing me the kindness to humbly direct the director. So in closing the whole night was a blast Lloyd had me laughing so much I had to stop shooting more than once. Thank you Lloyd, Patricia and Lily-Hayes for making what I thought was going to be a quick shoot into such a fun evening, I didn’t want you to leave.
