As my busy season ramps up I’m about to head out of town for 5 days. That’s right. At a time when I should be shooting, editing, marketing, and working, I’m heading out of town.
To the Adirondacks to be exact.
Before you sigh and comment on how ridiculous I am being, taking a respite right now, let me explain.
Nearly three years ago, while attending The Maine Media Workshops (which I highly recommend if you’d like to change your photographic life!), I met a photographer named Mark McCarty. I’ll never forget the first day when all the attendees shared their portfolios. While I was in some very talented and gifted company, Mark’s work simply amazed me. It was clean and honest and heartfelt and oh so emotional.
I was about to find out why. As we set about to spend our week in John Goodman’s, “In Search of The Personal” class, I watched Mark work. He had lugged his large format camera to Maine. He set it up in a third floor, non-air conditioned, hot, airless studio on campus and set to work.
He lured, cajoled and sometimes threatened (gently of course) anyone he could to get them to sit for him. And he never stopped working.
Since those who know me know how much I abhor having my picture taken, you know it was an amazing feat that Mark got me in front of his lens.
I watched him study me as he dipped in and out of that heavy black drape, sweat pouring off his face. And while I cannot say I am “beautiful” in the resulting image, I can say Mark found his way into my soul with the click of his shutter.
And at the end of that week I realized, the photographer who had come to Maine with the most talent and experience, had worked harder than any of us.
Since that time Mark has always been so generous with his advice and information. I’ve called on him many times for lighting suggestions and most recently for inspiration.
So, to say I was thrilled when Mark called and asked me to help on this year’s Colondar shoot is an understatement! This project highlights young colo-rectal cancer survivors and is spearheaded by cancer survivor, Molly McMaster.
We have three days of shooting with the models who come from throughout the US. We are hosted by the parents of Molly McMaster on beautiful Lake George in the Adirondacks.
I know this experience will go way beyond photography for me. I realize these young people have been through a tremendous ordeal. That they are survivors is evident. That they are willing to share their experience with the world, in my opinion, makes them heroes.
Below is Mark’s comment on the project. I am beyond honored to be involved with this project and to work with this amazing photographer. I cannot wait to get to work!
by Bev
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