The Cemetery Shoot

"Father McGuire" is a photo essay/series that explores the world of a seasoned Catholic priest who feels out of place in modern times.  We shot last Thursday for this project, spending about 45 minutes on location at a local church cemetery.  I'm enjoying the collaboration with the very talented Jim McGuire, as the fictional character Father McGuire.  This short (1:10) video http://vimeo.com/37089880 includes 5 of my favorite images from the shoot, along with behind-the-scenes time-lapse footage.  Hat-tip to Raymond Contegiacomo for the assist.

watch the 1 minute video http://vimeo.com/37089880

ARCHIVE: Brian Williams for Amtrak's Arrive Magazine

Culling my archives for RED images (it's Valentine's Day!) I was reminded of a cover shoot with the spot-on Brian Williams of NBC.  It was 2004.  I was still shooting film with my medium-format manual-focus Hasselblad camera, a real work horse.  That was only 8 years ago.

more RED portraits at http://casaburi.com

At the last minute, the studio at NBC we were scheduled to shoot in was not available.  Being the "quick-thinking, prepared, flexible, roll with the punches" photog that I am :) we set-up in his office at Rockefeller Center. After pushing the couch/coffee table/chairs to the side we barely had enough room.  (I'm always surprised at how efficiently we can work in a very small environment.  I take pride in the results not showing a hint of our troubles.)

we love COLOR at http://casaburi.com

Using controlled lighting we were able to come away with some dramatic colorful insightful images that showed a bit of Brian's personality...  and for sure his buttoned-up look was perfect every frame.  Thanks to my assistant who took these 2 videos and the snapshot too.

Working with the E*Trade Chimp

From the archives of AdWeek:
"Jonah, the E*Trade chimpanzee...  was denied access to AdWeek's 7th-floor offices (building codes were cited, though one suspects crowd-control concerns).  So the Super Bowl ad star and his entourage, which included a treat-dispencing handler and bodyguards in E*Trade caps, headed to 9th Street and 4th Avenue for a hastily relocated photo shoot.

more of  E*Trade Chimp and Pets.com Sock Puppet

In a neighborhood that thinks it's seen everything, Jonah quickly drew a crowd.  As the shoot progressed, favored admirers - particularly the photographer - were frequently hugged, and one hesitant toddler received a reassuring, toothy grin.  Though he travels cargo class, Jonah maintains the aura of a star - an impression reinforced when, with the photo session all wrapped up, he was swiftly whisked off to a waiting van and his next appointment." - Tim Nudd

I think I know why Jonah admired me that day.  I've never shown this photo before, but here goes...  Wow what a resemblance!!  lol