Sacha Blackburne Photography: Commercial

Sunday, 20 February 2011

Workshop - Mia & Ryan of Mohawk Radio

I held a portrait photography workshop in January where I shared what I have learned about photography and am slowly blogging about the different aspects of the day. Last week, I shared some images from behind the scenes and this week's images are from the final practical shooting session of the day. The models were from Mohawk Radio and I processed a few faves for the band to use for press shots. Mia Chambray is the lead singer and her feathery rich vocals add to the band's original alluring sound. Definitely check them out and watch this space - I see big things for these young artists.

These images were actually shot in late afternoon sun but I played around with them to make it look like twilight to add to the mood and also give the chandelier more of a raison d'être!

Mia's eyes are mesmerising - like a cat's.

Thursday, 29 October 2009

The Man Behind the Night of Mayhem

Jon is the man about town, and these days, not just in Bermuda, but in New York City as well. With a huge show of new works on the horizon for which he is working like mad, as well as juggling his busy Volcanic Productions business on the side, Jon must have his head spinning. But that is probably just what gives both his art, and his incredibly creative and well organised events their edge - because he is living on the edge.

He is the mastermind behind the epic Fright Night, which will be held this Friday at one of Bermuda's true historic gems, Fort Hamilton. With the dance party up above, and the haunted house running the gauntlet of the underground tunnels, it will be a night to remember. For more information, check out their facebook page and if you don't have your tickets yet, go to Bdatix.bm or to Jackson School of Dance.

With over a thousand people expected to attend the Friday night party, and several hundred children passing through the Haunted Playground last night and tonight, this is a massive scaled event for Bermuda. Proceeds of the children's event of the last two nights go to the Chewstick Foundation.

These images were shot in the Clown Room of the Haunted House and it really was a sight to be seen - the whole cavern of tunnels and rooms were wildly decorated with creeping crawlies and twisting tentacles that grab and snatch as you slither past. This room was verging on repulsive, and in so being, strangely alluring. Fabulous location for Jon's portraits and he played his part in rock start style.

Of course, one always needs to do a traditional head shot, just in case, but luckily Jon slipped in his delicious look of Mr Suave, with a pinch of mischief. Love it! Thank you Jon, and your team for making the shoot such fun and being game for all my mad ideas - I hope it was worth it.

Tuesday, 14 April 2009

Ryall Graber

I was first contacted my Ryall to shoot her wedding this July. We hit it off on email immediately, and then by phone. She is outgoing, fun, and also unbelievably fit. And I don't meant going for a casual run every once in a while - I mean 5 hours a day in the gym fit! Ryall is a body builder - check out her great site. And as of this week, she is now officially a professional athlete, having just competed in the New York Pro Fitness Show - her pro debut at an IFBB competition. Ryall just returned to the island and wanted to get some shots of herself in such amazing shape. Unfortunately, the sun didn't co-operate so we cut the shoot short, vowing to get together again next week after her next show. But in the meantime, here are a couple shots of we captured in the flat light - can you can imagine what those abs would look like if the light was right? Watch this space because the next shoot is going to be very different, very fun, and very original - just like Ryall.

Sunday, 12 April 2009

School for the Performing Arts

Meet Paula Maguire and Gary Burgess. They share a love of singing, music, and promoting the all of the arts. Paula, whose background in Canada was dance, theatre and education, is the founder and executive director of the School for the Performing Arts. Gary is the Artistic Director of the school, and was the original inspiration for the formation of the school, having set himself apart as a true Bermudian success and it is Paula's hope that he would be an inspiration to any young person interested in pursuing the arts.

Dr. Gary Burgess has been a professional musician for the past 40 years. He has performed as an opera singer on several continents, and in most of the major opera houses in the world. Dr. Burgess was a Professor of Voice and Opera at the State University of New York at Buffalo for 23 years. As the Director of the Opera Department he conducted and staged more than sixty productions. Dr. Burgess is a Professor Emeritus of the State University of New York in Buffalo. Since returning to Bermuda in 1998 he has held the position of Musical Director of the Bermuda Philharmonic Society and Program Coordinator with the Department of Cultural Affairs. In January 2003 Dr. Burgess received the National Opera Association Legacy Award for his contribution to music and opera.

Paula Maguire is a graduate of McGill University Department of Education and also of York University's Dance Department. While in Canada she choreographed, taught and performed on stage for many years. Paula's television work includes Sharon Lois and Bram's "The Elephant Show", and also a host of children's programs for TVO such as "Polka Dot Door" and "Telefrancais". Since moving to Bermuda in 1989, she established The Kidfest Foundation which offers free international theatrical performances for schoolchildren. Paula has performed with the G&S Society and Two Island Productions.

School for the Performing Arts (SPA) began operations January 2007. SPAs mission is to embrace and celebrate the diversity in Bermuda's community and engage those outside of the mainstream. SPA offers programming to all members of the community including Bermudian seniors, the developmentally challenged, the incarcerated at Westgate and students at the Educational Centre. Rather than focusing on the 'best and the brightest' we are committed to the ideal that every individual is entitled to expression through their creative spirit. The school is composed of international educators who are specialists in their field. Our teachers also work within the Ministry of Education to support, assist and enhance the work of its educators.