Singer Songwriter

Paul Cataldi is more than a singer song writer.  He is also a veteran, like so many of our finest men and women.  Paul served and made it back but not before being hammered, breaking his back and traveling the long road to recovery.

He is back in the States and expressing himself through his music.  Paul is blend of James Dean. country/western and solid, home-grown New Jersey.  Naturally, I was honored when he asked me to create images for him that would reflect his music.

We spent a little time in the studio and then headed outside to the river,  We planned a late day shoot to take advantage of the rich afternoon light and it’s reflection off the river.  Lighting to match his music.

Mike Padovan is a second generation stained glass artisan and specializes in restoration of historic masterpieces.  Mike’s studio, Jersey Arts Stained Glass Studio,(http://www.jerseyart.com/) is located right across the street from my own studio here in Frenchtown, on the banks of the Mighty Delaware River.

Mike is a master craftsman and has restored historic stained glass windows at cathedrals, universities, public buildings and even train stations.  It is a extremely careful, detailed procedure to restore an historic work of art.

Mike and I have been planning a photo session for months and we finally got together this week to do some portrait in his studio.  Mike’s work is in high demand and keeps him busy so I was delighted that he was able to steal some time for a photo sesion.

Working on location in other people’s space is both challenging and rewarding.   You have to think on your feet and work within the constraints of the location.  But it’s that location that tells the story and provides context for the portraits.  Shooting in Mike’s studio was a pleasure.  Nice high ceilings and plenty of room to set up lights.  I wouldn’t  mind having it for my own studio.