For much of his life, Mickey Leigh had been part of a group, and it served him well through a childhood that was so fascinating a book had to be written about it to the ‘70s in the depths of New York City’s booming music scene. Now the music vet is focusing on the next chapter of his journey by riding alone for his debut, solo album. We talked about the February 2022 release, ‘Variants Of Vibe,’ the importance of mutating with time, and the exciting things on his horizon.

Kendra: Musicians often have two foundations…they either come from a family that has zero artistry or their talent is biological in a way. You seem to be the latter. You detail as much in your memoir ‘I Slept with Joey Ramone: A Family Memoir,’ about you and your brother, the late great Joey Ramone. With that, I want to know what initially guided you towards music? Was it a song, an artist, a performance, a relative?

Mickey Leigh: Well, it’s a little embarrassing to admit this publicly, but, since I’m the only one here at the moment, I suppose I’m only admitting it privately. Either way, it happened naturally, innocently, and rapidly. When I was very young, around 2 or 3, my mom sang me a song. I was fascinated by the first feeling of a rhythm being brought to life inside my body. The mesmerizing melody made me happy, giddy, and euphoric. My mom gave me one dose of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” and I became addicted to music. I fell in love with it. Then, my grandma bought me a little ukulele, and the marriage was consummated.

Kendra: Once you got older you spent a great deal of time in the NYC scene back in the ‘70, and I recently spoke to another artist who said we often romanticize that time in music history. How do you feel looking back on it as someone who was there as well?

Mickey Leigh: …old.

Kendra: From then to now, it goes hand in hand with something you said, “…music is perpetually re-adapting itself in order to survive = mutating.” As someone who has been ingrained in the industry for a handful of decades and has seen firsthand how it’s had to evolve, what would you say have been some of the most eye-opening mutations over the years?

Mickey Leigh: Hmmm…the most eye-opening mutations in the industry… I haven’t seen it, but I’m gonna say that would be the Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison hologram concert. Definitely an eye-opener, despite the fact that they look the same as they did – or, so I hear.

But, to be serious (and I’m not an expert or an authority on this subject), when things “mutate” it’s not like a caterpillar-to-butterfly type of metamorphosis. It’s so subtle, you barely notice that it’s mutated, or that it’s mutating – just that something seems the same, yet is somehow different at the same time because it’s actually something old but becoming “new” – I know…That’s deep stuff.

Kendra: Again, you’ve been making music for a long time but you’ve always done it in a band setting. This year you’re mutating yourself and stepping out for the first time with your debut solo record, ‘Variants Of Vibe.’ Did you learn anything new approaching an album solo?

Mickey Leigh: I learned that I could save 15% by switching to Geico.

Sorry, I joke because I get nervous doing interviews. I DID learn something (though I was already aware of it) – that when I write the songs, produce the recordings, and play every instrument other than the drums – played by my dear friend and drummer of 25 years, Sir Lord Duke the Honorable Patrick “the carpenter” Carpenter – it goes really fast and is extremely economical. It’s less stressful in a way because I know what I want to hear. And sometimes it’s easier to lay the track down yourself, rather than to teach it to someone.

But, now that I have my “brudda” and former bandmate Wes Crawford with me, I feel it’s better for him to take part in the studio experience by playing the bass parts and singing the same parts he would be playing live, during the recordings. And I’m always open to all ideas throughout the process.

But, the greatest thing I gained from making my own record was confidence. I mean, I know when something’s good and when it sucks. But, when someone like Stevie Van Zandt deems five of my tracks “Coolest Songs in the World” on his radio program, Little Steven’s Underground Garage, it’s certainly a nice confirmation.

Kendra: So the past few years have been hard, especially on musicians with live events being one of the first things to get cut in 2020. With that, a lot of musicians have struggled and found making music “No Fun Anymore.” Being that you’ve had such an admirable career, what advice do you have for artists struggling right now with creating and focusing?

Mickey Leigh: Wow, that’s kind of a psychological issue; and would probably be a question for someone like Dr. Phil could answer – Except he’s not an artist or a doctor!

My advice would be this: there’s ALWAYS going to be a struggle in life. There might be a few breaks in the action, but life is a series of struggles of one kind or another. The various hardships we’re all currently enduring loom larger than in any other period in my lifetime. I can’t deny the sense of confusion and apathy prevailing, but those things can be as inspiring as they are disturbing. I see these things as ammunition for song slingers. There’s always going to be turmoil on this planet. Get used to it, and say what you have to say about it, whatever that is. …I don’t know if that was helpful advice but it’s the same advice I give myself.

Kendra: A bit of a side note…being that it’s February, I’m asking every artist this month to share their favorite love song…

Mickey Leigh: Oh man…I hate trying to pick my favorite song when there are so many to choose from. I can tell you that it’s one of these, and probably the first one:

“I Was Made To Love Her” – Little Stevie Wonder
“Happier Than The Morning Sun” – Stevie Wonder

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘Variants Of Vibe’ out this month, what else can fans both new and old be on the lookout from you as we continue to get through this first part of 2022?

Mickey Leigh: Why do I feel like I’d be bragging answering that question? …I’ll get over it.
Well, this could be a biggie, I wrote a book that’s been optioned to be adapted for film. It’s very close to going into production. I’m not really big on talking about things that haven’t gone into production yet, but it’s looking pretty good at the moment.

I’ve already written some new songs that we began recording in February of 2020. I’ll never forget walking out of Mercy Studio on 14th St & Ave B in Manhattan on March 13th, 2020. The streets were empty and the city was dead quiet, except for ambulance sirens. The lockdown began that night. I’m anxious to finish the songs we were recording at that time, and the others taxiing on the runway behind ’em.

There’s another book, or two – whose pages I’m hoping to put words on – that currently reside either in my head or sheets of printer paper. Despite the pandemonium, I have no shortage of projects and ideas for more of them.

I guess some artists thrive when they’re struggling.

The post The Mutations of Mickey Leigh appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: Being a midwife for over 20 years and then heading into baby photography, it’s clear you love working with the tiniest of humans. What is it that you love about working with babies?

Jocelyn Conway: I feel that pregnancy and childbirth are such a massive part of people’s lives, it’s almost compulsory to capture it! Pregnancy only lasts a short time and every pregnancy is different! So how wonderful for a baby to look back at their mum pregnant with them? We all grow and change the most in our first year. We forget just how small our babies were, so taking beautiful newborn pictures especially with mum and dad is creating memories for ourselves and our children and grandchildren. We need to record these moments because they go so quickly; suddenly the kids are all grown up!

Kendra: You’ve always been interested in photography but just started your own business about a decade ago. What initially inspired you to make photography more than a hobby?

Jocelyn Conway: As you mentioned, I was a midwife for over 20 years. I have had the privilege to know many many women and babies and have delivered a fair share. I understand how women’s bodies work during and after pregnancy and how babies develop and grow. This gives me unique insight when photographing them.

I was a photographer before I was a midwife, When I was 16 I joined a camera club and helped out taking photos of local kids’ football teams for the local paper. I tried to get an apprenticeship with a local photographer, but was told: “it wasn’t a job for a woman.” How sexist!

I eventually didn’t know what to do with my life so I became a nurse, like my sister, and after that trained as a midwife/ I never gave up photography and decided to follow my original plans and become a photographer. I naturally versed into the newborn and maternity genre.

Kendra: Is there anything you learned as a midwife that translates into your photography?

Jocelyn Conway: There is so much I have learned during my midwifery career; how babies develop, their sleep patterns, and how feeding patterns affect their mood. To get these very early sleepy photographs, and awake, but content, pictures, the baby needs to be settled. I’m also very confident handling babies, wrapping them and posing them safely. I know what they can and can’t do, and every baby is different.

So knowing how they feed, wind and just knowing the signs that babies give us to tell us what they want is a big advantage. Also, I’m very confident with pregnant women and can read how they are feeling, I try my best to look after them in the studio and watch for tiredness, or if they are uncomfortable. At the end of the session, I always offer to let mum listen to the baby’s heartbeat. I have a sonic aid and mums and dads love to record their baby’s heartbeat on their phone.

Kendra: You’ve noted how you’re sort of the pioneer of the Bump Baby moldings that some mothers have crafted as keepsakes. When the child gets older and it’s no longer part of their nursery decor, what do you feel is the best way to keep it around the house without their kid saying, “Mom…I’m 16 now, put it away?”

Jocelyn Conway: Haha I’ll bet they’ll still love their “bump bowls” even when they are 16! I’ve been doing bump bowls for many years now, every newborn and bump to baby client get a free cast! I feel it’s such a wonderful way to capture your bump and the pictures of the baby back in the “bump” are just adorable and they do love being in there! I’ve had a baby come back over their first year and had pictures taken each time with their bump bowl!

Lots of mums keep the casts in the baby’s nursery, with teddies or toys in them. Some hang them on the wall. I offer a service to smooth and paint the bump bowls so they can be used as part of the home decor. I’ve always wanted someone to use it as a fruit bowl on their dining table, but I don’t think anyone has! I think It is such a unique piece of art for the home that has it displayed on the wall, especially smoothed and decorated. It is such a special moment that the kids will love it and I can see them in the future having their bump bowl displayed in their house for their kids to see. Definitely investment art!

Kendra: In a world that is all about sharing every moment of one’s existence, we tend to well…overshare…but what three moments of one’s pregnancy do you feel are the most picture-worthy?

Jocelyn Conway: Pregnancy is such an amazing time in a woman’s life; growing a human! The whole pregnancy is a wonderful picture sharing moment. I do a pregnancy timeline for some clients, from about 16-weeks to the newborn session. It’s so special to watch the bump grow. Mums are so excited to find out they are pregnant and I would definitely share that very first scan photo.

As the bump grows and mum feels the baby move it so amazing to see how her belly moves when the baby kicks and jiggles around in her belly. And obviously a professionally taken portrait of her beautiful bump around 32-34 weeks pregnant, when she has a lovely big bump, but not at that most uncomfortable stage later on.

Kendra: Now that we’re approaching 2020, please let us know what you have going on with your business and beyond!

Jocelyn Conway: I’m continuing to take some wonderful bump and baby pictures. It’s what I do and love so much. I take pictures of the babies over their first year, up to their first birthday, which is always great fun! I feel it’s important to capture those milestones, smiling, holding their head up, lying on their tummy, sitting up, standing walking and of course the first birthday! I do a first birthday portrait, which includes a gorgeous portrait of the baby for mum and dad to keep forever, a cake smash if the parents want it and a gorgeous little splash session in a beautiful little bath.

For my business, I’m going to be offering my clients, older child portraits. Gorgeous fine art pictures of the kids and encouraging mum and dad to be in the portraits too. I love looking back at the pictures of my mum and dad when they were younger, and love the history and story behind the images. I’d love for my clients to have this for their children too. Tell their stories.

I’m starting the new year at the Societies Convention in London as one of their judges. Judging lots of amazing prints and panels of images. This will be my fourth year doing this, I also judge their monthly competitions over the year. It’s wonderful to see such a big standard of work and very inspiring.

I’ve not long moved into a bigger studio and love the space to work and be creative. But the backbone of my business are mums and babies. They are my fire and inspire me every day. I’m so looking forward to the future and moorland more babies!

The post Jocelyn Conway Photography: Babies & Bumps appeared first on ZO Magazine.

While her boyfriend at the time wasn’t supportive in the least, at 18 she’s found Joel Cedeno, a guy who knows her worth and drives her forward. So with a support system in place and a camera in hand, thanks to her parents, she has gone from doing senior portraits around town to capturing everything from weddings to newborns.

Kendra: You deal with a lot of various types of photography from weddings to boudoir. Where did you start and do you see yourself branching out even more as time passes by? Is there one over the other that you feel lets your creativity shine brighter than others?

Grace Mackenzie: I love all types of photography, but I have to say my favorite is family and baby sessions. I love the connection and love I see with each image, and I love to see that in photographs. I practice on my three-year-old niece. I also love weddings because it’s that same love and new beginnings. I don’t get along that well with people my age so I noticed when I work with older people and families I am happier with my work and feelings after the session.

Kendra: New England isn’t somewhere I’ve gotten to see just yet, but from movies and TV – it looks as picturesque as can be. Where would you say is the best place to snap a selfie in Massachusetts, and where is the best place to have someone snap the picture for you?

Grace Mackenzie: I’m in western Massachusetts which is about two hours from Boston. I love fall time here. It’s my favorite, but I do love the eastern part because the ocean calls to me. I love taking photos with nature involved. The trees and grass anywhere can make a photo so beautiful.

I use nature and natural light to guide me in my photoshoot process. In a field with a nice golden hour sun is where I like my photos taken best.

Kendra: On top of photography, you also have a design business. What’s that all about and do the two worlds ever come together?

Grace Mackenzie: Yes! I also dabble in abstract art! I love fluid art and being creative with paint. I used to pressure myself to sell my work but now I just go work the flow (literally). I also make jewelry and body scrubs too with all-natural ingredients.

Kendra: You’re also a Body-Posi activist. Have you ever done or thought about doing a photo series depicting various types of beauty?

Grace Mackenzie: I’ve done a lot of body-positive self-portraits where I talk about how important self-love is. I put myself out there which can cause people to be mean but I would rather be myself than be boring. I also have dyed my armpit hair pink for the hell of it! But as for a session all about body positivity, I have a plan for that in 2020.

Kendra: Lastly, what’s going on with you and all that you do come 2020?

Grace Mackenzie: I’m a senior in high school! I’ve gotten bullied a lot in school so I’m very happy I’ve done all my credits and I’m able to graduate in January and go to HCC for photography to learn more business side of things. It’s always important to learn more about your passion!

The post Grace Mackenzie Photography: Pushing Forward appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: I recently talked to another couple where the wife started the business and after the husband left his IT job, he joined her. Was that the case here? Did Jakob see how freeing photography was and leave a 9-5 to join in?

Erin Johnston: Jakob works with me, but not full time. He saw that he could help, so he took a photography class while we were still in school and now he is a great second shooter for me! Jakob also manages the administrative work like taxes for me so I can focus on the creative side.

Kendra: Erin, what did you learn in college about photography that you truly feel you wouldn’t have had you just continued to treat it as a hobby?

Erin Johnston: Having several college classes helped me to take it seriously. There are a few “rules of design” when it comes to photography like color balancing and exposure that when followed will keep your photography timeless. There are a few trends going around now that don’t follow these rules and those trends will eventually look dated. The classes also helped me learn how to deal with complicated lighting situations that I come into contact with…especially during weddings!

Kendra: Was wedding photography always the focus or have you dabbled with other subjects/genres?

Erin Johnston: I just love weddings! I also do portraits of all kinds and I actually have two births scheduled before the end of the year. I’m always looking to broaden my experiences, but weddings are my favorite. I am always able to capture so much emotion with weddings because it’s such a special day that can never be recreated.

Kendra: Every photographer has to be grateful for their locale because every city and state has its own unique beauty to share. For you, what’s the most picturesque place for an Arkansas wedding? Then I can pass that information along to my nieces who live down there.

Erin Johnston: Petit Jean State Park has some of my favorite photo spots. Jakob and I had our engagement session done there. I’m dying to shoot an elopement on a bluff over there!

Kendra: With Instagram and Facebook causing us all to be all about a great photo, have you found that people are more rabid for the best shots more than ever?

Erin Johnston: Yes! People are always wanting photos to post! Social media has been around since before I got into photography though, so it’s all I know! I have often wondered what it was like to be a photographer before social media and camera phones!

Kendra: On top of photography, you deal with fine art. Is that something you create or are you dealers of fine art?

Erin Johnston: I started with pencil drawings. In my art program at school, the first drawing class was a prerequisite to any of the photography classes. All art can be reduced to drawings, and practicing that as an artist helps to develop your eye. I create large scale drawings and paintings alongside my photography work. I do fine art photography as well in addition to my more commercial photography like weddings and portraits.

Kendra: Has anything changed for you two in terms of business and drive since becoming parents?

Erin Johnston: I am driven more than ever because I want to provide for my daughter’s future! I have also become more interested in newborn and birth photography. Having my own baby has made me more confident in photographing others, because I know how to make them smile or calm them down if they are upset.

Kendra: Lastly, what’s to come for you two and the business as we head out of 2019 and into 2020?

Erin Johnston: My main goal for 2020 is to photograph a destination wedding or elopement. We will see what happens! In addition to that, I am excited to see what comes of my first experiences with birth photography.

The post Erin Johnston Photography: Catching Once in a Lifetime Moments appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Everything you do today is in part helping you improve tomorrow. Take Andrea MacLeod for example. She didn’t start out running the successful venture A+ Photography — but what she took from her past in a whole different field allowed her to thrive in her new creative passion. That’s where our conversation started but it soon headed towards commercial shoots, headshot tips, and more.

Kendra: How long have you been working in photography? Was that the business you ran in Germany or did you make the switch one day to work behind the lens?

Andrea MacLeod: I’ve been working professionally as a photographer for about two years. In Germany, I ran a different business teaching business, English, and cross-cultural communication courses in Munich. It’s not the same as photography obviously, but it did give me a good grounding of understanding the different company and clients’ needs, along with running a business!

I moved to the UK when I was pregnant, and stayed at home to look after the kids. Then after they were older, I decided to start working again and take my hobby of photography forward as a business. I worked on improving my photography to a standard I was happy to start charging money for it, and then using my previous experience, started A+ Photography.

Kendra: When you started A+ Photography, were there any initial setbacks that you didn’t expect and how did you get around them and continue?

Andrea MacLeod: Not really to be honest. I started slow so that I could ease myself into juggling work and family life. I mean, nothing is ever completely smooth sailing, but not anything I would consider a setback, more just experiences to learn from and do better next time. I started networking straight away and that got me off to a good start finding work.

Kendra: Over the past year, I’ve talked to a great deal of wedding and family photographers. You’re one of the few dealing with more editorial and commercial shoots. What about this type of photography gives you the most satisfaction behind the camera?

Andrea MacLeod: I like controlling the situation, which you can’t always do at a wedding, haha! No, it’s because of my previous experience of working with businesses, they were the obvious target based on the skills I had along with being a photographer. I am confident going into a new situation, being able to hear what they say is important to them about their product or service and helping to capture that on camera. And I love the variety of companies I work with. From notary offices in the City of London, to dress designers, to industrial welders! Helping create images that represent the people and company is what I love the most.

Kendra: Jenna Fischer from The Office (US) wrote a book about acting and covered headshots. She gave a great deal of advice from an actor’s point of view, but what say you? What are your Top 3 “Don’t Do That in a Headshot” Rules?

Andrea MacLeod: Hmm, interesting. I prefer what to do rather than what not to do if that’s okay.

1. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in, but are in good condition. Things like a frayed collar show up much more in a photo than you’d like.
2. If you don’t like your photo being taken, it’s unlikely that 10 minutes will be long enough to get a photo you are happy with and that is authentically you. Book with someone who will take the time to help you relax and bring the best out of you.
3. Think about three adjectives you want people to think about you when they look at your photo and tell that to your photographer. Trying to look “warm, approachable and friendly” will be a different photo from “professional, knowledgeable and experienced.” I would pose each of these people differently, in different outfits and different settings or backgrounds and also probably different lighting.

Kendra: In terms of A+ Photography, what’s going on as we head into the tail-end of 2019 and straight into 2020?

Andrea MacLeod: I’m putting the finishing touches on my home studio with new furniture and feature walls so for my clients who don’t want me to come to their place of work, they can come to me. I hope to run regular headshot days here too, possibly as networking events, as well as extended shoots and creative projects. I like traveling to different companies, but it’s nice to have everything I need photographically at my fingertips![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post High Marks with A+ Photography appeared first on ZO Magazine.

“Throughout our relationship, we were always talking about our dreams and how we wanted to build a life together and I knew I didn’t want to make nannying a career, as I wanted kids of my own. So I thought about my passions and photography was there at the front of mind, and so it began. I started taking online classes, practicing and developing what I wanted my photography business to look like.”

Now Kimberlee runs her own business and while opening a store may still be in her future, she’s focused on snapping shots and potentially opening a studio. Now let’s get to know more about this master behind the lens.

Kendra: When you started, did you focus on one genre like weddings and gradually add engagements, babies and families or did you go all-in with them all at once?

Kimberlee Jensen: When I started I was mainly photographing kids and babies. Then eventually was just trying everything to gain experience and see what I really loved and now I have narrowed it down a bit more. My focus is on weddings/engagements, families and newborn/milestone sessions. I do things outside of these, but these are my primary focus.

Kendra: Some photographers love working with kids and base their whole career around that type of photography and others that’d rather sit on the plains of Africa waiting to capture lions on film. Everyone has their thing. What’s your advice to those who are toying with the idea of baby and family photography but don’t know if they can handle it because they fear working with children?

Kimberlee Jensen: My advice is to start with people you know! Use your friends and family who have kids and babies! This is a great way to ease into these types of sessions and see if you enjoy and can handle all the chaos that is a part of photographing kids and babies!

Kendra: Speaking of kids, with smartphones in the hands of almost every parent – kids these days are some of the most photogenic I’ve ever seen, and stylish. I just think back to my pics at that age and they are awkward as heck! Do you think our obsession with Instagram and picture-perfect shots is taking away the old-timey tradition of capturing your kids’ not-so-perfect moments to then showcase when their dates come around years later?

Kimberlee Jensen: Honestly I don’t think so! I think those not-so-perfect pictures get just as much attention, if not more, than the picture-perfect ones! Don’t get me wrong, I definitely think there are people out there who use Instagram to portray perfection, but I know when I see a “real” picture of a kid having a moment, I definitely am more intrigued!

Kendra: You have three kids of your own. Have any of them showed an interest in photography and do you think any of them would ever come on board the team when they were older?

Kimberlee Jensen: None of them have shown an interest yet! My girls love having their photo taken though, which is great for me! I do have a 13-year-old niece who is very interested in it though and will be shadowing me on a wedding I have coming up, so I’m super excited to see her potentially take it up!

Kendra: On top of all the kids and families you shoot, you also do a great deal of weddings throughout Southern California. From your side of the camera, what’s the most ideal moment to capture at a wedding and frame forever?

Kimberlee Jensen: Honestly, something that I LOVE to capture, that not all bride’s do, is a first look with their dad. I’ve shot many first looks between the bride and groom, but there is something so incredibly sentimental and special about capturing that moment between a dad and his little girl!

Kendra: Random, but I did ask another photographer a similar question but about hot dogs. So since you’re a Starbucks fanatic, what drink would you say is the most photogenic on their menu?

Kimberlee Jensen: Such a funny question! I would have to say their Unicorn frappuccino! I think that’s what it was called! I don’t know that they have it year-round or if it was just a random addition, but it was so colorful and fun looking!

Kendra: Back to you and your work, what’s going on as we head out of 2019 and into 2020 for Lovelee Photography?

Kimberlee Jensen: This month and next are filled with weddings and family sessions, so you can find me dancing the night away on the dance floor with my brides! Heading into 2020 I envision a lot more weddings and I will be saving up to start renting space for a studio! This is a part of my photography business that I am hoping to grow and I can’t wait to have a larger studio space to make my own!

The post Lovelee Photography: From First Looks to Future Studios appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Photo Features: Michael P. Hoover Photography

Everyone who has ever been to a comic convention knows who the real celebrities are – the cosplayers. Yeah, it’s cool to see that guy from that show or that woman from that one movie with the cool plot or whatever, but seeing fans take on and embody characters from video games, TV, movies and beyond – that’s next level. I know I’m personally always looking forward to what people come up with but people like Michael P Hoover live for it. That’s because out of all the types of photography there is, he’s a cosplay photographer. Yup, he’s done other types in the past but now only shoots the shots that include incredible cosplay.

Kendra: You’ve always been a creative person, right? But what made you want to step away from all you’d done and focus 100% on photography?

Michael P Hoover: I would say, “Yes,” I’ve always been creative. My parents encouraged that through classes and showing an interest in my work. Even when it was work they did not understand or like. I’ve run the gamut in the art world from charcoal, pencil, and paint and brush, to ceramics, jewelry crafting, digital media and so many things between.

I will say though, the only thing I’ve done 100% with my photography was to niche my work from, “I’ll shoot everything for money,” to cosplay only. I no longer shoot families, kids, seniors, weddings and engagement sessions. I market, seek out and develop (puns…haha!) cosplay photography only.

Kendra: Did you take any classes when you got interested in it or did you learn by trial and error?

Michael P Hoover: A lot of both. My first camera was a Disc camera in the early ‘80s. So I grew up shooting on film. There are days I miss waiting in anticipation to see if what you wanted came out how you saw it. That was all trial and error.

When I picked my camera back up, the world had flown past me and gone almost entirely digital. So I had to relearn some things. I took classes for that and learned a lot of basics. It was through those courses I learned two things I use with every session. My first instructor said, “First, you have to learn all the rules. Then, break them.” I do. All the time. I light from the underside, backlight with lens flare, and throw caution to the wind. My second instructor showed me the way of off-camera flash. And I have never looked back.

Photo Features: @thousand_faces_cosplay

Kendra: Do you remember the first cosplayer that made you stop dead in your tracks and take out your camera?

Michael P Hoover: Wow. That’s a tough one. I can’t pin down a specific person or cosplay. I’ve been attending GenCon in Indianapolis ever since the convention moved here. I am a fan of tabletop and board gaming. Cosplay was a natural part of that for people who wanted to dress as their RPG characters. As cosplay gained traction, I saw more and more diverse costumes and fandoms.

What I can tell you though is the moment and catalyst that fomented my decision to pursue cosplay photography. There was a shot, taken by Eddie B. at a previous GenCon that was featured in the GenCon program in, maybe 2013? 14? I can’t recall the year. It was a shot of James Wulfgar in his Cable cosplay. I saw it, and I remember exclaiming out loud, “THIS is what I want to shoot. This is amazing.” A friend made an introduction to Eddie, then to James, and it went from there.

Kendra: Right now you shoot mostly at conventions. How hectic is that? Your average con has thousands of attendees. Do you scout the location beforehand to ensure you and your clients have the best spots for their shoots?

Michael P Hoover: It’s hectic, for sure. Cons as a general rule are chaotic organization. However, for the most part, I shoot in one place and my clients come to me. I shoot generally dark and dramatic and in a way where the background is nearly or completely blacked out.

When I shoot at Dragon*Con though, we photographers pretty much have to shoot outside. So I have spent a good chunk of time scouting. The first year I went, I spent a couple of weeks going through downtown Atlanta…by using Google Earth and Street view. You’d be amazed by the locations you can find like that! All in all, though, my portrait experience makes the photo about the cosplayer as much or even more so than the cosplay itself. The background and backdrops only matter after that.

Photo Features: @exfcosplay

Kendra: You mentioned getting a studio close to home in Indianapolis. Is that up and running yet?

Michael P Hoover: Someone has been following my page in-depth! Haha! Yeah. Actually, when we bought our current home, the goal was to turn the former owner’s gym into a studio. I just need to get my eldest son to move out. Do you know anyone that needs a roommate? Haha! It won’t be up and running for a while now. It is definitely a goal. I did, however, get the okay to convert the garage into a relatively temporary studio and I had my first two shoots there this past weekend. It went well, plus I have several great environmental locations right out my back door to boot.

Kendra: A nerdy father of four raising his kids on geek culture, have any of them shown interest in cosplay?

Michael P Hoover: Three of the four have shown some level of interest, from casual cosplay to original creations. My daughter is the most involved and excited about it. Unfortunately, she’s not working yet, so guess who funds that obsession? My wife even gets the bug here and there. I have a shot of her in her Pink Lady costume on my computer desktop. It is so exciting to shoot with her in cosplay.

Photo Features: @thousand_faces_cosplay

Kendra: Every year there is a wave of the same characters with a few out of the box cosplays that just take things to new levels. What are some characters you feel should be retired for a while and some that are immortal that could go on forever in the world of cosplay?

Michael P Hoover: See, now you’re trying to ask questions that will get me in trouble if I answer you! Haha! No, I don’t think there is anything that needs to be retired. Everyone cosplays something for a reason. Who am I to say that should be relegated to the pages of history? As for immortalizing a character, a few years back, I shot with a family. The dad made this amazing Sentinel from X-Men, and his kids were Cyclops and Jean Grey. Which, as young as they were, made the Sentinel in scale. It was dang awesome and deserves a legacy.

Kendra: Do you have any recent out of the box cosplays that come to mind that were amazing to shoot?

Michael P Hoover: Man, you do like asking the tough questions! I think of recent would have to be StitchE626’s Indiana Jones. Indy isn’t particularly out of the box, but having a massive inflated “rock” that he had handlers roll all over the con “chasing” him definitely is. I love when cosplayers go all out for the fun, passion, excitement, whatever it is that drives their love of the character. I also loved being one of the first photographers who had the opportunity to capture Steven K Smith’s “Alice in Wasteland” concept. It was an honor, and something very cool to watch develop and eventually get cosplayed by some of the biggest names in the community.

Kendra: When we connected you were gearing up for Cincinnati Comic-Con and you were just in Ohio for Wizard World Columbus? Does that wrap up 2019? And what are your plans for 2020? Perhaps San Diego? LA?

Michael P Hoover: As much as I hate to say it, WW Columbus had to take a back seat this year. I was really looking forward to catching up with my Ohio crew and all, and meeting new people. But my family comes first, and as we spoke about, health reasons require that attention. I’m considering checking out GalaxyCon in Louisville in November.

I just need to see if I can make it work with the day job. I have heard a lot of good things about the cosplay scene at the other GalaxyCon locations, and it comes highly recommended by a good friend, SuperKayce.

As for 2020, well you and your readers will just have to keep an eye on my page! Haha! West coast is a goal, but certain things have to align. As for bucket list items…Katsucon or NYC ComicCon will be on the horizon before I stretch my legs past the Mississippi.

Photo Features: @madeninglovecosplay

 

The post Michael P Hoover: Cosplay Creations Captured appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: Was photography always something you were passionate about? Were you one of those kids in high school that was never without some form of a camera?

Chris Kuzman: I got started taking pictures a few years ago when I bought my first drone, believe it or not. It was when 4k camera drones were first getting affordable, so I bought one out of curiosity. I started taking video of landscapes in Arizona, and pictures as well, but I was much more focused on making videos.

It was the first time that I felt that I could use a camera as a tool to create art. This was followed shortly by purchasing my first real Nikon DSLR on a Black Friday sale and started taking random pictures of everything. It quickly became an obsession, and before I knew it I was getting hired to do graduation pictures, portraits, and event videos. It’s all history from there!

Kendra: On top of photography, you also handle video production. Do you feel you pull from one of your skills to help enhance the other?

Chris Kuzman: I make most of my living from video production, but photography holds an equal amount of importance to me. I find a lot of overlap between photography and video, especially in the majority of stuff I work on. At the end of the day, we are telling mini-stories with any visual art medium. Video often relies heavily on audio to properly convey the message, but photography only has one visual moment to do the job.

So you learn quickly with photography to focus on imagery that communicates lots of complex ideas with just one single frame. You can’t include fluff, only the important things. In my opinion, a good picture is one where the subject(s) in the frame gives you just enough information to get the message, and nothing more. So to answer your question, photography has enhanced my perspective on making videos, by forcing me to focus on minimizing unnecessary images that don’t serve my narrative.

Kendra: You deal with a lot of varying subject matter in your photos from traditional portraits to landscapes to events. Out of them all, what’re the most on-point for who you are when step behind the lens? What allows you to be the most like yourself when shooting?

Chris Kuzman: I really like shooting things that are happening, regardless of me being there or not. Doing portrait sessions and editorial work is fun and all, but I truly enjoy capturing things as they happen naturally, whether it is an event, a musician on stage, a landscape, people on the street, animals, buildings, whatever. I like being able to observe things and capture the raw, honest moment as it was going to happen, without my input. Whenever I pose a model, or light a set, no matter how cool the picture ends up, it never feels as authentic as something that I captured from a distance, unnoticed and uninvolved.

Kendra: Your landscape and travel photos are immaculate. So crisp and clean. What I like about them is that when you do feature someone in the travel shots, they aren’t necessarily the entire focus. It’s one of my pet peeves when people vacation and all their photos are close up selfies. Like, where’s the place you went? Do you feel people travel more for the photo than the experience nowadays?

Chris Kuzman: Yeah I completely fall into the camp of people who focus too much on the documentation of experiences, and can sometimes forget to sink into the moment. My rationale is that my memory is a pretty terrible way to relive experiences, and pictures are much more effective at that. So I like to take pictures that capture the vibe of wherever I am at and edit them to accentuate that feeling. The better the picture I take, the more likely I’ll be to look back on that moment and relive it for years to come. That’s my motivation.

Kendra: When it comes to travel and photography do you ever feel there are places with understated beauty photographers are missing out on?

Chris Kuzman: I think people over analyze the amount of “beauty” a place needs to have in order to justify going there and taking pictures. Most popular places to take pictures are super crowded and have a massive amount of pictures taken there already. It’s pretty easy to get a good picture of horseshoe bend, or Niagara Falls, but it’s much more difficult to bring out the beauty of a place that no-one thinks to take pictures of. My advice is to go and take pictures of neglected parts of the world, and if you can make those things beautiful, then you just accomplished something meaningful.

Kendra: Have you ever showcased your work in galleries? If not, is that a future goal?

Chris Kuzman: I have not, but it is something that I am considering doing soon! My little brother has artwork in galleries and it has really inspired me to one day do the same thing.

Kendra: What’s coming up for you as we head deeper into 2019 and soon into 2020?

Chris Kuzman: I’m continuing to refine my abilities and focus on the basics. I think that becoming more consistent in producing the results I’m visualizing is definitely my main focus. At the beginning of my photo/video journey, I feel like most of the good work I’ve produced has been a product of luck, so I’m focusing on learning how to get lucky more often.

The post Chris Kuzman: Minimize the Unnecessities appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: You’ve noted that it’s those big family reunions, the old photos on display, that sparked your love of photography. With so many people opting to just carry pictures on their phones, do you feel like we’re losing a bit of the beauty of what photography means in terms of capturing memories? I mean, looking through the giant chest my mom stores all her photo albums in has a more personal vibe than just scrolling through a phone. At least for me.

Caitlin Norwood: Yes! We are definitely losing emotion and attachment just keeping photos digitally. I totally understand that it is so much easier and convenient, but there is just something about holding a picture in your hands or see it hanging on your wall that looking at a phone does not give you! I can’t tell you how many times a client of mine has cried when they get their prints or albums in the mail!

My grandmother actually made all of her grandchildren picture albums as we grew up. She included not only pictures of us through the years, but our parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We all were given the albums when she passed and it is one of my most treasured items.

Kendra: When you were growing up and seeing the world as a kid, did you ever get to see weddings from different cultures at all?

Caitlin Norwood: I didn’t, but since I’ve started wedding photography, I have been able to see many different types of religious and non-religious weddings, I had never been able to prior! I do hope as my photography expands, I get to travel to other countries and see many different types of cultural wedding traditions.

Kendra: That must be the life you love because you went and married a military man and have kept moving about. Is that hard on you in terms of your photography? Starting over in a new place when he’s reassigned and you have to pack up and leave?

Caitlin Norwood: Funny, military life was not my first choice! Growing up I knew I “never” (never say never!) wanted to live the military lifestyle, because I had the “perfect life plan” figured out and the military lifestyle would not allow for that. My fiancé, and now husband, had already graduated from college and was working for the corporate world. He came to me one day and said, “ I’m quitting my job, and I think I want to join the Army.” Wow, talk about shock factor on my end! We both fully embraced the lifestyle and took life as the Army gave us head-on!

I took some photography courses in college, but I didn’t create a business until I had a constant stream of family and friends who believed in my ability. Moving every few years is a hard challenge when owning your own business. Luckily through social media and getting involved with local organizations, businesses, and events, and word of mouth, rebuilding your business is a lot easier than it used to be!

Right now my husband is currently deployed. It has not been as “bad” of an experience as I imagine some families have during deployments since we live so close to family, and our village is overflowing with support and help. Most families experiencing deployment live hours and hundreds of miles away from family and their village. I’m not sure what toll that would have taken on my business, but I’m sure I would not have been able to do half the weddings or sessions I was able to.

Him being gone and having an almost two-year-old has added another level of stress and extra planning and organization to my business. I can’t exactly schedule as many sessions or weddings as I would like to, and I have even blocked off all of November and December of this year in preparation for his return! Luckily I have some of the most amazing clients and they understand and are too supportive of me!

Kendra: Speaking of packing. You’ve admitted that you tend to overpack on trips. Me too! A weekend away requires at least five ensemble choices, right? But when it comes to packing for a wedding day shoot, what are some essentials you recommend packing that others may not think of?

Caitlin Norwood: Oh yes! I am a huge over-packer! For wedding days I always have spray deodorant and water. Living in the south it is warm more months than not, and extra deodorant and water is a MUST!

I do have two big bags I pack just for wedding days. One bag has my extras for detail pictures, as well as my extra batteries, flashes, long lenses. The main bag I carry with me all day has my two camera bodies, favorite lenses, flashes, extra cards, extra batters, chapsticks, tissues, scissors, thread, and needle. Plus my car also has a load of extras like my off-camera flash, clear umbrellas, “ER” Kit.

Yep, I always overpack!

Kendra: So over the years, I’ve become a little more comfortable in front of the camera but I’m dreading the potential wedding photos. Do you have any tips for a nervous bride to be who is anxious over this wedding must?

Caitlin Norwood: RELAX AND BE IN THE MOMENT!

Do not worry about the little details that may or may not be completed. Do not worry about family or friend tensions. Do not worry about the extra five pounds you wanted to lose, but didn’t.

The day is NOT about those things. The day is about you and your spouse! I try to create an atmosphere of joy and peace when it comes to first looks, as well as Bride and Groom portraits. If you just relax and take in the moments your personality and relationship will come out in your photos!

Kendra: A little out of left field, but for those who don’t know – you love a great hot dog but what would you say is the most photogenic one out there?

Caitlin Norwood: HAHAHA Hands down LUCKY DOG in New Orleans! I don’t know if others would consider them the most photogenic, but taste, memories, and emotions definitely go into food photography for me. If I could do my wedding over, I would have a Lucky Dog stand at my wedding reception!

Kendra: Right now you and the family are in Kentucky for a while. Is that where you plan on growing as we head out of 2019 and into 2020 with your business?

Caitlin Norwood: Yes! My husband is stationed at Fort Campbell, and we should be there for another two-three years! We live on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, so Nashville is just a skip away. Also, both of our families live in North Alabama, so I am very lucky to be able to have two “home bases” with my business, Nashville, Tennessee, and Huntsville, Alabama. I am very excited about what 2020 and beyond holds for my family and business!

The post Love Always, Memories Photography: The Signature Moments appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: What initially drew you towards cosplay and photography? Did one interest come before the other, or did one inspire you to do the other?

Jovi Claire: For photography, I started way back in 2009. I’ve always wanted to capture moments and express myself through images. It is something I am passionate about. Then, as a gamer and anime fan, I’ve always wanted to dress up and be my favorite characters for a day and so I started cosplaying in 2010.

As I play more games, watch more shows, I get interested in and attracted to more characters. I just knew that I couldn’t cosplay all of them but still, I wanted to give tribute to my favorite characters. In 2012 came the mix of two things that I’m passionate about, I started practicing cosplay photography.

Kendra: What are some characters you’d rather portray than shoot and vice versa?

Jovi Claire: I don’t cosplay that much nowadays but I’d rather portray characters that I have a really serious connection with. One example is Chloe Price from Life is Strange. I can relate to her story so much, and her personality almost matches mine. And then there are these characters whom I also love and admire but are way too far from who I am like Lara Croft from Tomb Raider. She’s an athletic heroine who seems to do and fight for all things right- which is not me. As much as I love her character design, I’d rather dedicate a shoot for her and express my love by working on the images!

Kendra: When it comes to the Philippines, it’s like everything people do there in terms of artistic expression and fandom – they do it big. From drag to cosplay to just loving what they love with such vigor. Why do you feel people in the Philippines always go that extra mile and then some?

Jovi Claire: People in the Philippines don’t easily give up. We always go for that extra mile until we’re more than satisfied with what we have or until we reach our goal. We love challenging ourselves and when someone says that they’re passionate about something, you can see it in their craft.

Kendra: On top of everything you do, you mentioned you’re also a gamer. If you could step into the world of one video game and do a photo shoot, which would it be and why?

Jovi Claire: Wow, this is a tough one. There are so many games I love but I guess graphics is something I need to consider here? It would probably be Final Fantasy XV because c’mon, it’s Final Fantasy (and I love the series). Aside from the crazy beautiful graphics of the game, it would be amazing to bump into Noctis or Cindy and do a photoshoot with them! Maybe with the Chocobos too!

Kendra: How’s your husky doing? So cute! Have you ever thought of heading into the world of animal or pet photography?

Jovi Claire: Thank you so much for checking on her! She’s doing amazing! Yes, of course! I am an absolute dog lover but I definitely won’t say no to animal photography! Maybe insects because they freak me out, but one of my dreams is to do a wildlife shoot!

Kendra: Lastly, tell the people what you have going on…new cosplay, conventions, let them know!

Jovi Claire: I have a lot of photo shoots planned! Most are series and games that I know a lot are fans of! I’m also planning to start vlogging my photoshoot adventures so please do look forward to that, I’m pretty sure a lot of you are interested to see what is happening behind these images. I will be posting them on Facebook so make sure to check my page every now and then for updates!

The post Jovi Claire: Focusing on Fanatical Fantasy Realism appeared first on ZO Magazine.