Into the great wide open

Hey Hey!

I've been away from the blog for a bit as the last few weeks have been a whirlwind. I hope that you've all been able to go on with life in it's absence. So much to write about...so many amazing adventures. I'll start with a few images from a senior shoot I did back in late September. Hard to believe that its been a month since!!

For those of you who don't know, I cameo as a bartender a couple of nights a week at a restaurant/bar in Rochester's Park Avenue Area called Hogan's Hideaway. I've been there for over three years now and cannot begin to express how grateful I am to have such an encouraging and supportive community on my side. The staff and patrons there have become cherished friends and an integral part of my life. Thank you to you all for your continued love and support.

Joe Spencer is one of its owners and an indispensable presence within the restaurant. Joe is a fair man and a great leader and-whether or not he knows it-has taught me a lot during my tenure there. Back when I started Joe's son, John, was a freshman in High School...kinda quite...reserved...awkward as all 13 year old kids should be.

Well...all of that's changed. Over the past few years I've watch John blossom into quite an incredible young man. I'm proud of him in an 'olderly-brother sorta way'. He's grounded, intelligent, humble and witty - quite a combination going forward. Don't ever stop growing John...I'm excited to see what the world has in store for you!!

Here are some images we captured during his senior portrait session behind the Village Gate Mall in Rochester's Art District.

All the best, John...now and forever.

In other news...

I just finished a design for an upcoming music book featuring the music and lyrics of Tony Cavagnaro. Tony's untimely passing last month has resonated throughout the community, leaving us all feeling a huge loss. The book, along with other cool buddhahood memorabilia, will be on sale at a benefit concert at Water Street Music Hall on November 18th. It's going to be a groovy day with killer live music all day long by giant panda guerilla dub squad, hypnotic clambake, the park avenue band, the buddhahood and more!!! Please swing in and get down if you have some time on that Sunday. All proceeds go to Tony's wife, Jan and son, Calvin. C U there!!!

Here's a preview of the book cover:

Other than that...life is Rock n Roll. I just got back from a 5-day stint in the Bahamas where I had the opportunity to shoot with the incredibly dedicated, talented Kenny Kim at the Atlantis Resort. What a blast!! Wait'll you see those images...pretty cool (if I don't say so...). I'll be down in Ashville, North Carolina next week at the Rockstar Wedding Photographer bru ha ha hosted by Corey McNabb. ...can't wait to see you all!!

I'm gonna run and get the details of my Brett Michael's costume finalized as I have to party like its 1999 (or better yet, 1987!!) tonight at my sister Ali's place. If you read this in time and want to come by, all are welcome...costumes are mandatory. In the immortal words of Brett Michaels:
"I grab my hat and I grab my shoes. Tonight I'm gonna hit the streets and cruise." ...what a poetic genius?!?!? (not) ...or another shining example of why the 80's were just plain bad news. i don't want to get into it.

All the Best,
t

The Light that was Tony Cavagnaro (a memorial)

It is with a heavy heart that I write this blog...

In 2004, Pearl Jam released "Rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991 - 2003). I can still vividly remember the day when I first saw it's cover art. I was in Bologna, Italy visiting family and enjoying some much needed downtime. I was walking the narrow streets in and around the University District and nearly stumbled upon myself when I saw the poster in a music shop window. It was at that moment that everything changed. For whatever reason, that image made me believe in the possibilities. It somehow inspired me to stop longing to take the road more frequently traveled and to veer off into the unknown. You see, I grew up with the notion that 'artist starve-that is no practical way to live'. Well from that moment on, those rules no longer applied, and a photographer was born. (Special thanks to Lance Mercer for capturing this monumental image)


Over the years, I have photographed hundreds of people. Couples, bands, models, everyday folk. In retrospect, none of that would have been possible if it weren't for the first band that I ever worked with...The Buddhahood.

Rick Whitney-Kivett is a dear friend of mine whom I work with at Hogan's Hideaway in Rochester. It just so happens that he also happens to be super-talented bass-man in The Buddhahood. One evening, Rick invited me to come around to the practice space to take some snaps in the hopes of gathering some images for inclusion in an upcoming press kit release. I can remember how nervous I was. I mean, the only time I had ever seen them before was at a show that they had opened for Little Feat!!! They were awesome...everyone was so into it!! So with my Canon 20D in hand and a stomach full of butterflies, I went down to 'the space' to do whatever it was that I was supposed to do. What ensued was pure magic. On that evening a connection was made...a connection that was anchored by creativity and respect. Over the past 3 years, I have worked with The Buddhahood on press kits, CD's, live shows and more. I was even named an official 'Buddhahood-lum' by the band.

Yesterday morning, though, all of that changed. I awoke to the news that Tony Cavagnaro, lead singer/guitarist, and one of the finest human beings that I have ever met, had passed away the night before due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. This news was absolutely devistating, my friends. For any of you who knew Tony, you know why. Bigger than life, with a boundless energy and kindred spirit that was all his own. Tony was hope. His aura, his smile, his lyrics...they all gave us hope that the world can be a better place. I remember when T pulled me aside to tell me that the work that I was doing was the best he'd seen. That meant (and continues to mean) the world to me. That's who Tony was...encouraging, kind and full of hope. He was what you want a person to be.

So on this sad occasion, I hope. I hope for Tony's wife Jan and his son, Calvin. I hope for his bandmates and their families and friends. I hope for the fans. I hope for all of you who read this that we can stop for a second to recognize what is really important, to revel in the love that we share and give thanks for the people that make living livable. I hope that this finds you all well, with hearts illuminated by Tony's light.

I love you all.

Here are some photos from that first session back in 2005. Wow...it's like a lifetime ago. I still feel that day when I look at these images.

I have high-res copies without the copyright if anyone would like a print. Just let me know.







This one still makes me smile every time that I look at it!!
Rest in Peace my brother. You are missed dearly.

I spoke with Rick and Andrew from the band last night at the candlelight vigil and plans are already in motion for a benefit concert for Tony's family set for late October/early November. We will be debuting the "Live from Park Avenue 2007" Concert CD at the show with all revenue generated going to the family. If you'd like to help in anyway, please let me know and I will find a way to get you involved.

be well,
t