Saturday, December 26, 2009

Franklin School of the Performing Arts 2010

The Franklin School of the Performing Arts allows me to photograph advanced students each year and if talk to anyone who knows me well, they will quickly tell you how much I look forward to it.  This year was no exception.  Even though it's still 2009 (just barely), I'm calling it the 2010 event.  We had to meet early due to performance schedules.  The following images are but a small sample of what we got that day.  Believe me, there's so much more to see than can be covered in this blog.  If you want to see more, please go to my website at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ and look for the Dance Sessions Link on the Home Page.  From there click the 2010 button and check it out.  I can't thank all the dancers enough for what they brought that day, but hopefully the images will speak for themselves.  You're the best!









Saturday, December 5, 2009

Centennial Youth Ballet - Nashville, Tennessee

This year I was invited to photograph the Centennial Youth Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker.  I've never had the chance to meet the talented indiviuals behind the scene, but everyone gets lucky now and then. Shirley Blackburn is the Director of Dance for Metro Parks and major power in making this wonderful oganization come to life.  Along with Shirley is Kathy Callaghan the Artistic Director whose imagination and attention to detail add a charm for all ages who attend.  I also want to send  a big thanks to Lori Brooks who is a member of The Friends of Metro Dance Board.  We were school mates in the past and this production has allowed us to cross paths again and start a new adventure working together.   Without her input and recommendation, I wouldn't be a part of this great program.  Congratulations to all of you, it's a great show.  By the way, I only have room for a few images on this blog but more will be featured on my website as of 12-9-2009 so check it out when you can.  The Online Preview Gallery is located on my website at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/
For more information on this organization, please go to the following link:  www.centennialyouthballet.org













Wednesday, November 25, 2009

A Journey back to the 1930's and 40's.

A recent shoot with Nashville based recording artist Shelean Newman gave me a chance to go back in time when photography created major icons in the Hollywood movie system. I was fortunate enough to be consulted and then hired to make this journey happen. It was a wonderful trip and the entire team working with Shelean did an incredible job of making all of the elements look and speak with the proper authenticity. If you would like more information regarding Shelean and her work, please check out her website at www.sheleannewman.com, you won't be disappointed.














Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Katie Card Dance Portfolio Shoot


Katie is a student at MTSU and one of my former artists from the Franklin School of the Performing Arts. We've remained in contact thanks to my ongoing work with MTSU's dance and theatre department. As a result, we recently worked together on a portfolio shoot. During the course of the shoot her younger sister stopped by to say hello. Well, if you know me, that can be a great moment or huge mistake. You be the judge. As a result, I made her join in and smile. Hope you enjoy the images and I really hope you don't marry a brooding vampire! You can ask Katie's sister  to explain that one
Thanks again Katie for a great shoot!









Saturday, November 21, 2009

Amanda Roche and Blue Moves

Just finished a session with Amanda Roche of Blue Moves.  The session was based on a very special event in her life and I had the opportunity to share in it.  For more images, feel free to go to the following link. 
http://www.martinoconnorphotoarts.blogspot.com/


Thanks again Amanda, it was a blast and you look incredible!  No brag, just fact.

Friday, November 13, 2009

A Heartfelt Thanks from StillPoint




I've had the unique priviledge of working with Nashville's diverse arts comminity over the years, especially in the area of dance.  Not long ago I received the most wonderful thank you note from Sharon Perry, artistic director of StillPoint Dance Theatre.  The following is a thank you note from her.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Dear Martin,


  Thank you for all that you did for our last concert at Ingram.  You are such a great help - so encouraging and always with a witty sense of humor! 


  It has been such a joy to have the chance to work with you and get to know you a bit.  You are truly a gifted artist with a beautiful spirit and generous heart.  You are such an amazing photographer with such a keen eye for beauty and intrigue.  You have that unique ability to create mystery in your work that can inspire the imagination and provoke the senses.  Thank you for first being yourself - a brilliant artist and a wonderful man!


Sincerely,


Sharon Perry.

Well, there it is, an incredible note from a director and group I feel very close to and I only hope that I can live up to such praise! In all honesty, this company is comprised of incredibly beautiful and talented dancers and the artistic director is a complete dream to work with. I'll stop gushing for now and save some for the next time I write about this group. If you would like more information regarding the company and it's schedule, please go to the following link.   http://www.stillpointdt.com/ 





Monday, November 9, 2009

Father and Son

Every now and then I have the opportunity to hear from a previous bride and groom and it really makes me smile when they bring in a brand new arrival. In this low key session, I think a very special bond has been caught. Enjoy!



Wednesday, November 4, 2009

A Chorus Line!


I just received a message from the Franklin School of Performing Arts regarding Kirstin Tucker. She just made the cast of A Chorus Line in New York. I proud to say I've had the pleasure of working with her in Nashville and really excited for her and the upcoming tour. Congratulations on your new job and all the hard work it took to get to it.





A Chorus Line!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

StillPoint Dance Theatre

This past Wednesday evening, StillPoint Dance Theatre performed at Ingram Hall on the Vanderbilt University campus.  I can't begin to describe the beauty of the dancers and the music itself.  There are just too many images to put on this site, so you'll just have to check out the images on my website at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ and go to the Online Preivew link followed by the Dance icon.  Trust me, it's worth the time to take a look.    A special note to Amber Beckham regarding the use of her beautiful photography in one of the dance pieces.  It really added a wonderful backdrop to all the live work on the stage.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Tennessee Association of Dance 2009

The Tennessee Association of Dance had it's 2009 conference at Austin Peay State University recently.To see all the images, please go to my website at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ and click the Online Preview Link. Once you do that, click the Dance Link and just follow the trail. Thanks everyone for a great weekend!








Monday, October 12, 2009

Noah Liff Opera Center


Had a chance to take some location photos recently at the new Noah Liff Opera Center in Nashville. In addition to hosting the Nashville Opera, they are opening their doors to other types of events as well. It's a wonderful facility and should be investigated as a possible wedding reception site.
http://www.noahliffoperacenter.com/

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Contrapasso


Contrapasso came back into town and brought with them a set of new ideas and images. To see more, please go to my photo arts blog at http://www.martinoconnorphotoarts.blogspot.com/. My thanks to everyone who worked with me.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Light the Night - Nashville, Tennessee 2009

Light the Night in Nashville was extra special in 2009! Hailey White, a student from the Franklin School of Performing Arts, invited me to join this year's walk and as a fellow survivor, I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Hailey, along with friends and family, joined hundreds and possibly thousands walk downtown Nashville in a show of support. It was a great evening and all of us had a chance to see and talk with others who have been touched by cancer and the related challenges that go with it.  A complete set of the night's images can be seen by going to my Facebook Photography Page.  If you need help getting there, please e-mail me at MOCPhoto@comcast.net.  Thanks for checking in!