Photosplosion NYC

I didn't take this picture. Jen Chang did. 

Didn't take this one either. Stephanie Hunt did. 

Nope, not this one. This one's by Dan Baumann.

You guessed it. I didn't shoot this one. Eldar Hamitov did. 

So...who the heck made all these stunning images? If you guessed: The Next Up and Coming Collection of Documentary, Fine Art, and Portrait Photographers in NYC - you'd be correct.

I also have the honor of calling them: My Students. 

For over three years I've been teaching photography classes, private lessons, and workshops with my partner JP. Together, we run JP Teaches Photo, and since 2010 have taught over 30,000 people how to make incredible images with all types of cameras. Some come to us because they can't get their kids to sit still long enough for a photo. Some love to travel, and want to take advantage of all those confusing buttons and dials on their camera along the way. Some just love the feeling of walking through NYC with a camera in hand - present, observant, in the moment.

To say I love being a photographer is an understatement. It's been who I am for more than half my life. My cameras became an extension of my hands many years ago.

But to share my work and not share my love of teaching would be a crime. There's nothing more fulfilling than watching my students' faces light up because they've finally discovered the answer to that pesky technical question, or when they email me photos they've made that far surpass even their own expectations. When they come running back to my advanced level classes, hungry for more. When they open their own photography businesses. 

Proud Mama Bear times 12,000 over here.

Because I adore my students and the work they continue to make, I decided this year to create an acknowledgment for them. This Friday, Feb 10th, we're hosting the first ever:

Photosplosion NYC 

Join us for a gallery show of a select group of students' work. For many, this is the first opportunity to share their work publicly, and I couldn't be more proud. 

Beautifully curated by Tyler Greenpope, and expertly produced by Ana Maria Mutchler, this show is going to be a blast.  
Grab your tickets HERE and enjoy wine, food, music, a live photo booth, and of course - THE PHOTOGRAPHS!!

Nope, I didn't take this one either. Mack Hopper snapped it!

Rachel Levin

I've known Rachel for a few years now. She's a personal image consultant, makes people's closets actually suit their needs and goals, knows everyone there is to know in fashion and apparel, and is LOVELY to spend time with, to boot.

We've been on shopping trips and had photoshoots together, all while giggling our butts off.

Rachel, thanks for your work and your love for your clients. Thanks especially for informing me that I've been wearing my clothes two sizes too big for years. What a world of difference...


Here are a few of my favorite images we've made together. 

Rachel Levin-44.jpg

For more info on Rachel, her upcoming workshops, and her services - sign up for her newsletter: The Mode.

Things To Do When You Are Brain-Splittingly Bored

Have a 5-minute conversation with a stranger

Do jumping jacks

Meditate

Sit outside in a well-populated area and tally people’s attributes; what colors are people wearing? How many people are wearing headphones? How many people are smiling?

Start a spontaneous, public dance party. If there’s no music make your own.

Cook a recipe you’ve never tried. Be vegan today.

Turn off all your devices with screens. Discover something in your space that’s more captivating than digital information.

Arrange small objects in a pattern that pleases you.

Give a friend advice (if they want it).

Practice whistling.

Communicate without speaking for an hour. No devices!

Spend an hour in a library.

Dye your hair. Get a piercing. Design a tattoo. (if you like it enough, go get tattooed)

Make a new friend but don’t exchange names. After 10 minutes ask for the 1st letter of their first name, then see if you can guess it in 3 tries (this is particularly fun on planes, trains, busses, etc.)

Stretch. Do yoga.

Write a song. Record it on someone’s voicemail or sing it live if they pick up.

Invent 3 questions more interesting than “How are you?” Ask 3 people all 3.

Give 10 people hugs (with their consent).

Hang out with someone under 10. Let them be the boss.

Ask someone on a date. Be totally fine with any answer.

Do math in your head. No paper or calculators.

Write/read poetry.

Eavesdrop (respectfully).

Eat something purple.

Pick up trash on the ground and take care of it.

Find a rooftop and howl at the sky. Feel that you’re simultaneously tiny and expansively loud.

Research the #1 hit songs from your birthday every year you’ve been alive. Listen to them all.

Doodle.

Take a walk and don’t step on any cracks.

Make up nonsense lyrics to a favorite song.

Call someone you love and ask how you can make their day better. Do what they say.

Use public transportation but get off at a totally unfamiliar stop or station. Explore.

Take 10 deep breaths.

Braid someone’s hair.

Ask the next person you see what they’re most excited about today. Celebrate whatever that is.

Discover that being bored is boring.

-LB

Sophie

 

Last week I met a woman named Sophie, and she mesmerized me. Her brain is sharp, her eyes piercing, yet soft. We decided to make images together. We found a raw space called The Woods Cooperative, and I brought along Aaron, who threw some incredible light around for us.

Sophie knows her body like no other person I've photographed. She moves incredibly, and comes off elegant and strong at once. We didn't have a particular goal in mind, but we danced effortlessly and made images for an hour and a half. Below are my favorites. 

(click on images to enlarge)