"Photographing Music”
Pete Coco and I plan to have a conversation about our different approaches to photographing in the music industry, including songwriters, musicians, bands, clubs, concerts and the business in general.
Our backgrounds as musicians give us interesting insights and a unique understanding of both mediums. Photography and music are about special moments informed by a deep foundation of practice.
We’ve both been fortunate to find something we love but then found out that was the easy part. Professionals in every field make what they do look easy, and everything is easy till you begin to care about the result. Making something that is personal, beautiful, exceptional, while making a living, is anything but easy. Pete and I have taken different roads to rewarding and exciting careers.
I worked with musicians for thirty plus years. During this time, I was commissioned by prominent record labels and magazines to make studio and location portraits of a wide range of musicians, including Tom Petty, Sarah McLachlan, Herbie Hancock, Fleetwood Mac, Leonard Cohen, ZZ Top, Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, Snoop Dogg and many more.
What is most important in photography is the finish. Getting there is usually a very crooked road with many interesting twists and turns. Our talk will focus on making work in the studio environment, on location, and the complications of scheduling, travel, equipment, representation and the big picture of crafting a meaningful career. My work has always been about process; both analog (film and silver gelatin prints), and for the past three decades an ongoing digital path.
I have recently been licensing my photography to HBO, Apple TV and documentary filmmakers for inclusion in cable productions and repackaged music releases. Pete is a remarkable talent who can work with anyone who is searching for a creative solution to almost any idea.
After working commercially for years, I taught photography at the College and University level and was the Chair of the Photography and Imaging Department at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, for nearly twenty years.
I have two exhibitions scheduled for 2027. “25 Years in Music,” and the other, a show of Fine Art work; "A Survey of the Quotidian Landscape,” about the Southern California Freeways.
My career included both work in music portraiture, work for the J, Paul Getty Conservation and Research Institutes as well as commissions and exhibitions for museums. I recently rebuilt my black and white darkroom, and will soon begin to teach private workshops for small groups interested in analog practices. I am also working on a book about the experience of working with musicians.
Keeley
I look forward to joining Dennis in conversation about portraiture, creativity and artistry. I took the long road to becoming a portrait and music photographer, having spent many years as a touring and freelancing jazz bassist, studying both jazz and classical, and later, teaching at Hofstra University on Long Island.
Through my many years performing and studying, photography was always my other passion. I worked in the industry to help pay for college, shot for the school newspaper, and took as many photo courses as possible.
It wasn’t until the pandemic, however, that I decided to transform my passion for photography into a viable business, and it was very natural for me to gravitate towards photographing musicians. I started by simply asking friends to pose for portraits, and bringing my camera along to my gigs, documenting my journey as a bassist in New York.
Most of my work happens in small, dark, poorly lit clubs and bars around the city. I absolutely love these venues and the challenges and rewards they present to photographers. Aside from posed portraits of musicians, I love capturing candid moments before or after the show, in the green room, and interactions between the musicians. I strive to create images that are authentic, and defy convention.
Currently, I’m the staff photographer for jazz bass legend Ron Carter, and have photographed the Maestro many times including at his home and at various venues throughout New York. I’ve also been privileged to photograph many great jazz musicians including Diana Krall, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez, Rufus Reid, Bill Charlap, and Chad Lefkowitz Brown.
I have also had the pleasure to perform with many wonderful musicians including Tommy Emmanuel, Bucky Pizzarelli, Sullivan Fortner, Frank Vignola, and Jane Monheit.
My first gallery show, “Jazz Speaks,” is currently on display at The Art Alcove, located in Freeport, New York. My work has been published in Jazz Times, Bassist Magazine, Downbeat Magazine, and I recently had a portrait as the cover of Fujilove Magazine.
I’m excited to bring my perspective to this panel, and discuss music and photography with Dennis, because I know I am also going to learn from him!
Pete Coco