Get down and Get Low!

Ok, so we all know what "get down" means. But how many of you out there have heard about "Get Low"? In case you missed the rave reviews, it's a little movie with a big-time cast that tells a true southern story and features one of Kelsey's loyalest and loveliest clients, Ms. LoriBeth Edgeman. LB was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule as a working actress and mom to tell us all about her experience on the film and her opinions about acting in one of Kelsey's busiest markets: Atlanta, Georgia.

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Hi LoriBeth!

Thanks so much for taking the time to tell us about Get Low. Now let's "get" to it!

KE: Get Low is based on the true story of Felix Breazeale, a man who threw himself a living funeral party back in 1938 Tennessee. According to legend, his "funeral" drew a crowd as large as had ever been assembled. Being from the south, had you heard of Felix's story prior to reading the script? Is he a local folk hero?

LBE: No, actually I had never heard of this story. Although I was very surprised I had not as I grew up in N. GA not too far from the TN location where it all took place. It was much fun reading the script and learning about the true parts of the story.

KE: Set in 1938, this film is a period piece sandwiched smack-dab between the depression-era and World War II, a fascinating transition in American history. Being a photography studio and all, we have to ask about the set and costumes that went along with this period. What was your favorite costume piece? How about set location? Give us the goods!

LBE: Oh wow! Well I absolutely love period films! The costumes, hair, makeup, sets and locations were all brilliantly chosen and so appropriate to the time period. My favorite costume would have to be the outfit I wear to the funeral. Although it's mostly covered by a large wool coat because it was winter in the film and happened to be FREEZING in Georgia during the shoot. The locations were amazing. I'm from GA and still live here and was amazed and the locations they found. We filmed mostly in areas that were only within an hour of Atlanta.


KE: The movie has an amazing cast: Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek and Bill Murray (to name a few). What was it like working on a set with so many screen legends?

LBE: It was a dream come true! I had a wonderful time watching them work and getting to know each of them. The whole cast was so kind and fun to be around and made me feel very welcome and comfortable. I wish we could do it all over again!


KE: What drew you to the character of Kathryn Robinson?

LBE: I really loved that while she was a loving and supportive wife/mother, she was also a strong young woman who voiced her concerns when necessary. I really enjoyed playing her.


KE: The film has gotten outstanding critical response, even Oscar buzz. How does it feel to have been part of something that has critics smiling for a change?

LBE: Great! And honestly I think it's well deserved. It's an honor to be a part of a film that just tells a great story with amazing actors. We need more films like Get Low!

KE: You are an actress living and working outside Atlanta. For all our readers considering a move to a different market, what can you tell us about the opportunities that come your way?

LBE: I believe everyone has to decide what is best for them. For me, staying close to family and raising my daughter in the south is very important to me. Every market offers different opportunities and luckily for us in the southeast, our market is steadily growing. It's obviously not as busy as LA or NY but there is work here and I'm grateful for the chance to be involved at any level.


KE: You've also had the benefit of shooting with Kelsey in both Atlanta and LA. Clients in different markets often ask us a few different questions: 1. Is going with a local photographer who doesn't specialize in headshots a wise move? 2. Are Kelsey's shots from Atlanta the same quality as those taken at her LA studio?

What answers would you give to our readers with these concerns?

LBE: Well to answer the first question: I think it is very important to have your headshots taken by someone who is experienced in and informed as to what the industry is looking for. It's worth the time and sometimes extra cost to get your shots done correctly.

And to answer the second question: YES Kelsey's shots are the same amazing quality no matter where she takes them. I've had photo shoots with her in Atlanta and LA and have loved my photos from both locations. Kelsey has been my one and only photographer since 1998! I love her shots just as much as I love her wonderful company!


Alright LoriBeth! Thanks so much for taking the time to tell us more about your work on Get Low. We can't wait to rent the DVD! (Check Blockbuster or Netflix, friends!)

For more information on Get Low, visit the official website: http://www.sonyclassics.com/getlow/

And for more information on booking a session with Kelsey on her next trip to Atlanta, visit the studio or call us at 323-936-6106!

Finally, here are some fun pics of LB with the rest of Get Low's awesome cast!

Twilight is upon us!

Did you hear the news? The latest round of casting for the final Twilight installment, Breaking Dawn, has just been announced! We've been thrilled to watch in the past as Kelsey's clients, Edi Gathegi (as Laurant) and Dakota Fanning (as Jane), rocked their vampire fangs in the first two installments of the trilogy. And now we're stoked to hear that MacKenzie Foy will join the talented cast playing Edward and Bella's lovechild, Renesmee!

http://movies.yahoo.com/news/usmovies.thehollywoodreporter.com/official-mackenzie-foy-joins-39breaking-dawn39

Congratulations to MacKenzie, Edi and Dakota! We can't wait for Breaking Dawn to break out on screen. But we'll have to be patient! Part I isn't due for release until November 2011.

Rodello's Machine

Today we talk to another one of our talented clients! Get to know Kolby Knickerbocker, musician extraordinaire. He has dazzled our studio with his smile and musical stylings, and we thought it was about time we introduced him to all our friends out in the blogosphere. And we're just in time, too! Kolby and his group, Rodello's Machine, have a big concert coming up this week with one of our studio-stereo favorite, Blues Traveler, and he was happy to tell us all about it.


Hi Kolby! Thanks for taking the time to join us online. :) We've got lots of questions, but first things first, tell us about your group, Rodello's Machine. What are your influences?

Rodello's Machine is a project created between myself and Nate Donnis. We are both seasoned song-writers with different approaches to the whole process but we felt as though we could blend our styles into a very unique sound. It really is a blend of both mine and Nate's tastes in musical production. Nate brings the earthy tones in both his voice and song-writing skills and I feel as though I bring an outer-worldly, sometimes stochastic production value to the whole mix. The image I always think of when I think of our project is a big oak tree with brilliant swirls of light dancing around. I think that image best conveys what Rodello's Machine is.

We both like Fleet Foxes, Noah and the Whale, Bon Iver, Jonsi and Imogen Heap. You can see all of those artists coming through in our song-writing and production. Really, anything that has a new sound that makes me go "Huh, now how did they make that sound?".

How did you and Nate meet? Were you making your own music before you became a "machine"? :)

Haha, I like that. Yes, we were both making music before we became the Machine. I met Nate through his wife at a yoga studio we both attended. I told her I was a musician and she thought that I had a good energy that would blend well with Nate. Me and Nate met a few times and found that we worked well together.


Nate has an album out with his other group. They're called The Donnis Trio and the album is "All Directions". They're a pretty popular group in SD and the album has been featured on some international television series. I also had a previous project called Kitty's Musicbox and I released an album titled "The Science Project". You can find both of those albums on iTunes. That may actually give you a good sense of where we come from musically and how we blend our sounds.

Are you currently recording an album? Where can our readers find your music?

Yes, we are currently recording an album that will be ready for release sometime next year. You can best keep up with the tracks as they come out by going to our website at www.rodellosmachine.com and signing up for our email list. Once you do that you can download our tracks and be kept up-to-date about all of our releases.

We hear you have a concert coming up. What can you tell us about that?

Yeah, we're both super stoked. We're playing at the BellyUp Tavern in Solana Beach which is an amazing venue to begin with but to sweeten the pot, we will be opening up for Blues Traveler. Me and Nate are both really excited as we've got a nice, well packed set-list that we think is going to blow the roof off.


The show is on Wednesday, Sept 29th and we go on at 8:00pm. You can get tickets at: http://www.bellyup.com/show/detail/33017. You may want to hurry though as I heard it's selling out pretty quickly.

You're an actor as well, which probably means you've had a lot of headshots taken. :) Choosing the right photographer is a big decision. What brought you to Kelsey's door?

You're absolutely correct. You want to capture the feeling of a headshot more so than a pretty face. I came to Kelsey because she's known in the industry as being able to capture the energy/feeling of the moment. I think in the digital age of photography, anyone can capture light in a camera and make it look good. Kelsey knows how to capture that essence of the person or place she is capturing which is still a very delicate art.


And are you happy with your shots?

Very much so. She did some exquisite shots for me. I actually went back for a second shoot because my agent wanted a different look that we didn't capture. She was completely available for the second time around and was happy to re-shoot for me.

One last question! If our readers want to get tickets for the show, where should they go?

Ahh, yes, good question. Go to the BellyUp website at: http://www.bellyup.com/show/detail/33017 for ticket info and to get tickets online.

Inspirations

There's nothing we like more at Catchlight Studios than to hear about the success of our clients. So we were delighted when Kelsey's longtime friend and client, Doug Brignole, offered to share details of his own inspirational journey with you- our readers. It's stories like Doug's that keep us smiling when the air conditioning goes on strike in August. :) We hope Doug's journey will keep you smiling, too.

Happy August everyone!


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Iron Man

By Doug Brignole

A good photograph can do quite a bit for you. Not by itself, of course. But if you are well- prepared for that photograph, and the photo is good – it can open up a new world for you. It can get the right people to notice you, which can give you the opportunity to demonstrate all of your skills. And then, wham – you’re a star.

Three years ago, I returned from a two-year project on which I was working in Nicaragua, Central America. I was born and raised in California, and started lifting weights at the age of 14. At 16, I entered my first bodybuilding contest. Over the course of the next 26 years, I won the Mr. California, Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles. But at 40 years of age, I thought I was finished – over the hill – my best years behind me. I had been working as a Personal Trainer, but found myself burnt out and frustrated with the industry. So, in 2005, I took a job in Forestry in Nicaragua, thinking that a career change might be good for me. But, after two years there, it was clear that the job was going nowhere, so I moved back to California in August of 2007.

With few career options, I re-started my Personal Training business, and also began working-out again. Living for two years in a third world country has a way of giving a person a new perspective, and a new appreciation, for life in the US – especially California. It made me realize how lucky we are here, for so many reasons. So, I worked and exercised with a newfound enthusiasm. Soon, my business was thriving, and I found myself getting into remarkably good shape – especially considering my age: 49.

Realizing, at that time, that my physical condition had reached an exceptional level, and remembering that 27 years earlier – when I was 22 years old – I was on the front cover of Iron Man Magazine, I decided to have some new photos taken, and send them to that same magazine, to see what they would say. So I called Kelsey Edwards, whom I had known for many years. She did her magic, and got some beautiful shots. I sent them to the magazine, with a note saying, “27 years ago I was on your cover…how about another cover now, showing me in this kind of shape at 49?” The publisher sent a message back, “You look like this now? … I’ll have our photographer call you”. Within a couple of days, I was in the studio, having photos taken of me by the same photographer who had photographed me years ago.

After seeing the photos, the magazine’s publisher decided to do a 10-page article about me, my past ups-and-downs, and my philosophy of training. It was published in the October 2009 issue of the magazine. In that article interview, I was asked about a book that I’m writing, which is about the mechanics of weight training. The book focuses on the deciding factors which allow one to determine whether an exercise is good or bad (safe and effective – or not). In a subsequent issue – December 2009 – in the column where readers comment on articles from previous issues, someone opined that I was “wrong” in my assessment of a particular exercise. So I wrote an article explaining my position – point by point – and sent it to the publisher. He loved it – both in content and in style, published it in the magazine, and invited me to be a regular columnist for the magazine.

Being a columnist has given me quite a bit of exposure, and that has helped my Personal Training business to sky-rocket. I began posting my articles on Facebook, and that has lead to more invitations to write articles, as well as a book contract with an academic publishing house, for which I am now writing a university textbook. Further, all the attention lead many in the fitness and bodybuilding arena to encourage me to re-enter bodybuilding competition, saying that I had been one of the best in previous years. Originally, the idea seemed absurd, but not for long.

This past month, I did just that. At the age of 50, after ten years of not competing, after going through depression, after living in the 2^nd poorest country in the Western Hemisphere for two years, after thinking that the fitness industry was not for me, after thinking that my better years were behind me – I once again stood on stage and received a 1^st place trophy. Add to that the fact that I’ve discovered my writing talent and realized the worth of my biomechanics knowledge, and, well – let’s just say I’m giddy.

I feel like a kid again. I see future potential where before I saw only memories. I feel like I have a new lease on life. Metaphorically-speaking, I feel like I went up into the attic, and found an old box. I dusted it off – unsure of what was in it. Upon opening it, I found gold – figuratively speaking. I found talent, skill, knowledge, ability and potential – sitting there, untapped. It had been there all along, collecting dust in the attic. While I cursed life, and looked for a better one in a foreign land, the box sat there, in the attic, quietly collecting more dust. And, through a serendipitous turn of events – which included a timely and beautiful series of photographs by Kelsey Edwards – I stumbled upon that box, and – in it – found tools for a better life.

A Doll's Life

Hi Everyone!

We're back on the blogosphere and we're offering up an invitation you just can't refuse! This week Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (July 30th- Aug. 1st), Catchlight Studio will be transformed for a week of images and thought-provoking. Kelsey will be hosting her photography show, A Doll's Life, from 10am - 3pm at the studio. This show is an eclectic combination of some of Kelsey's finest and favorite photographs. You're all invited, so please come out and join us! (See the posted brochure for details.)

We asked Kelsey to tell us about the images that will be on display next week. In response, she brought us this story, in her own words. We hope you like it! And we hope to see you here at Catchlight later this week. :)

"One night last week I was trying to get Siara to sleep and this thought came into my head. I wrote it down, and it's something I'd like to share with you all....

When I am shooting, or there's a camera connected to a tripod next to me, I am at my most comfortable. I liken it to an actor taking on a role or a musician playing his guitar, a doctor performing surgery. It's a zone, almost like a spell has been cast. For me it's about shaping the light. I flitter in and out between my clients and the camera, playing, reshaping their hair, their clothes, it gives me license to play, to touch, to create, and to pull from them their authentic self and quirkiness. It's the only place in my life where self-doubt doesn't exist. Seemingly, effortlessly, I move and shift their body, while discussing topics that I would never bring up in real life- it's so cathartic and such a gift. This project has had the same feel. Each image has taken on a life of its own, and I love each and every one. It's almost like I am looking over their shoulders, like they are younger versions, with still younger versions of me or events I've experienced. We, the voyeurs, are looking down generations. It is our challenge to embrace or change what we see.

When I've been in a place to talk about these images, a strange thing has happened. I have conversed as easily as if I had a camera slung over my shoulder. My connection to this project has given me the opportunity to step outside of the photo shoot spell and feel like my alternative self, not the photographer but the person.

A couple weeks ago I flew home from Dallas, it was a full flight, running late, we were all a little frazzled by the time we took our seats. The lady next to me had had it- I could tell. We barely acknowledged each other, and I set about the task of working on my show. An hour into it she turned to me and asked who I worked for. I replied that I was independent, and we spoke a little about the project. I showed her the image on the invitation and read the quote I had chosen. I watched her as she shut her eyes and threw her head back against the airline seat. I thought she was digesting my quote. It's a lot to take in. I slowly and gently repeated it so she could understand. "There's no greater impact... on a child's life than the unlived life of a parent." At the end she opened her eyes. Tears had welled and she said, "I feel like the wind has been taken out of me." She was visibly shaken... she said, "my mother died when I was five. There were four girls, all under the age of 6..." I looked at her, at first surprised then connected, then I felt my own tears begin to swell. Not having my camera to hide behind, it unnerved me, but I sat there allowing the wave to pass over me. What ensued was a candid heartfelt conversation, a paradigm shift that up until that moment, I have rarely achieved without a camera in my hand."

-Kelsey Edwards

Catch us at Catchlight!

So we've got a question for all our friends out there in the blogosphere....did you know that Catchlight Studio isn't just a home to Kelsey Edwards Photography? Do you realize that every month, our beautiful location hosts a myriad of different events ranging from acting classes and yoga seminars to glitzy birthday bashes and television/feature filmings?

That's right, Catchlight Studio wears many different hats! And we got to thinking...maybe some of you out there in the blogosphere are looking for a location to host your next party, class, seminar, etc. If so, look no further!



We offer a beautiful 3000 sq/ft space that has been home to yoga classes, art shows, business seminars, weddings, bar/bat mitsvahs, acting classes, musical/theatrical performances and more. All of this for some of the most affordable prices in town. You can dance the night away within our lovely walls with a view of the Hollywood sign only a window away.

For details on booking, call the studio at 323-936-6106 or visit the following link.

http://www.gatheringguide.com/event_directory/ca_california/event_venue_3840.html

The Language of Sand

It's that time again-- time for us to check-in with another one of our lovely and talented clients! This week we spoke to Brett Ellen Block, a young author who first came our way when her 2nd novel, The Lightning Rule, was prepping for publication, and she was in need of some stellar publicity shots. These days her latest novel, The Language of Sand, has hit bookstores and it's raking in rave reviews (check out Random House Readers' Circle Picks or Target's Breakout Books). We thought it was about time we checked in with Brett to hear more about her experiences shooting with Kelsey and to get a sneak peak of The Language of Sand, a story about life, death, grief and ghosts set on a secluded island on North Carolina's Outer Banks.

KEP: Hi Brett! Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us about The Language of Sand. We've got so many questions, but first off, tell us how you first heard about Kelsey?

BEB: I knew I wanted a really evocative picture for this new book, so I asked some friends in the entertainment industry who they trusted to take their amazing head shots. Turns out the name to know is Kelsey Edwards! I’m thrilled I was referred to her.

KEP: What made you choose her over other photographers?

BEB: It’s not that I didn’t like my old author photo, but I was going for a different look, a different feel. After hearing the recommendations and seeing Kelsey’s work on her site, I knew she was the right photographer for me.

KEP: What went into the shot selection for The Lightning Rule and Language of Sand, how did you pick the image that you felt best represented you?

BEB: Kelsey really knew how to make me feel relaxed in order to get the right shot. I’m an author and would rather be in front of a computer writing than a camera! She had a calming demeanor and completely understood the look I was going for. Better yet, I wound up with a couple of images to use for alternate purposes, one for the book jacket, a slightly different option for my website, etc.. That was great!

KEP: Now, onto the book. How did you get the idea for The Language of Sand?

BEB: I was inspired by an island I’d visited in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The setting was charming and beautiful during the tourist season but I got the distinct sense that it was totally different once we out-of-towners would decamp. That got me thinking about the various sides of human nature, the public versus the private, and soon the characters and the plot evolved from there!

KEP: Abigail is such a real character, is she based on someone you know or personal experiences you've had? Do you know anyone who, like Abigail, is a Lexicographer (a person who authors and compiles dictionaries)?

BEB: Like most authors, my characters have a heaping dose of me in them, but Abigail especially. I’ll admit it – I enjoy reading the dictionary and while I don’t foresee a career in lexicography in my future, I think she and I share a true love of language. She talks to herself, which I do. Is a bit of a stickler, as am I. And likes to renovate and decorate, a passion I have too. But fortunately, I haven’t faced the losses she has. Nor have I lived in a supposedly haunted house. Luckily, that’s where Abigail and I are different. ;)

KEP: The book's chapters all begin with definitions of some very interesting but unfamiliar words. There are 26 chapters in all, one for each letter of the alphabet! What gave you the idea to use this chapter construction?

BEB: Dictionary junkie that I am, I couldn’t resist brandishing some of the wildly esoteric words I’d come across in recent years and I thought what better way to introduce the theme of each chapter while splitting the book into manageable sections!

KEP: We've heard the book is getting a lot of buzz, can you tell us more about that?

BEB: The positive feedback from reviewers and readers alike has been such a pleasant outcome. It’s easy for an author to be proud of their own novel, but to hear others talk about the impact the book has had on them makes all those hours of writing and editing even more worthwhile!

KEP: If our clients want to know more about you or the book, where can they go online?

BEB: To learn more about “The Language of Sand,” download book club questions and view the book trailer, please visit my website, www.ellenblock.net

KEP: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us Brett! We can't wait for the sequel! Oh yeah, and on that note, when can we expect it? ;)

BEB: I just got word from the publisher that the sequel to “The Language of Sand” will be released in the summer of 2011, just in time to see how Abigail deals with the Fourth of July on the island. Fireworks here we come!

Awesome! What a great read to bring to the beach on a hot, summer day. And to any of our blog readers who want to pick up their own copy of The Language of Sand, don't forget to look for it under Brett's nom de plume, Ellen Block. You can also find her earlier novels published under Brett Ellen Block. These include The Grave of God's Daughter (okay...I LOVE THIS BOOK) and The Lightning Rule (if you are a fan of stories set during times of historical upheaval with pulsing plots, this one's for you). Thanks again Brett!