Extra-Ordinary Moments

Preserving History

2011-08-11T00:24:00.006-04:00

I'm not a surfer (not even a good swimmer) but I have great respect for the sport and it doesn't hurt that the guys that do it are all so damn hot:). It's the ultimate activity that requires perfect physical, spiritual and environmental synergy. So when dear friends of mine asked if I would shoot some stills for" The Endless Stoke" a documentary about the history of Surfing on the "Jersey" shore I was psyched to focus my lens on these athletes.

Oh what fun to shoot a bunch of Surfer dudes @ daybreak on some of the most classic Jersey beaches. I was thrilled and honored that Jeff and Ed gave me this assignment. I didn't realize my subjects wouldn't be my idea of the Stud-ly Surfer dude but instead grown men, Surf veterans, all a bit older then me. Not being a Jersey girl or a surfer, their names and reputation meant nothing to me and I really didn't know what to expect. I just had grand ideas of how I wanted to shoot these portraits.

I showed up the first day of shooting on the Asbury Boardwalk and there they were. Carl "Tinker" West who was Owner of Challenger Eastern Surfboards and helped define the era of Surfing in the 60’s, Vince Troniec, the owner of the legendary Islanders Surf Shop and , Les Reitman, and Cecil Lear. Each one responsible for the a bit of surfing history that made the "Jersey Shore" rock, long before it was decimated by Snookie and The Situation. I made these men, my father's age, schlep to the top of the jetty with their boards, pose in the middle of Ocean avenue with Tink's Ole Woody so it blocked traffic and huddle under the Paramount for the sake of art.

The second shoot was with the next generation that continued the surf legacy in Seaside Heights. Gregory"Grog"Mesanko the ring leader and owner of "Grog's Surf Palace", his brother Chris, Kevin Casey, Richard Luthringer and Gary Clayton. We met early morning before the parking meters even asked for coins and again I had these Veterans of Surfing History posing under the piers as the waves crashed the shore and lining up in that classic 60"s fashion with their surf boards behind them. It was an awesome experience to see their camaraderie and ease with one another as I pushed to find that perfect light to frame these legends.

Shooting all these iconic gents was an awesome experience but not at all what I thought the assignment would be. It was much more enlightening then just creating images for hire because of the conversations and introspective I got from meeting these legends a bit past their prime. After the images are edited and chosen I usually archive them away. Sometimes pulling a few images for my portfolio and web site. I always make a few new friends with each assignment but this time was different. I realized that I was part of a bigger story then just preserving history for an individual family; these shoots were capturing stills of Men that shaped an era. "The Endless Stoke" is a documentary about how it all began but even more important, it's about how this sport gives a vibrancy to one's life that carries on, long after you catch the final wave.

Everyday People

2011-07-24T02:06:00.002-04:00

For years I just shot babies and kids and families. Not that I couldn't or didn't shoot other things, but that's what the advertising agencies, branding companies and those with the $ hired me for. Every so often a distant relative or a very stressed account executive would give me that odd assignment to shoot a head shot, interiors or food. Loved it. But I never promoted it on my web sites or showed my agents because I was taught a photographer has to have one voice or you'll confuse the public. If you show everything then they'll hire you for nothing. I bought that and honed my craft and created a zillion images of babies and kids and families that were unique and definitely not the typical. Life was good, I thrived within the industry and also my retail commissions grew through my reputation along with the images I delivered.

Then the recession hit a few years ago, as we were in the midst of the digital revolution and everyone had a camera and no one had any budgets. Wow, life changed but I was lucky I had my retail commission clients who were loyal and I gave incentives for them to book me. I also shot anything, for what ever $ or prestige I could squeeze from the assignment, just to keep my trigger finger in shape and continue creating. I started Suburban Bliss, a blog about a passion, or an idea ( can't really differentiate between them) that highlighted my take on fashion and the "burbs" just to let everyone know what was really on my mind. Love it. I have a trillion ideas and tons of suburban moms that want to participate, I just have to find the time to produce and shoot every story. I mean, I am a business and the the blog thing is not a money maker but I think through this blog and Suburban Bliss people have been noticing I am capable of so much more then shooting babies and kids and families.

This past spring I got the oddest assignment from one of my retail clients. Would I shoot her husband and his workers at their factory in Bayville, NJ ( I swear it looked like deliverance as we were driving there). I'm still not sure why they needed the shots. They make some contraption that seals the bags and that keep potatoe chips crunchy? She said it was to create images for the factory ( which is enormous) and I have been waiting since the spring for her to give me some direction on how she wants them fabricated.

These images highlight an extraordinary moment in my current life as a photographer for hire. One that shoots much more then babies and kids and families. As I wait for direction from my client I thought I’d share some tough characters that opened their hearts and let my camera in. LMK your thoughts...

Music Soothes the Soul with Glee

2011-05-30T00:19:00.003-04:00

I am a sucker for anything that benefits kids that just don’t have the resources that some of us are able to give our own. Kids and Celebrities… what a great mix of characters at ETM’s (Education Through Music) annual Gala at Pier 60 in NYC earlier this month.

A dear client asked if I would lend my time and talent (that was her wording:) to an organization that brings music into the schools in neighborhoods that wouldn’t ordinarily have this option. She put me in touch with the Co-Chair of ETM’s annual event, Heather Hanssen, and of course I had to say yes. It didn’t hurt to know they were honoring Dante DiLoreto, the producer of Glee, who is a huge supporter of ETM and not only would he be there but some of the cast members of this fabulously original show would be there as well.

What I didn’t realize was they would give me so much freedom to shoot the kids performing and the celebrities enjoying them. Jane Lynch was a “Doll”… no Sue Sylvester in her. She was gracious and easy to approach, always looking stunning. Jenna Ushkowitz was hanging with Darren Criss and Chord Overstreet… They made a great threesome! But honestly I was more thrilled to photograph Dr. Mark Green (Anthony Edwards) who was one of my all time favorite Dr.’s on ER.

They raised tons of $ for ETM with a silent and a very lively, live auction hosted by Christies. Dana Walden, chairman of Twentieth Century Fox, kept throwing in more surprises during the live auction and some very lucky recipients got to go to the after party of American Idol as well as VIP treatment on the set of Glee. The evening ended with an awesome rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandee by the world renown and totally handsome Violinist, Joshua Bell.

Most of the kids had never performed in front of an audience and some of them had just started their musical careers a short while ago with the support of Education through Music.

They were the real stars!

Click here to see some of my shots

Reading is Delicious

2011-05-11T16:14:00.001-04:00

Finally an Extra-Ordinary Moment worth blogging about. I have been so busy shooting assignments, portraits and other assorted projects and really concentrating on my other blog Suburban Bliss that I haven't posted on this site... So sorry, my bad! Anyway, I'm changing what this blog is about.. some of my professional extra-ordinary moments as a photographer and an artist. I'm blessed. I get to photograph wonderful people all the time... some make it onto my web sites or into my portfolio and others just don't fit into the "style" people think I do Extra-Ordinary Moments will document my "out of the box" assignments and commissions. What better way to re-launch this blog then with a delicious celebrity chef, Mario Batali.

Mr. Batali's foundation MB F sponsored a library within a school on the lower east side in NYC with my absolute favorite charity, Books for Kids, BFK creates libraries with sponsors all over the country in "at risk" neighborhoods and turns the kids onto the magic of books. This past Monday was the ribbon cutting ceremony, and Mr. Batali came downtown to the Dewitt Reformed Church School on Rivington Street for the official dedication and stayed to read his favorite book "Green Eggs and Ham" to the kids. A sweet man, a wonderful organization and some pretty adorable kids make a perfect recipe for building a solid foundation for literacy no matter where the school is located... Don't you think?

http://tinyurl.com/BFK-MBF

ExtraOrdinary Moments on the Behance Network

2010-11-16T09:16:00.000-05:00

ExtraOrdinary Moments on the Behance Network

Sue Barr

2010-11-08T11:43:00.000-05:00

Sue Barr: "Extraordinary Moments....

Sophisticated snap shots of life imagined....

WSW photographer Sue Barr shoots extraordinary moments in life.

2010-11-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

WSW photographer Sue Barr shoots extraordinary moments in life.

Lil Bo Peep ... has lost her focus (no not sheep)

2010-10-19T22:59:00.000-04:00

There are a few things to consider when photographing kids. First: What's the purpose... to get a great portrait to use for holiday cards or fine art or to just snap a moment that documents time. Second: what's the light like? Is it midday sun and too bright ...do you want to use flash or would it be better to find some shade and bounce light into the subject. Third and probably the most important: Child Behavior .. Will this 3 year old cooperate or just do her own thing... is she tired, hungry and can she express herself verbally. All things to consider and take in account...Kids just don’t think like adults... The world is tiny to them and they don’t work well with consequences...
Anything more then 5 minutes and we lose her.. so we walk in search of shade and changing locations often revives a little subject... but the walk is long and there are stops along the way.. a snack, a mommy hug and then just to smell the flowers (literally) .... I climb on the other side of the fence and voila an amazing moment just happens and her puppy is right behind...
Don't take a break just because they need it...

Remember your purpose or you lose the moment!

Just Imagine the possibilities

2010-07-10T13:46:00.001-04:00

Trek deep into the field ( yes there might be ticks - check later) . Take a deep breath (with your subject) and then start to shoot.

The most peaceful moment comes at the most unexpected place yet the viewer never knows the extent you went through to get the shot.

Lazy Daisy Days of Summer

2010-06-18T21:23:00.001-04:00

Sometimes it's just not what he's wearing.. it's the attitude. As you put your eye to the viewfinder.... THINK.... How will I remember this perfect moment in time. Is he king of the world or just enjoying a royal day? And oh isn't my garden divine!

Cherry Lips and a Man that stands by you...

2010-06-10T15:49:00.002-04:00

www.suebarr.com

No one ever knows what will make an EXTRA-Ordinary moment. Me, I have been shooting for close to 2 decades (shhhhhh Don't tell anyone I've been around so long) and the one thing I can tell you for sure is, there are NO happy accidents... Preparation is everything, then let go and it will happen.

Toto we're not in OZ anymore

2010-06-06T11:04:00.000-04:00

We take so many pictures these days.. "Say Cheese, hug your brother, stand in front of the house" All the time trying to capture something that one day might jar a memory or captures a moment... well HOW ABOUT THE DETAILS!... forget the cheesy smile , how about the favorite shoes she didn't take off till her toe popped out? Now this photo hanging in the hall right outside her bedroom will never embarrass her and will always remind her of her impeccable fashion sense!http://www.suebarrphoto.com

Never ever wake a sleeping baby :)

2010-05-14T22:34:00.000-04:00

In fact just keep on shooting.... exhausting the little angle will guarantee a great shot

http://www.suebarrphoto.com

A well rested baby is a happy baby :)

2010-05-03T22:23:00.000-04:00

have your camera ready right after a nap... feed the little prince and Voila the perfect model... well rested, ad well fed... A perfect shot is sure to happen

Just How Cute is CUTE!

2010-04-21T22:41:00.000-04:00

oh there are days.... but then you get that one good image and you just remember how special it all can be... as you look through the viewfinder on your camera, watch the hands, the lips... and especially the attitude....
www.suebarrphoto.com

Sometimes we just know what will be...

2010-04-08T00:34:00.000-04:00

A baby learns how to feed herself within months of introducing solid food into their daily repertoire.. Pick up your camera and just shoot... make sure the bib is on tight, the light is just right and voila a magic moment will surely be snapped... Just make sure you don't stop to edit... take as many shots as you can before the little one begs for mercy! :) These will be the shots you'll treasure forever!

And their not aliens anymore!

2010-03-09T21:20:00.000-05:00

4-7 Months is the honeymoon period to shoot babies... every day they are discovering their own body, their surroundings, and just simple things that bring natural real smiles...

Bejeweled...

2010-03-05T23:22:00.000-05:00

Ah...life's little details... Do we just love the accessories or maybe its the kids actually holding hands...

Is is always about how they look or can a photograph remind you on how they were if you don't actually see there smiley faces sharp? As I have mentioned before maybe being Sharp sometimes means you miss the moment!

Kids do the darndest thing....

2010-02-05T20:19:00.000-05:00

Especially when you don't ask them to!

Stop giving direction and be patient... you'll get that winning moment with just a little patience!

http://www.suebarr.com

MMM Good!

2010-01-25T00:22:00.000-05:00

Keep shooting till you get that DELICIOUS moment... A picture is just that but if you continue shooting you will get that memorable moment that truly captures your child's personality.

eye contact is not essential!

2010-01-11T12:04:00.001-05:00

http://www.suebarr.com

having the subjects always looking at the camera is monotonous and makes the images boring. Spice up the typical portrait by asking the subject to look away ...You get an almost iconic portrait by asking them to look to the distance. Downfall is when everyone is looking in different directions:)

Showing off

2009-12-16T15:27:00.000-05:00

Do you really want that cheesy smile to show the missing teeth? Better ask to see ... a much better moment... don't you think?

A little child behavior knowledge helps... All those books you have read about how kids behave at what ever age... Put it to use when picking up your camera :)

Focus.....Focus Focus!

2009-12-09T13:21:00.001-05:00

Try getting a toddler to stop moving so you can take that perfect shot! Instead cease the opportunity when they are being held by a loved one and focus on their eyes....Set your camera f-stop wide open ( 1.4- 3.5) Shallow depth of field means everything but your "focus" goes soft ...

The difference between a snap shot and a piece of art

2009-11-18T09:29:00.000-05:00

A beautifully composed image deserves a permanent place on your walls. You can make all sorts of prints... Giclee print making is a way to make an image a piece of art... But remember it's not that easy to figure out that one image from a 2 week vacation, but it's there...

If an awesome color shot translates to black and white that is a good indicator of a great shot... Sometimes a crop is all it needs. The most important thing is that your emotional attachment is not the driving force to choosing the fine art image.

Suggestion, show 3 people the shot...first: a family member, 2nd:a neighor and 3rd: a random person with no connection to the subject....

The Camera is not your Brain

2009-11-18T09:16:00.000-05:00

The Camera is not a substitution for your Brain... it's an extension of what you are thinking... If you have an idea of what you want to shoot, an understanding of what your camera can do then voila a great shot... If you have thought to much and missed the moment, recreate it... Don't force it though. Simple direction will be enough...