Archive for: photography

Photographer/Director Allen Weiss Launches New Website, Blog

Categories: advertising, architecture, blogs, business, Film, Film Production, Interior Design, news, people
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April 1, 2011 (Raleigh, NC) – After working as a director, cameraman and advertising

Allen Weiss

writer for television commercials and print campaigns for two decades, Allen Weiss of Raleigh, NC, has gone back to his roots and reintroduce still photography to his career. As a result, he has launched a new website, Allen Weiss: Works on Film & Paper, at www.allen-weiss.com.

Weiss began his career as a professional photographer in Raleigh and New York. In New York, he studied under and worked for world-renowned portrait photographer Arnold Newman. In the early ‘90s, his career veered into directing and shooting television commercials throughout the US, Canada and Europe.

He was recently inspired to reconsider still photography when Lee Hansley of Lee Hansley Gallery in Raleigh asked him to mount an exhibition of the North Carolina artists’ portraits that Weiss originally shot in 1988. When the exhibition “Black & White/Color & Light: Photographs by Allen Weiss with Works by His Subjects,” opened in March, he made the decision to “put still photography back in the mix,” he said. (The exhibit runs through April.)

The new website includes a limited sampling of TV commercials and public service announcements, on film and video, that Weiss has shot and directed. The samples range from Southern States and the NC Symphony to the Bank of Belgium. A link to Vimeo lets visitors view more spots.

The site also showcases Weiss’ still photography, including the artists images in the Hansley Gallery show and other photographic portraits (including a rare image of Arnold Newman and Robert Doisneau mugging for the camera together), along with motorsport images he’s shown at L’art et L’automobile in New York City. He will be adding other types of still photography in the future, include architectural and interior design.

The site also features a link to Weiss’ new blog under “news & words.” Among other subjects he intends to cover, he has begun by discussing “the good, the bad, and the downright ugly” among TV commercials, he said. A recent post entitled “Can Doesn’t Equal Should” offers: “Ad folk who think their work will change the world as we know it, and directors who throw hissies on set, need a serious look inward. We’re selling shoes here, ladies and gentlemen. If you want to create art be an artist. Advertising is artistic commerce at its best.”

For more information and to see Weiss’ new website, go to www.allen-weiss.com.

About Allen Weiss:

After 15 years as a professional photographer in Raleigh and New York, Allen Weiss turned his attention towards short films, public service announcements and television commercials, both regionally and internationally. Recently, he launched Allen Weiss: Works on Film & Paper to offer still photography of all varieties, film and video (director, cameraman), and freelance writing/branding. For more information visit www.allen-weiss.com.

 

RHA Howell Hires Allen Weiss To Create New Advocacy Video

Categories: business, charity, Film, Film Production, fundraising, news, non-profit, people, people with disabiliites, photography, video
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This will launch a new grassroots advocacy, awareness, and fundraising campaign.

Director/camerman/photographer Allen Weiss

 

March 3, 2011 (Raleigh, NC) – RHA Howell, Inc. has hired Raleigh photographer/director/cameraman Allen Weiss, of Allen Weiss: Works on Film & Paper in Raleigh, to create a video as part of a new grassroots advocacy and awareness effort.

RHA Howell is a non-profit, state-wide organization that has been serving children and adults with disabilities and their families for nearly 40 years.

Weiss’ “day in the life” video will present a realistic view about families, their loved ones, and people who participate in some of RHA Howell’s very innovative programs. He will be traveling to Wrightsville Beach, Goldsboro, LaGrange and other locations to gather footage for the video.

“We want to give viewers a true sense of the challenges these families face, and we want to celebrate the accomplishments, choices and opportunities of the children and adults that RHA Howell supports,” Weiss said. “Those accomplishments may be simple, ordinary tasks for the rest of us, but for the children and adults served by RHA Howell and their families, they’re huge.”

“The video will serve to remind any public and private entities not only about why they support RHA Howell, but also about just how badly these funds are needed for non-profits across the country,” said RHA Howell’s Grassroots Fundraising Coordinator, Debbie Valentine. “We stand committed to providing the very best support and opportunities, because closing programs would leave many with no where else to turn. But we need help from our communities and our legislators.”

The completed video will be presented for the first time at RHA Howell’s annual Epicurious Vino Challenge, the popular food and wine fundraising event to be held at Hinnant Family Vineyards in Pine Level, NC, in June. It will then be distributed to the community, potential donors, and to legislative policy makers.

Allen Weiss is an accomplished filmmaker/videographer with many public service announcements (PSAs) and short films to his credit. Among other work on film and video, he created an AIDS-related PSA that won Best in Show at the Addy Awards, a major fundraising short film for the Methodist Home for Children, a PSA for the NC Holocaust Memorial, the KidsVotingNC PSA before the 2008 election, and a promo piece for the North Carolina Symphony.

For more information on Allen Weiss, visit www.allen-weiss.com or visit the Allen Weiss: Works on Film & Paper Facebook page.

For more information on RHA Howell, visit www.rhahowell.org.

Lee Hansley Gallery Presents “Black & White/Color & Light: Photographs by Allen Weiss and Works by His Subjects”

Categories: art, events, news, North Carolina arts, photography, Raleigh arts scene
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George Bireline 1988 © Allen Weiss

(RALEIGH, NC) – Joe Cox, George Bireline, Herb Jackson, and Edith London are only four of the 11 prominent North Carolina artists, both living and deceased, whose portraits and works will be featured in a special exhibition at Lee Hansley Gallery in Raleigh beginning March 13.

 

Entitled “Black & White/Color & Light,” the exhibition will include black and white photographic portraits of well-known artists by Allen Weiss, alongside examples of their work. The featured artists are: Edith London, Ted Potter, Herb Jackson, Joe Cox, George Bireline, Harvey Littleton, Maud Gatewood, Claud Howell, Robert Irwin, Francis Speight, and Sarah Blakeslee.

 

The genesis for the show began 23 years ago when Weiss returned to his native Raleigh

Sarah Blakesless and Francis Speight 1988 © Allen Weiss

after living in New York City for five years. Melissa Peden, a respected art patron and art gallery owner, suggested that he photograph “living legends of the art world in North Carolina,” he recalled.

 

Over two decades later, gallery owner Lee Hansley was made aware of the Weiss portraits and decided to show this body of work, which has taken on added historical importance since nine of the 11 artists are no longer living.

 

“This is going to be a nostalgic exhibition. These portraits capture the essence of these artists and we shall reinforce that with examples of their work,” said Hansley. “It is going to be a trip down North Carolina’s artistic memory lane.”

 

Hansley noted that the “black and white” from the show title refers to Weiss’ large-

Ted Potter 1988 © Allen Weiss

format, black and white images of the artists in their respective environments. “Color and light” makes reference to the works of art to be displayed in concert with the portraits.

 

According to Weiss, major advances in printing from original negatives have introduced a visual depth to his artists’ portraits that wasn’t possible when he shot them 23 years ago. “Simply put, I’m seeing details in these prints that I never imagined could be pulled from negatives.”

 

Weiss worked in Raleigh and New York as a professional photographer for about 15 years, including studying under and working for world-renowned photographer Arnold Newman. In the early ‘90s, Weiss’ career veered into directing and shooting television commercials throughout the US, Canada and Europe. Inspired by the opportunity to exhibit his photography again, he has made the decision to “put still photography back in the mix” of his career.

 

The opening reception for “Black & White/Color Light” will be held Sunday, March 13, from 2-5 p.m. Lee Hansley Gallery is located at 225 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603. The exhibition will run through April 30.  For more information contact the gallery at 919.828.7557.

 

For more information on Allen Weiss, visit www.allen-weiss.com.

Lather Hair Salon, Cohen Studios Collaborate for Fashion Portfolios

Categories: beauty, business, fashion, hair care, hair styling, photography
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Hair by Jessica Williams, Lather Hair Salon. Photos by Max Cohen, Cohen Studios

February 10, 2010 (RALEIGH, NC) – Raleigh hair stylist Jessica Williams of Lather Hair Salon and photographer Max Cohen of Cohen Studios decided to pool their creative resources recently to build both of their portfolios.

Williams needed to create and document a few color and styling techniques that she doesn’t often get to do in the day-to-day work of a hair salon.

“As much as I love treating, cutting, coloring and styling hair for everyday wear, sometimes it’s fun — and challenging — to stretch the envelope, so to speak, and show the edgier side of my artistry,” said Williams, whose salon was recently named one of Raleigh’s trendiest hair salons by American Salon magazine. Her work is also featured in this month’s Rouge magazine. “Bold color and dramatic cuts are seldom requested by our ‘regular’ clients!”

Williams is also applying to become a training specialist for Wella hair care products and needed photos of her work to accompany the application.

Enter Max Cohen of Cohen Studios in downtown Raleigh.

For several months, Williams has displayed examples of Cohen’s work on a wall in the salon. They’d met during a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser for which they’d both volunteered. It seemed natural to ask him to collaborate.

“And I was more than happy to do it,” said Cohen, who specializes in portraiture and wedding photography. “I was already interested in expanding the fashion portion of my portfolio, so when Jessica approached me about shooting some examples of her edgier work, I immediately saw how it would benefit both of us.”

Williams found three clients who were willing to let her go a bit extreme with their hair. For one model, she added bold reds to her long brown hair then shortened the cut with multiple layering to create a sweeping silhouette around her head. “Very rock-n-roll,” Williams quipped.

For another model, Williams created deep, heavy bangs, or “fringe,” then added warm browns to the model’s original color as well as bold blond chunks to dramatically lighten the top. A hint of curl around the model’s face completes the look.

For the only guy in the group, Williams opened up the facial area and turned a previously shaggy style into a striking geometric look.

The photo sessions took place in the salon, in Cohen’s studio, and near a train track that slices through downtown Raleigh where for natural lighting.

“I wanted to do some studio shots because that would allow me to emphasize the hair without environmental distractions,” Cohen said.

Williams and Cohen intend to continue collaborating as both professionals build their portfolios.

“It was a lot of fun,” Cohen said.

Williams agreed. “Max is really easy to work with, and seeing my work through his gorgeous images is exciting.”

For more information on Lather Hair Salon, visit www.latherhairsalonnc.com

For more information on Cohen Studios, visit www.cohenstudios.com.

About Lather Hair Salon:

Lather Hair Salon is a full-service, upscale salon specializing in color, cuts, waxing, deep conditioning treatments, shine glossing, perms, anti-curl treatments, and both trendy and classic styling. The salon was recently named one of the best salons in Raleigh by American Salon magazine. Lather also offers special wedding party services both in-salon or on location, and the stylists maintain “Hair Academy 101,” an on-going blog on hair care, styling, products, and DIY techniques. Lather Hair Salon is also available on Facebook and through Citysearch. For more information, visit www.latherhairsalonnc.com or call 919-792-0715.

About Cohen Studios:

A graduate of the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, Max Cohen of Cohen Studios has been a professional photographer for five years, working in both digital photography and film. At H.I.P., he was exposed to a wide range of technical skills and studied under world-renown photographers as instructors and guest speakers. Describing himself as a “generalist,” he enjoys all types of subjects, from children and high school senior portraits to commercial and editorial assignments. For more information, visit www.cohenstudios.com. Cohen Studios is also available on Facebook and Citysearch.

Cohen Studios To Capture “After” Portrait for Make-over Contest Winner

Categories: beauty, news, photography
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Max Cohen © Cohen Studios

January 21, 2010 (RALEIGH, NC) – Max Cohen of Cohen Studios in Raleigh has volunteered to provide a free photographic portrait of the results of a hair and makeup make-over for the winner of a Raleigh salon contest.

Lather Hair Salon recently announced its “Help Me, Lather! I Need A Make-Over!” Essay Contest. Contestants send the salon a 250-word essay, with photo, on why they or someone they nominate deserves a full, free make-over.

The winner will receive as many services as she wants: cut, color, styling and more, plus full make-up application. When the process is complete, Cohen Studios will capture the results in a free color portrait.

“It’s going to be interesting to see who wins,” Cohen said, “and how transformative the results will be. I’m really excited about documenting the ‘new look’ and that special moment for the winner.”

The contest is open now through February 28th.

Cohen has collaborated with Lather Hair Salon on other projects and is currently showing examples of his work in the salon, which is located off Glenwood Avenue/Highway 70W, near Carmax. (For more information on Lather Hair Salon and the “Help Me, Lather! I Need A Make-Over!” Essay Contest, go to www.latherhairsalonnc.com.)

Max Cohen has extensive experience with formal studio portrait photography and environmental portraiture in both black and white and color, on film and digitally. His website, www.cohenstudios.com., includes portrait galleries, as well as galleries of family portraits, wedding photography, and urban landscapes.

For more information on Cohen Studios, go to www.cohenstudios.com.

About Cohen Studios

A graduate of the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, Max Cohen of Cohen Studios has been a professional photographer for five years, working in both digital photography and film. At H.I.P., he was exposed to a wide range of technical skills and studied under world-renown photographers as instructors and guest speakers. Describing himself as a “generalist,” he enjoys all types of subjects, from children and high school senior portraits to commercial and editorial assignments. For more information, visit www.cohenstudios.com. Cohen Studios is also available on Facebook and Citysearch.