A glimpse into the jazz photography of Skip Bolen
Shooting primarily in black and white, using only available light with a Leica camera system, Skip Bolen is dedicated to "capturing the moment" of some of today's most exciting jazz performers on and offstage, revealing images infused with the spontaneous intensity, raw energy and collaborative spirit of the live jazz performance. This site contains an impressive portfolio of portraits - from the soulful, young Norah Jones, the luminous jazz great, Dave Brubeck, to new rising sensations Troy Andrews and Christian Scott bringing down the house at the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Works in progress include an architectural project that capture the romance and nostalgia of vintage signs, landmarks, and other points of interest shot in and around New York, Los Angeles, and his hometown of New Orleans.
Born just outside of New Orleans, Skip Bolen took his first photo at the age of 8 with a Kodak Instamatic 124. His family traveled quite a bit and someone had to take the pictures when his father wasn't. Later he moved to New York City and worked at Condé Nast Publications for several years as Senior Designer where he spent most of his time after hours in Greenwich Village basement Jazz clubs and spent his money on Jazz CD's. While there, he also studied at the International Center of Photography. His keen interest for both jazz and photography didn't meld until he moved back to New Orleans where he was inspired by seeing the extraordinary works of Herman Leonard and Bill Claxton at A Gallery for Fine Photography.
Today, Skip prefers shooting with a Leica R8 and R9 system, Leica Minilux and Canon EOS-1D Mark II N. Working without flash, being as unobtrusive as possible in deference to the performer, he adapts his technique to each club or location setting. He is in constant pursuit of impromptu moments that display the heart and soul of what is Jazz, often capturing the intense concentration and sheer joy of the extemporaneous collaborative effort in the facial expressions of jazz musicians. In the studio - shooting portraits primarily in black and white, Skip Bolen is a master of studio lighting in a classic distinctive style. Skip currently lives in the Hollywood Hills overlooking all of Los Angeles and travels back home to New Orleans often. Some things never change as he still spends most of his time in Jazz clubs while spending most of his money on Jazz CD's. He is available for freelance photo assignments or commissions anywhere on location and in the studio, CD packages, publications - and photography sales through this site and Stella Jones Gallery in New Orleans.
Skip Bolen's jazz photography is in public and private collections, among them the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans. His work has been exhibited in many solo and group exhibitions, among them Robert Bruno Gallery in New Orleans, The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, ZOOM photography show in Los Angeles, Jazz Day L.A. at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and the Los Angeles Jazz Society's Annual Jazz Tribute & Concert. His work has appeared in the CBS News Productions' episode of "Legendary Hangouts" hosted by Morley Safer. His photography is currently featured in various leading international jazz publications and newspapers, as well as on various major label CD packages. He is a member of the Jazz Journalists Association, Jazz Photographers Association, International Association of Jazz Educators, and Advertising Photographers of America. Skip Bolen is represented internationally by WireImage.com, and by Stella Jones Gallery in New Orleans.
SKIP BOLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Call 1-213-840-9259, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Central time).
E-mail: sbolen@skipbolenstudio.com
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 51295, New Orleans, LA 70151-1295 U.S.A.
Please call for anything requiring a street address such as United Parcel Service or Federal Express.
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