Merry Go Round Playhouse

Our most recent shoot was at the Merry Go Round Playhouse.  The Playhouse needs no introduction, it's an iconic part of this area, one that everyone knows well.  This was a very interesting location for us, with some technical challenges that we haven't faced before.  Nevertheless, I think this may have been one of our most successful shoots so far, with a very unique look to the set.  We had Arienne and Shireen again for this set, and pursued a bit of a Christmas theme, followed up with the Alice in Wonderland feel from the Swaby's shoot (this time with a Mad Hatter), and using the Theatre theme, decided to get a couple with a Slave Leia costume.

Our next shoot is coming soon, in a place we're excited to get into.  Also, we're still looking for fresh faces, so if you're interested, you can contact the Artistic Director or the Photographer.  We'd love to hear from you.

Shoot 3 Samples...Merry Go Round - FULL POST COMING SOON

I promise, they're coming.  Here's a couple quick shots for you.

Girl Anachronism Project Shoot #2: Swaby's Tavern

This past Saturday (11/2/2013) we had our second shoot for the project.  Our AMAZING hosts were Anthony and Michael Pacini at Swaby's Tavern.  Swaby's, at 6 South St. here in Auburn, NY is really a perfect fit for what we're learning is the look and feel of this project as it evolves.  The walls are covered with the history of the area, and the owner, Anthony, is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Auburn.  He's a well of information that I'm sure we'll be going back to regularly as we explore the area.

We introduce two new models for this shoot, Shireen Harter and Arienne Hess.  The two of them worked well together, and were a pleasure to shoot.  The shoot went extremely well, we were able to use the bar itself, a coffin setup near the door, and my favorite of the day, the electric chair.  The actual backup electric chair from Auburn Prison (the original lost to fire in a prison riot).  We had some real fun with that.

After the shoot, with everything packed up, we decided to have some dinner at Swaby's, and I had one of the best bacon cheeseburgers I've had.  Great food, great atmosphere, fun people, I can't recommend Swaby's enough.

Here are some rough samples from the shoot.  We hope you enjoy.

Shoot 2: Swaby's Tavern (A quick teaser...)

Coming soon to this space...

Our First Location Shoot - Underground Cafe with Elizabeth Alexander

Yesterday was our first major milestone for the project.  For our first on-location shoot, Mark Emerson, owner of Underground Cafe at 144 Genesee St. in Auburn was an extremely gracious (and patient) host.  Mark opened up the restaurant for us, and gave us free reign to use the location as we saw fit.  Kat proceeded to begin the hair/makeup/costuming process with our first model for the project, Elizabeth Alexander.  While they were occupied there, I set up the lighting for the first scene.

Naturally, I had a flash bulb fail, but I used a backup speedlite to compensate.

We shot in two locations in the Underground Cafe, one along the bar, the other upstairs in the stairwell/foyer.  Underground Cafe was really a perfect first location, as we had the chance to shake out some bugs and start to get a feel for how this will shape up artistically.  As an environment, Underground Cafe really emulates the family restaurant/cafe aesthetic that I remember fondly from my childhood.

In between scene setups, while Kat and Elizabeth were preparing the next look, I had a chance to talk to Mr. Emerson.  Listening to him describe their Freedom Sandwich (chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, cajun mayo) made me anxious for dinner.  I'll be there sometime next week to try it out for sure!

I'm going to sign off with a quick thank you to Chris Molloy, a colleague of mine and friend.  Chris allowed me to share some of his equipment that really helped this shoot go well.  Thanks, Chris!

Also...here's some quick samples from the shoot (all images Copyright 2013, Jason T. Countryman)

The Girl Anachronism Project - Juxtaposing Histories

I don't necessarily believe there is a cure for this

So I might join your century, but only as a doubtful guest

From "Girl Anachronism" by The Dresden Dolls

Welcome to The Girl Anachronism Project.  I'm going to take a minute to introduce myself and my co-conspirator in the project, then I'll discuss the project itself.

My name is Jason Countryman.  I'm the photographer for the project.  I've been pursuing photography in my spare time for nearly a decade now.  I've done portrait sittings, weddings, commercial projects and more.  Now it is time for a personal project, and I believe I've found the perfect one.

Katherine "Kat" Alexander and I are partners in this project.  Kat will be doing hair/makeup and art direction, as well as being the driving force behind booking locations and models.  Kat's vision is really what brought form to this project, and it's a vision we're excited to pursue and capture.

What is The Girl Anachronism Project?  Auburn, New York, and the Finger Lakes Area as a whole are vibrant areas with rich cultural and social histories.  William Seward, Harriet Tubman, Merry-Go-Round Theatre at Emerson Park, and Fort Hill Cemetery are all major landmarks themselves, just in Auburn itself.  That's not to mention the thin-slices of history and snapshots of Americana that exist in the simplest of places.  (Stay tuned for a report from our first on-location shoot, that highlights one of these places.)

It is our goal to show the heritage of these locations, balanced against a model/models in contrasting perspective.  I'm not going to give away the whole idea here.  You'll just have to stay with us as we reach various milestones.  I'm sure you'll get an inclination as to the mood of the project as we move along closer to the endgame.

Again, we hope you'll check the site as we proceed along.  Feel free to post your comments.  Your thoughts are appreciated.

- Jason