I remember reading a blog from a music photographer a while back that referred to the artist-to-artist energy felt when photographing live bands. Basically he connected with the performance and the photographs came naturally – essentially a visual representation of his experience.
When asked to photograph a belly dancing performance, I immediately knew how I wanted to shoot it. However, one of the many wonderful things about photographing an artist is you invariable get more than you bargained for – and this was no exception. It was wonderful to have the intense energy of the amazing dance guide the creation of the photographs. And the shots most certainly came naturally.
Peace,
Leon
Posted in Art, Observation, Photography.
Tagged with belly dance, colors, colours, dance, live perfomance, motion, performance, woman.
By Leon Cato
– May 17, 2012
I am overly pleased to have launched Photo Fundamentals in NYC this week – bit of a milestone to be honest.
But I must admit, as soon as I launched the courses on Wednesday my mind immediately went to other areas of the business. How can I get the word out about A – what should I do about B….and on and on.
Just today, just now actually, I reminded myself to take time.
The course launch, and any other milestone for that matter, should be acknowledged and appreciated – even for a little while.
I took the above photo one day while going to meet up with a friend. I could have easily just looked at this view and kept moving – like I do far too often. But this time I am glad I took the time to admire and capture this moment.
Peace,
Leon
Posted in Art, Exploration, Observation, Photography, Tutorials.
Tagged with Blue, buildings, dusk, milestone, NYC, Observation, Sky, Street, Sunset, time, view.
By Leon Cato
– May 3, 2012
In 2007 I had the opportunity to visit Guyana. Although I was born in London and raised in NY, I am of Guyanese heritage. The wonderful thing about visiting Guyana is that I got to meet family on both sides for the first time. I really can’t wait to go back as one of the projects I am working on is a photo family tree.
Truthfully with the tons of cousins, aunts, uncles etc, this is a mammoth effort. But I have started and i guess that can’t be a bad thing.
Peace,
Leon
Posted in Exploration, Observation, Photography.
Tagged with cato, Family, Georgetown, Kids, Sean, Sons Guyana.
By Leon Cato
– April 27, 2012
Feeling a bit nostalgic about London today. So I downloaded loads of shots from my iPhone (which I don’t do nearly often enough) and started to work on a post with loads of images from London complete with an essay-style post.
Wasn’t feeling where it was going so I left it alone for a while and started working on something else. Just reopened Lightroom and saw this image and it all made sense to me.
Arguably one of the most endearing and unique elements of UK culture is the pub. And what’s really cool is stumbling upon (or into) an old style pub in London – for often they are visually remarkable and your eye captures something quite nice indeed….
Peace,
Leon
Posted in Art, Exploration, Observation, Uncategorized.
Tagged with Dark, iPhone, Light, London, Pub, Shadows, Stained-Glass, Sun, Window.
By Leon Cato
– April 17, 2012
An image for a test shoot last year in London. Great models and a great time overall. Will be posting more of these…
Peace,
Leon
Ps. Audience participation (i.e. feedback) is always welcomed.
Posted in Art, Photography, Post-Procesing.
Tagged with fashion, London, Man, models, sexy, underwear, woman.
By Leon Cato
– April 5, 2012
Modern day visual work requires functionality on all types of devices.
Snapped this shot while testing the latest project from AVART. Check the finished project here….www.avartcollective.com
Peace! Leon
Posted in Art, Exploration, Observation, Photography, Post-Procesing.
Tagged with AVART Collective, creativity, ddubble, multimedia, presentation, project, testing.
By Leon Cato
– March 21, 2012
Too often I am somewhere cool and think – this would make a good shot, wish I had my camera.
Then there are those times when I am somewhere cool and think – wait, I have my camera!
NYC 2012.
Posted in Exploration, Observation, Photography.
Tagged with Bar, Bartender, Downtown, LES, NYC, Street Photography, woman.
By Leon Cato
– March 15, 2012
Took this photograph this past weekend on a photowalk with some really cool photo enthusiast folk that I met for the first time. I realzed today that it represents the transitional stage of my life right now. Bright, exciting bridge of colour emerging against a contrasting sky. The sky although gray still has a limitless feel to it and the bridge continues into a distance with no clear ending point.
Can’t wait to explore what’s further down the line.
Posted in Art, Exploration, Observation, Photography, Tutorials, Uncategorized.
Tagged with Bridge, Color, Future, Google + +, Google Plus, Gray Sky, New York, NYC, Randall's Island.
By Leon Cato
– February 27, 2012
I have probably been asked at least 450 times which city do I prefer, London or New York. What are some of the differences and similarities. Which city has the rudest people, highest cost of living, better sports, etcetera, etcetera.
The cities are more similar than you would imagine.
A little audience participation, what do you think is happening in this shot? You know a million words and all that…..
I would love to hear what you think is going on in the comments!
Posted in Art, Exploration, Observation, Photography.
Tagged with Man, New York City, Night, NYC, Street, Taxi, woman, Yellow Cab.
By Leon Cato
– February 17, 2012
This is a shot that I just had to have taken.
As a photographer its rare that I remember to document moments or stages of my own life. Funny that, eh? Guess I am not much of a snapshot person but the funny thing is the whole documentation of life thing is what drew me to photography in the first place. Must remember to do this more often.
Up until a few weeks ago this was a typical day in Mayfair, London running around taking snaps for a good friend of mine who also happened to be a client.
Glad I asked my mate Louis to take this shot.
Posted in Art, Exploration, Observation, Photography.
Tagged with Black, gallery, Leon Cato, London, Male, Man, Mayfair, Me, Photographer.
By Leon Cato
– February 15, 2012
www.leoncato.com