Blog of Andrew Collings Photography: Chicago Headshot and Wedding Photographers » Performers

The Neo-Futurists Rock!

Andrew Collings — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:52:36 +0000

One of my favorite groups of people to photograph is Chicago’s Neo-Futurists theatre ensemble. They are always a blast to work with and I love their shows! Doing a group is always tough to do without it turning into a school portrait but I think we were able to produce something eye-catching but still free-form in keeping with their improvisational style. I was really happy with the lighting in the shot. I used a giant umbrella, without any diffusion, and cut a hole in it for the lens. Instant $80 giant ring light! I like how the light is hard and soft and even at the same time. It allowed me to work with the positioning of everyone instead of working out lighting problems.

Headshot Session with Dina and Ryan

Andrew Collings — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:41:40 +0000

Yesterday I did photographs with the talented Dina Connolly and Ryan Walters. I met both of them whilst doing photographs for the Neofuturists several years ago. The Neofuturists are some of the most talented performers and writers in Chicago and their signature show, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind is a must-see Chicago event. I’ve been fortunate to photograph a number of the Neo shows.

Yesterday was my first opportunity to get some real shots with my new movable wall system that my super assistant Brent Knepper assembled for the studio.

On the technical side, being able to move the lights and wall is so great for a photographer. 2nd wall to come which will allow for a corner, made into a spectacular photographic signature by Irving Penn in the 1940′s. I’m also digging my orange seamless.

Comedienne Cindy Cornelsen

Andrew Collings — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:18:34 +0000

I had a great time photographing the talented and hilarious Cindy Cornelsen at my studio. I was able to photograph her a few years ago and she since moved to LA to pursue her career as a standup and actor. But she was in town for a few months and needed new shots. I’m so glad she came back because we got some wonderful images.

Headshots of Actor and Mime Dean Evans

Andrew Collings — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:25:33 +0000

The incredibly talented Dean Evans came by to shoot some new headshots. As always, we had fun and took some freaky photos. I posted a couple favorites here. I’ve been fortunate to follow Dean’s career over the years and he was my connection to the Neo-Futurists, with whom I’ve had one of my best creative connections.

This is one of my first shoots with Canon’s remarkable 5D mk II camera and I couldn’t resist shooting a little video.

Dean Evans Fun Video with Porpoise Finger Puppets