Yes, I will light that piano on fire - PART 1

Why yes, YES I will light a piano on fire.


To all my musician friends... sorry but not sorry! I will be setting this piano on fire.

This photography concept started on the Model Mayhem site with Mark Cummings of Tilted Kilt Photography. I appreciated him contacting me for this project as being a former musician and current pyro, it is a concept that I can really connect with.  The idea is to have a musician playing the piano while it is on fire.

Challenges for this shoot include utilizing the correct methods to make the fire burn the prettiest and best for the photo.  The piano will need to be gutted and repainted and a few tests ran to ensure the perfect results before shoot day.  Additionally I will need to work closely with the photographer and musician so they know the risks and safety precautions essential to making the shoot a success.

Good news is I have done a very similar project before. I did all the pyro minus the bonfire in this music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC9wh_CNSY4 and we can do it cheaper than using gels or pastes with my current materials, so that is good. We will need to have safety on hand. At least one person dedicated to watch the fire. I typically do this but since I will be in the shot, I won’t be helpful.  More updates as we progress.

Here are the before pictures

Piano guts look amazing

My love/hate relationship with graphic design

I have a love/hate relationship with graphic design.  It seems when it goes well it goes really well. Then when it doesn't I end up going the 7 stages of grief.

1. Shock & Denial
2. Pain & Guilt
3. Anger & Bargaining
4. Depression
5. The Upward Turn
6. Reconstruction
7. Acceptance

With bargaining being my least favorite stage of the process... Anyways I have been working on some marketing materials for the studio to help better communicate our classes, specials, and build a better brand.  So I was looking for something that is on point to the current design trends but I could still use my current promotional photos with.  I would like for these to contain more information but I enjoy the simplicity and the fun colors that make them ideal for sharing on social media.  If this campaign goes well I will continue with this modern format and hopefully be able to skip the 7 stages.

Spooky Bayou Photoshoot with Right Eye Photography

When you work at a haunted house you make interesting friends with amazing talents who really don't mind getting dirty.  Sarah Bass happens to be one of those people.  Not only is she one hell of an actress at The 13th Gate, she is also a very talented photographer.  One Friday we collaborated on a very last minute photoshoot in a very mosquito infested bayou, also known as my backyard.  Mosquito infested is probably an under statement.  I thought the bugs were going to carry her away, she probably lost at least a pint of blood crawling around in the mud with me.  Costume, concept, and makeup by me.  All photographer and editting by Sarah. I love collaborating with my spooky friends and I think the results came out fantastic!  Additionally the images were featured in the first edition of "The HFC: A Journal of Art & Literature"

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