martin oconnor photo blog

The Nutcracker Nashville Tennessee - A Holiday Tradition

2011-11-30T10:55:00.000-08:00

Over time I've had the opportunity to photograph several ballet companies and just for fun, I thought I would post a few images. Represented here are dancers from Nashville Ballet, Dance Theatre of Tennessee, and Centennial Youth Ballet. Please take the time to support your local arts and artists.... we have local ties and bills to pay just like everyone else. Do you have any idea how much it costs to be a dancer..... I didn't think so. :)

Nashville Ballet 2012

2011-11-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

Unveiling the new lobby banner for Nashville Ballet's 2011-2012 Season. Your's truly featured and the Artistic Director, Paul Vasterling.

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel

2011-09-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to cover a wedding reception at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Even though I've worked there many times, on this occasion, the event staff involved outdid themselves. Many thanks to Angela Proffitt of Elegant Weddings by Angela for all her hard work and creatvity. She made a very big event run smoothly. For more information on her company and services, please go to the following site:
http://www.angelaproffitt.com/
or my site at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/

Thanks for stopping by.

Historic Cedarwood Nashville Tennessee

2011-07-09T17:04:00.000-07:00

Historic Cedarwood is one of those wonderful treasures you discover from time to time if you're lucky. We met the folks responsible for it's creation several years ago and though it's been some time since we've had the chance to return, it was worth the wait. Check out the small sample of images from Tasha Greer and Daivd Bromfield's wedding. Don't miss the attached video as well! For more about Martin O'Connor Photography, click the following link. www.martinoconnorphoto.com

Wedding for Cara and Jeff - Reception at the Noah Liff Opera Center

2011-05-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Cara and Jeff were married at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville, Tennessee on an absolutely beautiful day in April. The reception was held at the Noah Liff Opera Center shortly after. A great time was had by all! Congratulations to both of you and many happy years to come.

2011-03-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

The weather may have been challenging, but it didn't put a damper of the wedding itself. Katie and Stephen's wedding was wonderful to be a part of and beautiful to see. Both families celebrated the couple's big day with smiles, laughter, and most likely a few tears of joy. It was a priviledge to be a part of the event. Enjoy the attached photos and to see more, go to my website at www.martinoconnorphoto.com and check out the Online Preview Gallery.

Lyra Artists

2011-02-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

Diva and Davis

2011-02-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

This image just gives me living proof that talent and musicianship still go hand in hand.
No auto tune needed!

Scarritt Bennett - Wightman Chapel Wedding - Nashville, Tennessee

2010-11-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Racheal and Chad, it was a beautiful Fall day!

Senior Portraits - Ellington Agricultural Center - Nashville, Tennessee

2010-11-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

The Fall season was wrapping up but we just had enough time to catch a few more colors!
Thanks Haleigh, it was a bit cold but lots of fun at Ellington Agricultural Center.

Tara and Jay - Sewanee - The University of the South

2010-09-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Sewanee campus is absolutely beautiful and the chapel speaks for itself. Enjoy the images and the video!

Racheal and Chad Informals

2010-08-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

Take one very hot humid Sunday morning and blend in a great couple and you have a recent informal shoot in Downtown Franklin Square. I'll let the photos do the talking. Thanks guys, it was a lot of fun despite the sweating on my part, not yours.

Events @ 1418 Church Street - A Catered Affair - Nashville, TN

2010-06-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Had the chance to stop by Events @ 1418 on Church Street this week and check out their newest project called Flip Books. To many of us, they're also known as A Catered Affair. Everything served their is wonderful and the staff could not be more courteous and helpful. I encourage anyone needing a recepition or event site to stop by. For more information, please go to the following link: http://www.acateredaffair.net/. Kellie Bryson will be more than happy to take care of all you needs. Be sure to check out her newest project Flip Books. A definate hit for all ages!

Kelly and Phillip

2010-05-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

Kelly and Phillip set two big things on their wedding date. Of course the most important is the fact they got married at the Hermitage Mansion.
What's even more unique is the fact their date fell on the May 1, 2010 which we now know as the biggest flood in the history of Tennessee for the last 100 years or so. Some are even calling it the Millennium Flood.
Say what you will, high water didn't dampen the spirits of all involved and everyone chipped in to make the day go as smoothly as possible. Congratulations to everyone involved, it was a great (if a bit wet), evening.

Check out the pictures and attached video when you have a moment.

Sydney - Senior Portraits

2010-04-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

More Spring, a little less rain, and lots of Seniors allowing us to work with them. Life is good!
Thanks Sydney, we had a great time.

Natalie - Senior Portrait Session

2010-04-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's Spring time and nothing is more fun than Senior Portraits. Be sure to check out the video for a few of my
favorites. Thanks Natalie, you look amazing!

Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival

2010-03-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Had the chance to attend the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival this year. A double treat was seeing members of the Franklin School of Performing Arts onstage. A good day was had by all!

University School of Nashville 2010 Concert

2010-03-07T05:46:00.000-08:00

I've been active with the University School of Nashville's Dance department for some time now and this year I now have the luxury of blogging. We just completed some preliminary work for the 2010 concert so I thought I would post a few things. Be sure to check out the attached video as well.

USN Video Collage

More Things In Flight!

2010-02-26T17:09:00.000-08:00

Who says musicians can't fly? By now most of you know my love affair with the arts, especially dance and it's many forms. As you look through many of my images, the theme of catching people in the air is a favorite thing of mine. Just when I think I've become comfortable with a particular group, something new arrises.
I just finished a shoot with Playing By Air Productions. The group's creator and organizer is Jacob Weiss.
If you've ever had the chance to see Juggleville on Vanerbilt University's campus, you may have a small sample of what I'm talking about. I've discovered that in reality, this is just the tip of the iceburg. Take a moment to see some of my favorite images but also take some time to view the attached video collage.
These artists are absolutely fearless and amazing!

PS I now know that musicians can fly too.

FSPA Modern Dance Concert

2010-01-22T07:13:00.001-08:00

On January 16, 2010 the Franklin School of Performing Arts had it's winter Modern Dance Concert. The Franklin School which will soon be celebrating it's 20th year, trains and educates students in a wide variety of dance. Kaylee Cahoon, the artistic director, is an amazing talent and has a level of dedication seldom seen by most schools. I have had the unbelievable opportunity to photograph the students since it's inception. Each time I see the concert and of course photograph it, I'm always at a lose for words to describe just how incredible the dancers are on stage. The school and it's dancers are a treasure to this town and the art form itself. Please enjoy the attached video and if you have more questions, feel free to contact me at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ or the FSPA at http://www.franklinschoolofperformingarts.com/.

NPT - Children's Health Crisis

2010-01-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

Had the recent pleasure of working with Brian O'Neill at NPT. He is currently doing a project on Children's Health Crisis for Nashville Public Television. I was asked to photograph children of various ages to eventually be used in several promo spots. I have a few examples here but to really see Brian's vision at work, please go to the following link. http://www.youtube.com/nptcreative.

Thanks again Brian, it's nice to work on projects like this. It gives me a special feeling of accomplishment.

Saxophone Quartet

2010-01-05T17:43:00.000-08:00

Nashville is known as Music City to many and this is usually attributed to country music only. It's a shame that this is the case because many of us know better. Case in point is the quartet you see below. This saxophone quartet combines the abilities of four very talented players and I was fortunate enough to be called in to update their publicity photo. Musicians rarely like to sit in front of the camera and I have to admit, these guys were no exception. Maybe too many years of dressing in black and playing in sunken orchestra pits have made them afraid to be seen in bright light. Kind of like vampires if you really think about it. Anyway, they were all good sports and laughed in all the right places as we worked together. Thanks again Matt for bringing me out to work with you again

Human Contact and Manners

2010-01-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

I just want to thank everyone who allowed me to work with them in the year 2009. I'm especially grateful to those who booked sessions, assignments, and projects and saw them through to the very end. In a environment where most now make appointments with absolutely no intention of showing up or cancelling the day of, it's reassuring to know there are still some individuals out there who care. My latest case has been an appointment made weeks in advance, (made by the client), follow up messages to make sure I will be there to meet them, and then the day of the meeting, they call 10-30 minutes late and say they won't be able to make it.
Of course all of this is done via e-mail so there is no human contact at all.
They also make sure I don't have a phone number to follow up with a voice so again, no human contact. It's a rising trend that affects all industries and I do have concerns that it will have long term negative results. If you really have no serious interest in a given vendor's work or product, don't make unnecessary appointments. It waists your time and ours as well. True professionals are very picky about their time and wish to give 110% to their clients. We have better things to do than sit around and wait for someone who really isn't interested or too busy to show common courtesy, respect, and manners when it comes to others.

There, I've said it and I stand by it!

Martin
http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/

Franklin School of the Performing Arts 2010

2009-12-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

The Franklin School of the Performing Arts allows me to photograph advanced students each year and if talk to anyone who knows me well, they will quickly tell you how much I look forward to it. This year was no exception. Even though it's still 2009 (just barely), I'm calling it the 2010 event. We had to meet early due to performance schedules. The following images are but a small sample of what we got that day. Believe me, there's so much more to see than can be covered in this blog. If you want to see more, please go to my website at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ and look for the Dance Sessions Link on the Home Page. From there click the 2010 button and check it out. I can't thank all the dancers enough for what they brought that day, but hopefully the images will speak for themselves. You're the best!

Centennial Youth Ballet - Nashville, Tennessee

2009-12-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

This year I was invited to photograph the Centennial Youth Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker. I've never had the chance to meet the talented indiviuals behind the scene, but everyone gets lucky now and then. Shirley Blackburn is the Director of Dance for Metro Parks and major power in making this wonderful oganization come to life. Along with Shirley is Kathy Callaghan the Artistic Director whose imagination and attention to detail add a charm for all ages who attend. I also want to send a big thanks to Lori Brooks who is a member of The Friends of Metro Dance Board. We were school mates in the past and this production has allowed us to cross paths again and start a new adventure working together. Without her input and recommendation, I wouldn't be a part of this great program. Congratulations to all of you, it's a great show. By the way, I only have room for a few images on this blog but more will be featured on my website as of 12-9-2009 so check it out when you can. The Online Preview Gallery is located on my website at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/
For more information on this organization, please go to the following link: www.centennialyouthballet.org

A Journey back to the 1930's and 40's.

2009-11-25T16:24:00.000-08:00

A recent shoot with Nashville based recording artist Shelean Newman gave me a chance to go back in time when photography created major icons in the Hollywood movie system. I was fortunate enough to be consulted and then hired to make this journey happen. It was a wonderful trip and the entire team working with Shelean did an incredible job of making all of the elements look and speak with the proper authenticity. If you would like more information regarding Shelean and her work, please check out her website at www.sheleannewman.com, you won't be disappointed.

Katie Card Dance Portfolio Shoot

2009-11-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

Katie is a student at MTSU and one of my former artists from the Franklin School of the Performing Arts. We've remained in contact thanks to my ongoing work with MTSU's dance and theatre department. As a result, we recently worked together on a portfolio shoot. During the course of the shoot her younger sister stopped by to say hello. Well, if you know me, that can be a great moment or huge mistake. You be the judge. As a result, I made her join in and smile. Hope you enjoy the images and I really hope you don't marry a brooding vampire! You can ask Katie's sister to explain that one

Thanks again Katie for a great shoot!

Amanda Roche and Blue Moves

2009-11-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

Just finished a session with Amanda Roche of Blue Moves. The session was based on a very special event in her life and I had the opportunity to share in it. For more images, feel free to go to the following link.
http://www.martinoconnorphotoarts.blogspot.com/

Thanks again Amanda, it was a blast and you look incredible! No brag, just fact.

A Heartfelt Thanks from StillPoint

2009-11-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

I've had the unique priviledge of working with Nashville's diverse arts comminity over the years, especially in the area of dance. Not long ago I received the most wonderful thank you note from Sharon Perry, artistic director of StillPoint Dance Theatre. The following is a thank you note from her.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Dear Martin,

Thank you for all that you did for our last concert at Ingram. You are such a great help - so encouraging and always with a witty sense of humor!

It has been such a joy to have the chance to work with you and get to know you a bit. You are truly a gifted artist with a beautiful spirit and generous heart. You are such an amazing photographer with such a keen eye for beauty and intrigue. You have that unique ability to create mystery in your work that can inspire the imagination and provoke the senses. Thank you for first being yourself - a brilliant artist and a wonderful man!

Sincerely,

Sharon Perry.

Well, there it is, an incredible note from a director and group I feel very close to and I only hope that I can live up to such praise! In all honesty, this company is comprised of incredibly beautiful and talented dancers and the artistic director is a complete dream to work with. I'll stop gushing for now and save some for the next time I write about this group. If you would like more information regarding the company and it's schedule, please go to the following link. http://www.stillpointdt.com/

Father and Son

2009-11-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

Every now and then I have the opportunity to hear from a previous bride and groom and it really makes me smile when they bring in a brand new arrival. In this low key session, I think a very special bond has been caught. Enjoy!

A Chorus Line!

2009-11-04T12:22:00.003-08:00

I just received a message from the Franklin School of Performing Arts regarding Kirstin Tucker. She just made the cast of A Chorus Line in New York. I proud to say I've had the pleasure of working with her in Nashville and really excited for her and the upcoming tour. Congratulations on your new job and all the hard work it took to get to it.

A Chorus Line!

2009-11-04T12:22:00.001-08:00

StillPoint Dance Theatre

2009-10-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday evening, StillPoint Dance Theatre performed at Ingram Hall on the Vanderbilt University campus. I can't begin to describe the beauty of the dancers and the music itself. There are just too many images to put on this site, so you'll just have to check out the images on my website at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ and go to the Online Preivew link followed by the Dance icon. Trust me, it's worth the time to take a look. A special note to Amber Beckham regarding the use of her beautiful photography in one of the dance pieces. It really added a wonderful backdrop to all the live work on the stage.

Tennessee Association of Dance 2009

2009-10-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

The Tennessee Association of Dance had it's 2009 conference at Austin Peay State University recently.To see all the images, please go to my website at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ and click the Online Preview Link. Once you do that, click the Dance Link and just follow the trail. Thanks everyone for a great weekend!

Noah Liff Opera Center

2009-10-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to take some location photos recently at the new Noah Liff Opera Center in Nashville. In addition to hosting the Nashville Opera, they are opening their doors to other types of events as well. It's a wonderful facility and should be investigated as a possible wedding reception site.
http://www.noahliffoperacenter.com/

Contrapasso

2009-10-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Contrapasso came back into town and brought with them a set of new ideas and images. To see more, please go to my photo arts blog at http://www.martinoconnorphotoarts.blogspot.com/. My thanks to everyone who worked with me.

Light the Night - Nashville, Tennessee 2009

2009-10-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Light the Night in Nashville was extra special in 2009! Hailey White, a student from the Franklin School of Performing Arts, invited me to join this year's walk and as a fellow survivor, I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Hailey, along with friends and family, joined hundreds and possibly thousands walk downtown Nashville in a show of support. It was a great evening and all of us had a chance to see and talk with others who have been touched by cancer and the related challenges that go with it. A complete set of the night's images can be seen by going to my Facebook Photography Page. If you need help getting there, please e-mail me at MOCPhoto@comcast.net. Thanks for checking in!

Part Time vs. Full Time

2009-09-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

I'm running into an interesting phenomenon in photography over the last few years. I'm going to call it the two sides of part time vs fulltime individual. I'm aware that the current ecomony is making everyone more aware of how they need to spend their hard earned dollars and with this in mind, I ask you to consider which is the better long term investment.

1. Fulltime vendors are dedicated to his or her service.
2. Partime vendors may be jugglling several services in an effort to "make a buck" at any cost.
3. Fulltime vendors focus on their craft and you as a client more effectively than someone spreading
     themselves too thin at times.
4. Fulltime vendors more often than not have a long track record of success compared to
     part time or multiple service individuals.
5. MegaMart style stores cover acres of products but how often do you really rely on them
     for customer service? In many cases, it's more cost effective to go to a specialist for the best and
     most long term cost effective service and solution.
6. Part time or multitaskers still only have 24 hours in a day. I checked. Keep that in mind when
     you wonder why it's taking so long for them to get back to you.

7. To be continued......

Sisters Portrait

2009-09-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I photographed two sisters at the Franklin School of Performing Arts. It's been a long time favorite for a lot of people and just recently I had a chance to re-create the idea with different sisters. It just goes to show that a simple idea often stands the test of time over things that are more flash than substance.
Thanks Hannah and Emma, working with you is always a great experience.

Union Station Triple Wedding

2009-09-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

There's always something new just around the corner it seems. A few weeks ago, I received call from a bride who was going to be in Nashville and needed a simple service for a small wedding at Union Station in Nashville, Tennessee. The ceremony was during the week and I was more than happy to put together a special package that would take care of her needs. As the conversation continued, I discovered that there was actually going to be 3 brides! Long story short, the brides were as follows, mother, daughter, and best friend. White visiting Nashville and Union Station, they decided this would be a lot of fun. We all met on a Wednesday night, covered the ceremony, shot pictures inside Union Station, and caught the carriage exit as well. It was a great little evening and everyone had a great time. I hope they come back to visit us again in Nashville and maybe we can cover their first anniversary! By the way, we helped them out with a dinner choice as well so be aware of what's within carriage ride distance from where you shoot.

Best of Neighbors

2009-09-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

This was originally posted on my website Blog Page at http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ but I liked it so much,

I had to add it to this blog. Sometimes the best images are right in your own neighborhood!

Mother and Child

2009-08-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

Mother and child portraits has been a staple in the photo industry for years and luckily for me,

this holds true as well. Many of my brides and grooms are artists or work in arts related fields and as a result, often give me unique opportunities when working with them. These images are still an ongoing favorite of mine. Again, enjoy! http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/

Senior Portrait Season Continues

2009-08-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

Well, another one of my favorite artists is now a Senior and moving on with all the things that go with it. Luckily for me, I had the chance to work with her on a Senior Location Portrait Session.

Taking time out of a very humid Saturday morning, we met at a favorite location of hers and worked for about 2 hours or until the heat got the better of both of us. Not really, I was sweating bullets, Allison was cool as cucumber and never lost any of her energy. That's the way it should be as far as I'm concerned and I think we came up with some great images. Thanks again Allison for allowing me to work with you, and if anyone would like to see more, go to my website at

http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ and click on the Seniors link.

West End United Methodist Church to High Note Farm Reception

2009-08-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

It's a rare priviledge that a photographer gets to be a part of more than one wedding in a family but in this case, I won out. The Finch family hired me several years ago to be a part of their daughter's wedding at the Cheekwood Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a beautiful afternoon and we couldn't have asked for a nicer group of people to work for. During the course of some formal shots requested by the family, I asked the bride's father about his family. I discovered that he had two more daughters coming to wedding world in the not too distant future. Well, you know what we call that? A photographer's DREAM! Due to a family emergency I was not able to shoot wedding number two but when number three came around, I was more than ready. My continued thanks to all the Finch family for keeping us in the mix. The wedding was at West End United Methodist Church and the reception at
High Note - better known as the Llama farm. Yes, there are live llamas wandering the property. If you would like more information reagarding this event, please feel free to contact me at MOCPhoto@comcast.net or my website at www.martinoconnorphoto.com

2009-08-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

Over the years we've had the opportunity to work at many wonderful locations, each one having it's own unique qualities. One in particular stands out among many because of its location and beauty. The place is better known as Cedarwood Mansion. The owners and staff do a great job of taking care of bride and grooms' needs and make for a worry free day for everyone involved. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.

To see more images please go to www.martinoconnorphoto.com and click on the Blog Link.

StillPoint

2009-08-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Talk about a week of unusual happenings, I just had the distinct pleasure of working with StillPoint Dance Theatre this week. Sharon Perry, the founder and artistic director asked me if I would be interested in photographing some of their current company members. It took less than a split second to make that decision! I saw this group's performance of Voices from the Ground last year and they were absolutely wonderful. It's an honor to even be considered to work with them. I'll be posting some of the images soon but in the meantime, several of the dancers were kind enough to indulge me with the picture you see below. It was a tough assignment, but someone had to do it! If you would like to know more about the company, information can be found at the following link: http://www.stillpointdt.com/. For more information and dance related images, please go to my website at www.martinoconnorphoto.com and click on the Dance-Fine Art Link

A Bridal Portrait to Remember!

2009-08-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, I shot a portrait session that will probably be one of the most memorable in my career to date. Carrie Gerrow and her husband Scott are Nashville based artists. Scott is a musician and great writer, his wife, a beautiful dancer. Carrie was kind enough, (and possibly brave enough), to bring her dress to the studio and let my imagination take off. I can't really begin to tell you what a thrill it was to watch her amazing talent unfold so I'll just let the images speak for themselves. Thank you again Carrie for your beauty and willingness to make this happen.

If you would like to see more images from this shoot, please go to:

http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ and click on the Blog Link.

Senior Portrait Season

2009-08-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Loosing track of time so easily and once again, another one of my seniors is moving on. Luckily she had time to work with me before heading to college. I've had the unique opportunity of working with Erin as a dancer for some time. In this case however, we went out of the studio and into the elements. July weather is a challenge for people indoors so imagine how uncomfortable it was outdoors. Regardless, she was up for the challenge and just looks amazing!

More images from this session can be seen by going to my website at: http://www.martinoconnorphoto.com/ and clicking on the Seniors link.