Barry Morgenstein
~ Portrait Photographer ~
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Copa: Where are you from?
Barry: I was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Teaneck NJ. Copa: Which schools have you attended?
Barry: I graduated Teaneck High, skipped college and spent 6 months at the International Center of Photography, learning the basics. Copa: At what time did you discover the art of Photography?
Barry: I realized I wanted to be a photographer in my early 20's. I was a musician and realizing I did not have the talent for a career in music, I picked up a camera and started shooting my fellow musicians. My love for music is what inspired me to be able to capture musicians on film. Copa: What encouraged you to project your focus on Portrait Photography and how do you capture the true essence of your suspects?
Barry: After years of shooting musicians for magazines and record companies, I started to shoot portraits in the studio and found headshot and portraits were to become my specialty. I am able to capture the best out of my subjects, by making them feel relaxed, my laid-back personality brings people at ease. I talk to my subjects and try to make it fun. We have music playing in the studio to set a tone and mood. My goal is to bring out their true personality. |
Brooklyn, New York
Teaneck, New Jersey
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Copa: Do you have a standard lighting plan, or do you coordinate it with each subject for a specific effect?
Barry: My lighting set up is the same for everyone.
Barry: My lighting set up is the same for everyone.
Copa: What type of cameras do you usually use in your studio work and why?
Barry: I always use Canon...When I shot film I used Nikon. When everyone switched to digital, I researched and found Canon received the highest marks.
Barry: I always use Canon...When I shot film I used Nikon. When everyone switched to digital, I researched and found Canon received the highest marks.
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Copa: Who are your 3 favorite Photographers of all time and why?
Barry: Three of my biggest influences are George Hurrel who was the go-to Hollywood photographer in the 30's and 40's. I am heavily influenced by old Hollywood movies and photography. I love the old dramatic black and white of Classic Hollywood.
Fracesco Scavullo inspired me to shoot my signature grey background. It is simple and I believe highlights and flatters the subjects. I do not like busy backgrounds. I like to focus on my subject and their expressions and eyes.
Linda McCartney was my first photography influence. She inspired me to be a rock and roll photographer. I love the way she captured musicians in their natural environment. Not posed.
Barry: Three of my biggest influences are George Hurrel who was the go-to Hollywood photographer in the 30's and 40's. I am heavily influenced by old Hollywood movies and photography. I love the old dramatic black and white of Classic Hollywood.
Fracesco Scavullo inspired me to shoot my signature grey background. It is simple and I believe highlights and flatters the subjects. I do not like busy backgrounds. I like to focus on my subject and their expressions and eyes.
Linda McCartney was my first photography influence. She inspired me to be a rock and roll photographer. I love the way she captured musicians in their natural environment. Not posed.
George Hurrel
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Francesco Scavullo
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Linda McCartney
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Copa: If you had the opportunity, who would be your favorite subjects to photograph and what makes them special to you?
Barry: Two subjects I would love to photograph are Al Pacino and Bob Dylan. Two of my favorites all time artists.
Barry: Two subjects I would love to photograph are Al Pacino and Bob Dylan. Two of my favorites all time artists.
Al Pacino
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Bob Dylan
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Copa: What is the general philosophy to your style of photography?
Barry: I compare my approach to photography to a Blues guitarist, keep it simple with feeling. Like a flashy guitar player who plays fast with no feeling. I take my headshots on the road to places like the DC/VA area and Nashville. I would not mind adding more cities to my photography schedule.
Barry: I compare my approach to photography to a Blues guitarist, keep it simple with feeling. Like a flashy guitar player who plays fast with no feeling. I take my headshots on the road to places like the DC/VA area and Nashville. I would not mind adding more cities to my photography schedule.
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Copa: What does the future hold for Barry Morgenstein and his wide world of Photography?
Barry: Hopefully, I would like to continue creating great photographs that reflect the awesome spirit of my subjects.
Barry: Hopefully, I would like to continue creating great photographs that reflect the awesome spirit of my subjects.
"Barry Morgenstein was voted a record 3 times Best Headshot Photographer in NYC in Backstage Magazine's Reader's Choice Poll"
www.barrymorgenstein.com
www.facebook.com/bmorgenstein
E-mail: bmorgensteinphoto@gmail.com
Barry Morgenstein Photography
135 W. 26th Street, Suite 10C
New York, New York 10001
Work: (212) 647-1288
Cell: (717) 525-0326
www.barrymorgenstein.com
www.facebook.com/bmorgenstein
E-mail: bmorgensteinphoto@gmail.com
Barry Morgenstein Photography
135 W. 26th Street, Suite 10C
New York, New York 10001
Work: (212) 647-1288
Cell: (717) 525-0326
(If you are interested in acquiring a promotional interview conducted by Copa Style Magazine, contact us at rodneybranche@yahoo.com)