Photography

The next generation of the Taxel Image Group website has been launched. Included in the site, beautifully revamped by Twist Creative are two new portfolio sections- Medical Photography and Thirty Years of Photography for The New York Times. While I am excited about present both of these portfolios, the section devoted to The Times is especially fulfilling for me to share. One of two companies that I have continually served throughout my career (the other is Ray W. Clarke, LMT whom I will also write about in the near future) The New York Times is a newspaper that gives the world a unique perspective, crafted to the highest editorial and artistic standards. Here is a small sampling of the over seventy images in my New York Times portfolio.

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On a recent starlit night on an island off of the east coast, I was awestruck by the vast display of stars, planets, and galaxies. I am a city person. Where I live the vividness of the night sky is hidden, more often than not, by the urban illumination and smog. This particular evening, on this island in the Atlantic Ocean, the life of the universe spoke to me of wonder and possibility.

The following morning we visited a centuries old burial ground. When we travel, cemeteries are often on our itinerary, as the markers and arrangements reveal a great deal about the local people and culture. Many of the markers on this particular island, having been settled by Europeans in the 17th century, are used by nature as home for various mosses and lichens.

Apparently still under the spell of the night sky from the evening before, this photographer saw and felt the stars, planets, and galaxies, including comets and shooting stars, in the timeless surfaces of the tombstones.

It’s as if the markings we humans and nature leave behind are a sign of integration, of oneness in time. Stories unfold in smudges of algae and droppings to create a micro-cosmos of sorts.

And as I allow my imagination to move into each image, looking into the night sky takes on a reality that is undeniably exceptional.

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So much kudos to go around. Our chef friends are basking in the spotlight of the local and national media this month.

Cleveland Magazine’s annual Silver Spoons Awards is always an exciting event. The magazine’s editors gather their readers opinions and always surprise us with the year’s winners. This current issue was no exception. I personally was not surprised, since I got to photograph both the winning food and the winning chef/owner for Best New Restaurant- Marlin Kaplin’s Luxe Kitchen & Lounge! Photographing Marlin was a lot of fun… especially since we could not reveal the exact purpose of the session- he guessed, I’m certain. And the scallops (cover shot) were not only divine looking, but so awesome to eat (afterwards)! It was like Sunday brunch (on Monday). If you haven’t gotten over to Gordon Square, you must- Luxe Kitchen & Lounge, quite worthy winner of this year’s Silver Spoon Award- Best New Restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio.

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This time of year has been tense for Iron Chef Michael Symon. He’s been in the running for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef, Great Lakes Region for several years running. Congratulations, Mike- he’s done it. James Beard Award winner, 2009. “I really can’t even begin to put into words the absolute thrill it was to win a James Beard Award. To win something that is voted on by your peers is absolutely one of the greatest honors I have received as a chef”, says Michael.

We have to agree that we are all winners when it comes to the culinary choices in Cleveland, Ohio. In the past year we’ve seen several other extraordinary restaurants open- Zack Bruell’s L’Albaros Brasserie + Bar, Kurt Steeber’s Boulevard Blue (new owner), Pete Joyce’sBistro on Lincoln Park, and Jonathan Sawyer’s Greenhouse Tavern.

And a reminder- all photographs on the blog, unless otherwise noted- ©Barney Taxel, 2009.

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The 8th Edition of Laura Taxel’s Cleveland Ethnic Eats has hit the bookstores. What a great way to celebrate over 15 years of culinary adventures in and around Cleveland, Ohio. Laura’s dedication and talent (and I’m not saying this because she happens to also be my soul mate and wife) keeps shining in this volume that lights the way for eaters of distinction. Blending passion for culture and the highest journalistic standards, Laura entices us to explore and enjoy the rich resources at our doorstep.

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In between the advertising and editorial assignments there are many opportunities for practicing the craft. Here are a few recent examples.

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As the Cleveland Addy Awards ceremony approaches a mention of South Franklin Circle is in order. These ads, produced by Roger Frank (Creative Director), Jan Meissner (Art Director), Barney Taxel (photography) and by Dunka Design (photo illustration), are part of a comprehensive campaign to attract residents to South Franklin Circle who are interested in pursuing an active lifestyle.

From the SFC website- “South Franklin Circle offers a new approach to retirement communities. We are not the continuing care retirement community of 20 years ago. South Franklin Circle is breaking the mold. This cutting-edge, active adult community combines the best of Northeast Ohio living: the New England charm of Chagrin Falls coupled with the hotbed of culture and technology of University Circle. ”

This outstanding ad campaign is already winning awards, such as the Addy, but what is more important, the folks at South Franklin Circle are meeting their objectives, even in this tough economy!

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Last spring we gathered with fifteen of Cleveland’s most awesome chefs to honor them with a photograph. The ‘TasteMakers’, as Cleveland Magazine referred to them, are (from left to right) Jonathan Sawyer, Dante Boccuzzi, Michael Symon, Steve Schimoler, Heather Haviland, Rocco Whalen, Anne Chiu, Doug Katz, Eric Williams, Jonathan Bennett, Karen Small, John Kolar, Marlan Kaplan, Shawn Monday, and Zack Bruell. TasteMaker Brandt Evans could not make the session. Of course, some of us believe that several notable culinary geniuses were not invited to this party- such luminaries as Matthew Mathlage and Paul Minnillo, for instance. Then there are the legions of sous chefs, line cooks, servers, sommeliers, and mixologists who make our dining adventures in Cleveland the fabulous experience that it commonly is.

Back to this event…So here I found myself with my staff and Cleveland Magazine art director Jennifer Kessen, composing and lighting this grand scene in Dante (their closing tomorrow night and re-opening in Tremont in the spring of ‘09; the the former Dante will morph back into Lockkeepers). We jokingly called the photo the ‘last supper’- the way it was envisioned, the photograph was supposed to have the proportions and iconographic feel of the ‘last supper’. It’s ironic that a half a year later the restaurant is closing, luckily only temporarily.

I was awestruck by the talent and energy assembled in front of my camera. These fifteen amazing people- all smiling and laughing; genuinely enjoying each others company. It was and is a real moment in our collective experience. Here’s to them and to all of the hardworking food specialists in the Cleveland community. Happy New Year- good health and prosperity in 2009!

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What better way to sum up 2008 than to celebrate a great project.

The calendar entitled ‘Caring Spaces’ was made for The Cleveland Clinic. Photography began in July and wrapped up in October. Graphic designer and art director Irwin Krieger requested that I create images based on the Clinic’s art and architecture throughout the system.

This fun and challenging assignment kept us on the move for several weeks. As we would scout each location- Euclid, Hillcrest, Huron, South Pointe, Marymount, Fairview, Lakewood, Lutheran, Children’s, and the main campus, the themes developed- many of them very surprising, such as the award winning sustainability program at Huron Hospital.

I would have never imagined that this neighborhood institution would be a leader, under the direction of Gus Kious, in practices that

promote the reuse of what is normally considered to be waste and of neighborhood responsibility, including a community garden and CSA (community supported agriculture).

The facade of the new Miller Pavilion provides huge opportunities to view the July Cleveland sunset in reflection. The curved curtain wall presents a symphony of color each evening this time of year.

The reflecting pool and fountain in the adjacent grand entry to The Clinic tells a similar story- light of color, shimmering. These rich impressions are quite a contrast to the starkness of the Miller interiors. Pallets of white and grey are used exclusively inside giving few way-finding clues. The exterior park-like public space leading from Chester Avenue to the Euclid Avenue entrance, however, creates a sense of place, scale, color, and texture.

Hillcrest Hospital’s newest addition has barely been started. We found, though, that there was a lot to offer here in Mayfield Heights, especially towards dusk, on this chilly autumn afternoon. This hospital, in the news recently as the place where a middle aged surrogate mom gave birth to multiples for her daughter and son-in-law, is constantly changing- renovations and additions going in faster than can be followed!

Finally, Euclid Hospital was an awesome destination- the views of Lake Erie, including the park bench on the title page (see above) are both comforting and energizing. The hospital, well know for it’s rehab services, is a north-shore institution with a rich history of community service.

All of the other hospitals we visited and photographed- Children’s, Lutheran, Fairview, South Pointe, Marymount, and Lakewood provided more wonderful impressions to feast upon. Let me know if you want one of the calendars and I’ll make sure you get it!

We are, of course, grateful to all of our clients and for all of the opportunities in 2008. We’re looking forward to a healthy and prosperous 2009 for everyone!

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One of the great honors of professional photography is the opportunity to work on projects that help spread good in the world. The book The Science of Music as Medicine has been in production for over one year and is finally about to be released for private publication by The Kulas Foundation. Produced for Kulas by Liggett Stashower, the book was designed by Petra Dunlap and written by Leslie Resnick.

As these page layouts will testify, this volume relates the dedication and love of Dr. Deforia Lane and her army of music therapists. As Petra and Leslie introduced me to each therapist, their enthusiasm was clear and contagious.

Over a four month period last year, we photographed at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, The Cleveland Music School Settlement, University Hospitals of Cleveland, and several other institutions and private residences in the Greater Cleveland and Akron areas.

While I was told numerous times that the benefits of the therapeutic practices of the profession are quantifiable and proven in scientific studies over and over again, it was very gratifying to see these folks in action and to feel and witness the results.

From newborns to the elderly, from pre-schoolers, to teenagers, to adults, the nurturing and the nurtured work together to spark the healing process!

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I was surprised recently to receive a request from New York Times photo editor Soo-Jeong Kang for a digital audio file along with an array of images to be used in a web multimedia article in the Health Section. Soo-Jeong casually asked me if I have the capability to make digital audio recordings. Having never received such a request in the 30 plus years I’ve been working with The New York Times, I thought, at first, she meant recording through my camera and after a moment of embarrassment, realizing that she needed a quality recording, I honestly answered ‘no’, but that I was willing to do whatever it would take to help her out. Thus began yet another unexpected adventure in the landscape of internet publishing, and overnight, with the help of my friend and internet broadcast guru George Nemeth, I proceeded to fulfill Kang’s request for photo and audio files.

You can hear (and see) Gillian Calig and her mom, Lauren, in the October 14, 2008, installment of Patient Voices:Eating Disorders, The New York Times, web edition. The recording of their stories preceded the photography, giving me the opportunity to get to know Gillian and Lauren without imposing.

Their stories, as well as the others in the multi-media presentation- Patient Voices:Eating Disorders, are honest accounts of the challenges that Gillian and Lauren face in their own voices.

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