Digital Transitions – My first 80 Megapixel images with the Phase One IQ180

PHASE ONE IQ CONFERENCE • MILK STUDIO

March 20, 2012

From the moment I arrived at the Phase One IQ Conference last Tuesday at Milk Studio in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood, I felt right at home. Hosted by Digital Transitions, the all-day conference left me more determined than ever to make an IQ back a permanent part of my gear. Check-in was a breeze, having registered online ahead of time so I headed straight to the Hands-on IQ session taking place in Studio A, which was outfitted with top of the line Broncolor packs, heads and light modifiers.

© Tony Powell. Linnea Hart. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Eye Detail. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Linnea Hart. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Phase One IQ system. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

I’d been waiting to try out this system for several years so when I held the Phase One 645DF for the first time it was as though I’d owned the camera from the start. The way it fits in the hands and the weight of the body and lens felt as if the system were a natural extension of my arms and eyes – exactly how I had hoped it would feel. The one thing I couldn’t anticipate, though, was the enormous difference in quality of the image produced by the 80-megapixel and my 21-megapixel Canon 5D Mark II. There is NOTHING like it and I’ll never look at image-making the same way again.

Photo by Daniel Sone. My first time shooting with the Phase One IQ 180! Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Phase One Capture Pilot demonstration. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Broncolor Tutorial with Andre. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Lena Vesel. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Linnea Hart. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

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It reminded me of the first frames I made with my very first medium format film camera – the twin lens reflex Mamiya C3 - in 1995. When those scanned transparencies came back from the photo shop I couldn’t believe the level of detail and the high dynamic range that the 6×6 format offered.

Mamiya C3 Twin Lens Reflex

I soon-after bought he Hasselblad 501 CM and in so doing, found my camera of choice…so I thought. The Phase One 645DF with the IQ back has changed it all and it’s a matter of when, not if, it’ll be my next system.

Hasselblad 501CM

With the advent of the digital age in the late 90′s and early 2000′s – more and more more pressure was placed on “film” photographers to jump on board the pixel bandwagon. Outfitting my medium format gear with the digital backs that were showing up on the market at the time proved too cost prohibitive to justify the expense, so I bought my first DSLR, instead – the Canon 20D. A succession of cameras followed…the 40D, the Canon G11, the 7D for a brief time, and ultimately (2) 5D Mark IIs…all the while, waiting for the day I could afford to return to the medium format – but this time at the digital level.

© Tony Powell. Digital Transitions rep Lance Schad and photographer Jaime DeMarco discuss the differences between DSLRs and the digital medium format. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Phase One IQ back on an Arca Swiss technical camera. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Models Lena Vesel and Linnea Hart. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Conference presenter/photographer Jaime DeMarco examining the accuracy of the IQ 180's focussing mask.

© Tony Powell. Digital Workstation. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

© Tony Powell. Lena Vesel. Milk Studio NYC. March 20, 2012

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Fulbright/DeJong Engagement

© Tony Powell. Fulbright/DeJong Engagement. September 30, 2011

© Tony Powell. Fulbright/DeJong Engagement. September 30, 2011

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© Tony Powell. Fulbright/DeJong Engagement. September 30, 2011

© Tony Powell. Fulbright/DeJong Engagement. September 30, 2011

The Bitches Who Brunch Summer Soiree @ Ris

Photography © Tony Powell

A fabulous brunch event for a fabulous cause Benefiting the DC Farm to School Network & celebrating the new brunch menu at Ris! CLICK HERE to see all the photos!!

Cori Sue Morris & Becca Clara Love © Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

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© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

© Tony Powell. Bitches Who Brunch Soiree @ Ris. July 9, 2011

Fighting Cruelty with Fashion! F4P Runway Show

Photography © Tony Powell www.tony-powell.com

Check out ALL the photos HERE

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The Fashion for Paws® (F4P) Runway Show infuses the nation’s capital with cutting edge high fashion, drawing an extraordinary crowd of VIP’s, fashion and animals lovers alike. In 2008 and 2009 Washington Life Magazine named Fashion for Paws® the best fashion event of the year and in 2010 BizBash Magazine named Fashion for Paws® the best fashion show of the year. The F4P Runway Show includes three different catergories of models walking the runway. The heart and soul of the event are the fundraising models who agree to raise funds in the weeks leading up to the event and participate in a friendly fundraising competition. The top male and female fundraiser will be awarded the title “Model Washingtonian of the Year,” on the runway on April 9th.

 

© Tony Powell. Fletcher Gill

© Tony Powell. Ashley Taylor

© Tony Powell. Wendy Gordon

© Tony Powell

“Jeté Untamed” The Washington Ballet 10th Anniversary Dance Party

Images and Text by Tony Powell

There are parties in DC and then there are PARTIES in DC! Last Saturday’s 10th Anniversary of The Washington Ballet’s Jeté Society (a society of young ballet patrons) Jeté Untamed was a PARTY no one will soon be forgetting!

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The organizers of the much anticipated dance party made this year’s iteration all the more mysterious by not revealing the location of the soiree until the night of the event! “Look for the fire-breathers,” was the directive when asking for info from the Ballet’s representatives beforehand. The suspense leading up to the unveiling of the top-secret, never-before-used location on the Georgetown waterfront was well worth the wait, perhaps helping to make the 10th Jeté dance party the best one yet!!

Party Chairs Ashley Taylor & Winston Bao Lord presided over the Cirque du Soleil meets Folies Bergère-like atmosphere –  where something new and unusual seemed to await you around every corner as you made your way through the building’s labyrinthine layout.

Washington Ballet Artistic Director, Septime Webre, in his Sgt. Pepper best, was on hand to introduce a special performance by members of the Washington Ballet Studio Company. Former WB dancer turned choreographer, Aaron Jackson, fashioned the slightly naughty pièce d‘occasion, to the music of Lady Gaga, that sent more than a few tongues a wagging!!

Trump Day!

A behind the scenes peek at my photo shoot with Donald Trump • August 19, 2010 • Trump National Golf Club

Tony Powell. Donald Trump. Photo courtesy of John Arundel/All rights reserved

One of the highlights of the summer was getting the call last week asking if I was available to photograph Donald Trump – on the grounds of his newly aquired golf course – for a Fall issue of Washington Life Magazine. The magazine’s Associate Publisher John Arundel was on hand to interview Trump and it all went off without a hitch. However, bad weather on the day of the originally-planned shoot very nearly put the brakes on the whole deal.

Tony Powell. Donald Trump. Photo courtesy of John Arundel/All rights reserved

Sunny skies prevailed over the greens of Trump National Golf Club in Loudon County, VA,  the following day, so once again all systems were go. Arriving early to the club, with my photo assistant Kate Leuba, gave us an opportunity to be fully prepared for Mr. Trump’s arrival – by helicopter! I was advised by a groundsman to hold on to my lighting equipment for dear life as he lands – that the high winds and flying debris might blow it all away. Glad I heeded his warning – I’m still finding grass in my camera bags!

Photo courtesy of John Arundel/All rights reserved

Photo courtesy of John Arundel/All rights reserved

Photo by Kate Leuba/All rights reserved

K Street Kate – Four and Flourishing!

Photography and text by Tony Powell

Photo © Tony Powell. Ebong Eka, Lynda Erkiletian, Kate Michael

Photo © Tony Powell

Photo © Tony Powell. Dr. Ayman Hakki, Kate Michael, Christopher Reiter, Juleanna Glover

Photo © Tony Powell

Fans and friends of K Street Kate braved mid-August-in-DC mugginess and jammed into Dr. Ayman Hakki’s new cosmetics spa - Luxxery Express – to commemorate the online magazine’s 4th Anniversary. At the helm of it all? Kate Michael – arbiter of all things DC and one of the best hostesses in town! And those that came to get their drink on weren’t let down in the least!

Photo © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell. Kate Michael, Dannia Hakki

Photo © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell. Makeda Saggau-Sackey

The thirsty were treated to an open vodka bar with an endless list of mixers (many healthy options) and the East Coast debut of select Bordeaux wine, Brut and Rose champagnes by CPC Cellars. Some of those spotted in the crowd: Luxxery CEO Hiba Hakki, Real Housewife of DC Lynda Erkiletian with designer/boyfriend Ebong Eka, Moki Media’s Dannia Hakki, Makeda Saggau-Sackey, Angie Goff, Bianca Angelino Grimaldi, Juleanna Glover and Christopher Reiter, Angela Steever-Diba, Dr. Christine Warnke, on her way to Greece, and Ambassador of Yemen Abdulwahab Al-Hajjri.

Photo © Tony Powell. Hiba Hakki, Angela Steever-Diba

After raising many glasses to Kate and her crew at Luxxery the masses migrated to Mighty Pint for the official after party.

Emilia and Alex Get Married!!

All images © Tony Powell • August 9, 2010 • Westwood Country Club • Vienna, VA

© Tony Powell

When a former dance student of mine, Emilia Burke (now Montalvo), called me up and asked if I would photograph her wedding I was beyond grateful. It’s about the most meaningful day in the life of a couple, and the opportunity to share their special day with them this past Monday was a highlight of the summer. Their wedding, on a golf course in Vienna, VA provided a unique opportunity to utilize a variety of natural backgrounds, and the carefully manicured greens at Westwood Country Club delivered in droves. Here’s a sneak peek at the wedding of Emilia and Alex!

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

Next up? I’m looking forward to shooting THE wedding of the Fall social season: Michele Seiver and DC Councilmember Jack Evans tie the knot this September!!

Writing Group Re-Launch!

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

Check out all the photos here!

Washington Writing Group, LLC (WWG) celebrated its first anniversary and re-launch on Tuesday night. Bianca Grimaldi, WWG President and Founder, welcomed clients, close friends, and family to the celebration at trendy Co Co Sala in DC’s Penn Quarter.

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

While sipping on a specialty cocktail entitled “Writer’s Block”, guests dined on delectable Louisiana crab cakes, truffled mac ‘n’ cheese tarts, beet and goat cheese lollipops, and chicken tandoori sliders.

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

For dessert, party-goers delighted in Co Co’s signature parfaits of dark chocolate tiramisu and strawberry mascarpone. All departed with chocolate bars engraved with WWG’s logo. From Capitol Hill personalities and local DC and Maryland politicians to public relations giants, nonprofit leaders, and social-scene regulars, the room was buzzing with energy, laughter, and love. Even Grimaldi’s three-year old son reveled in the fun.

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

WWG, a DC-based writing services firm, serves the technical and development writing needs of nonprofits and businesses. WWG began writing state, federal, and private foundation grants for clients in December 2008. With Tuesday’s relaunch, WWG rolls-out four unique service lines tailored to the specific needs of higher educational institutions, businesses, national and community-based nonprofits (including healthcare delivery organizations), and trade and membership associations. Visit Washington Writing Group at www.washingtonwritinggroup.com.

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

© Tony Powell. Washington Writing Group 1-Year Anniversary Party. CoCo Sala. February 24, 2010

“Dishing” in Public – The District Dish Turns One!

District Dish hosts Kate Michael, Sonya Gavankar, and Ebong Eka

The District Dish, the hip, internet and cable TV talk show that leaves public access in the ashes, celebrated  it’s 1-Year Anniversary last night at Public Bar in Dupont Circle with it’s first ever live taping. Each installment of The Dish is taped at a different restaurant or bar around town. At the helm of it all is Kate Michael - writer, model, and Miss DC (2006) – she’s the driving force behind the popular website KStreetKate, and the go-to gal for insider info on all things stylish in DC. Along with co-hosts Sonya Gavankar, a former Miss DC herself, and men’s fashion designer Ebong Eka, their personalities combine to create a unique, tag team-style, brand of lifestyle coverage, a natural extension of Michael’s blog.

Blonde Charity Mafia's Sophie Pyle being interviewed © Tony Powell

On air guests Sophie Pyle of “Blond Charity Mafia,” Matt Paxton from A & E’s “Hoarders,” and The Dreamscapes Project frontman Keith Center, each taped their own 8-minute segment which will run sometime in the near future. (I was told that ratings spike when a musical personality is interviewed.)

Frontman Keith Center of band, The Dreamscapes Project with a fan © Tony Powell

Rodrigo Garcia and Kate Michael © Tony Powell

Guests were treated to complimentary hor d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and also had an opportunity to mingle with fans and past show guests. Look for new episodes of The Dish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!!

© Tony Powell

Dannia Hakki and Sohpie Pyle © Tony Powell

"Dish" co-host Ebong Eka © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

The District Dish is a lifestyle talk show on local topics that airs on Comcast stations around the greater Washington area, on CurrentTV, and publishes three times weekly via the internet on www.thedistrictdish.com

urbandaddy.com/dc

Urban Daddy DC launch party. The W Hotel. February 12, 2010. photo © Tony Powell

Shooting last night’s Urban Daddy DC launch party at the W Hotel was the perfect remedy to a week of postponed-by-snow photo assignments and cabin fever. When I got the call from Fingerprint Communications co-chief Barbara Martin, asking if I was free, I jumped on it!

The "Harlem" James Gang © Tony Powell

Jeff Dufour and Jayne Sandman © Tony Powell

Sally Stiebel, Mark Ein, and Jeff Dufour © Tony Powell

There was a feast for the eyes and ears on the top floor of the W - intricately painted nearly nude models dishing out trays of cupcakes while – influenced by the roaring twenties/hip-hop/rap group –  The James Gang - belted out some of the most original music being made today! But we all really went there to celebrate Jeff Dufour, newly appointed editor of Urban Daddy DC, who along with new wife, PR meister Jayne Sandman, are one of DC’s youngest power couples.

Victoria Michael and Katherine Kennedy © Tony Powell

W Hotel Marketing Manager Kaitlyn Ferrara, White House speechwriter Jon Favreau, and Fingerprint PR co-founder Barbara Martin © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

Christopher Reiter, Juleanna Glover, Christina Sevilla, Amy Holmes © Tony Powell

The "Harlem" James Gang © Tony Powell

Tyler Beardsley, Amy Argetsinger, Emily Miller, and Todd Flournoy © Tony Powell

Ashley Taylor and Omar Popal © Tony Powell

Pam Godet, top party planner Andre Wells, and Miriam Karim © Tony Powell

Dr. David Washington and Alexe Nowakowski © Tony Powell

Some of the politicos and night-lifers that braved the snowed-in side streets and snails-pace traffic of downtown DC last night included: Kastles owner Mark Ein with girlfriend Sally Stiebel, Meet the Press Executive Producer Betsy Fischer, White House speechwriter Jon Favreau, former Obama aide Dr. David Washington with CityDance Executive Director Alexe Nowakowski, Wash Post writer Amy Argetsinger, Hisaoka Communications prez Wendy Gordon, everywhere there couple Juleanna Glover and Christopher Reiter, CNN political contributor Amy Holmes, Marc Adelman, PEPCO VP Kim Watson and sister, JWoW Founder, Jacqui Watson, Rachel Pearson, a newly brunette Pamela Brown, Christina Sevilla, top bloggers Kate Michael, Emily Miller, Christina Wilkie, and Matt Dornic, my favorite new couple Ashley Taylor and Omar Popal, Becca Glover and Pepper Watkins, Washington Nationals president Stan Kasten, L2′s Rodrigo Garcia and Philippe Lanier, Carlos and Erika Gutierrez, Victoria Michael, Katherine Kennedy, Andre Wells, Lee Brenner, Latin Concepts’ Anna Chaley, Brian Komar, Todd Flournoy, Lydia and Scott Logan, and Elizabeth and hubby Almus Thorp.

© Tony Powell

Pamela Brown and Tyler Boyd © Tony Powell

Moira Bagley, Pepper Watkins, Becca Glover © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

Rodrigo Garcia and Kate Michael © Tony Powell

DJ Mia Moretti © Tony Powell

Carlos and Erika Gutierrez © Tony Powell

Kim and Jacqui Watson, Leslie Rogers © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

The ladies behind Fingerprint Communications © Tony Powell

Building Ballets II

With the cast of "In Between Time" February 1, 2010. top row from l to r - Enton Hoxha, Marc St-Pierre, Katie Williams, Me, Se-Yong Kim, Junio Teixeira, bottom row from l to r - Alys Shee, Jennifer Whalen, and Devon Teuscher. photo by Julie Cobble

WBAL-TV coverage of “In Between TIme” and the Baltimore Ballet

© Tony Powell. "In Between Time" February, 2010

DAY1

The snow that never seemed to end yesterday nearly cancelled my first day of work with Baltimore Ballet. I was relieved to see it let up around 9pm while working at the Busboys and Poets on 14th & V. Today’s rehearsal at Baltimore Ballet’s headquarters on York Road in Hunt Valley, MD was more productive than I expected. Three female dancers from American Ballet Theatre - Devon Teuscher, Katie Williams, and Jennifer Whalen - hadn’t arrived yet as they were finishing the last performances of their Kennedy Center run in Washington, DC, so I had a chance to work with, instead, 15 year-old ballet prodigy Alys Shee and four male dancers from Roxey, Baltimore, and New Jersey Ballets. The process was swift and revealing. The ballet I’m making (over the course of this week) will be the 120th I’ve created, and is only the second time I’ve worked in the studio without music as the driving force in the generation of choreography. I found this new approach very freeing, allowing me to focus solely on craft.

DAY 2

Devon Teuscher. photo © Tony Powell

Katie Williams. photo © Tony Powell

Jennifer Whalen. photo © Tony Powell

CRAZY DAY! The arrival of the 3 ladies from American Ballet Theatre could not have been more anticipated. They are some of  the nicest people I’ve ever met. We got started right away teaching the three ladies the material that was generated the day before by Alys. At a certain point I knew it was time to put it all together in a way that would be meaningful while paying attention to the limited amount of time I have to create the new ballet.

DAYS 3 & 4

Jennifer Whalen and Enton Hoxha in a lift we call "The scarf" because of the way in which the woman unfolds around the man's neck as she is lowered to the ground. photo by Tony Powell

© Tony Powell. Aly Shee and Junio Teixeira. January 31, 2010

Junio Teixeira and Devon Teuscher. photo by Tony Powell

© Tony Powell. "In Between Time" February, 2010

© Tony Powell. "In Between Time" February, 2010

Filmmaker Shannon Schwait came today to make a high definition documentary about the process involved with the making of the piece. It was very strange to talk about the dance in an interview. It’s such an intensely personal work, on one hand a reflection on lost love, and on the other, a celebration of love’s potential.

The cast of "In Between Time." photo by Tony Powell

Every once in a while an idea is so clear in my mind that realizing it in the physical space can seem like an anti-climax. Such was the case when, after slapping on a faux ending on day 3, the true ending made itself apparent to me on day 4 after listening to the music for what must’ve been the 200th time! Instead of simply mirroring the music, I decided, instead, to have the piece finish with the curtain lowering 30 seconds after the music finishes while the dancers continue to move at full throttle.

Devon Teuscher. photo by Tony Powell

The image was so arresting to me that it made sense to open the ballet with a similar motif – using it as a way to introduce material that will come later in the work. LAST MOVEMENT FINISHED!

DAYS 5 & 6

© Tony Powell. Devon Teuscher and Junio Teixeira. February 5, 2010

There were only a few details of the opening movement that needed to be tweaked. A simple canon for 4 couples that originally finished on a long diagonal with the downstage couple facing toward the audience needed to be reworked – The first couple that finishes en pose couldn’t see the last couple complete the canon, which is the cue for all to continue in unison.

© Tony Powell. Katie Williams and Marc St-Pierre. February 5, 2010

Dance writer, Heather Desaulniers, was in the studio, as well, while I finished work on the middle movement, created for Devon and 3 men. A very tricky final lift involving Junio, Enton, and Devon had to be worked out with spotters a half dozen times. Just before the end of rehearsal we were able to link the three sections together for the first time.

© Tony Powell. "In Between Time" February 4, 2010

To my great surprise I was able to finish the piece on the 5th day – a day sooner than anticipated. I’m certain it had everything to do with the talent and energy of the dancers as well as getting an early start – the day before the arrival of the women from ABT – with Alys and the 4 men. The news that a massive snowstorm would hit on performance day had everyone questioning whether to persevere or postpone. With Super Bowl Sunday the following day and several dancers needing to catch international flights, Baltimore Ballet directors, Cem and Elysabeth Catbas, decided to reschedule the Gala for Sunday, March 28, 2010.

Kimball’s Crew!

To see all the photos click here!

© Tony Powell. Philippe Cousteau and Kimball Stroud

The Dupont Circle brownstone of Kimball Stroud, DC’s lady about town who knows just about everyone who’s anyone, was the place to be for the first big party of the new decade! I can’t remember a gathering where so many things were dead on; the people, the food, the atmosphere, and the conversations (I know how to keep a secret…or 2.) And did I mention the ART? Every wall was covered with something original and out of the ordinary. My kind of place! When Kimball sends a text asking you over you know it’s going to be a calendar clearing event. Her text specifically said,“no camera, you’re not working,” but seeing as though I keep a camera in my trunk, at all times, and with so many friends there (old and new) I couldn’t resist: Nora Maccoby, Kiki Ryan, Philippe Cousteau, Chris and Susan Koch, Shari and Jason Gold, Jill Straus, David Vennett, Jonathan Capehart, Karen Finney, Jake Stafford, Pamela Sorensen, Ingrid Zimmer, Jessica Yellin, Ray Regan, Nicole Backus, Darren Thomas, Mary Streett, Melissa Torres, Christina Sevilla, YouthAIDS founder Kate Roberts, and on and on. They were still coming in as I was on the way out. James Alefantis and best pal Septime Webre lucked up and got my front-of-the-house parking space!

© Tony Powell. Norah Maccoby and Scott Sanders

© Tony Powell. Melissa Torres

© Tony Powell. Pamela Sorensen and Kate Roberts

© Tony Powell. Tedd Evers and Ingrid Zimmer

© Tony Powell. Karen Finney, Jonathan Capehart, and Susan Koch

© Tony Powell. Jill Straus and Shari Yost Gold

© Tony Powell. Chris Koch

© Tony Powell. Catherine Frels and Jacquelyn Davis

© Tony Powell. Pamela Sorensen and David Vennett

© Tony Powell. Kirsten Good and Diana Davis

Dinner at Tiffany’s!

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

The Tiffany 2009 Blue Book Collection is the defining symbol of luxury in the World of fine gems. Teardrop Diamond Drop Earrings are $40,000, a flower Jardinet Diamond Bracelet in 18K gold is $320,000, and a 6.19 carat brilliant diamond – flawless and colorless with a double border diamond setting – a mere $1,475,000!

The dinner that was thrown at the Tysons Corner location November 20th, in honor of the collection, was just as luxurious as the stones being offered.

© Tony Powell. Tiffany VP Diane Ray Brown, Michael and Susan Harreld

After cocktails and shopping in the store guests were ushered out into the large foyer for dinner which was transformed into a Winter scene: every inch of the ceiling covered in white balloons and streamers nearly reached the floor – simulating falling snow.

© Tony Powell. "Chef" Geoff Tracy and Norah O'Donnell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

Catering was provided by Tiffany neighbor “Chef” Geoff Tracy who was accompanied by his wife, MSNBC correspondent, Norah O’Donnell. Other notables included Tiffany & Co. CEO Michael Kowalski, Michael and Susan Harreld, and Newt and Callista Gingrich.

© Tony Powell

The woman behind my involvement is Tiffany & Co. Vice President Diane Ray Brown, for whom I am greatly honored to have worked with now, twice.

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

jackquinn

To view and purchase all photos click here!

© Tony Powell. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer with Susanna and Jack Quinn

The most impressive and anticipated holiday gathering to date this season occurred last week on the entire roof level of the W Hotel.

© Tony Powell. Jack Quinn and New York Rep. Joe Crowley

© Tony Powell. Ed Henry and John Warner

When Susanna Quinn calls to say she’s having an event and wants it captured it MUST be important.

© Tony Powell. Susanna Quinn and Tommy McFly

© Tony Powell. Jocelyn and friend

Each party she throws seems to be better than the last and the Quinn Gillespie & Associates Holiday party she hosted was the best yet! (they got it to snow inside!)

© Tony Powell. Brit and Virginia Hume

In STEP with Molissa Fenley

© Tony Powell. Molissa Fenley

Mass Balance. Choreographed and danced by Molissa Fenley. photo © Tony Powell

September 15 and 17, 2009

Venue: Judson Church, 8pm
Location: 55 Washington Square South, New York City
Program: Ice, Dew, Food, Crew, Ape, music by Alvin Curran and poem, STEP, written and performed live by Bob Holman
Mass Balance, music by Cenk Ergun, prop by Todd Richmond
Cosmati Variations 1-4, music by John Cage

Performed by Kristina Berger, Molissa Fenley, Wanjiru Kamuyu, Katie McGreevy, Cassie Mey, Elisabetta Minutoli, Paz Tanjuaquio and Alyssa Lee Wilmot.

Ice, Dew, Food, Crew, Ape – the New York premiere of a work performed twice: once as set to a score by Alvin Curran and then again danced with STEP a poem written and performed live by Bob Holman.

Ice, Dew, Food, Crew, Ape. Choreography by Molissa Fenley. Photo by Tony Powell

Ice, Dew, Food, Crew, Ape. Choreography by Molissa Fenley. Photo by Tony Powell

This work was created while Fenley was in residence at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, February 2009. Alvin Curran’s score was created by his recording the sounds of the Nantucket ship horn against the sound of John Cage’s voice reciting the five monosyllabic words of Curran’s title.

© Tony Powell. Bob Holman

Bob Holman, also in residence at the ACA, watched rehearsals of the work underway, taking notes of phrases said during the choreographic process, directions taken, relationships expressed, movement described. These notes were then translated into the poetic form that is Holman’s work.

Ice, Dew, Food, Crew, Ape. Choreography by Molissa Fenley. Photo by Tony Powell

Standing in the middle of the stage and surrounded by the dancers moving through the choreography, Holman is sometimes in close proximity to the dancers, sometimes encircled as the dancers continue through their spatial constructions.

Mass Balance – music by Cenk Ergun, prop by Todd Richmond (NY premiere).  A solo for Fenley, the work marks the beginning of a new investigation of dances made using a prop designed or suggested by a visual artist.

Mass Balance. Choreographed and danced by Molissa Fenley. photo © Tony Powell

Mass Balance. Choreographed and danced by Molissa Fenley. photo © Tony Powell

Fenley carries a 10-foot wooden dowel throughout the piece, experimenting with images of balance and weight. “Mass Balance” refers to the difference between the accumulation of snow and the ablation of ice of glaciers. Yearly measurements have shown a disequilibrium caused by global climate change.

Cosmati Variations are a series of works that Fenley choreographed while in residence at the American Academy in Rome, February-August, 2008.

Cosmati Variations. Choreography by Molissa Fenley. Photo by Tony Powell

Each variation is inspired by an aspect(s) of the 11th Century Cosmatesque mosaic pavements present in many of the basilicas and churches in Rome.

The inspirations are in terms of design: T-square and serpentine eyelets; in terms of measurement: movements or spatial travel that require three feet; in terms of ardor: demand of execution and in terms of form: triangles nested within squares.

© Tony Powell. Kristina Berger

© Tony Powell. Robert Swinston

Celebrating Martha!

Martha Hill circa 1922

With my Juilliard professors Laura Glenn (Limon technique) Janet Soares (Dance composition) and Danny Lewis (Limon technique)

© Tony Powell. Mary Hinkson

To say that a quarter of  The Cathedral NYC‘s ballroom last night was occupied by living legends of the dance world is not an over statement. Each year around 200 dancers, choreographers, and educators gather to celebrate the life of pioneer in-the-field, Martha Hill. I have the great honor of being the official photographer of the Martha Hill Dance Award Gala and look forward to it each year with great anticipation.

© Tony Powell. Martha Hill Dance Fund President Vernon Scott

© Tony Powell. Dancer Dian Dong and Choreographer HT Chen

© Tony Powell. Choreographer Robert Garland and Ailey II director Sylvia Waters

© Tony Powell. Choreographer, dancer, and teacher Mary Anthony

© Tony Powell. Hannah Baumgartner and Henning Rubsam

Martha Hill is credited with singlehandedly uniting the chiefs of modern dance, during it’s infancy, and also for laying the groundwork that enabled the discipline to be studied, as a major, in colleges all across the country.

Tony Powell. Choreographer/Dancers Murray Louis and Beverly Blossom

© Tony Powell. Awardees Beverly Blossom, Hortense Zera, Jacqueline Green, and Virginia Johnson

I was very fortunate to have been one of the last students hand-picked by Martha to attend The Juilliard School - where she presided over the dance program for over 30 years. Well into her eighties at the time, Martha Hill was an inspiration like none other, full of energy and insight, wisdom, and compassion.

© Tony Powell

Ten years ago an award was created to celebrate her life which recognizes 3 individuals each year in 3 different categories of the life arc of a dancer: The Young Professional, The Mid-Career, and The Lifetime Achievement Awards. This year’s event was presided over by choreographer and dancer Murray Louis with awards going to Jacqueline Green, Virginia Johnson, and Beverly Blossom respectively.

© Tony Powell. Dance critic Jennifer Dunning

© Tony Powell. My Juilliard professors Jeanne Ruddy (Graham technique) and Linda Kent (Taylor technique)

© Tony Powell. Georgia Engel, Virginia Johnson, Elvi Moore

With my Juilliard classmates choreographer and dancer Rebecca Stenn on the left and author and dance educator Dr. Elizabeth McPherson (Beth just wrote the new book about Martha Hill)

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell. Ernesta Corvino

Capital City Ball

Click here to view and purchase all the photos!!

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

 

Birthday Bash

For Politico coverage click here!

My good friends- DC Film Commissioner Kathy Hollinger, far right, and Kimball Stroud, threw me the best birthday party I can remember! Fifty or so friends came out to Cafe Milano to help me celebrate last week in style!!! Thanks Kathy and Kimball!

Art Soiree

Art Soiree presents a perfect way to end the FotoWeek DC in an elegant and memorable fashion.

Join us Sunday, November 15th at 7pm for the most unique event in the city

“THROUGH THE EYES OF MEN”

You are invited to an exclusive photo-exhibition featuring five most esteemed local male photographers at a brand new, upscale and sophisticated venue – The Reserve – latest addition to the DC Restaurant and Lounge Scene. The Reserve is the perfect place for a casual yet elegant evening of dining, wining and lounging in an industrial, modern two level loft-like space. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to see Women’s Beauty through the lens of these prestigious photographers, savor great wines from around the world and delight in complimentary food samples from Chef De Pue.

We are proud to present:
5 photographers 5 personalities 5 passions 5 imaginations 5 techniques

HISHAM IBRAHIM
TONY POWELL
SERGIU ODAINIC
JERRY R. HARKE
ANTHONY BRICE

Our Art Soiree is all about exhibiting exceptional art in a unique setting for ONE NIGHT AND ONE NIGHT ONLY. This time you’ll be able to meet and interact with the photographers and appreciate their work. Come early to groove to new beats from DJ MOVA and continue into the night with DJ ODAINIQ.