This was a fun one.  But it also marked the beginning of a new era for me.

Nylon Fusion held a gala to raise funds for their upcoming projects.  It was also a fete honoring Austin Pendleton, who directed last season’s Luft Gangster and Broadway star and Disney princess Anika Noni Rose.  Oh and the entertainment was going to be provided by Mr. Wynton Marsalis and Mr. Ted Nash and their rhythm section.  Pretty sweet night!

After doing some major pining following the Masks shoot I had picked up some lighting gear.  B&H had a special on a pair of Canon 600ex-rts, the wireless controller and a couple of stands, umbrellas, etc., which I got in time for this gig.  I set up on their red carpet and shot the guests on their way in.  My friend Theik Smith, photographer and fellow fight guy, worked the crowd inside.  Once the festivities got underway, I went inside and shot John Patrick Shanley roasting, er, introducing Austin, followed by Austin’s acceptance speech.  Then came Anika.  Then came the music!  They did a gorgeous version of Blue Skies, Anika was convinced to get up and sing Summertime and there was a rip-roaring version of Sweet Georgia Brown, along with a couple others I can’t remember now.  Gorgeous stuff.

I was so glad to have the flashes!  Of course they made the shots in front of the step & repeat much crisper and “poppy”, but the difference between trying to shoot the musicians without a flash at high ISO and being able to bounce the flash off the wall and drop the ISO was, pardon the pun, night and day!