Harrison Hurwitz

Below are some Black and White images from a wedding I did earlier this month.  If they look different from 99% of the B&W images you see these days, it's because they were shot with B&W film (T-Max 100, to be exact).  They were preconceived to be B&W, not just coverting a digital image that was never meant to be a B&W.  Not only do these images capture the deep, rich black tones that I find to be so sexy, but there is a sense of mystery about them, as well as a classic feel.  So rare.  Notice that your subject matter doesn't have to be in perfect focus, in order to produce a powerful photo.

Back when I lived on 8th Avenue in Greenwhich Village, there was a beggar under my 2nd floor window for almost a year.  His line was "What's the greatest Nation on earth?....Donation".  And then he would shake his cup which had money in it.  Kind of clever, huh?  Well, it got old in a hurry, because he was loud and I got to hear him most nights from about 11 PM to 2 AM, while I was trying to sleep.  The bed in my small apartment was just above him.  Two separate times I asked him if he could move just half of a block, and each time he said "F**k you, man.  This is my JOB!".  Moving was not an option for him, as he knew exactly where he made the most money in the shortest amount of time.  I did finally get him to move, but that's another New York story.

Anyway, getting back to making the most money in the shortest amount of time, there is now a silent beggar stalking all of us methodically.  We know it as new technology, or upgrades in existing technology.  As a photographer who has to make his whole living in photography, I jumped off the technology treadmill, in order to remain profitable.  I suggest you think about doing the same.  The planned obsolescence of most new products is a threat, albeit a silent one.  

That's the theme of my photography coaching sessions this summer.  My film camera Maurice and I talked about it:

Maurice:  Tell me about this coaching thing.  

Harrison:  As you know, I have coached several photographers one-on-one over the years.  All of them are still doing professional photography, and I am very proud of them.  Each photographer has gone his/her own unique path (not my path).  I am merely the facilitator and guide who helps them discover and get on their best path.

Maurice:   Is your coaching any better than a workshop?

Harrison:  Great question.  It is really the ANTI-WORKSHOP, and here is why.  First of all, I GUARANTEE success, or your money back.  Workshops don't do that.  Second, you receive complete individual attention, and an individualized plan, based on what we learn about you.  Workshops don't.  Third, we have from 6 to 12 sessions, spread out over time, accomodating YOUR schedule.   There is enough time between sessions for you to make progress, and for us to review it.  And these 6 sessions cost less than most workshops.  Finally, although I have been a financially successful working photographer for 28 years, I am also a trained PSYCHOLOGIST, and that is where the unique value comes in.  Moving people towards their potential rapidly is exciting stuff!  I happen to enjoy the one-on-one aspect, and seeing students progress makes me giddy.  Also, once my students complete their coaching, they have my "ear" for life, at no charge.  Workshops get you fired up, but we get you RESULTS.  So, I would say that it is waaaaay better than a workshop.

Maurice:  Will your students be using me or other film cameras?  And what kind of photographers do they have to be?

Harrison:  Students can be on any level, because coaching is individualized to begin where they are.  That's the beauty of coaching.  They can be wedding photographers in Phoenix, Phoenix portrait photographers, etc.  If they want to shoot film, they certainly can, although I expect most students will go the digital capture route.

Maurice:   How do people find out more?

Harrison:  Just email me at: harrison@hurwitzphotography.com

Maurice:   Thanks, dude.

 

When I did the portrait photography below of Shauna Thibault, I knew she was a great makeup artist, but there is much more to this woman.  Art infuses everything she does, as she also paints and has created her own vibe in her store, which sells vintage clothing.  You can see one of her paintings in the 3rd image down, and some of her vintage outfits in the second and last images.