For the past ten years there’s been a party happening on Governors Island here in New York City…The Jazz Age Lawn Party…and for the very first time yours truly attended to take a step back in time…the 1920’s and 30’s.
Now why reinvent the wheel when the program nailed the event description…This historically sold out event attracts thousands of fans, who come together to discover the music and zeitgeist* (I had to look up that word) of the 1920s and 1930s, learn the hottest dance steps of the time, frolic in their flapper dresses and gladrags*, (I had to look up that one too) and enjoy sophisticated bites and vintage-inspired cocktails in a romantic, playful setting.
Well I didn’t learn the hottest dance steps…nor did I wear a flapper dress or gladrag…but I did wear a vintage sundress…and enjoyed a few bites and cocktails…but most of my time was spent photographing and making video footage. Yes, video. I’ve wanted to play around with video for a while now and decided to take Xanthe Berkeley’s Creating Time Capsules course…combining photos and videos into stories…and now I’m addicted! I’m so stoked to make some of my still photography come to life…besides…it’s so fun to play! So I took lots of still photos and video from the lawn party and also applied a fabulous “preset” from Kim Klassen’s class and if you aren’t familiar with a “preset”…in a nutshell it’s a file that contains specific setting information you can apply to a photograph. In this case because I wanted a matte and kinda dreamy tone to reflect the era of the jazz age…I used her dreamy preset. A big shout out to both Xanthe and Kim for their inspiration, knowledge and oh so wonderful way of teaching that I can understand!
Just to share a few of my favorites still images…this one in particular…when I captured it I didn’t notice the man and woman kissing in-between the gay couple’s legs. Pure luck! I ♥ this image.
Oh…this guy…his braces…the vintage look of his camera…the ribbed sleeveless t…the glasses…I could’ve photographed him for hours…
And of course…the quintessential beautiful couple…swoon…
If you have a few minutes (ok 2 minutes and 54 seconds) to spare…would love for you to watch my video…and would really enjoy hearing what you think! I tried hard to show the romantic and playful setting part!
*And so…a zeitgeist is the “intellectual fashion or dominant school of thought that typifies and influences the culture of a particular period in time” according to Wikipedia…and a gladrag is another style of dress from the 1920’s…who knew?
oh my goodness… what a fab tribute to this event……
well done robin… must feel good to have this all together…..and the processing is perfect for the mood and feel….
so inspired….. thank you for sharing… xo
Thanks so much Kim!
Totally, TOTALLY, fun! Wonderful still images, you were in a perfect venue for what you do. And then you jumped out there and tried something (else) new, I’m very proud of you and really enjoyed watching your short film so much. You captured the excitement and joy of the event but also the casual and laid back parts, too.
And the legs! Oh, so many fantastic leg shots!
You rock, Gotham Girl, and I’m always thrilled to get to go along for the ride!
Thank you so much Susan! It was such a blast!
Absolutely fabulous, Robin. You’ve really inspired me!!! You go, Girl.
Thank you Miss Ginnie!!!
MY GOODNESS, ROBIN!!!! This is FABulous!!!
One of my new top favorites. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the photos and the video. You captured the best shots, footage and choice of music – Bravissimo!
You need to sell this to them as for marketing.
Every photo is wonderful. The clothing, people, personalities, essence of the festivities, the vintage feel.
The video is the tops, the media of beautiful, fun still photographs with live video and the music – Wow! It’s like a perfect recipe.
My absolute favorite era, to boot. 1920’s-1940’s. I was so born too late.
Thank you so much for sharing your talents and day with us. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
You must make more time capsule videos. I hope you shared it with the class. Good for you, my dear Robin. I always say, “It’s a good day if I learn something new” and you are living proof of that philosophy. Never stop learning, creating, living life to it’s fullest. I love watching you blossom into not just a wonderfully talented artist but your enthusiasm for life, learning and people is contagious. But your humbleness and modesty is what makes me love and respect you even more.
PS – Don’t know if you missed my comment on the Lemon & Roses post but I have two links for events in the summer I wanted to share with you. Later era, but one for swing/big band.
xoxoxo
Oh…my biggest fan! You always make me feel good and appreciated. THANK YOU!
Can I just saty ditto to what Lisa wrote : ) she captures it so well!! I want to go to this event – how fabulous. I especially love the perspective you chose – to show the legs/feet. Truly fabulous! And I too love the first photo – the surprise of the couple, but the look on his face is priceless.
Thanks Cathy! You should absolutely put it on your list!!!
Great little shortie…..what a wonderful technique you have learned….looking forward to playing more!
Unfortunately it’s VERY addicting! 🙂 Thank you!!
Love it!
Well I’ve got to increase my skills since my favorite singer/songwriter is getting ready to hit the big time! Thank you!
Yikes! I had no idea I was so far behind in your blog. When I wasn’t receiving emails I just thought you were taking a break. I do have it bookmarked though, so this morning I took a look, and oh my goodness! I have lots of catching up to do. Your Jazz Age video was wonderful! It gave me a real feel for what the day was like. The shoes! The clothes! And I was surprised there were so many young people in attendance. Not sure why I thought otherwise…And now to Peru!
Yes…gotta figure out how to fix that! I’m working on a little blog refresh so I’m hoping my wonderful designer can help me out! Yes, seems this event is quite the occasion that young people use to dress and be playful. I loved it! Thanks so much Patricia!
love love love this photo clip. you are very skilled at telling a story….
Thank you Pat! It’s a learning curve for sure…but I love putting them together! So appreciate your visit!
Oh wow!!! Robin this post is perfection!! I so agree with Lisa’s description. Your video is so FAB!! Love the music and video with stills that are all beautiful. The event is unbelievable!! I did know what glad rags were but not the other one. You rocked this for sure!! Thanks for the IG note!! Glad you enjoyed going and capturing the ambiance and retro times.
Thanks so much Beverly! Really appreciate the visit and feedback!
Just got our “real” data back so I could watch the video. Oh, my frissy, you are so talented!!! I am so PROUD of you for what all you learn and how you put it to use in your life. I felt just like I was right there dancing with the others in my 20’s dress…..I don’t have one, but your video is so good, it made me smile and feel like I do! I just have to agree with all the other comments and say again that you need to publish/sell your work for sure because you are THAT good and MORE!!! XoXo
Thanks Virginia. Well there’s a huge learning curve here, but it’s fun! You are and have always been such a huge supporter and cheerleader. Thank you so much!
I’d love to be at an event like this myself, although I might let everyone down on the costume front. That being said “Cutting some 1920’s shapes” to the sound of that period music, while spilling the odd cocktail down my shirt sounds like a splendid way to spend an afternoon.
Of course I love the photographs, and the way you can capture atmosphere through a lens, but I couldn’t get the video to work which might either mean it does not work, or that a parrot was sitting on the internet connection at the time. I will come back and try again 🙂
LOL! You always give me a chuckle! From what I can tell…but who really knows when it comes to the internet…it might just be that parrot! Thanks always for your visits and comments!
Frankly, Robin, you’ve chosen great music for the video but I absolutely prefer the images to the video, somehow the combination of the old-style-photographs and colourful party doesn’t work for me. Also, in my opinion, there is quite a significant difference between the quality of the moving sequences which I don’t find that much interesting and the photos that I love, both their contents and processing. Many of them are truly fabulous, the details, the pairs, the atmosphere… I wonder how many superlatives I know in English to apply them to what I feel when looking at them. 🙂 Great work!
But that’s just me, not being into videos. Keep playing, no matter what… 😉
Hey Petra! Thanks for the feedback! I do agree that there’s a significant difference between the quality of the moving sequences and my still images…I sure hope so after photographing now for several years versus my first video footage, ha! And you’re also right…you do have to be “into” video. Thanks for stopping by!
What a fabulous event and you caught the mood perfectly well! I enjoyed every second of the video . Such wonderful dresses and shoes! And the ladies with the fabulous hats and parasols – heaven.
Your city is such a wonderful place and how lovely that you take us along.
Thank you so much Karen! We must experience this together one day! 🙂
Robin, I can picture you at this event, totally immersed in your art – that little flutter of your heart when you know you are in the moment, doing exactly what you are meant to do. Your photographs are engaging, compelling – so thoughtfully composed that I can almost read your thoughts.
You’ve put me to shame with regard to the video. I signed up for Xanthe’s class and yet have not really ventured to try making the videos. As is my usual problem, I am paralyzed by the need for what I make to be “good.” You are right – our photography skills are surely more advanced than our video as we are just learning. So, I’ll cut myself some slack and try to jump on board and follow your lead. I love the mix of photos and the video clips and your music choice is perfect. But, I’ll have to say – those photos just carry the whole scene. Beautiful work from beautiful you!
Donna, I so get what you’re saying about “good.” But you know what…it’s only been a while…but I finally threw that notion out the window…that things have to be perfect. I’m a perfectionist…and it’s a struggle…but I’m making my way! THANK YOU so much!
All of these beautiful people just waiting for your lens! Marvelous captures.
It was like being in a movie! Thanks Elena!
thoroughly engaging post. i can imagine numerous photo opportunities here
You are so correct, Ayush! A photographer’s dream! Thank you!
how fun! romantic… it makes me wanna smoke a pipe!
What fun! You captured the merriment and vibe, which was accomplished by both still and video.
These are wonderful and you’ve processed them perfectly the two guys is beautiful candid, I love it