I must begin by acknowledging this project would not happen without the gracious assent and collaboration of each artist and creator. The Makers portrait series relies on an uncommon (or, as I am learning, more common) kindness and solidarity amongst the creative community. Many of these portraits begin as virtual cold calls where I research potential subjects for hours before sending an introductory email. It’s like fishing: I cast my line out and often reel it back with nothing but the lure or a clump of pond scum. But when the hook sets, the results are spectacular. Like when Eric from Dirt Floor Recording Studio endured my long-winded introductory email and invited me up to his perch in Haddam for a photoshoot.
Fortunately for me, Eric’s online voice aligned with his in-person kind and humble demeanor (I call it campfire-warmth) and after some banter, we jumped into a portrait session. The renovated cabin/recording studio, along with the permanently parked camping trailer outfitted with a record player- offered an earthy texture that matched the final imagery perfectly. Below is a selection of images from our time together: