NYC Pride 2019 with The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps

One year ago I had one of the most incredible experiences of my life, personally and professionally, when I accepted the invitation to join The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps marching at the NYC Pride Parade. It was not only my first time walking from beginning to end, but also my first time photographing the event officially. What an amazing opportunity to do so amongst such talented and incredible people. Unfortunately, the event got canceled this year, but I decided to post my favorite photos here as a way to celebrate, remember, and thank LGBAC for the opportunity! I just can’t wait for the day we’ll be able to go back to the streets and celebrate life again!

20190630_BigAppleCorpsBand_LeonardoMascaro-8736.jpg

And last, but definitely not least, here’s a showcase of the incredible audience who stands on the sidewalk and put out the real show!

New Orleans with the Fujifilm X100F

On a recent (and first time) trip to New Orleans, I decided to leave all my gear at home and borrow a Fujifilm X100F to bring with me instead. Since I was going to be there only for 2 full days, and Photography was definitely not the focus of the visit, I wanted to have a camera that would be with me at all times without having to worry about size and/or weight. It has a fixed 23mm (non-interchangeable) lens, which makes it the perfect equipment to throw in any bag or even a jacket pocket.

I was curious to see if, by having the camera always accessible, I would be more enticed to just document everything that caught my attention, without overthinking or planning much. Not only that happened, but also having nothing but a fixed lens forced me to move around and get much closer to my subjects. No wonder so many people prefer prime to zoom lenses. I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss having my trusted 16-55mm with me in some cases, just to be able to get a bit closer. But I’m sure I would have missed a lot of significant moments by constantly thinking about all the range I would have with that lens.

Here are a few favorite frames from the trip:

Equipment used:

Window Display Portraits

One of the most valuable skill you need to have as a Photographer, in my opinion, is curiosity. Not the latest gear, proper education, post processing skills, but simply being curious all the time. I always like to say that, as a beginner, you should be out photographing every single Photography genre that you can be exposed to. That will teach you not only what you enjoy shooting, but most importantly, what you DO NOT enjoy shooting.

With that in mind, I decided to join a few photography friends that decided to go out one night to photograph the window displays decorated for the holidays, a long time tradition in NYC. I had no idea that something that has very little appeal to me, would end up being so enjoyable. Using only available lighting from each display and treating the mannequins as models ready to be photographed, I found a lot of pleasure in walking around looking for interesting and (sometimes) unusual angles to capture each of them.

Here are some of my favorites:

In-Camera Multiple Exposure With the Fujifilm X-T2

Multiple Exposure in Photography is not a new technique by any means, but it’s definitely still very enjoyable and, surprisingly, not explored by that many Photographers.

In a film camera, a ‘multiple exposure” consisted in pressing the shutter to take a photograph, but instead of advancing the film to the next frame, you would recompose, press the shutter again, and that second image would superimpose the first one, creating the most various effects depending on the lighting conditions and subject matter. Later on, with the advent of Photoshop, people started experimenting the same effects in the digital world, by simply layering different photographs on top of one another and playing with opacity, masks, bleeding modes, etc.

(old Victorian ‘ghost photography’)

(old Victorian ‘ghost photography’)

But what most people don’t realize is that a lot of the current digital cameras are also capable of creating the same ‘multiple exposure’ effect natively, without the need of a post processing software. I remember when I upgraded my DSLR from an entry level to a full-frame model, the one key feature that I knew my next camera would absolutely have to have it was a multiple exposure setting. I haven’t looked back since then, and it’s something that I am constantly experimenting with, on my personal projects, and also for some of my clients that are also attracted by that look.

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/200 sec at f/3.2, ISO 1600 - 70mm (EF 70-200mm f/2.8)

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/200 sec at f/3.2, ISO 1600 - 70mm (EF 70-200mm f/2.8)

The difference between DSLR and Mirrorless system for Multiple Exposures:

I always loved shooting multiple exposures on a DSLR camera, but there’s one thing on the mirrorless system that makes it even more enjoyable: the electronic viewfinder! When you’re shooting multiple exposures on a DSLR with an optical viewfinder, you have no idea how both images will blend, unless you are looking at the back at the camera, instead of the viewfinder, which is not always a good idea. With a mirrorless camera, like the Fujifilm X-T2, assuming that you are using the electronic viewfinder (highly recommended), once you take the first shot, you will be looking at it while framing the second one, until you fire the shutter for the second time. It’s magical to see the effect being created right in front of you even before you actually do it!

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/500 sec at f/16, ISO 800 - 55mm (XF16-55mm f/2.8)

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/500 sec at f/16, ISO 800 - 55mm (XF16-55mm f/2.8)

The only minor issue, for me, is that the Fujifilm camera automatically converts your double exposure file into a JPEG (even if you camera is set to shoot RAW only), as with other DSLRs I tested, the camera maintains the file as RAW, allowing you have much more control in post processing later on. Hope they are able to change that in the near future.

“So where do I find the multiple exposures setting in my Fujifilm X-T2 camera?”, you may be asking… Well, they couldn’t make it easier than this:

All you need to do is turn the bottom of the left dial from S (single frame) to the icon right next to it with the two “overlapping” photos, and you are ready to start experimenting! Take your first shot, accept it or retry (if you’re not happy with your first frame), and look for the second shot to be combined.

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/500 sec at f/16, ISO 800 - 55mm (XF16-55mm f/2.8)

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/500 sec at f/16, ISO 800 - 55mm (XF16-55mm f/2.8)

Many people will say that it’s much easier to jump into Photoshop and combine as many layers as you want with endless possibilities, but I personally still think that it’s way more interesting and fun when you are in a location and create unique images with what you have available right there for you. Here are more images to inspire you to try and have fun next time you’re out photographing:

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/500 sec at f/16, ISO 800 - 16mm (XF16-55mm f/2.8)

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/500 sec at f/16, ISO 800 - 16mm (XF16-55mm f/2.8)

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/500 sec at f/4, ISO 200 - 55mm (XF16-55mm f/2.8)

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/500 sec at f/4, ISO 200 - 55mm (XF16-55mm f/2.8)

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/640 sec at f/8, ISO 100 - 55mm (XF16-55mm f/2.8)

(© Leonardo Mascaro - 1/640 sec at f/8, ISO 100 - 55mm (XF16-55mm f/2.8)

Through a Different Lens • Stanley Kubrick Photographs

Through October 28, 2018, the Museum of the city of New York hosts a must-see exhibit for Photography and Film lovers. You probably already know Stanley Kubrick for his classic movies ”2001: A Space Odyssey”, ”A Clockwork Orange”, ”The Shining” and many others. What you may not know is that when he was only 17 years old, he started working for Look magazine as a Photographer documenting a broad of different subjects throughout New York City.

The exhibit showcase more than 120 photographs from that period and it will probably blow your mind!

(all photographs by Stanley Kubrick)

(all photographs by Stanley Kubrick)

Check the Museum of the City of New York’s website for more information and plan your visit.

A few words with Desmond White

I've recently photographed Desmond White on his show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with him about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Desmond White: Eraserhead. Not that it really needs any musical augmentation, but it would have been a fun challenge to match those visuals.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
DW: Elliott Smith.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
DW: Drive to my favorite Thai supermarket in Queens, 3 Aunties.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
DW: Somnolent.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
https://desmondwhite.bandcamp.com/album/glace
https://desmondwhite.bandcamp.com/album/short-stories

A few words with Boy Who Cried Wolf

I've recently photographed Boy Who Cried Wolf on his show in NYC at Mercury Lounge, and took the opportunity to chat with him about a few other things:

(live at Mercury Lounge, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Mercury Lounge, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Boy Who Cried Wolf: I love horror movies... I'd love to have written the "Halloween" theme by John Carpenter... or the "Psycho" theme by Bernard Herrmann. Both minimal, iconic songs that don't require lyrics to invoke a feeling. The "mother!" score by Johann Johannsson seems mighty interesting too... wish I had done that!

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
BWCW: I missed AFI when they toured "Sing The Sorrow" and will kick myself forever because of it. I wish I had seen Manson during his "Antichrist Superstar" days too.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
BWCW: I'm a bit of a hermit, but when I do emerge from my cave, I like to take long walks. Preferably not on a beach.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
BWCW: Synthmetal

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
www.facebook.com/boywhocriedwolfnyc
www.reverbnation.com/boywhocriedwolfnyc
www.soundcloud.com/boywhocriedwolfnyc
www.instagram.com/boywhocriedwolfnyc

A few words with Emily Browning

I've recently photographed Emily Browning on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Emily Browning: I'm a big sucker for romance movies if they're well written! There's a movie called About Time - a beautiful love story that surrounds a young guy who discovers that he can travel back in time through his own life. The reason I'd want to write a song for this particular movie is because there's no big love-drama or "chase the girl" scene... Instead, it is more focused on the finer details of what it actually means to be in love.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
EB: Earth Wind and Fire!

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
EB: I've only been to NYC once and had a total of three days there. But one of my favorite parts was grabbing a bagel with a friend and taking it to Bryant Park - sitting on the grass and watching the local juggling club.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
EB: Intimate

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
I'm mostly active on Instagram but my music is on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, and Youtube!
https://open.spotify.com/track/3PoZoHfvOHrptTZC6YN5cJ
https://soundcloud.com/emilycbrowning
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTZl9gXMn3iEhol77H3_thw?view_as=subscriber
https://www.instagram.com/emily.c.browning/?hl=en

A few words with Leah Harris

I've recently photographed Leah Harris on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Leah Harris: I would love to have written a song for August Rush. I found the music in that movie to be so touching. Loved the way different genres were combined too.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
LH: Ray Charles!! 100%!! He is my hero and I wish I had been around to hear him live. I can only imagine the energy in the room when he's playing live, since the recordings already blow my mind.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
LH: Every time I come to NYC I get locked into the Greenwich Village soul scene and just keep returning to Groove and Cafe Wha? over and over again. Amazing R&B - the songs I grew up with on the Detroit radio - and I absolutely love the musicians that play there!

How would you describe your music in just one word?
LH: Real. I sometimes find it hard to describe the genre of my music, but I always make sure that it's coming from someplace real.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
Instagram: @leahharrismusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leahharrismusic
Spotify: Leah Harris Music
YouTube: www.youtube.com/leahharrismusic
Website: www.leahharrismusic.com

A few words with Keith Ward

I've recently photographed Keith Ward on his show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with him about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Keith Ward: "James Bond - Casino Royale". All the Bond movie songs are iconic and this my favorite! 

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
KW: Led Zeppelin

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
KW: Take a long run through Brooklyn and over the bridge.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
KW: Positive.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-best-year-ep/id902520860
https://open.spotify.com/artist/46RNEhOBbNdtY10EpirICy?si=8igMVRVs

A few words with Mosa

I've recently photographed Mosa on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Mosa: The Endless Summer - that movie embodies such a cool lifestyle, and I'd love to capture the imagery and landscapes through sound. 

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
Mosa: This is a tough one! But probably Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, or Joni Mitchell.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
Mosa: Definitely includes eating at Johns Pizzeria on Bleecker street (just order a plain pie) and then going next door for ice cream at Cones (my favorite is a scoop of the almond ice cream and the cantaloupe sorbet.) Then checking out Matt Umanov Guitars across the street and playing some really rad old instruments. I also love wandering around the city and just people watching, hanging out in Washington Square Park, and checking out the farmers market in Union Square.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
Mosa: Genuine.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
www.facebook.com/mosamusic
(New Album to be recorded in a few weeks... and it's expected to be released Spring 2018!)

 

A few words with Jessi Mason

I've recently photographed singer/song-writer Jessi Mason on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Jessi Mason: The original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder. I love that that movie is so full of wonder, but is simultaneously pretty dark. I'd want my song to reflect that whimsical eeriness. 

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you wouldn’t miss a concert?
JM: Joni Mitchell. 

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
JM: Look for good bookstores/coffee!

How would you describe your music in just one word?
JM: Nostalgic.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
www.jessimason.com
www.facebook.com/jessimasonmusic
www.instagram.com/jessi.mason
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gJfcr0UWAk7lLNgiGhbZg

 

A few words with Scotch the Filmmaker

I've recently photographed Chicago based indie-rock band Scotch the Filmmaker on their show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Joe: Point Break for me; It is the cult classic of my people.
Franny: Ferris Bueller because of the same reasons.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you wouldn’t miss a concert?
Franny: David Bowie with my dad. That would've been special. They grew up in the same parts of London and he remembers when Bowie was just this new weird kid playing new weird music.
Joe: Ugh, the Family factor would make me want to say Grateful Dead with my dad and brother or Carole King with my mom. Hendrix is it for me: I couldn't miss all that energy, and the guitar playing is still amazing. 

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
Joe: Eat. Food culture here is bonkers.
Franny: See a performance of something - comedy, musical, opera, ballet, doesn't matter what.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
Joe: Clever
Franny: Inclusive
Joe: I like hers better.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
https://open.spotify.com/album/7eW9zPtC5cSX3EG1t1pF6i
https://soundcloud.com/jmonaha2/sets/lake-effect-indie-vol-1
instagram.com/scotchthefilmmaker/

 

A few words with McLovins

I've recently photographed JAM Rock band McLovins on their show in NYC at Mercury Lounge, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:

(live at Mercury Lounge, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Mercury Lounge, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Jake Huffman: Oh' Brother Where art Tho, I feel like getting entirely lost and ending up back where you started a changed man is something that resonates in our music and our lives. 

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you wouldn’t miss a concert?
JH: John Coltrain

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
JH: Kicking back a few at a cool bar, and watching the sun set in Washington Square Park.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
JH: Party

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mclovins/id1045544413

A few words with Ritual Talk

I've recently photographed NYC based Psychedelic Indie Rock band Ritual Talk on their show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Ritual Talk: Any movie that creates a fully realized world - thinking Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Kubrick films - that convinces its audience of its reality. For us, making music is very much like that - convincing a listener that the sonic world in our heads is a reasonable way to hear the world!

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you wouldn’t miss a concert?
Alex D: Led Zeppelin. Rock & Roll. Trem: Uh, probs Led Zeppelin. Tom: Led Zeppelin, no doubt. Dylan: Dude, Led Zeppelin! T.J:  Prime CSN

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
Ritual Talk: Make a great scramble to start off the day. Hit the nearest park for a stroll and a frisbee toss. And then see where the day takes us (hopefully towards a game of catan).

How would you describe your music in just one word?
RT: Expansive

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
Website: https://ritualtalk.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritualtalk/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VKLniHOjxzm8I8IXp7bej

A few words with Carolyn Miller

I've recently photographed NYC based singer/song-writer Carolyn Miller on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Carolyn Miller: A Walk To Remember - I was OBSESSED with that movie and soundtrack all throughout middle school and high school. That CD was on repeat all the time! So many great memories associated with those songs and that movie... love me a good love story :)

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you wouldn’t miss a concert?
CM: Whitney Houston - Hearing that voice live would've been magical.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
CM: Oh man, this is a hard one. I don't get them too often but when I do, I'd say shop, mani/pedi, massage - I'm such a girly girl! Also, if the weather allows, I love going to a rooftop bar on a night off. Nothing's better than sharing a few good convos with a few good friends over a few good cocktails -- all while watching the sunset over NYC! My personal favorite spot is Pod 39 - highly recommend!

How would you describe your music in just one word?
CM: Country-Pop

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
My debut EP will be released in the coming months -- can't wait! My music website is currently being built, so social media is the best place right now for everything :-)
www.instagram.com/carolynmillermusic
www.facebook.com/carolynmillermusic
www.twitter.com/carolyn_miller

A few words with Kate Kay Es

I've recently photographed NYC based singer/musician/song-writer Kate Kay Es on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Kate Kay Es: I would love to have written a song for the movie "Babel". This is a beautiful, visually stunning film about the human experience through different lenses. It evokes a strong feeling and emotion from beginning to end. The music that I write hopes to do the same.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
KKS: Whitney Houston or Michael Jackson. Both would be a dream!

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
KKS: I love to walk around different areas of New York, as well as going to modern art galleries and drinking coffee!

How would you describe your music in just one word?
KKS: Experiential.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3EY8WqKgXDJcG3qGUvpzMK
https://soundcloud.com/katekayes
https://www.instagram.com/katekayesmusic
https://www.facebook.com/katekayesmusic/

A few words with Hotsy Totsy

I've recently photographed indie pop trio Hotsy Totsy on their show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Jenny Pilong: I kept racking my brain for a “cool” answer to this one, but… alas... I don’t have one. I actually don’t see a lot of movies, but I feel like it would have been cool to have had something on the "Hunger Games" soundtrack. I love writing melancholy, minor chord filled songs, so I think pairing that with a dystopian centric story would have been a match made in heaven. At least for me. Haha. Also, I kind of wish our song, “South Seas”, was around for Adam Sandler’s “50 First Dates”… which may or may not be one of my favorite movies… that I’ve actually seen. ;)

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
JP: John Lennon… or maybe Billie Holiday.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
JP: Art museums and vegan food! Particularly, Blossom Restaurant in Chelsea. I need to try every single thing on that menu.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
JP: This is a tough one. For me, personally, I think it would be wistful. For Hotsy Totsy as a whole I need two: exuberant harmony. Which I think is sort of fair, since there are three of us. Haha.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? 
Links to our Soundcloud, youtube, Spotify, etc. can all be found on our website.

A few words with Naomi Gillies

I've recently photographed singer/song-writer Naomi Gillies on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Naomi Gillies: Hmmm, I'm not actually a huge movie person, but I'll have to say "Requiem for a Dream". The music from that movie is so creepy and cool.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
NG: Probably sounds pretty cliche, but Michael Jackson and Prince. I never got to see either of them live and I'll regret that forever.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
NG: I like to go to the park and chill or go walk doggo's at the local animal shelter. :)

How would you describe your music in just one word?
NG: I don't think I'm self aware enough to answer this one :-P I asked my fiancé, he said he thinks soulful. I'll say "soulpop."

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? My very first EP is still in the production stage, but it will be out soon, I hope! You will be able to find it on my website, and of course Spotify, iTunes, etc. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram.