Once again Nick Cavalier and I came together to work with artist, Brian Mackey on his most recent music video.  I flew into New Jersey this past July where shooting began.  The concept of the video was pretty straight forward…America.  What images come to mind when you think of America?  We wanted to capture imagery that went along with Brian’s lyrics and the journey many musician’s take while traveling on the road.  Nick and I documented along the way to Nashville, TN where the final shooting took place.  This blog includes images I took from our itinerary and the behind scenes of the the music video, “America”.  

Without fail, there will be some documentation of me on the ground shooting.  Thanks Nick ! 

Also, enjoy the video here:

http://www.cmt.com/videos/brian-mackey/1093279/america.jhtml

 OR

 http://www.1manshow.tv/music-videos/

So, after grabbing brunch we headed back to our house and loaded up the car with camping gear, some food, our pup, and Joel’s guitar.

And the adventure began with a ferry ride.

Due to the fact that we did not plan ahead of time, once we arrived in the Olympic Mountains the sun was setting. So, we drove up for a sneak peak and then headed to set up camp.  We figured we had the whole next day to enjoy the scenery.

Good Morning Sunshine

Thereafter

After saying goodbye to the mountains we headed to Port Angeles to see the sunset over the water.  Absolutely beautiful and beyond peaceful!

It had been nearly 8 years since I have last seen Matt around, and to reunite for something like this was pretty special.  Matt Santos and I met when I was in collage – he worked at the coffee shop around the corner from the dorms and was always very kind to me.  Later in the school year I had found out that he was also an incredibly talented artist.  He was very involved in the art community and would often hold open-mic nights in the coffee shop, even some gallery showings (in fact, my first photography show was held there).  So, it was a pleasure to help on the ‘Burning Up’ music video for Matt’s most recent album, Quickly Disappearing.  I highly recommend you check it out!

Till then, here are some images from the shoot.  I hope you enjoy!  And be sure to check back to see Nick Cavalier’s finished product of the video.

Pictures like these are made because self-timers exist.

Besides the fact that my husband is the drummer I am so proud of each one of the Culpa boys.  I think these indivuduels are simply amazing people and even better musicians. Together they made an incredibly unique band that was driven with so much passion…but as we know that doesn’t mean everything in the music world these days.  They worked hard at what they did and unfortunately just came short of making their dreams come true.  With all that aside they still managed to touch so many kids with their music- and on December 9th a lot of you came out to show your respect, love and appreciation for this band.  It was an incredible sight to see so many kids singing their hearts out, for one last time, to their favorite band.

It was an overwhelming night that was full of so many feelings that has left me dumbfounded.  All I can say to you guys is:

Thank you so much for making music that matters!  Music that is complex and driven with passion.  That is so rare these days, and I cant tell you all how much I will miss your music, shows, and energy as a band.  I have so many wonderful memories that came along with the journey of The Culpa.  I am proud to say you are all my friends and even more proud of the music you made!

I love you boys!

I was hesitant to enter The Metro the 9th of December… because it meant that it was one step closer to the Culpa ending.  But I walked in with a smile on my face, knowing that the night ahead of me would be a night I would never forget, slapped my backstage pass on my leg and began to soak in all that the night had to offer.  The line up was perfect with friends from El Oso, Sainthood Reps, and Monday’s Hero reuniting- it simply was a night to remember.  Thank you all for making this night so incredible. The first round of chills started with their sound check…

Then it was GO time!

Having Jakey fly in from Puerto Rico for the show was the cherry on top… with the bonus of hearing him scream along to some Culpa songs!

One of my favorite parts of the evening was standing on stage with these fellas and seeing the joy and love they have for their friend’s band, The Felix Culpa!  They huddled around with arms linked and mouths wide open singing along…it was picture perfect!

Due to the fact that I shot a lot of video at this show I plan to update this post with some live footage- so please check back soon.  Till then feel free to leave some kind words bellow about this post and The Culpa’s last show

Chicago,IL
In flight.Let the shooting begin…

So, we woke up bright & early and headed to the beach on a foggy morning for some test shooting.  The first day consisted of scouting out locations and shooting the sunset scenes.  * Photo’s of Brian are captured during filming the ‘Sun Shower’ video…behind the scenes and sneak peaks *

Then came the anticipation of the sunset.

Let the night ride lights fill the sky.{image above for sale at: http://www.society6.com/studio/apimaging/Closing_Time}
We had one last visit to the boardwalk before we left NJ.  And we plan to visit Navy Pier in Chicago soon to finish up the filming. Till then I will leave you with these fun shots of the last few hours we had on the beaches of Jersey Shore. Goofing off before we take off

Will update with added images from Navy Pier and a video teaser soon. Thanks!

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Update. Navy Pier.

I will start with The Felix Culpa Sever your Roots Re-relase show with IntoIt.OverIt . Chicago, Il

IIOI

TheFelixCulpa

March 25th – Lansing, MI.  Mike Mains & the Branches & The Felix Culpa

For the Culpa set I focused on getting some video footage that I would like to post once edited. Until then, here are some stills.

Then came a fantastic reunion show with The Meteah Strike ! APRIL 9th- Miramar Theatre

And the lovely Culpa rocked it just as lovely as the Meteah Strike. It was a wonderful show!

The most exciting part (aside from Nick using several of my shots) is that they are featured on the front page of Alternative Press.  The feedback they have been receiving is so positive and encouraging.  So, thank you everyone!

Please click here to check out the video on Alt Press!  

My husband’s band, The Felix Culpa, were working on their music video for “Our Holy Ghosts” with Nick Cavalier when unexpectedly Nick needed some extra help on the second day of shooting.  Thankfully I was able to provide some camera equipment and step in and assist Nick for all the camera B responsibilities.  In return my fingers and toes froze from being outside all day- but we got some amazing shots for the video, and I am truly honored that I had the opportunity to be apart of this project.  Everyone involved did an amazing job contributing to the video and now we are left waiting with anticipation while Nick works his magic editing all the shots from the weekend shoot.

Until “Our Holy Ghosts” is done, here are some stills I took in between filming…  my little teaser to you.

Updated:

Music video trailer.