The Cool – Amazingly.me

More images HERE.

“The Cool” is a portrait exploration being conducted in the year 2019 by Ronald Stewart, a Manhattan-based creative. Throughout the year, Ronald will be holding photo/video sessions where he invites young instrumentalist to come in for predetermined session lengths. During the sessions, instrumentalist will be photographed and a short video and/or audio recording will take place. During the recording, the instrumentalist will talk about why they play their instrument(s) and share whatever other thoughts they wish. Following the session edits, participants will get copies of the selected images for personal/professional use.

Updated: 1/19/2017:

Everyone will have to partake in the video portion. Also, prepare a tip or suggestions for young players of your specific instrument; this section of the video will be uploaded to Youtube. I will have your websites/social sites listed under the video, so make sure to state that you give lessons, are available for shows, etc. When submitting for this project, list the instrument you play, your age, and provide a link to video/audio of you playing. Also, tell me, based on the available slots, which you would like.

Updated: 2/15/2017:
There will now be a $50 booking deposit. This will be returned based on the guidelines outlined in #4 of FAQ section below. When you contact me to secure the time, let me know how you would like to pay the deposit; I am fine with venmo/chase quick pay/etc. I will send the deposit back, the same day/way it was given to me.

Updated: 4/2/2017:
The notification for cancellation period has been extended to 48hr; up from 24hrs. All of the existing stipulations remain constant as they are addressed in #4 of FAQ section below.

Updated: 12/26/2018:
The project returns in the new year, 1/2019. The basic concept remains the same but here are a few changes: New Location, so make sure to check that below. This project will be extremely limited, I’m only working with 5-7 instrumentalists. ~~Your instrument must be present at the shoot~~. There is no longer a video element, though I may take video during the shoot. You will get a minimum of two images; one where the instrument is the focus, the other with the musician as the focus. ~~Currently, I am not looking for vocalists; I understand the voice is an instrument, but I just don’t see it working for this concept.~~ ~~With that said, you’re free to change my mind, I’m open.~~

Updated: 2/05/2019:
Vocal musicians and Poets are welcome.

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-When/Where-

The Portrait sessions will take place at my studio located inside the Cigar Factory in LIC, with sessions being conducted from 10:00-8:30 pm. Session lengths will not exceed 1 hour and will be scheduled.

The LAST SESSIONS will take place NOV 16/17th.

Available slots left: [Once slots are booked, the time will be ~~crossed out~~). If you cannot make it, you must let me know at least 48hr in advance.

11/16/19:

10:00 – 11:00 AM
11:15 – 12:15 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM
5:15 – 6:15 PM
6:30 – 7:30 PM
7:45 – 8:45 PM

11/17/19:

10:00 – 11:00 AM
11:15 – 12:15 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM
5:15 – 6:15 PM
6:30 – 7:30 PM
7:45 – 8:45 PM

FAQ

Full Address: 9-20 35th Ave, Queens, NY 11106 [Studio 2i]
Why this project:
— I want to capture young professionals and understand why they have embraced their chosen art form.
What do you consider young?
— In short, under the age of 31.
Why the holding fee?
— The fee is to add some accountability to the participants that cancel last minute. Simply put, if you show up to the shoot, I hand you your money back. If you cancel, giving me more than 48hr to find a replacement, I will give you your money back. Anything else, and I keep it unless you find an acceptable replacement.
How many images will I get?
— Everyone gets at least two (2); you may get more, but they will be given over an extended period and based on my discretion.
Can I get the unedited images?
— No.

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