JEFF FASANO

Behind the Photos

TOMMY EMMANUEL

Today is the final day of Veteran photographer Jeff Fasano’s Kickstarter campaign—to publish his first fine-art book: AMERICANA PORTRAIT SESSIONS.

For a $100 pledge, you can choose to get an autographed copy of his book and a choice of a signed B&W Silver Gelatin Print (one of six B&W photos). There are also options for one of three Color Fine Art Pigment Photo Prints. Today, we feature the back story of one of the prints.

Tommy Emmanuel

We talked with Jeff Fasano about his portrait of TOMMY EMMANUEL:

This was shot at my Portrait Sessions at AmericanaFest. I remember thinking, “I can’t believe Tommy Emmanuel said ‘yes’ and was willing to come to the portrait session.” He’s such a world-class guitar player, and I was going to have the opportunity to photograph him.

There are always a lot of people watching me shoot these portraits at AmericanaFest. When I’m doing the portrait sessions, it’s an amazing draw for anyone in that area. When I’m shooting these photos, people get to see amazing musicians up close—in a unique setting.

Tommy’s an entertainer—and he just started playing. He began entertaining the people who were watching. All of a sudden, there were all these people standing around and watching me shoot these portraits. He just started playing and walking around. I had my light and immediately, I just captured that shot. I also got a nice PR shot. When Tommy started playing, you could see and hear the excitement of the people watching this happen. As it unfolded, it turned out to be an event.

My photo sessions are a big draw at the vendor booths. All the big names come there to be photographed. People always seem to be in awe as they watch the portrait sessions. On this particular day, Tommy started playing, people heard him play and they spontaneously gathered around. In fact, I had to move people back so that I could shoot him with his guitar.

It reminded me of the time when I was shooting some portraits and Rosie Flores walked by. She said “Hey, what’s going on here?” I told her and she said, “You wanna take some pictures of me?” And I said, “Yeah, hop in there—let’s do it.” And that’s how I photographed her.

That is also what happened when I photographed Sharon Jones. I was in the middle of a photo shoot and Sharon walked by and was wondering about the portraits. She said “How do I get in on this?” And I said, “If you just wait a few minutes, we can do this same thing with you.” And that’s how I got Sharon Jones. I looked at her and I thought, “Wow! That’s Sharon Jones.” But before I saw her I heard her and recognized the NYC accent. And I immediately said, “I live on 85^th and Columbus”—and we just laughed.

I’m so glad I was able to get a portrait of Tommy performing. For me, it’s a true representation of him performing in a studio setting.

The War and Treaty

To pledge your support for Jeff Fasano’s book AMERICANA PORTRAIT SESSIONS, you can now pre-order this first comprehensive photography book of the Artists of Americana Music via his Kickstarter project through Craft Services | Kickstarter Experts @enjoycraftservices. Many of these portraits were photographed at AmericanaFest in Nashville.

Here’s the link to order the book and see the project:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fasano/jeff-fasano-americana-portrait-sessions?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=jeff%20fasano

For every generation, a photographer emerges who captures the essence of the soul of the music that defines that generation. Jeff Fasano’s indelible images of the Americana music format have become part of the fabric of this amalgam of music that includes the best of storytellers whose music emotionally moves the listener—and transcends the life we live.

Jeff Fasano’s unparalleled access to stars like Sheryl Crow, Judy Collins & Stephen Stills, John Oates, The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, Rhiannon Giddens, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, Lucinda Williams, Margo Price, Jewel, The McCrary Sisters and Kris Kristofferson gives it the kind of authority that comes from vast experience. It’s a book of intimate portraits that reveals the strength, heart, soul and musical genius of these great artists.

Sheryl Crow

Jeff Fasano’s AMERICANA PORTRAIT SESSIONS is his visual essay of the stories of their life—capturing unforgettable moments of their musical journey. Watch these unrivaled photographs as they light your soul, listen to your heart reflect their treasured experiences and let them transcend your boundaries as you simply enjoy the ride.

www.JeffFasano.com
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fasano/jeff-fasano-americana-portrait-sessions?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=jeff%20fasano