locate this blog

Editorial Dream

Have you ever seen an art exhibit that you just want to live in for a while. You know, just hang out with it like an old friend and listen to its story. I received an urgent email from a gallery owner friend imploring me to come see her new exhibit and to bring my camera. The gallery is divided into two rooms separated by a wide open door way. When I first walked in I saw paintings, deer heads and dioramas in the first room. The second room is chalk board black with hand written words in white chalk covering all walls. Attached to these walls are white ropes which traverse the room from all angles. They appear to be randomly placed but this is far from the truth. Each rope (or thread) is strategically placed. What I didn't realize is that each rope is connected to one of the pieces of art work in the front room. You have to follow the zigzag of rope to the back room, the end point being the handwritten story connected to that piece of art.

If the truth be told, my camera came out pretty quickly. I started taking photos well before I understood how it all worked. I am an amateur when it comes to taking photos but the exhibit kind of consumed me. Before I knew it I had taken a million photos. I wanted to climb into the exhibit literally and figuratively. I wanted to make it my own. I wanted to throw some people in there and snap away like it was my job.

So what does this have to do with the mission of my blog? Just as the gallery owner implored me to see and shoot this art installation, I implore you to do the same. I don't care how you do it. Let it stand on it's own. Bring some models and use it as an editorial or fashion backdrop. It's really too fascinating, too cool to pass up. You are going to have to be a bit spontaneous though. The installation is only up until May 18. Follow this link to see details about this exhibit. Also see "Location Art Installation" photos under Photo Albums. Feel free to contact me at info@locatethis.net for details.

Welcome to Shelter Island

I have produced quite a few shoots on Shelter Island. Not only does it have great locations but it has great restaurants, caterers, hotels and crew resources such as producers (me), location scouts (me) production assistants, art directors, directors, stylists, hair/make-up and photographers. I've worked with all of them. Okay, most productions bring their own crew but in this economy, you may want to consider some local options. And there is nothing better than a local production assistant. I am happy to help you contact local crew.

So let's start with locations. Being an island we have plenty of beaches. Crescent, Wades, Shell and Hay are the most popular but quite a few lesser known, less crowded options exist.  Shelter Island architecture varies widely from traditional (S106) to modern (S104). There is also a 2000 plus acre nature preserve, horse farms, docks, golf courses and yacht clubs. On the hotel front, there is the high style place-to-be, Sunset Beach. On the same beach you will also find The Pridwin. Inland there is The Chequit Inn. All of these places are big enough to hold all of your crew. There are also B&B's all over the island such as House on Chase Creek, Candlelight Inn and Azalea House to name a few.

Next let's talk about caterers. I highly recommend Planet Bliss. I use them every time I have a shoot. They can do breakfast, lunch and dinner. Planet Bliss offers high quality food and a lot of variety. Let's face it, if I have another piece of chicken or fish with rice and mescalin salad I might cry. I often mix it up between a couple of caterers for a longer shoot just so the crew doesn't mutiny. I feel comfortable just hiring one caterer if it is Planet Bliss. If they are not available for the whole enchilada, mix it up a little. Sure bets for breakfast are markitwithg, Stars and Reddings. Markitwithg has amazing made-on-premises croissants and breads. It's a great bakery and also offers a tasty lunch. Stars and Reddings offer breakfast and lunch too.

Where should you spend your off-hours? Dining options vary widely. You can dine at the high-end place to be seen hot spot Sunset Beach. Then just stick around and do some after-dinner cocktailing and dancing. Or start your night at Planet Bliss, a great choice with a cozy bar lounge, tasty world bistro food and attentive staff. Vine Street Cafe is a good choice for american bistro fare. Classic fish shack options are Two Ed's and Commander Cody's.

Need some props. Home 114 and Marika's are great places to purchase or rent prop furniture.  Fred Bernstein, owner of Home 114 is also a great stylist whom I love to work with on shoots. How about production supplies like tables, chairs, coolers or tents? Your caterer will likely supply or arrange for most of these items but Shelter Island Party Rentals can cover the rest.

If you have time to do anything other than work, eat and sleep, there's plenty to do. Boltax Gallery and Mosquito Hawk Gallery always have great exhibits and pretty fabulous openings from May until October. Speaking of local crew, Karen Boltax, owner of Boltax Gallery is a very talented art director whom I have had the pleasure of working with many times. Shopping, hiking, beaching and kayaking are easy to find. Boutique shopping can be found at Marie Eiffel's and Orabello Scarano's. Find beach supplies like towels, umbrellas or sunscreen at Bliss Department Store. There are gorgeous trails in Mashomack Nature Preserve. Shelter Island Kayak Tours will set you up with kayaks or take you on a tour.

The Shelter Island Chamber of Commerce also has a helpful website, http://shelterislandchamber.com. It will show you where everything is on a map of Shelter Island. All in all, Shelter Island is an easy place to produce a shoot or stage an event. Please feel free to contact me at info@locatethis.net with any questions/inquiries.