MEMBER PROFILE // Johnny Sandaire Complements Technical Research with Vibrant Photography

3rd Ward member Johnny Sandaire daylights as a Technical Researcher for Hewlett-Packard, where he develops applications for data mining. "I also manage large technical projects, dealing with encryption and intellectual property protection. My research involves the implementation of Fuzzy Logic to enhance Likert Scale data analysis."

In his spare time, though, he uses 3rd Ward's studios to shoot vivid and creative photography. Investigating light and shadows in his work, he's produced some amazing portraits. "I am looking for Body Art in all its aspects that I can photograph with my experimental lighting techniques," he says.

Sandaire also recently published a book featuring 111 photos that he took in his native Haiti prior to the recent earthquake. He's also captured images in places like Bulgaria and Poland.

Sandaire's work shows that, even if you have a full-time job doing something completely different, there's always room to innovate. 

Check out more of Sandaire's photography after the jump.

MEMBER PROFILE // Ellen Espelund, 3rd Ward's Transatlantic Member

Ellen Espelund3rd Ward attracts all sorts of amazing folks, but it's somethin' else when a member signs up from across the Atlantic.

That's what Ellen Espelund did, becoming a 3rd Ward member while living 3,640 miles in Lillehammer, Norway. Knowing that she would need a place to work during future stays in New York, Espelund joined without ever having seen our space. "When you come from abroad it’s good to find the right artistic environment where you can feel at home in a way, so you can concentrate on your projects, because New York is such a big city," she says. "I simply felt 3rd Ward was the right place for me."

Espelund is a fine artist working with photography, painting and poetry. "My paintings are usually mixed media, the newest containing gold, silver and bronze," she says. "My photographs are built up in a special way regarding lighting and more. I'm inspired by how photographers worked in a time gone by."

Espelund visited 3rd Ward for the first time to take part in our Member Show and had a blast (check out more about her visit on Norway.org). " I had long planned to go to New York and do some projects, but suddenly I was there to exhibit," she says. "As with many artists, I’m more shy than people are aware of because I can seem outgoing, and it was an enormous amount of new people at once, but they were all so welcoming and nice, so it went fine. I loved it!"

Right now Espelund is working on multiple things. "One of these projects, the one I’m working most intensely on right now, is about death, but not in the way most people would associate when they hear that word," she says. "Like in my other projects this one is also connected to the authenticity in how we live our lives, and the way we dare or not to go our own way, to realize our dreams. It's connected to the joy of living."

Check out some examples of Espelund's work after the jump and look for way more from her in the future. "There might be some cool happenings later this year if things go according to plan," she says. "If not, look out for 2012..."

"I dreamed a dream"

"I want my freedom"

"Life...LOVE...Dreams" (detail)

FREE EVENT // Photographer Thierry Van Biesen Talks Vision on Wednesday

Join photographer Thierry Van Biesen tomorrow for a special session of Branding Your Vision. This event—free and open to the public (spread the word!)—offers the amazing opportunity to learn about his 20-year career and catch a highlight of instructor Elizabeth Waugh’s otherwise sold-out course. (Stay tuned for details about the Advanced Vision course starting in August.)

Beirut native Van Biesen, who shoots fashion and advertising in Paris and New York, received an intensive education in finding his own vision during the summer of 1989 when he was a teaching assistant at Art Kane Photo Workshops. There he learned from masters including Ralph Gibson, Art Kane, Sarah Moon, Len Jenshel, Duane Michals, Arthur Elgort, Uli Rose and Jay Maisel. Tomorrow he’ll share those tips, including a few words on lucid dreaming (!), which has been an influence on his absurd, vivid and gorgeous work.

“New York City is full of photographers, so it's important to have unique positioning—an awareness and understanding of what separates you from the rest,” says Waugh, who also teaches Intro to Digital Photography and Studio Lighting: Product Photography. She describes her involvement with 3rd Ward as “…incredibly fulfilling. It’s like nothing else in the city; Brooklyn at its best!”

Wed, Jun 29, 7—10pm
345 Eldert St, Suite 214, Brooklyn
Free and open to the public
RSVP required; email alex@elizabethwaugh.com 

Photo by Thierry Van Biesen-- Cara Cannella

THEN AND NOW // Photographer Dallas Logan on Five Years at 3rd Ward

Dallas LoganFollowing our birthday bash this past weekend we've been reflecting a lot about 3rd Ward's vibrant five-year history, so we caught up with Dallas Logan, an amazing photographer that's been with us since day one.

Back then, he had just jumped into the world of professional photography. Now he's a seasoned pro who's worked with clients ranging from Ford Models to the Durant for Robert Durant clothing line to Time Out New York.

"I loved 3rd Ward in the beginning," Logan says. "I used to have a studio space in walking distance from 3rd Ward and the landlord decided to raise the rent three times the amount we [my partner and I] were already paying.  So I went onto Craigslist, found the wonderful space and have been with them ever since."

3rd Ward has always been the best deal in town, he says, and that's attracted many people. "What I love about it now is that they are constantly expanding and building the space to accommodate the newer members.  I love the rebuilding of the media lab as well as the raw space on the second floor.  Every month you come through, they've added a special new feature."

His time here has also significantly shaped Logan's work. "When I had my previous space, it was only me and my business partner and I didn’t have anyone to bounce ideas off of," he says. "Here at 3rd Ward, at any given time I may have a question about equipment, cameras, lighting, retouching, graphics, video editing, metal work—I can always just step out of the studio space and walk around, I am bound to find someone who has the answer I am looking for."

Logan is constantly building his own portfolio as well as portfolios for other artists ("Be it hair, makeup, stylists, singers, etc."). He also teaches lighting seminars. "Personally, I am slowly testing the waters of cinematography," he adds. "Watch out."

Oh, we'll watch out, and we're sure it'll be great. Here's to five more years (and many after that) with Dallas!

-- John Ruscher

Member Group Show // Photos Are Up!

Thanks to all who came out to support our Members for our first ever Member Group Show! See below for some selects from the night and visit the 3rd Ward Facebook page  or Flickr to see the entire album.

If you didn't make it out for the opening, you can still swing by and see all of the work!  Our lobby is covered floor to ceiling with work from our Members until May 22! 

ESSENTIAL EVENT // Sarah Small's "Tableau Vivant": 120 Models and Otherworldly Musical Talent

On May 23 and 24, around 120 models will descend upon Brooklyn's art-deco landmark Skylight One Hanson. No, it's not some sort of weird Terry Richardson casting call. It's the latest and biggest version of photographer Sarah Small's Tableau Vivant, in which those models will be "assembled together as a living, breathing image." A real-life enactment of Small's ongoing photographic series, The Delirium Constructions.

"I bring models into improbable, close interactions to examine the social and graphic contrasts of youth and experience, hysteria and discipline, tragedy and hilarity, and sexuality and desexualization," Small says of the series.

The first Tableau Vivant took place in 2009 and featured 35 models. This time the number has nearly quadrupled and there will also feature an incredible musical component; including traditional Bulgarian folk songs, choral drones, and opera performed by members of Small's own Black Sea Hotel a cappella quartet. She's also working with Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond and composing an aria for Abigail Wright of the Metropolitan Opera. And, as if that doesn't already sound awesome enough, the Brooklyn Rider string quartet will be performing as well.

Tableu Vivant happens at Skylight One Hanson May 23 at 7pm and May 24 at 8pm. Find more info at livingpictureprojects.com and get tickets here.

Check out a video of one of Small's previous Tableau Vivants, which took place at powerHouse Arena during the Dumbo Arts Festival:

Tableau Vivant - Dumbo Arts Festival - powerHouse Arena from Sarah Small's Tableau Vivant on Vimeo.

NEW MEMBER WELCOME // Say Hello to Shana Schnur, Fashion Photographer

We're thrilled to introduce one of 3rd Ward's newest members, Shana Schnur!

A professional photographer working on fashion and other commercial projects, Schnur graduated from the School of Visual Arts last year. She collaborates with partner David Manning, and you can take a look at some of their work at shanaschnur.com.

Schnur is currently putting together a lookbook for the upcoming Fall & Winter Collection of NYC-based jewelry brand Auden Design. "Right now we're working to pick the right model, and will be holding a go-see at 3rd Ward with Auden in a week or two," she says.

"One of the biggest things that drew us to 3rd Ward is that it's a local community, not a big anonymous photo studio that exists to pad their bottom line," Schnur says. She's also excited about the possibilities that a 3rd Ward membership will open up, including the freedom to pursue exciting projects that may not have immediate financial payoff. In addition to her work with Auden, she has plans for a couple avant-garde shoots, as well as one that "combines themes from old sci-fi, high fashion, and contemporary cultural trends."

Sounds awesome.

Meanwhile, here's some of Schnur's work:

-- John Ruscher 

Pictures Are Up! // Mike Perry Presents : PULLED

Thanks to all who came out to the Gallery Opening for Mike Perry. See below for some selects from the night and visit the 3rd Ward Facebook page to see the entire album.

If you didnt grab PULLED : A Catalog of Screenprinting the night of the world launch party, head here to get your copy which includes all the work featured at 3rd Ward and more.

© Liz Clayman

© Liz Clayman

© Liz Clayman

© Liz Clayman

Shot at 3rd Ward // Chiun-Kai & the World's Top Asian models

It's not every day that the world's top Asian male models come together for a shoot. But Chiun-Kai Shih (member since '08), did just that -- shooting seven of them and their distinctive personalities for WINQ Magazine here at 3rd Ward.

Scroll down for some behind-the-scenes shots (shot with the Chunky lens, of course), including Japanese actor, Tet Wada, rising star, Noma Han, and David Chiang, hot off the heels of a VOGUE Hommes Japan spread, shot by Steven Klein.

Karl Lagerfeld once called David "a really beautiful Chinese girl."Noma Han has burst on the scene, already landing campaigns with Tommy Hilfiger and Benetton.Seijo Imazaki was discovered by Bruce Weber and is making his modeling comeback after a 10-year hiatus. Jemy Dayrit with actor and high-fashion model, Tet Wada.Time CharoenthaitaweeNoma Han, Jae Yoo & David Chiang

Shot at 3rd Ward // BurdaStyle's Wild Cardi

Last week, Burdastyle dropped by Studio A to shoot their latest projects. Check out just one of the looks below and stay tuned to the blog for more images from the shoot!

Inspired to get out your needle and thread? We don't blame you. Learn more about our Sewing classes here, and you'll be making your own custom creations (with Burdstyle patterns) in no time.

Photos by Victor Castro - Wet Paint Photography 

A fun and versatile cardi that knows how to move!Great details!