Philadelphia Archives - Tony Ward Studio

In The Moment: The Art & Photography of Harvey Finkle

Exhibition announcement for Harvey Winkle at the Woodmere Museum of Art — Harvey Finkle at The Woodmere Museum.

In The Moment: The Art & Photography of Harvey Finkle

About the Exhibition

The work of the Philadelphia-born photographer and activist Harvey Finkle offers an intimate view of the hardships, sacrifices, and joys experienced by members of the diverse communities and political movements he has engaged with over the course of his career. In the Moment explores photography’s ability to interrogate social inequities, arouse empathy, and inspire political action. Consisting of photographs that Finkle has taken over the past half-decade, the show surveys the multiple and sophisticated ways in which his work forges meaningful connections with its audiences. Guest-curated by Antongiulio Sorgini, categorical groupings take us through Finkle’s journey, chronicling the stories that shape our collective consciousness.

For more information about the exhibition, link here: https://woodmereartmuseum.org/experience/exhibitions/in-the-moment-the-art-photography-of-harvey-finkle

Behind The Scenes: Kareem Black Feature

Behind The Scenes: Kareem Black Feature

I’ll never forget when I first met Kareem Black in 1997. He was a student at SVA School of Visual Arts in New York. While finishing up his photography training at SVA he made an appointment to visit me at my studio in Philadelphia to ask my advice on becoming a professional photographer. He often reminds me that I was the first real photographer that he met. During one of his visits, I asked him to model for a picture for an upcoming book, called Tableaux Vivant’s. The picture is one of my favorites from the book, of which Kareem received a copy during his visit.

Kareem Black in The Figure. From Tony Ward's book of Tableaux Vivants — The Figure. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024.

Our meeting had an impact because when he left SVA and started a career as a pro, he took off! Kareem and I have stayed in touch remarkably 25 years later, and this month of May 2024 I’ve decided to reach out and celebrate his success by inviting back to his home town for a feature shoot. Kareem was thrilled. So was I and the results of the cover shoot speaks for itself.

To access more behind the scenes with photographer Kareem Black, check out our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/0UEYAERF1IM

Tracey Olkus: Behind The Scenes

Tracey Olkus:Behind The Scenes

Tracey Olkus and I have known each other for decades. Philly is a small town amongst creatives. We worked together on shoots over the years as she is one of the best hair stylists in Philly, but I never had a chance to photograph her as a subject, for years I only worked with her like any other colleague in the Arts. Tracey always had this allure but shy in a way or so it seemed. Last year I invited her up to my new studio in Elkins Park to assist on a shoot and I also invited her to attend a party at my house during the summer. That’s when it finally clicked that I wanted to photograph her for The Vixens Series. The time was ripe.

After several back and forth communications, she agreed and noted that she had never been photographed by a professional photographer before. I felt honored and I think she cherished the moment. So the process began. I asked Tracey to put some fashion together from her wardrobe and explained the process of how I work with creative director, KVaughn. They too have known each other for decades so communicating by Zoom was easy and so began our team’s creative journey. There would be four to five changes within a two hour shoot schedule. My lighting assistant, Anthony Colagreco was working the lights. Fortunately for us, Tracey had lots of interesting costumes that KVaughn curated and molded into the style in which the series has become known. KV especially knows I have a thing for hats. Tracey is also a headdress maker. A creative match made in heaven and the pictures are always the result.

Tracey indicated on the eve of her sitting that she was a little nervous. That to me usually indicates the person that I am photographing is fully immersed in the creative outcome, which through my experience tends to lead to a positive result. I simply assured her she was in good hands.

To be cast for The Vixen Series contact: Tony@TonyWard.com.

To access The Vixens Series gallery link here: https://tonyward.com/the-vixens-series/

Behind The Scenes With Savanna

Behind The Scenes With Savanna

I was introduced to Savanna a few months ago at an exhibition of my work curated by my friend and colleague Bob Neroni, owner of Prism Arts Philadelphia. When we met at the exhibit she seemed very enthusiastic about meeting me, so I reached out to cast her for The Vixens Series, a series of portraits inspired by women from all walks of life that exude; strength, intelligence, heroism and inner beauty.

We settled on a date and aligned the production crew to meet at my studio for the series of pictures that would define the beginning of a new year as we enter 2024. I contacted veteran Philly photographer, Al B For to cover the behind the scenes of the production involved in creating Savanna’s remarkable series of pictures. Al B is quite known in Philadelphia creative circles as a go to guy for candid event photography . His bubbly personality makes everyone around him comfortable as evidenced in the photographs captured on shoot day. Al B is the ultimate fly on the wall.

Many thanks first of all to Savanna, who was fabulous to work with. She’s quite daring and provocative as you can see. Thanks also to my team including: creative director KVaughn, lighting assistant Tony Colagreco, Shibari rope specialist, Scorpiana, makeup artist extraordinaire, Octavia Monroe and behind the scenes pictures by Al B For.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To access the complete set of Savanna’s pictures for The Vixens Series, link here: https://tonywardstudio.com/blog/savanna-autonomy/

Mikala Mikrut: A Vixen From Vegas

A Vixen From Vegas

Creative Director: KVaughn

Lighting Assistant: Anthony Colagreco

Hair & Makeup: Octavia Monroe

Behind The Scenes: Resyn Thomas

What does it mean to be a vixen? At first glance, the term is simple: “a female fox.” It’s the literal definition, a word often associated with Trixie from The Fox and the Hound, perhaps chosen for its closeness to “vixen.” Yet, there’s another layer to this word, one that carries a nuanced weight. It refers to a spirited or fierce woman, one often seen as sexually attractive.

When Tony Ward approached me to be a part of his latest collection, which he aptly named The Vixen Series, I couldn’t help but question its significance. My initial association with the term was not particularly flattering, conjuring images of a manipulative seductress, taking advantage of others without remorse. However, Tony’s perspective on the term shifted my perception. A vixen, as he sees it, is not someone who exploits but someone who accepts the affection and adoration that others willingly offer. It’s a recognition of one’s own allure and power, a celebration of the capacity to evoke desire.

For me, being included in Tony Ward’s The Vixen Series wasn’t just an acknowledgment of my physical presence; it was a testament to the strength, intelligence, and heroism that define the diverse women he seeks to portray. To find myself considered in the same context as such inspiring figures was deeply humbling. Often, I grapple with feelings of inadequacy, wondering if I’m doing enough to justify my existence in this world. Tony’s invitation was a reassurance that my presence and contributions matter, a gentle nudge towards embracing my worth.

The journey with Tony and his team has been nothing short of enlightening. They have taught me to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and to recognize the potential within myself. I am grateful for their friendship and guidance, and I only wish I could have extended my stay to absorb more of their wisdom.

The truth is, every one of us harbors a vixen within. It’s not just about being attractive or alluring; it’s about embracing the multifaceted qualities that make us uniquely powerful. Our inner vixen can be bold, perceptive, empathetic, or any blend of positive feminine traits. It’s about owning our strengths, sharing our wisdom, and empowering those around us. This experience has led me to ponder how others perceive me and how I might inspire them in turn. I believe we should all unapologetically embrace our inner vixens, radiating confidence and spreading empowerment wherever we go.

To access more pictures from The Vixens Series link here: https://tonyward.com/new-work-the-vixens-series/