Waiting for forever for " Waiting for Forever" the Movie

I did the still photography for this film shot in Utah. Here is a quick synposis of this film.
Plot Outline
Who decides what is normal? A unique love story about friendship and a view of the world from different perspectives, WAITING FOR FOREVER explores the connections people make in the face of life's changes. Best friends while they were growing up, Emma (Rachel Bilson) and Will (Tom Sturridge) lost touch a long time ago—as far as she knows. To Will, Emma never stopped being the most important person in his life. Believing them to be forever linked, he goes wherever she goes. Will doesn’t have a home, a car, or a “real” job. He survives on his talent as a juggler and entertainer—talents honed through years of showing off for Emma. When her father gets sick, Emma returns to their hometown, trying to leave behind her complicated love life and failing career as a TV actress. As its characters face love, death and their own preconceptions, WAITING FOR FOREVER questions the realities of life.

Awards
From the producers of WALK THE LINE and GROUNDHOG DAY, WAITING FOR FOREVER features an ensemble cast including Matt Davis, Scott Mechlowicz, Nikki Blonsky, Richard Jenkins, Blythe Danner, and Nelson Franklin. A brand new venture from director James Keach.
Starring
Rachel Bilson & Tom Sturridge
Directed By
James Keach
Screenplay By
Steve Adams
Produced By
Trevor Albert & James Keach
Website
http://www.waitingforforever.com












Visit CassStudios.com for Movie Still Photography

Sexy Body Paint Art

Our beautiful model Miss Wright had her body paint done- it took 5 hours of application before I even got there. The painting is done by the talent special effects makeup artist Chris Hansen.
Just a dash of sexy!



Body Paint Photography by Cass Studios www.cassstudios.com

John Ramsey, "The Other Side of Suffering" Father Tells Story of JonBenet Ramsey

This is one of the most interesting assignments of my life was photography John Ramsey for the book cover of his new book " The Other side of Suffering". Before shooting him I did a lot of research. I remember the story and when this came out when I was child 14 years ago. In my research it really was striking how sad and how much press this case got. My impression "freak tragedy glorified over and over by the media". The story of six-year-old, Jon Benét, was murdered; Ramsey was the one who discovered her body, concealed in the basement of his family's home. He was suspected of murdering his daughter by the press. This book is his opportunity to set the record straight.

It was very awkward for me to meet this complete stranger, famous for the tragedies in his life and capture that. What do you say. What is appropriate ? We went out to the desert to several different locations until the sun had set. He was very kind and sincere. I applaud him in his recovery and hope the best for him.

To purchase the book you can find it on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Other-Side-Suffering-JonBenet-ebook/dp/B004QX07F0



Photography By Natalie Cass, Cass Studios, www.CassStudios.com

Fire Lanterns in Brooklyn New York

I was Brooklyn for business and I was staying with my good Friends and they live in the tallest building in Brooklyn. So going to the roof is incredible. No need to fight the lines at the Empire State building to see the skyline. We decided to hang out there enjoy some wine and these people were lighting these Fire Lanterns and letting them float off the building. I happened to have my camera and tripod because I wanted to get some nighttime shots of the city. I wouldnt mind playing more with these fire lanterns more. Can't do that in Texas right now with the Fire Ban. Boo wild fires!









Photography by Cass Studios www.CassStudios.com Natalie Cass

Homeless Alien, a Photo Story

Alienation is defined as:
al·ien·a·tion/ˌālēəˈnāSHən/Noun
1. Isolation from a group or an activity to which one should belong or in which one should be involved.
2. Loss or lack of sympathy

Alien Nation conveys the feelings of separation and disconnection in society. How strange our culture would appear to such an outsider. The imagery encourages reflection upon our social conditioning and paradigm.
Its an interesting social commentary and question about the homeless. Why would you choose to be homeless? Everyone has their own opinions on what it means to be homeless. Ideas like: " These people are drug addicts, alcoholics, veterans, lazy, convicts, retards, handicap.. and etc". It can be all those things. There is actually a huge number of battered woman and children on the street.

Shooting the project has been its own sort of adventure. We went downtown and wondered around for a while. It was definitely a social experiment. Some people would ignore the big elephant on the street with a camera crew others would sit & gawk/ point and laugh, teenagers would get their pictures taken with the Alien. There was this ritzy party going on at an affluent hotel downtown. People saw us walking and insisted that we come inside to mingle at this black tie affair. As soon as we walked in this older man shewed us away like we were infected peasants. It was very strange - they invited us in and uninvited us just as quickly. Later we met some transient folks at the mall who were very nice. The woman said " ohh you just like us!" She let Alien sit by them and she played some music soon we had a crowd of 40 people around us on double levels watching clapping wondering. It was good business for our transient friends and they made some money for their travels. Soon security came and insisted that we leave or take off the mask.

This is one set of my social Alienation series.

Actor/Model James Christian Morris is the Alien. He is a method actor all the way. He even has his own Alien Language- that I of course understand. He is so passionate and dives into any role he participates in. He's been in numerous films, magazines and publications. Its alot of fun doing this with James.
http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/JamesCMorris

Special effects makeup artist Chris Richard Hanson created the mask. Chris is a true master at special effects. He has won several international special makeup awards for feature films. Very nice personable and professional.

















Photography by Natalie Cass, Cass Studios www.CassStudios.com

Haxton Manor- A little bit of England inside Salt Lake City

Want to escape Utah and have the feeling of England. Come and visit Haxton Manor Bed & Breakfast on 943 East South Temple! It has the unique feeling of a English Country Inn from the turn of the Century.

Buffi and Douglas King have completely renovated the house, while maintaining the integrity of the original builders. The modernization of Haxton Manor includes gas and standard fireplaces, replacing coal or wood burning stoves. Old bathtubs have been replaced with jetted tubs--with the added convenience of gas heating for warmth. Each room comes equipped with its own thermostat. The entire house is insulated and soundproofed for a restful nights sleep. Our old world European features include fine soaps and bath salts that bathe you in serious comfort. During frosty winter nights, crawl into the exclusively fashioned queen-sized bed, each equipped with its own down comforter. On stormy days or 'just because', bring your favorite book down to the living room and relax by the fireplace or sit in the Boar's Head Pub Room in over-stuffed chairs.You may never want to leave . . .

I worked with Buffi and Douglas and listened to their stories of renovation of this historical home. They put so much love into the details. The home is straight out of a movie.

Visit their website at http://www.haxtonmanor.com

Architecture interior photography done by Cass Studios, Natalie Cass www.CassStudios.com

Animal Use or Animal Abuse. Rooster’s nature to Fight- Cockfighting

Animal Use or Animal Abuse. Rooster’s nature to Fight- Cockfighting










Recently we photographed Danny Rogers & his birds; he is a bird wrangler, He raises and cares for all sorts of animals- specifically Roosters and Racing Pedigree Pigeons in Lockhart Texas. He raises the birds and sales them worldwide. It is illegal to fight roosters across the states. The word on the street is that it still happens in small towns and on Indian Reservations in the states.
He was recently featured on ESPN about Cockfighting. Rogers was under the impression when working with ESPN that they would show his part of the story. However they were focused on abuse of the birds.
Rogers breeds the birds, feeds them, cares for them then sales them. He complains that when the humane society or the animal activist groups seize the birds during an underground cockfight than they euthanize the birds. So instead of the birds have a fighting chance to live they are killed by the humane society.
"I can take this animal right here and kill him and eat it and nobody even thinks anything about it," said Rogers. "But, if I give him a fighting chance I'm some kind of weird type of person."

My experience with Roosters was to let the professional handle them or else I would get pecked! They are feisty but they sure are pretty.
Its ironic that the birds have so much aggression and are so popular as art – kitchen art around the world.

What is Cockfighting?
The combatants, referred to as gamecocks, are specially bred birds, conditioned for increased stamina and strength. Cocks possess congenital aggression toward all males of the same species. Cocks are given the best of care until near the age of two years old. They are conditioned, much like professional athletes prior to events or shows. Wagers are often made on the outcome of the match. While not all fights are to the death, the cocks may endure significant physical trauma. The birds are equipped with either metal spurs (called gaffs) or knives, tied to the leg in the area where the bird's natural spur has been partially removed. A cockspur is a bracelet (often made of leather) with a curved, sharp spike which is attached to the leg of the bird. The spikes typically range in length from "short spurs" of just over an inch to long spurs almost two and a half inches long.
Cockfighting- goes back in time The sport was popular in ancient times in India, China, Persia, and other Eastern countries and was introduced into Greece in the time of Themistocles (c. 524–460 BC). It is still popular in Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Southeast Asia, Pakistan and the Philippines islands.

Here is the ESPN piece.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6529326

Photography by Natalie Cass & Raychel Deppe with FeatherFoto International.
http://featherfotointl.wordpress.com/
www.CassStudios.com
www.appleboximaging.com

Varicose Veins- Mountain Medical Vein Center

How does one advertise for the treatment of Varicose veins. It takes a team! Scott Eggers was the art director/ graphic designer. He is extremely talented and experienced in advertising. Penny Goodwin was also incredibly awesome with wardrobe / makeup.
Locally in Utah there is Medical Spa that helps assist in treatment of Varicose veins; Mountain Medical Vein Center http://www.mtnmedical.com/vein_center.html
Mountain Medical Physician Specialists is the largest radiology and vascular surgery practice in Utah, serving more than 15 locations, including local hospitals and private clinics. We offer multiple areas of subspecialty expertise through cutting-edge diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, vascular care and surgery.
The people in these ads are real folks who are affected by varicose veins. It was an interesting experiencing learning more about the process and the demographic that needs help. Both of the woman spend time on their feet all day. Which seems to be one of the triggers.
Some facts I learned:
Women develop varicose veins nearly four times as often as men. In fact, about 70% of adult women get varicose veins at some time in their lives. Some women are at greater risk due to heredity. Others are likely to get spider veins because of lifestyle.
Women who are pregnant or use oral contraceptives are at risk for varicose veins. So are women who experience an increase in estrogen, which is believed to weaken vein walls. Overweight women often get spider veins because they're more likely to develop circulatory problems, diabetes or heart disease. All of these conditions hinder bloodflow to the heart.
Standing for long periods of time also increases the risk of getting spider veins. That’s because it's harder for veins to fight gravity and return blood to the heart. Those who wear high-heeled shoes can stress leg veins by forcing their calf muscles to contract more than usual.
Risk factors for varicose veins include:
• Heredity
• Occupations that involve a lot of standing
• Obesity
• Hormonal influences during pregnancy
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Post-menopausal hormone replacement
• Prolonged sitting with legs crossed
• History of blood clots
• Medical conditions such as tumors and constipation that may increase intra-abdominal pressure
• Externally worn garments such as girdles that may increase intra-abdominal pressure

Advertising Photography Salt Lake City Utah Cass Studios Natalie Cass www.CassStudios.com

Costa Rica- Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Pura Vida!!
Here is a preview of a Coffee Table book im creating. "Pura Vida"

Travel the world, take pictures and make money is the Dream manifested to reality. Awesome. :)
These images were actually taken for fun- the money came later. Returning to Awe/ Wonder; is what got me into photography in the first place. This is fun!
When I did my research about traveling to Costa Rica and bringing my camera gear everywhere I read and people I spoke with said that the thief was absurd. Basically expect to have your belongings stolen. So the whole time I was on hyper sensitive & alert about my equipment. Really uncomfortable, the gear is heavy and lets face it photographers backs are all screwed up anyways. I ended up taking my "big" camera out on hikes.

I have found that the more I travel, the more I want to travel. As a photographer it is imperative for your vision to be expanded continuously - find inspiration around the corner.
I will have a beach house there one day. Go on holiday :)

The locals have a saying- Pura Vida! Pura vida literally means Pura = pure and vida = life, but "Pure life" in Spanish would be "Vida pura" instead, so the real meaning is closer to "plenty of life", "full of life", "this is living!", "going great", "real living", or "cool!" It can be used both as a greeting and a farewell, to express satisfaction, to politely express indifference when describing something or even to say "thank you". The vibration of this place translates this no matter what language you speak. Use hand signals and say " pura vida" with a smile nodding your head, you'll do fine. "Oh, Smile for the Camera, yeah yeah"

Ohhh Butterfly! Nope not distracted at all. See a butterfly!

I will be your personal travel photographer- no problem :)
Travel Photography Cass Studios 2011 www.cassstudios.com















Travel Photography Costa Rica Cass Studios 2011 www.cassstudios.com