Hero Photographs

“Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.” -- David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens.

 I grew up hearing this quote from my mother and grandmother.  Often times, in film and television, we don’t get to play the hero—and sometimes we do-- but we can always be the hero of our own lives. And that is what I seek to do with my photography—specifically to capture on camera who you are.   

As a headshot and portrait photographer, I am a creative collaborator. I’ve worked in the art world for close to two decades—in galleries, as a studio manager of a photography school on 14th street in NYC, as a member of a finesse team for art installations, as an art model,  as a costume designer, i've made  8mm films and work (ed) as an actor, a taping coach, and a talent agent. 

My goal is to pick a few looks when we work together and pull out multiple variations of their truth. I like photographs specific enough to name--the sensitive redneck, fallen aristocracy, vegan super Mom, the boring IT guy, salt of the earth, young Tom Cruise—When you can name something, it means you recognize it. I seek to strike a balance  between what you are wearing, what the background is saying, and what your posture and eyes are speaking to us through the lens. 

I started this business for actors but also offer my services to entrepreneurs, real estate agents, activists, doctors, scientists, engineers, contractors, politicians, authors.—Anyone who is in need of a media presence—be it for a website at your work, a blog, or a business card. 

Kate Adair