“Photography As ART” script shows how James creates his art using only light, camera, and optics, in addition to considerable logistical planning, technical experimentation, patience and dedication.
INT – THEATER – DARK
Image 10 shows a LS photograph of a spot lighted muse, Ann, with top hat and tails, taken in an old theater.
NARRATOR (female):
How did this creative exploration into photography begin?
DISSOLVE in a familiar Artistic Stock photo showing LA.
James earned a Degree in TV/Film, and was doing some production work and modeling in LA to make ends meet.
CUT to some shots from his Model portfolio.
Then he landed a position as in-house photographer for Vivitar Corporation, which added a new dimension for his future. To add experience, he apprenticed with more seasoned photographers.
CUT to a shot of loading roll film and handing the camera off to another pair of hands.
After leaving Vivitar he decided to freelance and for the next ten years took on commercial photography assignments.
CUT to shots of some early commercial work…Hang-Ten, Jewelry, Aramis etc.
It was during this time that he met his 2nd wife, Ann. She was a ninth generation Martha’s Vineyard Islander and they moved there in the mid-1980’s.
CUT to early photographs of Martha’s Vineyard on the map, and travelling to the Island, the ferry boat, harbor, etc.
It was there in 1987 when James (Schot) began illuminating for his photographic art. By then he had the itch and also enough photographic wherewithal to take that step.
Image 11 shows MS shot of the muse in a MS rapped in a boa and in fishnet stockings.
In this overall stage shot, he did cut out cardboard people to fill out some of the seats, although there wasn’t sufficient ambient light to get the “audience” effect.
CUT to exterior shots of the old Capawock theater. Then additional photographs from the Cabaret Series.
This initial quick foray in photographic art is called the Cabaret Series. It is essentially a shadow play, keeping in mind how vital shadows are in creating depth, shape, dimensionality, and interest. The setting is the Capawock Theater on Martha’s Vineyard, the oldest in operation since opening in 1913.
What followed was a far more challenging undertaking…
THE END of Scene Two
