Greta Matassa

Singer, Greta Matassa, is one of the finest musicians I know.  There are few I have encountered who come from such an organic, pure place as Greta.

When planning her photo shoot, I wanted to capture her down to earth nature.  One thing many may not know about Greta is that she can hit a jump shot from 15 feet.  Shooting hoops in her backyard is a favorite pastime when the musicians take a break from one of her vocal workshops.  She'll come out and clean up the court, nailing shot after shot.  This led me to my first photographic idea.  Since Greta is such an anti-diva, I thought it would be funny to put her in a ball gown, on a basketball court, shooting hoops.  I can't imagine Greta willing wearing a ball gown, she's simply not the type to adorn herself with the artificial trappings of glamour.  As I said, she's the furthest thing from a diva.  Her voice and personality thrives on it's honesty.  She is both powerful and graceful, both witty and poignant.

As you can see, the initial image didn't happen.  I think Greta was a little concerned about looking silly and I don't blame her.  I love creating humorous images but never at the risk of making my subject feel uncomfortable or misrepresented.  Plan B is the image you see and I'm glad we went this route.  Greta came as herself, and I did my best to create a simple image that represents her.  When I look at this image, I see an approachable, honest, artist with a magnificent instrument, who never holds back are hides behind a facade.

Her interview can be found at:

http://seattlejazzscene.com/?p=3551

Greta's site can be found here:

http://www.gretamatassa.com/

Technical info:

The image was shot with a Canon 5D MK II w/ef 24-70 2.8L USM at f/16 1/160th, ISO 100.

The lighting was provided by a Profoto Compact 600, bar bulb at low power to provide fill.

The main light was a Profoto Compact 600 through a Mola Demi with a grid.

Triggered by Pocket Wizards