Photos by Mike Worthington

Reprinted from http://jazzwax.com

Photos by Mike Worthington

Mike Worthington (above) is a fabulous photographer. He has a wonderful eye for composition and perspective and I love how he gets up-close to his subjects and captures energy and expression. All of his subjects seem to be in motion—even if they are snapped standing still. This takes enormous patience. I asked Mike to share a handful of his jazz works along with text so you'd know where and how they were taken.

Take it away Mike:

B.B. King...

I took this image while on an editorial assignment in Burlington, Vt., covering one of many stops on the guitarist's tour back in 2007. Despite being slowed down by Type II diabetes to the point that he needs assistance being helped to the stage, Mr. King still managed to knock everyone out. Camera: Canon 1D Mark IIN; lens: Canon 24-105mm F4 L Series IS Lens; exposure: 1/80th of a second at F4.

Chuck Brown...

I was asked to photograph Chuck Brown in 2009 for some promo shots by his management company. We coordinated the shoot around a Thanksgiving weekend gig he was to perform at the Ram's Head/Fordham Brewery in historic downtown Annapolis, Md. while I was in town for the holiday. I picked the alleyway behind the club because of the bright colors painted on the 200-year-old brick. Sadly, Chuck Brown passed away of heart failure in May of this year.Camera: Canon 5D Mark II; lens: Canon 24-105mm F4 L Series IS Lens; lighting was provided by 2 Dynalite heads triggered by a PocketWizard Mini; exposure: 1/80th of a second at F6.3.

Ray Vega...

I first met Ray when he was playing in the great Paquito D'Rivera's band. This shot was taken during the 2011 Burlington Jazz Festival when he was performing at the Flynn Space with his band. Camera: Canon 5D Mark II; lens: Canon 70-200mm F2.8 L Series IS Lens; exposure: 1/60th of a second at F2.8.

Ornette Coleman...

I captured this shot at the 2008 Burlington Jazz Festival when Ornette Coleman was one of the headlining performers of that year's festival. I was positioned stage-left, backstage when Mr. Coleman took a short pause and looked back. Note that he's playing a trumpet rather than his customary alto sax. Camera: Canon 1D Mark IIN; lens: Canon 70-200mm F2.8 L Series IS Lens; exposure: 1/50th of a second at F2.8.

Sonny Rollins...

I took this one at the 2010 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival where Sonny Rollins was one of the headlining performers. I was lucky to capture one of those moments when he was just looking up and where you can see his eyes through his glasses. Camera: Canon 1D Mark IIN; lens: Canon 70-200mm F2.8 L Series IS Lens; exposure: 1/60th of a second at F2.8.

Esperanza Spalding...

This shot was taken at the during the 2009 Discover Jazz Festival on the Flynn Theatre Main Stage in Burlington, Vt. Here she is playing a Fender electric bass versus the upright bass she is usually photographed playing. I took this shot from behind stage-right. Camera: Canon 5D Mark II; lens:Canon 70-200mm F2.8 L Series IS Lens; exposure: 1/125th of a second at F2.8.

JazzWax note: Whether on assignment for magazines or corporate clients, Mike Worthington knocks the ball out of the park. All of his images grab you and hold your attention. To view many more of his images, go here. To reach him, email him at mike@worthingtonimages.com.

Used with permission by Marc Myers