Jake Kavanagh
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Jake Kavanagh is an MFA candidate in Design at University of Idaho. He currently teaches theatre design and technology at Durham Academy, in Durham, NC.
He most recently designed lighting for BrightStar at PlayMakers Repertory Company and has designed scenery/lighting regionally in Chicago, Dallas, Maine, Massachusetts, and on both the east and west coast of Florida. Other recent design work has been in entertainment and event design. Art Direction with Bruce Rodgers of Tribe Design for Super Bowl Halftime shows for Bruce Springsteen, Black Eyed Peas and The Who (nominated for Emmy and Art Directors Guild awards). Art Direction for Barack Obama’s Inaugural Ball, CMA awards, People’s Choice Awards, live concerts for Eminem and Jay-Z at Yankee Stadium, Beyoncé at Glastonbury festival and Ivete Sangalo at Madison Square Garden. Production design for comedy tours hosted by Kevin Hart and Marlon Wayans. Event Design for Axe Body Spray at Playboy Mansion, Intel, Nike, Maybelline, and Gillette. Jake graduated from the Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. |
portrait
In this portrait series I wanted to focus on varied levels of black and white. I also tested out heavy doses of grainy texture in various levels.
In all of my photographs the most important focus for me was understanding the limits and potential with post editing. Obviously a well taken photograph is the most important step. Yet, I wanted to explore what can be done with a photograph after it is taken. Can I turn it into a beautiful image by carefully reworking for the strongest composition? Can I push the color and contrast to draw the viewer in to the image in a way that they may not have been with the original? These are all questions I hoped to answer in these series.
In all of my photographs the most important focus for me was understanding the limits and potential with post editing. Obviously a well taken photograph is the most important step. Yet, I wanted to explore what can be done with a photograph after it is taken. Can I turn it into a beautiful image by carefully reworking for the strongest composition? Can I push the color and contrast to draw the viewer in to the image in a way that they may not have been with the original? These are all questions I hoped to answer in these series.
Independent / smooth
With this series I focused on photographing subjects that were either soft in texture or light. I also pushed those elements with the post editing. I wanted to explore ways to push the textures in my photos and examine ways in which items both animate and inanimate could be viewed differently.
To view full size, click on image.
Independent / rough
With this series I focused on photographing subjects that were rough either in texture or light. I explored pushing these details by either working with contrast and color or pushing clarity when I thought appropriate. I was particularly focused on subject matter first and then tried to push the envelope with editing.
To view full size, click on image.
