Piano man

This was a great mail day. I also received this testimonial for some portrait work I did while on vacation in Cedar Key, Florida. I met Joel when e was playing piano at a local hotel. I saw his face and was impressed with all the living I saw there. I asked his wife to let him know I was interested in photographing him. He called I went to visit and made a friend, I’ll let him tell it from here….

“My wife told me a Mr. Coates had expressed an interest in coming to our very rural, but comfortable home in Rocky Hammock to take some pictures of me if there was no objection. I remembered meeting Mr. Coates the evening before, however, I did not realize that he is an extremely gifted photographer, I should say artist.
I phoned Mr. Coates and we agreed to meet at our home. Shortly after arriving Mr. Coates became Bob Coates. He suggested we set out on the front porch and take the majority of the shots right there. I’ve never been entirely comfortable in front of the cameras. However, Bob allowed me to become very relaxed and comfortable through interesting conversation and shortly I became myself. He encouraged me to chat about many topics. It was a fulfilling morning and I had a new friend. Bob was patient and generous, sharing his concepts, technology and general ideas. As with most artists, Bob has paid his dues and has his own story to tell. Most people have the ability to look, then there are others who can see!! There are others fewer in numbers, who can see beyond or beneath the surface!! This is Bob Coates ARTIST/PHOTOGRAPHER. RESPECTFULLY, Joel Benefiel”

I ended up designing a CD cover for Joel that will be used on the release of his next music project.