Monday, December 12, 2011

Celebrate Moments of Joy

This morning I want to share a collage of two very special people who are currently, thankfully on the road to recovery after a car accident last week. This series was taken in one of the many moments of joy that they have shared together, well beyond their just celebrated 56 years of marriage.


We are beyond thankful that they are healing and we would welcome any and all prayers and images of positivity sent in their direction. The energy will come back in your direction, fostering the well-being of you and those in your lives.

Whether we need them or not, the universe will spontaneously throw reminders that we need to cherish those we love and connect with them at every opportunity. Celebrate even the smallest moments of joy! And thanks for the love and light.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Teaser: Dave Koz + Friends = Holiday Wonder

I had the privilege of photographing the gracious and talented Dave Koz as he led a holiday music event a the State Theater in New Brunswick, NJ, accompanied by amazing artists (on, off, and backstage), with special guests Rick Braun, Candy Dulfer, and Jonathan Butler - whose take on "O Holy Night" was paired in the wonder department by makin' me wonder how the hell Ms Dulfer plays sax and navigates in those heels!

(More, soon! Here's a taste.)
Heatin' up a (wet) winter night!

POW! Randy Jacobs joins in the fun.
Dave's set designer helps ensure that he never forgets the correct spelling of his name.


EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to Mr Koz and his fantastic team!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Phenomenal Woman

Life is too short to be just one thing – at least, that’s part of my philosophy.

Years back I pursued a career as an actor. OK, I really wanted to be an actor-singer. And sometimes you can still find me crooning on stages and in showers near you.

But back to the credo mentioned earlier. More than twenty years ago I was privileged to work on a production of A Chorus Line. The greatest privilege that show offered to me was friendships that have lasted through today.



Oh sure, some of us lost contact for many years. But due to part perseverance and (no small part) 21st Century social media, I have kept in close contact with my dear friend Marcia. She is truly a remarkable woman who continues to lead a remarkable life. She has given much to the world, including five (that she knows of) beautiful and talented children – some of whom have already begun to offer the world the next great generation of this lineage.

Throughout her life, she lays claim to be called a mother, a teacher, an actress, a chanteuse, a grandmother, and a committed and completely selfless friend. I wouldn’t be surprised if she played a role in inspiring the Maya Angelou poem, “Phenomenal Woman.”

Marcia and I recently collaborated on new acting portraits. We always have such fun together and this was no exception. Here are a few images that I just love. I think it shows a side of her spirit and beauty. Consider yourself fortunate if Marcia ever enters your life. 

Thursday, November 17, 2011

David Mixner's new book release: At Home With Myself

Wonderful and amazing spirits are all around us. Living legend David Mixner has released a wonderful tome of anecdotes, told as only Mixner can.


David Mixner's wonderful new release can be found on amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/At-Home-Myself-Stories-Turkey/dp/1936833107/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321336365&sr=1-1


This is an image of David I captured during our last visit together.



All images are copyright © Daniel T Gramkee 2011.

All rights are reserved. Any copying, altering, displaying, reproduction or redistribution of any of these images without written permission is strictly prohibited.


My Fair Lady

Just this week, Paramount video released a blu-ray edition of the classic 1964 film, "My Fair Lady." No, this is not a free plug or a link to amazon.com to secure a copy for yourself (though, admittedly, I have already!).

But I am reminded of what is my favorite photograph, one that I lovingly entitled, "My Fair Lady."

This image was captured on a Memorial Day weekend afternoon and happened rather unassumingly but, I am told by many, captures the spirit of someone who truly enjoys life.

Trust me, she does.