“From Jazz to Scapes” Photos by Michael Baumann

After a career in commercial photography and design Michael Baumann is focusing on his personal photographic passions. Michael likes to observe, experience and capture unique moments in time.

In addition to observing and photographing life on the streets in New York City, enjoying nature and photographing landscapes, Michael’s latest project (for the last 4 years and continuing) is hanging out many long nights in Harlem jazz dives listening to great music, photographing and sometimes also video recording musicians in their element away from the limelight. Michael is not interested in visiting established high-end jazz performances. He is fascinated by places where authentic jazz is happening … the raw … the real jazz and blues on the edge.

Many of the musicians Michael listens to and photographs have been playing on records and touring the world with superstars (like David Bowie, Ron Ayers, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Duran Duran, Madonna, Blondie, Gregory Porter, etc.). They often jam at Paris Blues, play at The Post, Bill’s Place, New Amsterdam Musical Association, Red Rooster, Farafina, Nabe, etc. and have interesting stories to tell. Music is their life.

Michael is ‘right there’ and very close to the musicians with his camera since he photographs mostly with a 14mm to 24mm lens. His jazz photos are personal and intimate.

Michael is photographing often in black and white since he likes the abstraction, contrast and dramatic effect of black, white and gray tones, “but using monochrome or color depends on the subject matter, composition and also the feeling one likes to convey.” Michael adds: “My jazz photos are almost all in black and white since that just seems to fit better to jazz.”

“it’s not so much about photography or being an observer – it’s more about the experience, being a participant. When energies are in harmony, being ‘in thezone’ – I sometimes capture a unique moment”.

Michael Baumann moved to New York City from Munich, Germany in 1971 and lives with his family on the beautiful Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry, NY since 2007.