Over the last several years, I've had the great fortune of photographing Auction Napa Valley festivities - hopping from party to party, mingling with folks from all over the world, tasting tidbits and the occaissional sip of vino. This post is about some of my favorite photos that may not have made it to the primetime galleries online or grace the pages of editorial spreads of Auction coverage.
What's Auction Napa Valley?
Since 1981, members of the Napa Valley Vintners and the Napa Valley community have rallied together to offer, each June, an experience unlike any other - Auction Napa Valley. What started as a small event has grown into one of the world's most renowned wine auctions—with more than 350 wineries and 550 community volunteers now taking part—yet remains true to its goal of raising funds for healthcare, housing and youth services non-profits: Auction Napa Valley has given $90 million in proceeds to date.
Oh, and one amazing aspect some folks forget is that all money raised during the event is donated to the non-profits in Napa County. What's raised here, stays here. Learn more about Auction Napa Valley at http://www.napavintners.com/.
Without further delay - the photos divided into three galleries....
Private winery parties
Delectible nibbles and wine photos
Live Auction Bidding Action
Enjoy the photos!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
New client work: Mumm Napa
Set along the Silverado Trail in Rutherford Napa Valley lies Mumm Napa - one of my favorite wineries to visit. Aside from making some scrumptious sparkling wines (no, it's not Champagne, unless it comes from Champagne, France!), they have a great tasting room/patio that boasts one of the best views of the valley floor and they're dog friendly - woof! As if that wasn't enough for ya, they also have an amazing collection of original Ansel Adams photographs.
I can't tell you how many times I've wandered through their gallery admiring the photos of the late master, sipping bubbly and feeling inspired. Currently, Adams' work is on display in China having been replaced with other amazing photos and sculpture, but I'm sure it'll return soon. Actually, I have no idea when it returns. You'll have to give them a ring... :)
About the shoot:
As they seem to do every year, Mumm donates their award winning wine to Auction Napa Valley. This year, they've donated a 10 year vertical of their DVX sparkling wine to the e-auction of Auction Napa Valley, an online EBay style auction that draws bidders from around the globe.
The photo of the wine bottles will be used as a piece of eye-candy to promote their lot online and through other marketing collateral.
While they'll only use one, I thought it'd be interesting to also demonstrate how a photo evolves when shooting. Often times, I'll start out with one concept and after working to refine it, the final photo presents itself. In this case, I think the cropped-in image of the wine glasses with the oldest vintage bottle works the best.
Take a look...
And my favorite of the bunch...
Enjoy!
ps - Interested in bidding in the Auction Napa Valley e-Auction? Visit the Napa Valley Vintners' website to check out the other fabulous lots and register. The auction opens on May 9, 2010... Don't miss it!
I can't tell you how many times I've wandered through their gallery admiring the photos of the late master, sipping bubbly and feeling inspired. Currently, Adams' work is on display in China having been replaced with other amazing photos and sculpture, but I'm sure it'll return soon. Actually, I have no idea when it returns. You'll have to give them a ring... :)
About the shoot:
As they seem to do every year, Mumm donates their award winning wine to Auction Napa Valley. This year, they've donated a 10 year vertical of their DVX sparkling wine to the e-auction of Auction Napa Valley, an online EBay style auction that draws bidders from around the globe.
The photo of the wine bottles will be used as a piece of eye-candy to promote their lot online and through other marketing collateral.
While they'll only use one, I thought it'd be interesting to also demonstrate how a photo evolves when shooting. Often times, I'll start out with one concept and after working to refine it, the final photo presents itself. In this case, I think the cropped-in image of the wine glasses with the oldest vintage bottle works the best.
Take a look...
And my favorite of the bunch...
Enjoy!
ps - Interested in bidding in the Auction Napa Valley e-Auction? Visit the Napa Valley Vintners' website to check out the other fabulous lots and register. The auction opens on May 9, 2010... Don't miss it!
