Rhythm & Roots Festival: an annual treat / September 1, 2015 by Ron Cowie

I was first introduced to the Rhythm & Roots Festival in 2012 when I was assigned to cover it for SO Rhode Island, a local magazine. It made sense to bring the large format camera to set up a portrait studio backstage. I photographed the artists in a semi-formal setting that spoke to everything roots music represents.

What is "Roots" music? It is a style of music that includes folk music from a variety of American and French Canadian cultures.

In any case, this weekend is always a lot of fun for me and a story to follow. Here are some images from the past years.

Roddie Romero and the Hub City All Stars

Images from Friday, August 30 Rhythm and Roots Festival

Family Portrait in Matunuck Rhode Island / August 10, 2015 by Ron Cowie

Family portrait session in Matunuck Rhode Island. Just me, a camera, 35 people, and a setting sun.

A little liplock at sunset never hurt anyone.

New England is known for being a little uptight around public displays of affection ("P.D.A." according to The Preppy Handbook). However, when you find that one person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you get to make-out a little.

Sessions should be kept simple. I'm interested in showing the connection you share with your partner. Often, for me, that just requires simple light, a beach and, my camera.

Matunuck Oyster Bar / June 17, 2015 by Ron Cowie

Rhode Island's best seafood restaurant is the Matunuck Oyster Bar. Located on Potter's Pond in East Matunuck, Rhode Island, MTKOB is nationally known for their great food and commitment to sustainable, organic farming.I was commissioned to create and manage the content for their social media platforms. I have been an admirer of the restaurant and Perry Raso for a long time, so it was a real honor to be a part of the team.

Here are some of the videos and still images I've made in support of their mission

A short piece about how the oysters are farmed and what give them their unique flavor.

The term "farm to table" gets tossed around a lot but Matunuck Oyster Bar has invested deeply in the idea. Most, if not all of their vegetables come from their own farms within three miles of the restaurant.

Oyster Facts for Matunuck Oyster Bar. Using humor to promote the health benefits of oysters.

A video playing on the idea of Oysters as aphrodisiacs and the sexual powers contained within. The object was to be scientifically accurate and funny at the same time.

A quick spot taking a fact and using it to promote the restaurant.