RIT Photography Students Capture the 1930's Jazz Era

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: FEB. 10 AT MEMORIAL ART GALLERY

Jazz great Duke Ellington and his orchestra attracted big crowds to the Cotton Club, the famous New York City hotspot, in the late 20s and early 30s. As a tribute to Ellington and the jazz era, Rochester Institute of Technology students will recreate a scene from the Cotton Club as part of a project for their production photography course.

The photo shoot will take place between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Art Gallery's Cutler Union on Thursday, Feb. 10.

The dance floor and stage of the Cotton Club will be the focal point of the photograph. Models will wear period costumes and play the roles of Duke Ellington, dancers, band members and audience members. Students have gathered costumes, stage props and instruments including a grand piano.

This project is the final assignment for 17 students in the production photography course. Students will use a Leaf 22 digital back on a Mamiya camera.

“This is one of the most ambitious shots we've ever done because of the choreography involved,” says Douglas Ford Rea, RIT photography professor and the project's faculty supervisor. “We could not have done this project without help from the Eastman School of Music, The Memorial Art Gallery and Nolans Rental Inc.”

Past photo recreations by RIT students include the registration of immigrants at Ellis Island in New York City and the trial of Susan B. Anthony at the Ontario County Courthouse.