Hurricane Sandy, 1 year later

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Cher live on TODAY show

What more can be said about Cher other than she is AMAZING. This was the second time in a matter of months that I photographed her and it's always a great day when this legend is in front of my camera.

Allentown (PA) Morning Call Interview

DEBRA ROTHENBERG For Bruce fans, Debra Rothenberg's book is essential. It follows Springsteen's career from when he was 31 until last year. "Bruce Springsteen In Focus Photographs 1980-2012," Rothenberg's first book, has riveting shots from an expert photographer. "I learned photography from the Stone Pony," she says from her office in New York City, referring to the legendary Asbury Park club that was a starting point for Springsteen and other New Jersey legends. "I didn't have that many opportunities to shoot in college, so when I moved back to New Jersey I was there every night they were open." Springsteen was known for coming into venues like the Stone Pony unannounced at 1:30 or so in the morning. The book has photos of the Boss playing for all different types of audiences, from small clubs to stadiums, with different band members and jamming with various musicians. "Whether he is playing to 50 or 100,000 people, the energy is exactly the same. He loves what he does," she says. A few of the photos show Springsteen off stage, like the cover photo, which captures him in a relaxed moment as he is walking in front of a vintage 1957 Ford. The pictures are arranged chronically so you can see him get older, but he has an ageless quality when performing. Some of the last photos have him doing acrobatics that very few 63-year-olds are able to pull off. Rothenberg's expert use of camera angles and knowledge of lighting give you a feel of being present at each concert. Springsteen always looks terrific, whether he is laughing or making a dramatic gesture while holding his guitar. "I heard he doesn't like to be photographed when he is smiling. Thats hard to believe, because he is always smiling onstage." She says the he is generally indifferent to having his picture taken, since he is totally focused on his music." Rothenberg has never had a conversation with him, however. "I chose not to. I would rather take his picture. Of course, she says, she would like to hand him her book personally. Rothenberg has seen Springsteen on a hundred or so occasions. "Watching him got me through so pretty rough times," she says. She recalls friends who told her "I hate Bruce." "Have you ever seen him in concert?" she would ask. "If you go, I'll buy the ticket. If you don't like it, you don't have to pay me back." Rothenberg has not lost money on these deals, and Springsteen gained a few fans who have followed him across the country. Rothenberg says you never know what Springsteen is going to do. Known primarily for his work with the E Street Band, he has worked with extended groups that include horn sections and done many solo performances. "If he does two nights in a row, each one is different. He will change it up by pulling out something obscure," she says. Rothenberg has photographed other rockers in concert, including Paul Mccartney, Sting, Steven Tyler, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Usher and Britney Spears. "I try to make them look good, hoping they will like the picture." In the years that Rothenberg has covered Springsteen, the technology has changed, with digital cameras replacing film. She says she loves black and white from the "old days." and many of the best shots in the book are not in color. "I have a love/hate relationship with digital It takes longer with the time you sit at the computer. I used to be able to look at negatives and immediately see which was the best shot." Dave Howell is a freelance writer. Jodi Duckett, editor jodi.duckett@mcall.com Easton Library Talks When: Thursday October 17, 2013 WHERE: Easton Public Library, catherine Drake Meeting Room, 515 Church St, Easton How Much: Free but registration is required I will be speaking and showing some of my images from the 30 years I have been a professional photographer at the Easton, PA Public Library on Thursday October 17. The event is free and open to the public http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/music/mc-easton-authors-libbrary-stroby-searles-rothenbe-20130920,0,5611321.story

Nice email from Amazon....

Up early on a Sunday morning getting ready for a shoot and the first email I receive is from Amazon saying I may be interested in one of their Arts and Photography books. The book? My own! But order it from #Booktowne to receive an exclusive 8x10....call 732-722-7255

Wall Street Journal says my book is one of the "Best Photo Books For The Fall."

Very excited to see the Wall Street Journal list my book, "Bruce Springsteen IN FOCUS Photographs 1980-2012" as one of the "Best Photo Books for the Fall."

One month from today, on Saturday October 12 from 3-7 is the official launch at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. Hope to see you all there!

Remembering 9-11

A day I will never forget. A day we all should NEVER forget.

Portrait Session with Singer/Actress Brianna Brice

I LOVE young talent. I LOVE meeting young people who have a passion for anything creative, and a driving force to work on their craft. Brianna Brice is a name we will be hearing about. This young woman sings and acts and has an amazing voice. From the moment she walked into my studio, I was so impressed. As you can tell, she is beautiful with gorgeous eyes, and a personality that matches her looks. Oh and did I mention-she is also SMART! Something made this shoot even more special for me. Brianna is now 17 and I first photographed her father, musician Coleman R. Brice was he was just 19 himself!