Celebrate the life and legacy of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, with the release of “Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits.” This exclusive book, available globally at arethacool.com, showcases the extraordinary collaboration between Aretha Franklin and renowned photographer Matthew Jordan Smith. For collectors and fans worldwide, the Limited Edition of this book, with just over 40 copies remaining, offers a unique and valuable perspective into Aretha's world. A must-have for art enthusiasts and admirers of soul music, secure your copy of this fast-selling collectible and own a piece of music history. #ArethaFranklin #ArethaCool #LimitedEdition #MusicHistory #PhotographyArt
Read MoreCelebrating Womanhood and Music: “Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits” Now Available
As we immerse ourselves in Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of women throughout history, we find ourselves at the intersection of celebration and remembrance. March 25th marks the birthday of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, an icon whose impact resonates beyond the boundaries of music and into the very heart of cultural transformation. It is with great excitement and reverence that we announce the release of Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits, a book that intimately showcases the collaboration between legendary photographer Matthew Jordan Smith and the incomparable Aretha Franklin, from 2005 to 2018.
This book, now available on Amazon, is more than just a collection of images. It is a journey through the soulful eyes of Aretha, capturing her essence not just as a performer but as a symbol of strength, dignity, and grace that defines so many African-American women. The book resonates with the spirit of Easter Sunday traditions, where hats are not just accessories but a statement of identity and heritage, a nod to a practice dearly embraced by Aretha herself, reminiscent of the way many of our mothers, including mine, dressed on this special day.
Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits comes in two editions. The standard edition offers a glimpse into the depth of Aretha’s persona, revealing how her music and soul transcended the barriers of race, gender, and class. The limited edition, available only on Aretha Cool, is restricted to only 100 copies, delves even deeper, presenting a rare and exclusive perspective of their artistic collaboration.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the birthday of Aretha Franklin, this book stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a woman who was not just a singer, but a symbol of empowerment and resilience. It is an intimate portrayal that Matthew Jordan Smith has meticulously crafted, allowing us to witness the vulnerability, power, and elegance of Aretha in a light never seen before.
We invite you to experience this extraordinary collaboration, a melding of visual artistry and musical genius, a tribute to a woman who inspired and empowered so many. Embrace the legacy of Aretha Franklin and discover Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits on Amazon today.
Love of Beauty
Photographed in Tokyo, Japan by Matthew Jordan Smith
Photographer, Matthew Jordan Smith
Matthew Jordan Smith is an African-American photographers based in Japan, working between New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo.
Read MoreThe Perfect Gift For Photographers
In today’s podcast I share some of my favorite holiday gift ideas for photographers
The uncommon truth about editing
In this weeks podcast, we discuss the process of editing your photographs.
Click here to listen: Episode 138
Podcast Episode # 137
Are you currently facing challenges in photography? Do you feel like you are in the same place you were in last year at this time? In this weeks podcast, Matthew shares tips on breaking out of your comfort zone in photography. This week’s podcast is focused on getting you in the right zone for success.
First portrait of 2019
Miss Teen Nevada, photographed in Las Vegas 01/2019
How to start 2019
Happy New Year!
Here is a little help to start your New Year off right.
Click Here: How To Envision Your Perfect Life
Always dream big,
Matthew
Photo Plus Expo 2018
Are you coming to Photo Plus Expo next week in New York City?
Join me Thursday morning, October 25th at the Jacob Javits Center as I get the ball rolling at the Nikon booth.
I am speaking from 10:15 A.M. - 10:45 A.M. about my first experiences shooting with the new Nikon Z7 mirrorless camera.
See you in New York!
Goodbye Aretha
On August 15th, 2018 I called my long-time client and friend for the last time. The next day, August 16, Aretha Franklin passed away.
For the last 14 years, I have photographed Aretha and shared many wonderful moment along the way. Since October of 2017 we tried several times to arrange a photo shoot for her final CD cover (she was planning on retiring) however, each time the photo session had to be canceled at the last moment.
Over the last year we had a lot of opportunities to speak over the phone and many of those conversations were spent laughing and planning for the day she was strong enough to shoot. In November of 2017, she told me about her schedule to do an Elton John event in New York along with a late night talk show. We discussed doing the shoot while she was in New York but decided it would be too much and opted to wait until the weekend after Thanksgiving but the day before Thanksgiving she was admitted to the hospital. Sadly, our shoot never took place but I am grateful for every second I spent with Ms. Franklin forever.
Goodbye my friend!
Love, Matthew
This week in San Francisco
Did you see this?
Learn how this image is created in this weeks Master Your Lens photography podcast.
Read MoreYou just landed that big photo job...now what!
What happens after you land your first big photo assignment? In this weeks episode of the Master Your Lens photography podcast, we take a look at the steps to ensure you keep getting more big assignments.
<<<CLICK HERE>>
Have you taken the Smart Photo Quiz?
When was the last time you smiled and had fun as a photographer? The Smart Photo Quiz should definitely put a smile on your face...especially if you get all the answers right.
<<<CLICK HERE>>> to start your quiz.
Since we are on the topic of quizzes, here one to end this post.
Which prime focal length lens was used to create the following image?
1) 24mm
2) 35mm
3) 105mm
Write your answer in the comments section!
Always dream big,
Matthew
P.S. Here's the photography quiz link to pass along to all your friends. www.SmartPhotoQuiz.com
CES 2018
Help! My lighting sucks!
In this blog post, Matthew talks about lighting and how you can improve your lighting skill as a photographer.
Read MoreCES 2018 and How To Land Your First Photography Job
New episode: Master Your Lens Podcast. How to land your first photography job.
Read MoreCES Convention in Vegas
If you're in Las Vegas this week, join me along with a host of other great speakers as we share the joy of photography on the Nikon stage.
Happy New Year: The Price of Success
The Master Your Lens Podcast launches season 3 today!
Read More