Bio: Todd Chalfant
Richly sensual, yet subtle, robustly lively, yet perfectly still, a Todd Chalfant photo is truly distinctive in that each work stands as a painting as it unfolds its complex layers, dream-like colors, and finely captured textures. ”I’m not just trying to snap a picture, my goal is to evoke a sense of warmth, a real feeling of emotion”, says the New York artist.
Honing his craft in the gritty and sometimes glittery venues and studios in the East Village and on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the early 90’s, Todd learned to incorporate into his art the edginess and lush vibrancy of that hypnotic arena.
“As insane as the downtown scene was in the early days, I worked hard to ensure each subject was completely comfortable and relaxed… My relationships are something that I continue to take great pride in, and the comfort level that is developed is hopefully reflected in the work making each photo not only striking, but also pure and honest.
”Todd’s images flow like moods and music as evidenced by his collaborations with Norah Jones including the cover photography for her CD and Vinyl Package – “Not Too Late” and the still photos for her video, “Thinking About You”.
Todd’s passion for music also led him to work with a myriad of New York musicians including The Little Willies, Marshall Crenshaw, Ron Sexsmith, Joan Osbourne, El Madmo, Josh Ritter, Richard Julian, Joseph Arthur, Corey Chisel, Flava Flav, Eve and the list goes on.
His photos have been published in magazines like Glamour, Paste, Vibe, Movmnt, Blaze, Forbes and Slam. His work with Vivienne Tam has appeared in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His work on the advertising campaign for Time Warner Cable won the Best in Show and the Gold award at the 22nd annual Mark Awards. He has worked with Record company’s such as: BlueNote/Emi , 429 Records, Sunnyside, Anzic , Palmeto, Innova , Brooklyn Jazz Underground, Profile, Rudy Records, Manhattan/EMI and Saguaro Road Records.
In addition to photographing musicians, actors and fashion models, Todd has photographed for BBC America, BBC Canada, BBC Video, Samsung, Time Warner, Bravo, Crestor {Saatchi & Saatchi NY}, BMW, Comcast Cable, Johnson & Johnson, Macy’s and The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.