In June of 2012, John Hall of Sayre, opened the doors to his new photography studio, Red Door Photography. The 1991 Athens high school graduate, who grew up in nearby Milltown, Pa., began doing photography to utilize for paintings he created, and discovered a knack along the way. Now, with his photography studio set up at 216 1/2 Desmond St. in Sayre, Pa., Hall is able to transform his creativity and art into still photos that are gaining popularity nationwide.
In a recent interview inside Hall's studio, which had several types of mechanical lighting fixtures, and a variety of props to include vintage clothing, artificial trees and fog machines, he explained how his original love for painting and art led to his newfound passion for photography.
Hall explained that he has been doing photography since he attended Broome Community College in Binghamton, N.Y. for Mechanical Engineering - a trade that continues to provide him steady evening employment.
Photography interested Hall, and he noted that it was a hobby - doing landscapes primarily. And because he had a strong background in art, Hall was able to photograph these landscapes, and then put them on canvas.
But soon, Hall gained an interest in photographing people. "I started as a hobby, photographing friends or family that wanted pictures," said Hall.
Hall also used his artistic talents, for a period of time, to do tattoo work at Touch of Color in Cortland, N.Y. But soon, he explained, he got away from the tattoos and took a break from photography.
He did note that when his sister, Erin (Hall) Rae got married in June of 2011, he offered to photograph the wedding. He noted that this gave him another taste for photographing people, but that he wasn't ready to go professional ... not yet.
But within a year, Hall realized that professional photography was what he wanted to do, and his full-time job as an engineer would enable him to do so. Utilizing an empty space at 216 1/2 Desmond St. in Sayre, which is accessible through the alleyway, Hall soon opened up as Red Door Photography.
Also during this time, Hall met his wife, Eileen (Lambert) Hall, and the two were married on Friday the thirteenth in July of this year. The two now reside in the home that Hall grew up in in Milltown. "It was our family's home," said Hall, "and is now fourth generation."
And back at his studio, Hall talked of his work, and the transformation of the open building space into what is now operating as Red Door Photography.
As for the name, Hall said that when he was trying to figure something out, he thought about how when a door is red, it means open - thus Red Door Photography.
Inside the darkened studio, Hall claims to use nothing but Nikon for camera equipment. And with artificial trees decorated in the center, Hall was preparing for the upcoming holiday season, and the potential work for holiday portraits.
He just ended a busy season, he explained, of weddings, senior portraits and newborn sessions. He also did a lot of fall foliage photography. But Hall also does special photos that are used by artists, musicians and actors - photos that are used professionally.
Most recently, Hall photographed some promotional material for Tim O'Hearn, a Horror film actor residing in Waverly, N.Y.
The photo, which has an animated O'Hearn on a motorcycle with an eerie background, was taken using theatrical makeup and a fog machine. According to Hall, they set up the fog machine in the alley, and applied the makeup.
"Anything anybody wants," said Hall, "we can do it."
Hall noted, as with this photo of O'Hearn, that he likes using the local landscape for his photography.
Hall also did a session with Stevie Tombstone, an American singer and songwriter, in July of 2012. According to Hall, the photo was a promotional shot and was on the heels of the release of Tombstone's new album, Greenwood.
Hall provides, with these sessions, the services of a professional makeup artist, and any special effects.
Hall is excited about the opportunities that are already coming his way through Red Door Photography, and has appointments available for those who want to learn more. Call (607) 425-4807 to make an appointment, or visit red-door-photography.com. You can also like them on Facebook.
