Cabaret Photographers: Helane Blumfield

Helane Blumfield had a huge career in fashion, which gave her a different point of view when it came to her approach to working in cabaret and concert.  Whether working in the studio (she was greatly in demand) or in the audience, Helane could zero in on the moments when the drama was at its highest.  When capturing performing artists at work, the drama is incredibly important because what the performers do is, by its very definition, a verb.  To act.  To sing.  To perform.  When a photographer captures them on film (sigh, the old days) or in pixels (technology, doncha know), they are stopping time.  They must be able to grab the life from the actor and from the moment and keep it visceral for the viewer.  Because of her earlier life experiences and her natural eye for color and light, Helane became one of the most sought-after photographers working in cabaret and concert, and Broadway World Cabaret was so lucky (and I, so honored) to have her as our lead photographer for a few years until she and her beloved husband and dog took off for warmer climes and a bit of retirement fun.  Oh, she still works, and I suspect she always will - the art is in her blood.  But she works from a little farther away, now.

But it sure was grand when she was in the picture.

The photos in this article are all my personal favorites by the artist.  --- SM

The artists appearing in this Helane Blumfield photo essay are as follows, in order of appearance:  Aaron Lee Battle, Aisha de Haas, Alex Getlin, Amra-Faye Wright, Andre De Shields, Andrea Marcovicci, Ann Kittredge, Ari Axelrod, Leo and Ari Axelrod, Billy Stritch, Carole J. Bufford, Carole J. Bufford, Celia Berk, Christine Andreas, Eden Espinosa, Gabrielle Stravelli, Jeff Harnar, Joe Iconis and Family, Karen Akers, Kelli Rabke, Kim David Smith, Kimber Elayne Sprawl, Lianne Marie Dobbs, Lillias White, Linda Lavin, Linda Eder, Lorinda Lisitza, Lorna Luft, LuAnn de Lesseps, Marilyn Maye, Marilyn Maye, Marta Sanders, Mason Alexander Park, Max Chernin, Megan Hilty, Melissa Errico, Melissa Errico, Michael Holland, Natalie Douglas, Nicole Vanessa Ortiz, Phillip Officer, Regina Zona, The Showbroads - Leanne Borghesi and Marta Sanders, Sidney Myer, T. Oliver Reid, Those Girls -  Wendy Russell, Rachel Hanser, Eve Eaton, Karen Mack, Tim Connell, Tim Connell, Valarie Pettiford, Vanessa Williams.

 About Helane Blumfield:

THEY CALL ME H. I love what I do and do what I love. Create amazing content. Wow, the world. Have fun doing it. My mantra, my way. It all happens when passion is your driver and your inner fire is ignited. How lucky am I to have been able to apply these simple guides to my life work! I am a nationally recognized creative visionary who has navigated the world of design and advertising most recently as the SVP Creative for Macy's. My passion for expression continues to explore new possibilities in visual communications and performance. Now inspired by the cabaret community I have once again found myself behind the lens and I couldn't be any more excited.

Visit the Helane Blumfield website HERE.

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