Will Hawkins Photography

Among my peers, I speak about my long-time heroes often: BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Michael Jackson, Buddy Guy, … and someone a bit more modern, my cousin Jesse Leach.

Jesse and I grew up in the same neighborhood – on the Eastern half of Cranston, RI.

I’ve been following him since he picked up the microphone for heavy, tearing band Corrin in the 1990′s. Corrin was followed by somewhat more melodic Nothing Stays Gold.

Nothing Stays Gold split and, as usual, I was anxious to hear what Jesse would get into next.

In 1999, Jesse, along with Mike D’Antonio, Joel Stroetzel, and Adam Dutkiewicz formed a monster of a band – Killswitch Engage. Soon after, Jesse and I were living together. Rough demo tapes of early Killswitch material ended up being a perk of close quarters.

A few years later, Jesse left Killswitch. Pete Cortese, former Killswitch guitarist, contacted me soon after, saying he was forming a band with some buddies and that he wanted Jesse’s contact info. I threw the info over – and an amazing straight-up rock band called Seemless soon formed, also featuring Derek Kerswill.

Seemless ran its course, and Jesse has since formed a couple more amazing bands, currently two of my favorites – Times of Grace and The Empire Shall Fall.

Jesse has been a lyrical, vocal, rock, music, faith, and human rights champion hero of mine for years. It has been an honor to know him, to photograph him, to see his rise, to watch from early on…

With Killswitch Engage’s recent announcement of their departure with singer Howard Jones (Jesse’s replacement), Jesse has been a focal point in rock music news recently.

Here are just a few casual photos from a visit we had in Austin, Texas in February of 2011.

Jesse Leach by Will Hawkins

Jesse Leach by Will Hawkins

Jesse Leach by Will Hawkins

Americana Music Association award winning Justin Townes Earle performed on day 2 of Orlando Calling in Orlando, FL.

Justin set aside some time for him and I to work together. This was a quick shoot, but I am happy with the result! No flash, no bounce – just sit & shoot! Canon 5D Mark II & Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L IS.

Justin Townes Earle by Will Hawkins

Justin Townes Earle by Will Hawkins

Justin Townes Earle by Will Hawkins

Justin Townes Earle by Will Hawkins

I am happy to declare November 2011 as the first annual Image Registration Month! This is a month where photographers and artists shall bring forth awareness about the benefits, methods, and ease of image registration!

Some basic facts:
- The moment you create an image, you own the copyright*
- You have basic protections, backed by the government
- Registration with the copyright office can provide additional protection and damages (Statutory damages of up to $150,000)
- Most attorneys either will require money up front or may not take your case if you did NOT register your images!
- Registration is simple and easy!!

* Except when “work made for hire” or when you have specifically signed away copyright

You can register your images online with the Electronic Copyright Office ( https://eco.copyright.gov ) just by filling out a form, paying the small fee, and uploading a zip of your images! You can upload thousands of unrelated images in one process if you want!

Here is a super easy, informative video tutorial by the American Society of Media Photographers:
http://asmp.org/tutorials/how-register-podcast.html

Register your images! Protect your copyright! Protect your income!

If you find yourself in need of a copyright & photo savvy attorney, reach out to Carolyn E. Right, the “Photo Attorney” – http://www.photoattorney.com/

If you are curious about the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and basic steps as to how to use it to protect your images, check out this DMCA tutorial written by Jason Wilder ( http://www.ishotyourband.com/ ) on the MusicPhotographer.net site: http://www.musicphotographers.net/guides-and-tutorials/dmca-letter

Cheers!

Blink 182′s Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus, and Tom DeLonge headlined a 12,000 attendee concert in Tampa on September 24th, 2011.

Here are some of my favorite shots from that night!

Blink-182′s Mark Hoppus by Will Hawkins

Blink-182′s Mark Hoppus by Will Hawkins

Blink-182′s Travis Barker by Will Hawkins

Blink-182′s Travis Barker by Will Hawkins

Blink-182′s Tom DeLonge by Will Hawkins

Blink-182′s Tom DeLonge by Will Hawkins

Blink-182′s Tom DeLonge by Will Hawkins

Blink-182′s Travis Barker by Will Hawkins

Blink-182′s Tom DeLonge by Will Hawkins

Shinedown rocked the UCF arena in Oviedo, Florida (outside of Orlando) this July with their Carnival of Madness Tour. Chevelle, Sevendust, and Puddle of Mudd supported the tour.

Shinedown’s musical performance is ALWAYS a high energy, passionate, emotionally charged event. Of the nearly 10 times I’ve seen them live, I’ve been disappointed precisely zero times.

Not only did Shinedown perform with the full intensity that I’ve come to expect, but their stage, light show, and video production blew me (and 5,000 other fans) away.

Here are some moments from the night:

Shinedown by Will Hawkins

Shinedown by Will Hawkins

Shinedown by Will Hawkins

Shinedown by Will Hawkins

Shinedown by Will Hawkins

Shinedown by Will Hawkins

Shinedown by Will Hawkins

Shinedown by Will Hawkins