Good morning - October 1, 2018 - Photography by Cassone

FACE FORWARD

Sometimes we have to show our face. Plain, unadulterated, unapologetically, honestly... it has been a year and a half since I have done a show or applied makeup.  Yes, I have a body of work that my social media platforms merely scratch the surface of. I will continue to show more of that body of work here and there, but moving forward I have to continue to grow as an individual as well, and maybe my artistry and my embracing the plain, unadulterated Italian, American, Gay, Artistic, Hardworking man that I am...and always have been is just what the doctor ordered. Life is supposed to be lived and I haven't been truly living it like I should be for awhile now. It is time to LIVE! FACE it, if we don't love the skin we are in, we are self destructing what God has created.  I have come to a place in my life where it is time to just be! LIVE! 🤗

DEATH OF THE DOVE - a Poem by Antonio Cassone

BEST PICTURE 2010 Contenders - Photography by Cassone (2011 Cassone Channel Honors)

VOTE for the nominees for this category at: http://poll.pollcode.com/aoq9 - you can select up to FIVE (5) nominees daily through Wednesday, February 2, 2011. Top five vote getters will be nominated. Winners are voted on by a peer judges panel.

Nominations will be made public here on Sunday, February 6, 2011.

BEST PICTURE 2010 - PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSONE Contenders for Nomination (Please VOTE for FIVE (5) Nominees)
	AQUATICA 21
	THE BIRD AND THE ROSE
	BY THE LAKE
	CANDY CANES
	CHEERS
	DISCARDED ROSE IN SEPIA
	FLOWERS BY THE WINDOW
	LYQUID MAN
	REFLECTIONS
	ROOFTOPS
	THE ROSE TREE
	A STREET LAMP IN PIEDMONT PARK
	TAKE A LONG WALK
	WEATHERED TUSKS
	WOOD-AGED BUDDHA III
pollcode.com free polls

AQUATICA 21

J. W. Cheeves III, location producer

Georgia Aquarium; Atlanta, GA

Antonio Cassone, photographer

THE BIRD & THE ROSE

Paul Miller with Bob Drews, decorations/designs

Antonio Cassone, photographer

BY THE LAKE

J. W. Cheeves III, location producer

Atlanta Parks & Recreation; Atlanta, GA

Antonio Cassone, photographer

CANDY CANES

Paul Miller & Bob Drews, decorators

Antonio Cassone, photographer

CHEERS
Paul Miller, Bob Drews & David Paul Miller, decoratiors/designs

Antonio Cassone, photographer

DISCARDED ROSE IN SEPIA

Bob Drews, prop master

Ken Kelley & Lloyd Pagels/Scandals, location producer

FLOWERS BY THE WINDOW

Paul Miller, floral arranger

Antonio Cassone, photographer

LYQUID MAN

Ken Kelley & Lloyd Pagels/The Stable, location producer

Ron Bivens, stage lighting

Cat De Santis, assistant to Cassone

Antonio Cassone, photographer

REFLECTIONS

J. W. Cheeves III, location producer

Atlanta Parks & Recreation; Atlanta, GA

Antonio Cassone, photographer

ROOFTOPS

J. W. Cheeves III, location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

THE ROSE TREE

Paul Miller with Bob Drews, decorations/designs

Antonio Cassone, photographer

A STREET LAMP IN PIEDMAONT PARK
J. W. Cheeves III, location producer

Atlanta Parks & Recreation; Atlanta, GA

Antonio Cassone, photographer

TAKE A LONG WALK…

J. W. Cheeves III, location producer

Atlanta Parks & Receation; Atlanta, GA

WEATHERED TUSKS

J. W. Cheeves III, prop master/location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

WOOD-AGED BUDDHA III

J. W. Cheeves III, prop master/location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

FEATURE OF THE YEAR Contenders 2010 - Photography by Cassone (2011 Cassone Channel Honors)

VOTE for the nominees for this category at: http://poll.pollcode.com/7D1S - you can select up to FIVE (5) nominees daily through Wednesday, February 2, 2011. Top five vote getters will be nominated. Winners are voted on by a peer judges panel.

Nominations will be made public here on Sunday, February 6, 2011.

FEATURE OF THE YEAR 2010 CONTENDERS FOR NOMINATION - PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSONE (Please select FIVE (5) nominees)
	CHRISTMAS IN JULY
	GERMAN MARTINEZ
	HOLIDAYS 2010
	THE LADY FANCY SHOW
	LAURIEANNA
	MODEL - LY
	MODEL - ROB
	RANDOM EVERYDAY INSPIRATIONS
	THE VAMPIRE SET
	WHILE IN ATLANTA - AQUATICA
	WHILE IN ATLANTA - EXTERIORS
	WHILE IN ATLANTA - INTERIORS
pollcode.com free polls

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Pat & Carol’s Collectible Air Balloons, Paul Miller, Bob Drews & David Paul Miller, designs & decorations.

Diva Kingsley & David Bork, location producers

Antonio Cassone, photographer

(July 2010 Feature)

GERMAN MARTINEZ

German Martinez, model

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

(March 2010 Feature)

HOLIDAYS 2010

Paul Miller with Bob Drews, decorations & designs

David Paul Miller, hand crafting & painting

Antonio Cassone, photographer

(December 2010)

THE LADY FANCY SHOW

The Lady Fancy, Sharde Ross, Nancy Ross & Miss Anastasia Ross, models.

Ron Bivens, stage lighting.

Ken Kelley & Lloyd Pagels/The Stable, location producers.

Sharde Ross, jewelry design.

Antonio Cassone, photography

(February 2010 Feature)

LAURIEANNA

LaurieAnna, model, hair, makeup & styling

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photography

(May 2010 Feature)

MODEL: LY

Ly Nguyen, model

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

Antonio Cassone & Ly Nguyen, photo editing

(April 2010 Feature)

MODEL: ROB

Robert Haines, model & wardrobe styling

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

(June 2010 Feature)

RANDOM EVERYDAY INSPIRATIONS

Fred & Ricky, Mike “Smurf” Lennon and Sascha & Nicole, models.

Stephanie Jadotte, Terry Francis, David Whittington, Brian Bragg, Bob Drews, Christina Glinski & Gus Sanchez, location producers.

Terry Francis & Lee Schuco, prop masters.

Antonio Cassone, photographer.

(September 2010 Feature)

THE VAMPIRE SET
Robert Haines, model, vampire makeup & wardrobe

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer & special effects

WHILE IN ATLANTA: AQUATICA
J. W. Cheeves III, location producer

Georgia Aquarium; Atlanta, GA

Antonio Cassone, photographer

WHILE IN ATLANTA: EXTERIORS

John W. Cheeves III, location producer

Piedmont Park/Atlanta Parks & Recreation; Atlanta, GA

Antonio Cassone, photographer

WHILE IN ATLANTA: INTERIORS

John W. Cheeves III, location producer, decorator & prop master

Antonio Cassone, photographer

Floral 02 - Photography by Cassone

A handful of selections from the archives.
All florals arranged lovely by Paul Miller.
Photography by Antonio Cassone.

Blue Sky... Writings for Steven and Other People I Have Loved for So Long, New Poetry Book by Antonio Cassone NOW AVAILABLE at AMAZON.COM

I am proud and pleased to inform you that my book is now in full release and is now available through Amazon.

I am very proud of this book. A lot of living went into the writing of it, and a lot of learning too!

I did everything - cover to cover from the cover photo to the interior layout, et al. You have no idea the amazing sense of accomplishment I have recently felt bringing this project to the light.

Another proud accomplishment, was I was able to keep the retail price down to under $10. Not an easy feat in this market, but I did it - and was happy to do it.

I hope you not only buy the book, but that you read it, enjoy it and get something positive from it.

Thank you for your continued friendship & support.

Love & Light,
Your friend,
Antonio Cassone

BLUE SKY ...WRITINGS FOR STEVEN AND OTHER PEOPLE I HAVE LOVED FOR SO LONG, the new poetry book by Antonio Cassone

NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON - Click Here to Go to the Book's Page There

In their fifth published work, Antonio Cassone brings you their second installment of poetry. This journey follows the loves and losses throughout one's triumphant and dynamic life. This celebration of "lives" that have touched the author include romantic interests, best friends, his mother and Michael Jackson.

About the Author

ANTONIO CASSONE is an accomplished writer, photographer and entertainer. Originally from Detroit, with a career entering it's third decade, this dynamic artist now resides in South Florida and is working on several projects in the works. His previous books include DIVA/CASSONE, LOOKING THROUGH THE NAKED WINDOW, OPENING THE NAKED WINDOW & THE NAKED WINDOW: EXPOSED/REVELATIONS. Next is the final installment of his memoir series, NAKED WINDOW: THE DRAMATIQUE SESSIONS.

Happy Mother's Day (featuring an excerpt from my book 'The Naked Window: Exposed/Revelations')

It has been awhile since I shared an excerpt from the books within my memoir series. For some reason, turning 40 this year is making me miss my Mom something fierce this mother's day. Sure we had our rifts, but with that being her holiday and my Dad's birthday having been on May 13th, we often celebrated the two events together - and one thing about my mother, she always tried her best to make holidays, special occasions and birthdays special. So, Mother's Day has always been full of wonderful memories. That is, after all, what I have of my folks. Not many photographs (long story), but memories galore.

Speaking of photographs...the one of 'a mother's day' rose was one I took yesterday afternoon. I first noticed this beautiful rose blooming yesterday morning, when I was out back on the phone with my friend, Pam, who is like a second mother to me, I took some photos then, just as the sun was rising...the light hitting it just right. Then I went on about my day, edited some videos, had a photo shoot and during our shoot it began to rain, then after he left it rained some more. By the time I decided to take a break, it had just stopped raining and I went outside and happened upon this rose again...fresh, after the rain. A beautiful sight...

The excerpt is from books/seasons three and four, The Naked Window: Exposed/Revelations (released as a combo through Create Space, an Amazon Company - details below) - it is Episode/Chapter Two from the 'season'/book four Revelations portion...Enjoy a slice of my life story.

~

from The Naked Window: Exposed/Revelations by Antonio Cassone; Revelations - Episode 2: Sweet Grandma Sharon

Then this sweetness my mother had, that was in her persona all her life I am sure - it just needed to be given a chance - seemed to trickle down to my friends and our neighbors. Anya always referred to her as Grandma Sharon. So did Pat's daughter, Theresa, and later in life Theresa's son would be spoiled with gifts Mom could hardly afford. My friends were suddenly not rushed off the phone if I was away at work or doing a show. Sometimes she knew of their life events before I did. Then there's the amazing sisterhood she formed with the women of her church group and the many young ladies she mentored late in her life at a shelter for abused teenage girls, who sought the mean streets of the inner city for whatever they needed to survive. These were facets of my mother that made me admire her more and more and it was a side my siblings either never got a chance or took a chance to see.

*

All of us were guilty of putting the weight of our problems on Mom's shoulders.

I felt so bad that I lost my mind one day with her, gained her respect despite having showed her hardly any in the process and was literally her right arm man in the last few years of her life. We became each others sounding boards, each others pal, each others 'Judy' in aggressively charming chatter that we proudly called conversations of love. She ended up being voted Mentor of the Year from that program that helped the teenagers by the very people she provided so much relief to. She ended up being voted in as Chairperson of her church group. Yet, in the eyes of my siblings, James and Anne especially - she was a stone cold bitch, damned for sins committed and repented on ages ago.

*

One day, I was going through one of my frustrated-I-couldn't-get-Keithen moods and had been running about a dozen errands between the bank job and my weekly show at Sam's Tiffany's Lounge when I got another nagging page from my mother, who ultimately only needed me to pick up yet another item at yet another store. Well, when I got out of the car to call her on a payphone, I locked the keys in my car. I was livid beyond repair and James was the only one available to come and call his insurance to come and unlock the car for me.

"She is such a [expletive deleted for this post] b*tch." I hollered at him with a borderline snarl.

I lost control and only fed into what his thought-process was of her. When I would catch Anne on the phone all I did was complain about my tireless running for Mom. Sean surely heard more than enough of my complaints about Mom, as well. So, I only fueled the lining of their arguments and sealed the alibi for their own constant placing of blame on Mom for their own mess. I was venting, but I only enhanced their already damaged relationships with her.

Then I would see her doing what she grew to do the best. Deep in prayer with a newly widowed friend from church, while I painted my face for the gods for that nights show. Writing numerous greeting cards with words of inspiration to either a girl she mentored or a client she sold beauty products to. My mother was priceless in that regard. I mean, when you ordered from her you not only got the items, but were met with a ton of samples and a greeting card to boot. I couldn't stay mad at her for long, but all my siblings heard was trash. I took the blame for my part in their views on her long ago and I learned to excuse them of some of their blaming her in time.

*

Mom would fret over any of us at any given time, especially as the years went by. Her deep sense of detachment from James and how he felt about her made her so sad sometimes. One day, she told me how hurt she was that she did him such harm to his spirit, more so than anything else. I would tell her to talk to him, to ask for his forgiveness. She would try to help him out when she could with either a phone call or a nice card, but I felt that their damaged relationship was beyond greeting cards and ten minute phone calls. She did try, though.

She would appreciate Sean for his stepping up to the plate to help me out. He eventually moved into the flat above us and he did lift the burden slightly off my shoulders. I was grateful because at least someone would be around her. She never ate properly, either by choice or because we were low on funds. If it were between a meal and her cigarettes, the cigarettes would surely win the battle.

Anne ended up committing yet another petty crime, which I am sure she had done before due to the complex demands of her habits. One time she got caught and ended up in jail. Mom was devastated. That really took a lot out of her, seeing one of us kids go to jail. It opened her eyes in a huge way. She got even more protective of her grandchildren. When Anne got out and was bouncing in and out of rehab, she got fiercer in her line of questioning towards my sister, which surely didn't help Anne's views of her from the past.

Anya was wonderful to my mother. She would have made the most excellent daughter-in-law for her if I could keep my lustful eyes off of men long enough to even take notice. Both women respected one another almost to a fault and Anya would come over to help her out. She shared with Anya that to her I was a lot like my father insofar as my taking care of her. My mother learned to look past my complaining and see that I was really compassionate to her constant health problems, growing lack of appetite, and worry for her family and need to show the world as much love as she could muster.

One night Maria called my mother with a life event and she consoled a tearful woman, who was surely on the brink of doing herself harm. Maria would always tell me what a wonderful soul my mother was and how that one conversation alone spoke volumes about her character. My mother talked to her like a sister, with the respect given to a dignitary. My mother saved a lot of desperate people near the end of her life.

*

I was still so in love, or so I thought with the idea of Keithen and I being in a relationship. Despite his booming relationship with the other man (that's how I viewed it), I still showered him with gifts and compliments, but none of it ever made an impression. My mind on him began to take away from my line of sight regarding my mother's health. She, like my father had before her, began to stop complaining. Instead she would share such things with her church sisters. She once told Irene that she felt like she was slowly "slipping." She shared with Genevieve that her energy was very low some days and she felt the need to sleep later and later. She told Mary that her body was "failing" her immensely.

There were signs to the drama that would soon unfold, but I had only two seasons - a fun autumn and a bittersweet winter - to share with my mother ...and I was none the wiser.

*

Sweet Grandma Sharon

The gentle hands knitting a blanket so soft to my skin

The firm grip of a respectful handshake or a loving hug

The beauty of the true love she felt for each one of her kin

The soft patter of her toe tapping to sweet music on kitchen's rug

The look in the eye making you her equal

No matter your age or life's position

She gave from her heart so deep and full

No matter your color or religion

She transcended what she dished out or served

By showing the way to so many she called her beloved

Challenging herself all the way down the road of life's crooked curve

By giving of her spirit to so many she had shown love

The hand on your shoulder complimenting a good deed

No matter your creed or sexual orientation

The sound of her giddy laughter that tugged one's heart with a squeeze

No matter your way of dress or conversation

The gentle hands comforting an ill loved one so soft to my skin

The firm grip of a pinch when a joke was told or a sweet hug

The beauty of genuine forgiveness she sought from her kin

The soft patter of her toe tapping to sweet music on kitchen's rug

-----------

The Naked Window: Exposed/Revelations by Antonio Cassone is available for purchase through CreateSpace, an Amazon Company. Click here for more information.

Blue Sky... Writings for Steven and Other People I Have Loved for So Long COMING MAY 18TH!

In their fifth published work, Antonio Cassone brings you their second installment of poetry. This journey follows the loves and losses throughout one's triumphant and dynamic life. This celebration of "lives" that have touched the author include romantic interests, best friends, his mother and Michael Jackson. Blue Sky... Writings for Steven and Other People I Have Loved for So Long is set for release on May 18th at most major online retailers through CreateSpace, an Amazon Company.

...................................a selection from the book.

You're On My Mind

Raindrops falling down, down, down
Streams flowing evermore to my heart
My countenance reads a frown
The longer we're apart

Too deep I had fallen for you
You said you'd never hurt me
Our love was steady and true
But I had to leave you to be free

You're on my mind
The days seem to fly by
Nights so long
No matter how hard I try

My new life has started
There is so much promise
Ever since we parted
I had to reach in and be honest

The thoughts I have for you on my mind
The feelings bottled up inside my heart
The words of expression so hard to find
The destiny was for us to be apart

Copyright ©2010 Antonio Cassone - All Rights Reserved

Copyright ©2010 Antonio Cassone - All Rights Reserved

And the Winner Is...: The Judges Make It a Repeat Winner for Feature, First-timer for Best Picture

The 2010 Cassone Channel Honors awards year begins with two new categories. The past three years, I chose my Photography by Cassone Feature of the Year based on feedback from guests at my websites. This year I have decided to open this process up and include this category in my annual Cassone Channel Honors. The Cassone Channel Honors program began last year as a way for me to reward the many friends, artists, et al who have assisted me in bringing my art to you i.e. my photography, videos, and other visual media.

For Feature of the Year, I had eleven who met the requirements as a full feature of the 12 I posted to my websites in 2009. These 11 were part of a nominations process that was open to the public. The top five vote getters are the nominees and the eventual winner was selected by a judges panel of artists, industry peers, professionals, a couple of select visitors to my sites and a past Feature of the Year winner. Past winners in this category are: Diva Kingsley (2006); Anya Allen (2007) and Decorations and Designs by Paul Miller (2009).

For Best Picture, this is a new category and it is for any one single photo I took and posted in the eligibility year. Again, 26 photos were in the running during the nominations process that was open to the public. The top six vote getters are the nominees and the judges panel decided the eventual winner.

Winners receive a trophy and the honor. Any individual or company who had something to do in the creation of the individual pieces and features are included in the nomination and honor.

I am proud to announce the winners in these two categories are:

FEATURE OF THE YEAR – PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSONE 2009

DECORATIONS AND DESIGNS BY PAUL MILLER WITH BOB DREWS & DAVID PAUL MILLER (December 2009)
Paul Miller, Decorator & Designer
Bob Drews, Decorator
David Paul Miller, Painting
Antonio Cassone, Photographer

Check out the slideshows created from our Feature of the Year collaborative works:

SNOW FALLING ON A SMALL TOWN SQUARE

CANDLES & PRAYERS

LIGHTHOUSE BLIZZARD

BEST PICTURE 2009 – PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSONE

A FEW RAINDROPS…
Katherine Myler, Location Producer
Antonio Cassone, Photographer

Check out the full collaboration slideshow with Myler at

WHILE AT KATHERINE'S

MEET THE JUDGES

AHMED W. KHAN is an award-winning photographer from Karachi, Pakistan. This amazing artist has won 4 Daily Deviation Awards, was the winner in 2008’s Think Pink Contest (1st Prize – Photography) and Winner – Conceptual Photography. Check out his masterful works at http://aksdareflection.deviantart.com

ALMA VIERA hails from El Paso, Texas. This 39-year-old wife, mother and dog lover considers herself a true friend who enjoys dancing, parties, Tequila and the paranormal (she sees dead people…lol). Her favorite music comes from the 70s and 80s with a splash of Tina Turner and Tex Mex King Little Joe. This spirited lady (HEY! That’s Boss Lady to YOU) knows God has some big plans for her, but needs to get where He needs her to be…which is what she is working on. She is the ‘everyday’ person on our judge’s panel. I selected her because she has been a devoted friend and fan, who knows my work inside and out. Sometimes pointing things out to me with an objective eye. Always good for us artistic types. You can find Alma on FACEBOOK.

ANGELUS DARK KNIGHT COPELAND
After 8 Media article by Gary Jamerson for After 8 Media www.After8Media.com (Thanks, Gary):

This charismatic model Angelus they call the Dark Knight is everything you want from a male model. He has an ability to perform without reservation; professionalism with an ability to bring into focus a realism that gets the buyer exactly what they want. Angelus paid his dues through hard dedicated work, making the right connections and only working with the best talent around to insure his path to success stays on the straight and narrow.

The word contradiction comes to mind when you first encounter who he is and what he wants from his place here on the planet. And you would be surprised at the fact that he’s more in tune to who he is and what he wants from a perspective that most of us are oblivious to. To Angelus it’s perfectly sane to want to be more than one personality at the same time, albeit this would raise a question with the too many one dimensional minds that seem to be just about everyone without the outlook and passion to achieve the best they can, or obtain the best from life. Angelus’s paradox reminds me of many strong minded individuals I have met in my life who have reached the pinnacle of success at early stages of life, 32 to be exact for the Dark Knight.

I enjoy the brief and sometimes long conversations with Angelus discussing business, photography, modeling, etc. And often send positive vibes his way because we all need to have somebody’s back so to speak. He’s a man on a mission; a family man, and uncle to a beautiful newborn niece. Life is Ok when you simply put things in the proper perspective, at least Angelus believes so, and so do I!

GQ and All Things Considered www.mymodeltalk.com

ANYA ALLEN is a former Feature of the Year – Photography by Cassone Winner (2007), was one of Cassone’s first models and is currently studying for her Bachelors. Check out our work together at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhzwYMDOcCM

Dubbed Marketing Mastermind, DAIMION JOHN PEPPERS is one of New York City’s go to guys for bringing creative events to life. With his 15 years of experience in the entertainment business, D. Peppers has produced everything from corporate events to photo shoots and fashion shows. His keen eye to see past the walls of the box and conceptualize the possibilities outside of the box is exactly what sets him apart from the rest.

"Accentuate Your Possibilities" Daimion John Peppers.

Web Site:
We Are The Future,
http://www.micheckent.com/subscribe

DANIEL CONROY has been an accomplished social worker for fifteen years, providing services to enrich and assist people to live better lives. Dan has a diverse artistic side, dabbles in the arts and has helped young children through art to express their thoughts and feelings. He was asked to be on this year’s panel by his brother, Cassone, because he knows the photographer's work and because of his ability to critique art in a fair and decisive manner. Both brothers were honored to take on and go through this selection process.

DEVIN SCILLIAN is an award-winning journalist, author and musician. As a journalist, he anchors the news for WDIV-TV, the NBC affiliate in Detroit. His assignments have taken him all over the country and all over the world. He's a two-time winner of the Edward R. Murrow Award, one of the highest honors in broadcast journalism.
He's also the author of twelve children's books, including the national bestseller "A is for America." Check out his website at http://www.devinscillian.com.


DRAVADAN DHARDJHAN is an accomplished model based out of Atlanta and Los Angeles. His unique style and ability to create different looks/characters sets him apart from some of his contemporaries. This is displayed in one of his select galleries at http://www.blackboxvisions.net/dravadans_gallery

A Northern Virginia native, EDDIE NICHOLSON is a well-known violist in the Chicago land area. Starting out on the double bass at the age of ten, Eddie had began to teach himself the viola at the age of twelve, which later would earn him numerous principle roles later on in life. Eddie’s dreams and focus of making great music for all to enjoy has always been his ultimate goal in taking up any instrument. Residing now in Chicago, Eddie performs as a free-lance musician as well as educator to various age groups and physical status such as the deaf and blind. He can be seen performing regularly with the Peoria Symphony and a few mixed ensembles.

JAMES BLAKSTAR JOHN is an accomplished Music Producer-DJ-Event Organizer from the United Kingdom. His latest hit is the infectious, dance tune Smile featuring Deon Nathan. Check out his website http://www.brightnightonline.com/ for free music downloads, videos, events and photos from his various works.

RICHM RICH aka "The Rich M. Project", a game changer of photography in the Southern U.S. region is an accomplished photographer based out of Charlotte, NC. With a portfolio of hundreds of models so far, talent has come all across the country to shoot with Rich M. specializing in shoots of nude, portrait, studio, outdoor and atmospheric shots. Models have used these uncommon and memorable pictures of work to help advance their career through the eyes and energy of Rich M. Check out his works at http://www.richmproject.com/.

While we have our winners, I do want to acknowledge the judges who also made comments while they were casting their votes. The Best Picture category winner had an overwhelming lead over it’s competition. However, Feature of the Year had one vote between the second place finisher and then one vote between second and third place. It was very close.

Voting for A Walk on the Beach for Best Picture, Daimion John Peppers said, “The image shows the earths 3 most amazing elements... Land, Water and Sky.”

Angelus selected Headliner, the image of Nancy Ross was also used for flyers when I hosted her show at Monkey Business one month this past summer. Of it, Copeland said, “Headliner. This one I almost want to rename it ‘Transformation.’ Having been a performer/actor I can see the reality of when you walk onto the stage. The person you are before hitting the stage, sometimes unsure, other times, excited...then mentally transforms into the Superstar in front of the audience, calculating and definitive. As if that other person doesn't even exist. It's a very surreal moment. The photo-style and angle of view capture this moment.”

For the category’s winner, …a few raindrops, location producer Katherine Myler wins her first Cassone Channel Honor. I was very pleased to share this with her, as if it were not for her this shot would not have ever happened. It was the first time I challenged myself for this sort of shot. It had just rained and I wanted to capture the simplicity and beauty of the moment. From our judges panel, Dravadan Dhardjhan said, “Simple, exquisite, immortal beauty. In this time of dwindling rainforests and challenged ecologies, there is nothing more precious than our resonance with a bloom in season.” While Anya Allen quipped, “I truly love this pic.”

For Feature of the Year, regarding Mariana Suarez judge Dravadan Dhardjan said, “There is a freshness and joy of life in the images of Mariana. It is a celebration of the young goddess enjoying her humanity. Yes, ‘mystical’.”

For the category’s winner, this marks a repeat for Paul Miller’s Designs and Decorations, as he was my Feature of the Year 2008. This marks Paul’s second Cassone Channel Honor. Sharing the award with him is his partner and decorator, Bob Drews with his fifth Cassone Channel Honor and Paul’s father, David Paul Miller, who handcrafted and painted a lot of the pieces featured in the set winning his first Cassone Channel Honor. This marks a first in our continuing formation of The Cassone Channel Honors history, the senior Miller is now the eldest to win a Cassone Channel Honor. He just celebrated his 80th birthday. From the judges panel Angelus Copeland said, “I like the Decorations series by Paul Miller with Bob Drews and David Miller. Very soulful and inspiring, even fun at times. His work invokes the spirit and character of the subject.”

I am pleased that my judges participated. I can’t thank them enough. This was a first for me and it was quite a process. I learned a lot and, of course, will be making a few adjustments next year to improve the process for future judge panels.

Congratulations to the winners!

The 2010 Cassone Channel Honors: Nominees for Feature of the Year and Best Picture - Photography by Cassone

The 2010 Cassone Channel Honors awards year begins with two new categories. The past three years, I chose my Photography by Cassone Feature of the Year based on feedback from guests at my websites. This year I have decided to open this process up and include this category in my annual Cassone Channel Honors. The Cassone Channel Honors program began last year as a way for me to reward the many friends, artists, et al who have assisted me in bringing my art to you i.e. my photography, videos, and other visual media.

For Feature of the Year, I had eleven who met the requirements as a full feature of the 12 I posted to my websites in 2009. These 11 were part of a nominations process that was open to the public. The top five vote getters are the nominees and the eventual winner is being selected by a judges panel of 16 artists, industry peers, professionals, a couple of select visitors to my sites and a past Feature of the Year winner. Past winners in this category are: Diva Kingsley (2006); Anya Allen (2007) and Decorations and Designs by Paul Miller (2008).

For Best Picture, this is a new category and it is for any one single photo I took and posted in the eligibility year. Again, 26 photos were in the running during the nominations process that was open to the public. The top six vote getters are the nominees and the judges panel decides the eventual winner.

Winners receive a trophy and the honor. Any individual or company who had something to do in the creation of the individual pieces and features are included in the nomination and honor.

Below are the nominees and a history by numbers for The Cassone Channel Honors, along with a sample from the features and the pictures nominated. I have also included the video slideshow presentation for each category. NOTE: To watch the videos without the music player, scroll to bottom of the page and mute the player.

Winners will be made public Sunday, April 18, 2010.

THE 2010 CASSONE CHANNEL HONORS

FEATURE OF THE YEAR – PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSONE 2009

DECORATIONS AND DESIGNS BY PAUL MILLER WITH BOB DREWS & DAVID PAUL MILLER (December 2009)

Paul Miller, Decorator & Designer

Bob Drews, Decorator

David Paul Miller, Painting

Antonio Cassone, Photographer

DIVA KINGSLEY (April 2009)

Diva Kingsley, Model; Hair; Makeup & Wardrobe Styling
Gus Sanchez, Location Producer
Lee Schuco, Stage Lighting Design
Antonio Cassone, Photographer

MARIANA SUAREZ (May 2009)

Mariana Suarez, Model
Diva Kingsley & David Bork, Location Producer
Antonio Cassone, Photographer

MISS BEA (October 2009)

Miss Bea, Model
Walter McCoy, Owner
Bitches 'N' Studs Grooming; Wilton Manors, FL; Groomer
Antonio Cassone, Photographer

NANCY ROSS: THE PERFORMANCES (September 2009)

Nancy Ross, Model
Paul Miller, Headdress/Costume
Gus Sanchez/Monkey Business, Location Producer
Lee Schuco, Stage Lighting Design
Antonio Cassone, Photographer

BEST PICTURE 2009 – PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSONE

A FEW RAINDROPS…

Katherine Myler, Location Producer

Antonio Cassone, Photographer

HEADLINER

Nancy Ross, Model
Lee Schuco, Stage Lighting
Antonio Cassone, Photographer

MISS BEA IN PINK

Miss Bea, Model
Walter McCoy, Owner
Bitches 'N' Studs Grooming; Wilton Manors, FL, Groomer
Antonio Cassone, Photographer

MYSTICAL

Mariana Suarez, Model
Diva Kingsley & David Bork, Location Producers
Antonio Cassone, Photographer

VAILED IN YELLOW

Whitney Lovett, Model
Walter McCoy, Location Producer
Gus Sanchez, Wardrobe
Sharde Ross, Jewelry Design
Antonio Cassone, Photographer

A WALK ON THE BEACH

Christina Glinski, Location Producer

Antonio Cassone, Photographer

TALLY OF INDIVIDUAL NOMINATIONS & CASSONE CHANNEL HONORS HISTORY BY NUMBERS

PAUL MILLER

Nominations This Year: 2

Previous Nominations: 2

Total Career Nominations: 4

Previous Wins: 1

BOB DREWS/NANCY ROSS

Nominations This Year: 3

Previous Nominations: 8

Total Career Nominations: 11

Previous Wins: 4

DAVID PAUL MILLER

Nominations This Year: 1

Previous Nominations: This is David Paul Miller’s first nomination.

Total Career Nominations: 1

Previous Wins: 0

DIVA KINGSLEY

Nominations This Year: 3

Previous Nominations: 16

Total Career Nominations: 19

Previous Wins: 5

GUS SANCHEZ

Nominations This Year: 3

Previous Nominations: 7

Total Career Nominations: 10

Previous Wins: 2

LEE SCHUCO

Nominations This Year: 3

Previous Nominations: 2

Total Career Nominations: 5

Previous Wins: 0

MARIANA SUAREZ

Nominations This Year: 2

Previous Nominations: These are Mariana Suarez’s first nominations.

Total Career Nominations: 2

Previous Wins: 0

DAVID BORK

Nominations This Year: 2

Previous Nominations: 15

Total Career Nominations: 17

Previous Wins: 3

MISS BEA

Nominations This Year: 2

Previous Nominations: 6

Total Career Nominations: 8

Previous Wins: 4

WALTER MC COY

Nominations This Year: 3

Previous Nominations: 6

Total Career Nominations: 9

Previous Wins: 4

BITCHES ‘N’ STUDS GROOMING

Nominations This Year: 1

Previous Nominations: This is Bitches ‘N’ Studs Grooming’s first nomination.

Total Career Nominations: 1

Previous Wins: 0

KATHERINE MYLER

Nominations This Year: 1

Previous Nominations: This is Katherine Myler’s first nomination.

Total Career Nominations: 1

Previous Wins: 0

Whitney Lovett

Nominations This Year: 1

Previous Nominations: This is Whitney Lovett’s first nomination.

Total Career Nominations: 1

Previous Wins: 0

SHARDE ROSS

Nominations This Year: 1

Previous Nominations: 7

Total Career Nominations: 8

Previous Wins: 2

CHRISTINA GLINSKI

Nominations This Year: 1

Previous Nominations: 1

Total Career Nominations: 2

Previous Wins: 0

VIDEO SLIDESHOW FOR FEATURE OF THE YEAR 2009 - PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSONE



VIDEO SLIDESHOW FOR BEST PICTURE 2009 - PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSONE