My Minds' Lens

End of Winter Headshot Special

2012-02-16T08:01:00.000-08:00

Before I leave my awesome studio near the Electric Fetus I am offering headshot specials. Contact me for details!!

New Band Photos

2012-02-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

What Love Creates

2012-01-28T17:43:00.000-08:00

Meet Carlin and TBD Slusher.

Oh Natural

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Found an amazing botanical garden in North Carolina with literally killer plants.

New Years Resolution

2012-01-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

The same as every other year- Photograph more. Invest in my art even more.

Much Love. -CC

Awesome Day

2011-11-26T20:57:00.000-08:00

This is the first time in a long time that I could honestly say it was an Awesome Day! It started with my first family photo session of the day telling me it was the best photo shoot they had ever had. How awesome is that?

And It ended nicely when I was called a pseudo celebrity by a local celebrity. A-w-e-s-o-m-e. I will become a photo rockstar!

Unamed Metal Rockstar

2011-11-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

Had the pleasure of doing a promotional shoot for a great new comic book http://ariseundead.com/. Also had the honor of having a british rockstar from a famous metal band in my studio for the shoot. How much more exciting could photography be?

Rapedoor The Band

2011-11-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

I got the pleasure of working with Rapedoor once again; You can’t get better rockstar photos than these.

Jezebel Jones and Her Wicked Ways

2011-11-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

Jezebel Jones and Her Wicked Ways had her CD release party at the Amsterdam Bar in St Paul, Mn and it was an exciting night. El Le Faunt blew me away, and of course Jezebel Jones and Her Wicked Ways were fantastic. It was an honor to be involved with this project.

Wounded Knee

2011-11-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

After a normal 8 hour wedding on Saturday I was being lazy and trying to carry all of my gear in as quickly as possible and lugging it pack mule style. I stepped on the curb wrong and took a tumble, but luckily in my old age, and after many years playing soccer and hurting my ankles, I know how to fall. In the end I ruined a pair of perfectly good $6 pair of pantyhose when I went down to my knees, but I saved my ankle and gear.

I am proud of myself because I hopped up, cleaned and dressed my wound [a klutz like me always has band-aids and Neosporin in my medicine kit] and still went out for a drink with friends that evening.

It’s always the same weak ankle that gives out, the one with the damaged ligaments. So it always seems I scrape the same poor knee….

Gave me a good excuse to take Sunday off though :)

My native name should be Wounded Knee CC.

Jezebel Jones and Her Wicked Ways

2011-11-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

This is my 2nd record cover this year! I worked hard on this project, and am so proud of it!! JJ was awesome to work with and I hear her CD and 7inch are getting great comments thanks to the images.

Also thanks to Shawn Bartle for being an awesome model when our pro model never showed! What a night!

New Year

2011-10-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

The end of the pagan year, and say goodbye to fall. October was full of family photos sessions outdoors with gorgeous fall foliage.

I sure hope 2012 will be a better year. I will put my faith in the fact that even if it’s the end of the world, I want to go out on a high note.

So cheers, good tidings, and prosperity to all. Let’s hope after this winters hibernation we come out even stronger and more beautiful like a monarch butterfly…

Rockstar Family Photo Session

2011-10-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

I met up with the Karras family down by the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis to have a fun rockstar family photo session. They really aren’t rockstars, but to me they are. So why not make them look cool, instead of boring family photos? That's my specialty!

Zombie Pub Crawl

2011-10-10T01:40:00.000-07:00

This year I decided to finally join my friend Shawn of the Dead for the Zombie Pub Crawl. Thanks to Axman I had some civil defense surgical gear, so I dressed in a surgical dress and mask. I wrapped my camera in biohazard bags to protect it from the fake blood, and even brought my battery operated light. It was a blast photographing everyone until the sun set.

In the dark my camera did not want to focus without the flashes infrared sensor, so brought my strobe light for no reason. That’s when I decided to settle for getting drunk on beer instead.

What do we want? BRAINS!

When do we want it? BRAINS!

Best Band Photographer and I Have Proof!

2011-10-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, let me be a little pompous just this once. Please?

I have been doing band and promo pics since I was 18, and in my aged wisdom I think my band photos kickass these days. What do you think?

Gypsy Inspired

2011-08-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Life has brought me to a crossroads, with a fresh path ahead of me. Today I packed my stuff into storage, am currently halfway through house-sitting for a photo friend of mine, and I am learning what I can live with, and what I can live without. The next step is moving in with another photo colleague, and focusing completely on photography. Then I sill see where life leads me. So far I am enjoying the gypsy lifestyle. Who needs a permanent address in this digital age?

The Real Engagement Session

2011-07-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

Stillwater Engagement Session

2011-07-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

A beautiful setting and a beautiful couple.

Redneck Engagement Session

2011-07-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

On a hot afternoon a joke between a bride and groom of mine turned into a reality. Mark said something about a "White Trash Porch" and after a few jokes about a redneck engagement session, I said "Let's do it!"

The Saturday we had scheduled the engagement session it was 90+ degrees with humidity and I told Tricia and Mark that we should go ahead and shoot the Redneck Shoot instead. They were happy to get sweaty in their wife-beaters and have some fun!

Rapedoor

2011-07-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

The band Rapedoor contacted me about doing the cover to their next album.
I could not say no!

In stores soon.

Working Cover:

Cowboy Princess

2011-05-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

Met with Cathi Barbi and her daughter for a bit of dress up on Mothers Day at Minnehaha Falls. This is my new favorite wall. For now.

Red Riding Devil

2011-05-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

Naughty or Nice?

Fetish Photography

2011-04-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

Being single and finding myself again, I have a desire to get back into Fetish Photography. This time bringing all my recent knowledge and going crazy with it. Will probably revamp my ScarredBeauty.com site into something fetish like. Now I am just trying to go through old work and finding some of the fun sexy fetish images that I used to do. It's kind of exciting!

Game Over

2011-04-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

Tribute to Silent Hill.
Location- CAFAC Boiler Room in South Minneapolis
Costume by Dayna Deau
Photography, Lighting and Set by Courtney Conk

When worlds collide.

Thursday the 28th had a rough beginning. Something that made me wonder why I collaborate with people.

After focusing my energy on this Silent Hill project, I know why. I traded my craft [photography] for CAFAC.org. They have an amazing space, are amazing people, and are offering all kinds of metallurgy classes now [see older posts]. One lucky shoot Roger showed me the boiler room, after I mentioned I was into creepy basement. They for sure have THE creepiest 1930s boiler room basement, plentiful with lead, coal, dust and possibly asbestos. But look at this set, is it worth it?

Dayna Deau worked on this costume for over a year as her homage to Silent Hill. I knew the first game, and worked off that dirty scary feeling it gave me. The textures and video loops in the game amazed me, and I wanted to recreate that. And I did!

So we toiled and troubled and made something amazing. I am giddy and exhausted, cuz I got so many. You can see the rest on my Facebook Page CC Photo Arts.

Much creepy love,
CC

Pussyface

2011-04-25T02:08:00.000-07:00

Pussyface, well at least that is what I call it. I am not 100% happy with these photos, but it was just a test for this mask. I think it needs more flesh tones and blended into the face. Might have to shoot it in a grungier setting too.

You don't always get the perfect shot on the first try. But it's worth another try.

The Goddess is Angry

2011-04-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

This is one of those super emotional images for me, guess the kids today would call emo. I recently found these old toys in my old art school stuff.

The Trouble Dolls were given to me when I was about 10.. They are like wish dolls, you tell the doll your problem and put it under your pillow, and in your sleep the doll solves your problem. When my dad gave them to me he said "Remember Courtney, these won't work on pregnancy."

I will never forget that it.

Dead Housewife

2011-04-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

That reoccurring theme in my work.

First prosthetic bullet wound test.

Penny Dreadful

2011-04-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

Creative and creepy, similar minds can create something quite dreadful! I think I found another model I will love to work with in the future! It's amazing how bouncing ideas off someone can really get the creative juices flowing!

I don't think I will ever be able to move out of this place because the basement is just too awesome to shoot in!

Such is Life

2011-04-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Age brings such wisdom, as long as you do not spend too much time looking back. You have to take those life experiences and focus them on the future. Unfortunately what seems so easy to me, isn't so easy to everyone. I see so many people around me spending time focused in the past and dwelling.

I thank whatever goddess that watches me, and all the women in my life that helped me translate my life experiences into art. It has allowed me to speak through my eyes, to translate emotions into images. And I have so much more potential for deep therapeutic images, just do not have the time and money to create them. But I am trying my damnedest, one step at a time! I just hope I have enough time on this planet before I get assimilated back into dust.

Website

2011-04-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

Was going to redo my website this winter, like I normally do. But really haven't felt inspired.... Can't even decide what image I want on the front page. Any suggestions?

2011-04-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, Blood is too glossy too. Now I need to perfect my blood mixture.

Thanks to Lisha for being awesome and sitting in my icky tub.

You Kill Me

2011-04-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Got new paints, though I'm worried they might be too glossy. Lynnete was awesome to let me come over and use her for this gory concept.

First Prosthetic Test

2011-03-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

First prosthetic test proved the paint I was using was not a good color match. Had to photoshop these more than I like to.

Mission Statement

2011-03-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

I am super excited that my work is on two album covers currently in the works. One is for Stand Up Records of deceased comedian Mike DeStefano [ :( ], the other is for local band Rapedoor.

Maybe all those years spent in clubs and shooting for zines paid off! I think I found my true calling.

I am a Conceptual Photographer, hit me with your best idea and let me create it for you.

Christina the Astonishing

2011-03-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Got to explore the Guthrie Theatre with the amazing Christina. Inspiration was my grandmothers opera coat and a veil I created. It was a chilly day but Christina was amazing.

She was a total trooper with all of my ideas and I have to admit, she totally ROCKED it!

More Pink

2011-03-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

Colorful, playful bondage!

The Masquerade

2011-03-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

I have been craving to create a vampiric photo, and finally had the opurtunity today with Heather and Bridget. Didn't really want to do allot of fake blood, I guess more sexy vampire then gross bloody vampire!

Fake Blood and Prosthetics

2011-03-11T21:03:00.000-08:00

Last winter I created ghosts in my basement, this year I needed more. I am perfecting my fake blood recipe, possibly black goo, and even moldmaking. I failed my moldmaking class in art school, but hey, it was an elective and it was my senior year. The year my camera was stolen. But I digress. Now I have purpose, and vision. I can't WAIT to perfect the latex ingredient, a paintable and pliable surface for wounds, masks, and more!

Next is face casting. Who's first?

Great MN Entrepreneurs

2011-03-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Met a Great MN Entrepreneur the other day and had the honor of doing some fun product shots for him! Attune Aid, hopefully available soon at a Guitar Center near you!

A Snowy February morning

2011-02-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

Fought with my snow covered car, the unplowed alley, the other drivers on the street, and even froze my camera at one point, but it was so worth it.

Alice in Wonderland

2011-02-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

Alice is in Wonderland is what is in the View Master. My mind works in mysterious ways.

Fire and Metallurgy!

2011-02-02T22:07:00.000-08:00

Swung by Chicago Ave Fire and Arts Center for a little torching and metallurgy. They offer classes and make some amazing art. Check em out at CAFAC.org!

Glitter Explosion!

2011-02-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

For the last two years I have been getting these gigs to photograph dance competitions during the winter. I cannot complain one bit, well maybe about the music I am forced to hear, but it's fun. One night last year I dreamed about a glitter explosion, and I felt the need to photograph a mess of glitter. That's all I remember.

Happy New Year~~~!

2010-12-31T20:19:00.000-08:00

I was so busy for 2010 I decided to take January off. Need to see the family, and regroup, and try to actual clean and organize my homespace. It is a disaster since all I have been doing is shooting and retouching. No complaints though. See you when I get back to MN.

Happy Hellidays!

2010-12-24T02:33:00.000-08:00

Watch out for little zombies this winter season!

:)
CC

Far Beyond The Mountains of Madness by Courtney Conk

2010-12-17T16:10:00.000-08:00

Click on the Link below to see a preview of my new book which is also available for purchase:

http://www.blurb.com/books/1596035

Little Miss Mae

2010-12-10T02:11:00.000-08:00

Isn't she the cutest?

Went to NY for inspiration!

2010-10-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Got to do a mixed business and pleasure trip to NYC. Did some amazing documentary photos for a very important cause. Then headed to the Met, Moma, and even the Museum of Sex for some inspiration. Then Melanie and I were so inspired we went to the beach and created my Siren of the Sea series.

September

2010-09-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

September was the busiest this wedding season. Holy cow, no time to post anything!

Another gorgeous weekend wedding

2010-09-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day we had!

The end of another full week.

2010-08-22T01:54:00.000-07:00

Where did July and August go? This new Groupon thing with Noah Wolf has been keeping me so busy I can barely keep up. I got my wish, I asked to shoot more this year and I have been. It's been amazing to say the least.

New lighting style, like I could get any better lighting!

2010-08-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

New lights, new lens, and I am on a roll!! Working on a new lighting style for my portraits that will take me into some interesting art photos when things finally calm down....

Summer Days

2010-07-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Did the cutest photo session yesterday afternoon. These girls remind me of my teens when I had a friend that I visited every summer in Pennsylvania.

Another gorgeous weekend wedding

2010-06-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

Another gorgeous day for a wedding in Downtown Minneapolis.

Warmth and Love is in the air

2010-06-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

With the spring comes the wedding season. Love, tradition, family and fun comes along too.

Killer Rubble

2010-05-31T02:12:00.000-07:00

I found a killer spot in NE Mnpls yesterday. Lots of texture, shapes, industrial silos, a bit of destruction, and even a little beaver. I am hoping to go again next Sunday and do another shoot.

Where did May go?

2010-05-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Where did May go? It can't be almost June yet!

I updated the Fashion page in my Photo Gallery.

WoW!

2010-04-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

Wow have I been a busy girl and have not had time to post! I have been traveling allot for work, and not shooting for myself. But taxes had to be paid, and subcontracting is necessary.
Can't wait to get home and do some fun shoots! Need to get some creativity out!

So busy

2010-04-06T23:37:00.000-07:00

Busy is good, but I'm trying not to stress. I'm off to Chicago tomorrow for a shoot, then onto Missouri the next week. Fun fun.

MindFock

2010-03-13T16:13:00.000-08:00

I am so much better when I don't edit my photos for at least a week. So often I miss amazing images because I have either something in my head at the time I clicked the shutter, or I was so openminded going into the shoot that I didn't know what to expect.It's so hard to explain: I know when clicking the shutter what the image will look like, but it's like this photo mindf*ck in my head as to what I am expecting the image to convey. I wonder if other photogs feel that, or am I just weird?

Ok I'm done editing for the night, I'm getting emotionally attached to my images. I did at least catch up on all the DVDs I haven't mailed to my models. Sorry my lovely ladies. The DVDs ended up in the tax stack, and I'm deathly afraid of taxes this year, but they have to be done... I do not like paying so much when I survive on so little....

One more cup of coffee and then I'm turning Zepplin off and shutting down The Beast [my PC]. I need to get out, talk to some people or something!

March Madness

2010-03-09T21:20:00.000-08:00

I'm exhausted but felt the need to write a post since I have not posted this last week. I am still recovering from the photo trip to Omaha without a day off, but things are picking up and working hard makes me happy.

Not a cold, not now!

2010-02-26T18:10:00.000-08:00

Darnit- Woke up with a tickle in my throat this morning. Why couldn't I have been sick weeks ago when I was slow? No, because I have been out more shooting and shaking hands and the other day I was near kids and that's how the germs spread. I need vitamins and oranges and some preventative care!

On a lighter note I've been thinking of spring and fruit and travel so I shot this photo. Entered it into the http://www.saveur.com/ cover contest. It was worth a shot.

Gearing up for the season

2010-02-25T19:48:00.000-08:00

No more dilly-dallying as my mom would say! I think my legwork and due diligence this winter might be paying off. OR everyone is getting excited for spring and I am seeing more opportunities. Either way, I've been loving that busy feeling again, I do not like to sit around during the winter!

Between the normal commercial work I talked a friend into coming over for a shoot in my basement. We had great fun doing makeup and making slime. I got one great intentional shot and then a lovely mistake. Love it when that happens! I learn from all those lovely mistakes and make them intentional the next time.

CC

Another Week Begins

2010-02-22T17:13:00.000-08:00

Another week begins and I am excited to see a bit of green grass peaking from under the giant piles of snow out back. So while we are still covered in the beautiful cold white stuff, I am trying to take advantage and have a little fun with it!

Keeping my Head Up

2010-02-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

Still trying to not let the cold get to me.Had a great Saturday shoot with Mary and Jennessa.

Foot in The Door 4

2010-02-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

Not exactly sure how I feel about the new MIA show until I see it for myself and see my own peice. 5000 works from MN artists does sound fun, but how overwhelming will it be for the audience?

MIA Foot in The Door 4

Preparing for Valentine’s Day

2010-02-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

I've been shooting many portraits for V-Day but I am so fascinated by the alternative ones. Maybe it's my ability to make anything beautiful, or my fascination with not falling for Hallmark BS on a madeup holiday. But either way, I find this an amazing emotional image.

Rock n Roll Debauchery

2010-02-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

I don't like to think about it too much, mostly because the dates scare me, but I started taking band photos in Richmond VA in1991. From Clutch to my favorite Sliang Laos and Gwar, I've been dragging beloved cameras into mosh pits for a long time. Some nights it is hard to stomach standing close to the stage surrounded by drunken revelers with $3500 worth of photo equipment. But I do it because every time I create unique images that give a feel for the fun that was being had that night! And I love the colors.

Have a great weekend!!

2010-02-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Weekends usually mean something different to me then normal people. The weekend is when my work gets the most exciting.

I am planning a great shoot Friday evening playing with lighting techniques in the basement, then taking photos at Club Underground Saturday night, and then a kids session Sunday morning. Should be fun, just wish we could be closer to 30 degrees. Would love to get outside at some point.

Slow but steady time of the year

2010-02-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a bit slow thanks to the cold weather, but I have been keeping busy. I've been trying to schedule creative shoots as much as I can, at least to experiment with lighting. it is nice to have a breather though, and be able to regroup. When I get busy again I will be better than ever!!

Ok, back to working on the revamp of ccphotoarts.com

CC

Time flew by midnight again

2010-01-18T01:09:00.000-08:00

It was a long day off, especially cleaning, shopping for props for shoots, groceries, and then experimenting with photos down in the basement.

I'm excited to be trying old tricks in the new digital format. It was a good start today.

I'm glad my flash didn't explode like I thought it did. The batteries died in a blaze of bright glory that made me quite nervous when it wouldn't charge back up.

Here we go blog world

2010-01-17T02:08:00.000-08:00

Why not start out 2010 with another learning curve, right? So here's the blog I've been meaning to start. Let's see how I really feel about this....