Photographing Sandra Bernhard's 'Spring Affair' at City Winery NYC

There's something magical about the intertwining of humor, music, and social commentary in a one-woman show. This magic was vividly on display as I had the opportunity to photograph Sandra Bernhard's 'Spring Affair' at City Winery in New York City for Shutterstock. This was an event that perfectly encapsulated Bernhard's nearly 50-year career.

The City Winery, a multi-faceted venue that serves as a winery, restaurant, music venue, and private event location in Hudson Square​, played host to this engaging event. Founded in 2008, the various City Winery locations have a rich history of hosting gigs by various renowned artists​, and now it can add Sandra Bernhard's 'Spring Affair' to its impressive roster.

Walking into the venue, there was an immediate sense of warmth and welcome, much of which I attribute to the considerate staff. A casual and intimate atmosphere permeated the room, with audience members enjoying dinner as they settled in for the show. This blend of fine dining and live performance created an ambiance that was both relaxed and anticipatory.

As the lights dimmed and the show began, the stage was bathed in a pink glow. As a photographer, I found the lighting to be quite a challenge. The pink light was directly on Bernhard, creating a unique but somewhat difficult shooting environment. However, this didn't deter me. Instead, it added a layer of complexity that made capturing the perfect shot all the more rewarding.

Seated at a table near the front, I had a limited range of movement, but this constraint provided a unique opportunity to capture the show from a consistent perspective. The highlights of the night were captured in the intimate moments – when Sandra practiced a song she had never sung in front of people before, and the audience's captivated reactions to her performance.

Looking back, photographing Sandra Bernhard's 'Spring Affair' was a blend of challenge and reward. The venue, the performance, and even the obstacles came together to create an experience that was as memorable as it was unique. As I reflect on this event, I am reminded of why I fell in love with photography in the first place – the ability to capture and convey the energy, emotions, and essence of a moment. And in the case of 'Spring Affair', these moments were filled with laughter, introspection, and the undeniable charm of Sandra Bernhard.