Local News from Marbletown, Rochester, & Rosendale
Rosendale resident Carl Cox, 49, professional photographer and visual communications specialist, recently opened up his own business, Carl Cox Studios, at 378 Main St. in Rosendale. And on Saturday, May 28, from 6-9 p.m., Cox will host the official grand opening celebration.
Originally from Middletown, he was introduced to Rosendale three years ago and instantly fell in love with the town and its vibe. “I have wanted to live and work in this community since my first time walking down Main Street,” said Cox.
In addition to photography, Cox specializes in electronic business cards. “I learned about business eCards at a Professional Photographers of America convention,” he said. “I thought it was a fantastic product and created one for myself. I love that it gives me the ability to start a conversation online.” When he showed it off to other business owners, they wanted one, too, and a new offering was born. “And it’s been a wonderful social communications tool for my clients.”
Like a mini commercial, the process of making business eCards is not like making a motion picture, but with Cox, rather quite straightforward and organized. “Creating an eCard is simple. I meet with the client to learn about their business and what they would like to accomplish with the eCard, help them write a script, create the video, and get it online. Shooting the card typically takes less than 40 minutes.” Cost of the eCard? “It is very affordable: $499.” Cox explained how valuable eCards are in that they allow business owners to establish a connection with a potential client by creating familiarity.
As with the eCard, Cox takes enjoyment in photography -- in capturing the moments, what that person is like, through pictures -- a love he has always had and believed. “I have wanted to be a professional photographer since I was 14 years old when I got my first 35mm camera as a gift. I started selling landscapes to local businesses, and that’s when I got the bug to do something real with it.” He worked part time for the first 20 years, photographing weddings and corporate events when he wasn’t doing his full-time gig. Cox worked in corporate America for over 20 years. “I was responsible for supply chain management for a large retailer. That experience gave me the business experience to make the jump,” he explained. “A corporate downsizing five years ago gave me the opportunity to seek advanced education in photography and launch my business full time.”
While his business until now primarily focused on commercial photography, the goal of his studio is to have a venue to do more family portraiture in addition to the commercial work.
While new to Rosendale, Carl Cox Studios has been in operation for almost 30 years. “I went full time five years ago and never looked back.” The best part of the job for Cox is he gets to do what he loves, as he describes it, “photographing the things that make people’s hearts happy; their families, weddings, birthdays, graduations and their businesses. I get to do what I love every day.” And the most challenging part? “Wearing sooooo many hats -- photographer, editor, bookkeeper, contract writer, salesperson and dad.”
But Cox does not get overwhelmed, he simply lives in the moments he hopes to help capture. “At this point in my life I’ve learned it’s all about being present to be open to see those special moments, to not make things personal, and to be open to the abundance of love that surrounds us all.” Sweating the small stuff? “I’ve learned that 99 percent of what I worry about never comes to pass.”
Cox’s personal goal is to create beautiful imagery for those in the community. “Images that represent our lives as they are right now. Images that future generations can hold in their hands and feel our presence.”
Carl Cox Studios is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. For more information, call 658-7000, email Carl@CarlCoxStudios.com or visit CarlCoxStudios.com.
