Amherst Photographer Captures Stars At The Emmys

A local photographer had the opportunity to get up close and personal with celebrities like Sofia Milos and Lou Ferrigno at the 64th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.

Walter Schnecker, owner of C1M Photography in Amherst, spent his time last week photographing over 100 stars in a "Secret Room" Gifting Suite to help promote a makeup products for Je Beau International.

He captured the likes of Shannon Elizabeth of “American Pie” fame, Keith David from "Crash" and even the first on-screen Hulk, Lou Ferrigno.

“I got a lot closer to these folks than I ever would have been able to do at the ceremony,” said Schnecker.

The photographer was there for the makeup company’s new line of products called Paparazzi Ready, which prepares the face for photographers at any time. The products are marketed to the celebrities whose faces are barraged by cameras at all times of the day, according to Schnecker.

He said that the celebrities were all great to talk to and he was able to shoot in a very natural environment. It never felt awkward as he was shooting the breeze with these television stars.

“The bigger the star they were, the nicer and more approachable they were,” said Schnecker.

His favorite star he photographed? That would have to be Sophia Milos, an accomplished actress who has starred in shows like “The Sopranos” and “CSI Miami.”

“She has an incredible presence and poise when she walks in the room,” he said.

All of this was a different experience for this award-winning photographer, who focuses mostly on studio photography at his Amherst business.

“I had very little control of what was happening in front of the camera. I usually pose people to make them look their best, but these people knew just how to stand and pose right off the bat.”

He said it taught him to always be ready as a photographer, because you don’t want to miss that important shot of something important, especially a famous or soon-to-be famous celebrity.

“It was a whirlwind experience and I am grateful to have had that opportunity,” said Schnecker. “If asked again, I would go in a minute.”

C1M Photography specialize in headshots, photography courses, high fashion seniors, model portfolios, catchy commercial and family photography. Visit www.c1mpp.com/ for more information.