When the Lens Turns...
- Cheryl Alterman | The Music Soup Editor
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
It gives me great pleasure to announce the Grand Opening of the Alterman Images Gallery. In Santa Rosa, California above the Dobe Coffee Shop and Doobie Nights Dispensary, 3011 Santa Rosa Avenue. Entrance through Doobie Nights at present. The exhibit is in the beautiful upstairs (rentable) event space, now a Rock n Roll gallery. The gallery is displaying nearly 100 music photos. You'll see rockstars such as Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Glen Hansard, BB King, P!NK, Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, Gary Clark jr, Green Day, Elton, Nelly, Iggy Pop, Blondie, Metallica, Ludacris, Stevie Wonder, KISS and loads more.
I've been a music photographer for nearly two decades. And I'm grateful that my photography has been published, not only here, but also in publications such as BAM, Modern Drummer and Guitar Player magazines. I've shot album covers, EPKs, and band promotions of all kinds. Many artists share my photos across all social media platforms. But now, I get to share my photography in person with my own, brand new photography exhibit displayed in a proper gallery setting. It's located an hour north of San Francisco in beautiful Sonoma County, California.
The Grand Opening!...Saturday night August 8, 2026, from 5pm until closing is your chance to check it out (without an appointment), for one night only. After August 8th, it will be open by appointment only, until the coffee shop downstairs is fully opened (after renovations have been completed). Presently, (after Aug 8), viewings will be accessible upon request, or on weekdays, you'll be able to walk into Doobie Nights dispensary between 9am-5pm and ask for Damon. He'll show you the upstairs event space & gallery where you can view and/or purchase prints. After the coffee shop renovations are completed, the gallery will be open to the public during the coffee shop opening hours of 9am-3pm.
Taking this step and curating my own gallery enables me to share a chunk of my work with the public, and in person not via a screen. Most of the photos displayed in this gallery have been shot in the last decade. I'm very proud of this gallery. You can see my work displayed at two galleries. The small gallery at the rear of The California Theatre in Santa Rosa, (pictured below). Where 12 framed photos are hanging. And now this large exhibit in two rooms, displaying a hundred+ pieces of my work at the beautiful (and rentable event space) above Doobie Nights. You can purchase, or order, signed, limited edition, framed photos at Doobie Nights or by contacting me directly, here via email - TheMusicSoupinfo@gmail.com.
🥁 Drumroll for the promo video: Recently I had the experience of being in front of the lens and making a video with my friend and rockstar in his own right, videographer, and a literal rockstar with his own music...Sebastian St. James. We made this video to promote my photography services, as well as the photo galleries displaying my work.
Whilst working with Sebastian on this video, it has given me a new compassion for the subjects in front of my lens. I now know without any doubt, I'm much fonder of being behind the lens, rather than in front of it!
I was first introduced to Sebastian St. James many years ago through his music. I've shot his bands and his solo appearances and I love his music, both orginals and covers. He even hired me to photograph his wife's birthday party. So we've worked together several times. I've seen the fantastic videos he's created for himself and for my friends that are in bands.
I asked Sebastian to credit himself on the video he made for me. He did not. So, I AM....
Now that I've had first hand experience with him creating a promo video for me. I can honestly say that he took someone (me), that's not keen on being in front of the camera, and made a whole promo video about my photography services and exhibits. I can now whole heartedly recommend his excellent work. Sebastians' talents for making a creative, professional video are unmatched in my opinion. He was a joy to work with. His expertise (and patience) were comforting, and I couldn't have asked for a better, more creative, person to create this for me. If you are in need of a video and want an awesome, creative, pro videographer, please check out: www.centuryhousefilms.com and book Sebastian at centuryhousefilms@gmail.com. Bravo to Sebastian St. James....he's got five stars from me!
As always....Remember that life is short and gets shorter every day. Please, be kind to each other. Greet each day with love in your heart. Never regret anything that made you smile. Make amends to those we hurt along the way. As we all know-life can end at any moment. And remember to turn up the music and see art!
With loads of love and gratitude,
Cheryl, at The Music Soup ❤️✌🏻🎵
Need of a photographer?...Contact me: AltermanImages@gmail.com
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Check out my You Tube channel! A few shots from the video shoot... ©Cheryl Alterman Photography 2026
