CMC Directors

Ashton Gooding, Co-Director

Ashton Gooding is a photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. His work focuses on human interactions within a populous city. The overall theme of each collection gives the subject a constructive platform, while soliciting positive feelings from the viewer. He strives for timeless images regardless of the technological demarcations of the times. 

Currently, he is working on two multi-year spanning projects. The first project has him traversing the 5 boroughs in search of smiling faces and hopefully bringing happiness to those photographed. The second project focuses on pairs, whether they be romantic, platonic, familial, or random and the multitude of situations we experience in the company of others. In his free time he is also spearheading a photo community in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn at Taylor & Co. Bookstore; a monthly gathering for photographers at any stage in their journey, with each meeting centered around a photo book. 

@ashton.gooding // eggnoggphotography.com

Charlie Lederer, co-director

Based out of Brooklyn, Charlie has been serving as a director of Camera of the Month Club since 2022. He was born and lived in Brentwood, Long Island, and he went to college in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. These wildly different experiences continue to shape a unique perspective on American life, which he explores through his photography.

Charlie’s images focus on quiet and small moments that would otherwise go unacknowledged or forgotten. They have been described as ‘magically real,’ ‘vaguely literal,’ and ‘weird, but in the best way' by his friends and colleagues. 

@ledr.s // charlielederer.com

Carlos Juarbe, Co-Director

Carlos is a talented photographer hailing from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, he specializes in portrait photography that captures the essence of his subjects. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, Carlos draws inspiration from the diverse community around him, infusing his work with authenticity and emotion. His portraits are not just images; they tell stories of identity, resilience, and the beauty of everyday life. Whether working with individuals or groups, Carlos aims to create a comfortable atmosphere that allows his subjects to shine, resulting in striking and memorable photographs. Did I mention, he’s a Mets fan?

@los.uno

Taranita Costales, Co-Director

Taranita Costales is a Queens, New York-based photographer whose work is deeply rooted in capturing authenticity and diversity, usually within the context of urban landscapes. Her portraits reflect a commitment to showcasing the individuality of her subjects, peeling back layers to reveal their true essence. Taranita’s images have been featured in local photography exhibitions and publications such as Latina Magazine, The New Yorker, and various independent fashion outlets. She has also worked on projects for Adobe Premier and NYC’s MTA.

@taranita.costales // taranitacostales.com

Erica Reade, FOUnding Director

Originally from Montreal Canada, Erica is now a Brooklyn-based freelance photographer. She is Founding Director of Camera of the Month Club, and an Artist Member of SohoPhoto Gallery in NYC. She is also a Photography Mentor for the 2024 ASMP ‘The Bridge’ Program, a mentorship program for emerging photographers 18-26 years old and an International Center of Photography Teaching Faculty member.

She spends most of her time photographing the beaches of NYC, with a focus on the Rockaways and Fort Tilden. She has been working on her current series, Beach Lovers, for over eight years, and her first photographic book Beach Lovers was released in June 2022, by Daylight Books. Beach Lovers was also featured in the book Love Story in 2023, published by Hoxton Mini Press.

@ericareadeimages // ericareadeimages.com