INSPIRATION

Photograhy is power. The ability to capture life and freeze it in time is powerful. Its fun, informative, entertaining and sometimes frightening. I love it. I strive everyday to find a way to this more than half the time....

I was inspired by my great aunt, Justyne Burte and love of photography. As an Elder, often times she could'nt attend family functions so I would take photos so she could see who and what was there. It was her to critique my photos and say early on..."You didn't shoot anything! That's a picture of nothing!" Those words taught me the value of telling or showing something of value and composition...I LOVE her for that....

John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony/Jet magazine inspired me with his magazines. At the time, his were the only publications or media to show Blacks and Africans consistently in all forms of life and progress. To see images that reflect your culture and people is a powerful teacher and esteem-builder.

Another inspiration was the brother(his name escapes for the moment), who was a retired 5th Dimension singer, who photographed a lot of Beauty Of The Weeks in the magazine, The Jet. I decided at a young age, "That's what I want to do when I retire..take pictures of beautiful women!"

Gordon Parks-artist, author, writer, director, photographer..need I say any more. His work was groundbreaking and lasting.

My son, for whom I hope he can gain inspiration through my work, my love and the contributions of his people and of people all around the world.....I only get to photograph a little..but I can't hope to teach my son to chase his dreams, if I stop running for mine...so I'm chasing and still dreaming!

DEDICATION

For my wife, Nicole whom I love very much.  I thank you very much for what you do for our family!  
Love you.

GALLERY

Thursday, April 26, 2007

STOCKSHOT


I did this photo for my cousin and his partner when they were called"BLAHZAEBLAH" The idea was their style was Big City and their rhyme concepts were actual mutual funds on the stock market. You don't how many people actually thought, believed and asked me, "Are That's Cool and Peaches (in heavy syrup) real mutual funds?"

I'm thinking to myself,"Are you kidding me?" To some I told the truth and to others....well

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Kanye West





A shot of Kanye West in his southside home before he blew up with Rocafella Records..
Hey Kanye!...If you ever need new pics...

soulhood



Another favorite..Scoop Jackson (writer, publisher, author), you've may have seen him on sports shows on cable or have read his writings in SLAM & other sports publications.

HORIZON




ONE OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS...