Dramatic Lighting

As a photographer, I get bored with the same old flat lighting concepts. It’s kinda like the safe zone. I want to deliver a product to my client that they would love. So I tell myself “instead of shooting something different, Ima stay safe”. If you ever find yourself saying that as a creative quickly change. Live a little; try some dramatic lighting and different angles. If your client is down cool, you got the green light to create without limitations.

Fortunately, I’m blessed with some awesome clients that allow me to be as creative as I want (in most situations. Lol). So the past few weeks I’ve been thinking of playing with shadows more. I roamed around the city and found a pretty awesome garage with new white LED lights. Had I used a strobe it would’ve been more punchy and maybe less accurate. Since the LED lights are consistent, I can see exactly what the light is doing before I take the shot. Granted I do have to do a bit more editing to bring back the details. But I think it was totally worth it seeing not every situation I shoot in is perfectly lit. This was a great learning experience and because of it I feel more comfortable playing with shadows. Below are a couple shots from our set. Feel free to leave feedback. Enjoy

A loss ain't a loss, it's a lesson - Jay-Z

I’m probably one of the biggest planners you’ll ever meet. But no matter how much I plan, things never go as planned. Lol

As of right now I don’t have the best of the best equipment. In fact, I have the bare minimum for professional photographers. But I know and understand light. If you are a client of mine you know it’s normal to have a light hanging from the ceiling by tape. Fortunately, I didn’t have to fight with gravity too much. Seriously, it’s very important to properly allocate your funds in the beginning stages of business. So you don’t have to go through this lol

My favorite music artist Jay-Z said “A lost ain’t a loss, it’s a lesson. Appreciate the pain, it’s a blessing”. This touched home-base as soon as I heard it. Flow with me mentally real quick. Everything starts with your mind. *thoughts* When you come across your loss, look for the lesson and use it to your advantage.

Today’s loss -> Not having proper equipment on hand (which really isn't a loss seeing I achieved the lighting I wanted) / Limited Space

Today’s lesson -> Use the equipment you have and when it's time to upgrade be smart and invest correctly / Get out the habit of the “if it aint broke don’t fix it” mentality.

This small situation made me realize the bigger picture and made me apply it in every field in my life.

Guess what guys? IT WORKS! I’m better creatively (see pic below) and I found myself being less stressed about life. I also noticed I think much sharper. If you made it to the end of this blog thank you so much for your support in my business journey. I also want to challenge you to apply this to your personal life. Your goal is to look at every negative situation and turn it into a positive. Be Blessed 

Power of the Portrait

I've never taken a portrait of a soldier. If I have, I didn't know their story so their photos didn't slap me in the face like this. But this young lady right here man.  

This is my baby cousin Jimie. At 17 years old with the help of Jesus Christ she stands tall over her past. In this photo, I can see her dark past and current struggles. I'm grateful to have the  opportunity to shoot with her because I've always struggled with telling someone's personal story through a photo. The fact that so much energy, emotion and history is able to be compiled to one image is MIND BLOWING! Why am I just realizing this? I'm not sure. But I do know this photo ignited the artist/story teller within me. 

Positive vibes only

This post correlates to life. So if you’re not interest in photography still read on. :)

I think the best visuals come about when you plan a shoot thoroughly, show up with a great vibe and be ready to create without limitations. I had the pleasure to work this amazing soul this past week. We basically just roamed the city and shot what we felt. Photography may be challenging to some because they don’t understand how it’s an energy driven career. Odds are if someone comes to a photoshoot with doubt or an attitude, it’ll be harder to create. In conclusion, never put a limit on life. Just go into whatever situation that’s placed in front of you with a clear mind and do the best you can. I promise you’ll find yourself being less stressed. Enjoy 

Portfolio Update

Corporate Headshot Session!

They wanted amazing headshots to start their amazing careers. Check out a few samples from my latest headshot session at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. If you're in need of an updated headshot, click the contact page and shoot me an email. Enjoy!