Going Green!

As a photographer I am always looking for new ways to do things that can improve my own efficiency as well as staying aware of the environmental effects. Over time I have been incorporating my own best practices, and will continue to look for new ways to do my part in going green. I would like to encourage others to evaluate your own area of expertise and determine how you can play a part.

A few Best Practices:

• I no longer use CD's for file delivery unless expressed by client. I send all image proofing and final high resolution edits via FTP(File Transfer Protocol). It allows me to send larger files up to 3GB which replace the need for CD's/DVD's.
• I use rechargeable batteries instead of regular batteries. It saves me money as well as it cuts down on disposable items I have post shoot. (I used to have to throw away at least 10 batteries per shoot)  
• I am making a conscious effort to shoot more in natural light (best light anyway) which will ultimately conserve some of my electric consumption. 

These are just a few ways that I have modified my daily routine to go green. I look forward to continue growing in my own awareness! If you would like more in depth info about going green as a photographer or client visit www.greenerphotography.org 

"What you didn't know yesterday can make a difference today!!"

A DAY AT THE GALLERY

For sometime now it has been a goal of mine to display my work in a gallery setting.  Driven not for aspirations of monetary gain, but for personal accomplishment. On April 22nd I got my opportunity and had my first showing at Hagedorn Gallery for the Urban Lux Magazine "Lux List" Event.  Walking in as a person who is used to being behind the scenes, I experienced a great since of joy to see others admire my work in this open forum. Please take a moment to check out some of the beautiful images provided by Chieu Lee Photography   .  I look forward to this being the first of many!! Special thanks to everyone who came out to support!!!!

"What I'm listening to Right Now" Tribute Image

These are images I shot back in 2007 of Janelle Monae . I figured since this is What I'm Listening To Right Now I should post them as a tribute. Ironically enough I have never posted any of these images until now....So enjoy and check out her music!

JAS Photo Shop Talk: Dance Theater Study

For the last 2 weeks I have been preparing to shoot with the African American Dance Review  (AADR) as their official photographer for their 2nd season production. Theater is a brand new animal for me to tackle and there are a number of variables that are uncontrollable in this environment. Knowing these challenges I have been studying to ensure that I am fully prepared for the gig. In my search of the internet I ran across a helpful resource (Theater Photography) that gave a great overview of capturing the essence of  a performance with great images.

As with any talent or profession you never stop learning and having fun if you love what you do. Last week I visited a dress rehearsal for the AADR performance and not only did I have a chance to sketch out my game plan for the show, but also enjoyed watching the makings of a great performance. Being a photographer you get opportunities to work with a variety of  great groups and individuals from all areas. The one thing I learned above all  is to be prepared and expect the unexpected. If you are looking for tips like I was, below you will find a short list of things that I felt would be useful:

• Go to the dress rehearsal to plan your shots before the show (if possible) to find key moments. Don't hesitate to take notes.
  
• Use a tripod or mono-pod to stabilize your camera to reduce vibration  in low light enviorments
• Refrain from using a flash b/c it can be distracting to the dancers and I feel it takes away from the mood of the lighting on the stage
• Shoot RAW if you can to adjust color variance in post processing
• Keep in mind the perspective of the audience based on the show being made for them not the photographer. 
• Look for the story behind each image you take otherwise you will end up with hundreds of images that don't truly depict the performance accurately. 

I invite you to come out and see a great show as well view work by yours truly in the production material. Find the details below:

The African American Dance Review Season II production (The Progressive Realization of Dreams) will take place on January 28-31, 2010 and February 4-6, 2010 at the historic Rialto Center for the Arts - Georgia State University in Atlanta. All proceeds will benefit the CFED Foundation.

What You Don't Always See!

A shot I used for "Death of A Clown"  that just started growing on me, so I am sharing it with you!;) My fascination with this image comes from the colors and the textures that draw me in. Many times I find shots like these in my archives, but don't always have a place to show them to the outside world. Hopefully this brings you a little bit closer to understanding the mind behind the lens.

Death of A Clown: Collection 1

Emotional Distress

The 1st of 4 in the series, I wanted to depict the Clown displaying a sense of foresight and intuition about the end. My goal was to create a collection of images that told a story through not only the Clown's expression and look, but also through the colors and still life infused into the collection. If you look closely from the top to bottom you will find vibrant colors starting out which soon fade away, representing the gloomy future ahead. I added the still life of a Poinsettia to represent what the Clown was seeing that was causing her emotional distress. Depicting the transition from life to death (In some cases back to life:). After doing a little research I found the Poinsettia's history to be a fitting compliment to the back story of the collection. It took me three days to determine what flower I was going to use, because I am not a big fan of cliche driven symbols....Lastly you will find the Clown gazing into the balloon as if she was a fortune teller looking into a crystal ball seeing her own future. Leaving the collection with an image that represents what is soon to come.

What's Next? 

I am already working hard on the concept for the next collection. I can assure you it will be even more dramatic & detailed with back story/symbolism. This is only 1 of the 4 collections that will be incorporating different models and looks.  Ultimately leading to the last collection which is the "Death of A Clown" so stay tuned!;)

Special thanks to the team who worked on Collection 1- Model: Zoya / Wardrobe Styling: Lamil Designs /Make-Up: Keya /Hair: Zara /Jewelery Designs: Aakoffii

Constructing "The Death of a Clown"

(Model: Zoya /MUA: Keya /Wardrobe Stylist: Lamil /Hair: Zara /Jewelery: Aakoffii )

Back in 2007 I decided to write a list of ideas that I wanted to create and develop before they were forgotten in the shuffle of time. One of the first ideas that I wrote down was "Death of A Clown". I was inspired by the traveling show "Cirque Du Soleil Corteo" where they show the imperfections and mortality of a Clown who dreams of his own funeral. First question that I asked was "How does A Clown Die?" and from there the idea was born to create a series that shows the "Death of A Clown". My interpretation is that a Clown dies when they no longer see the humor in life and become vulnerable to life's struggles. A common thread that link us all together, our own mortality.... 

The first collection in the series are images that show the most basic concept for "Death of A Clown", emotional distress. You will see the subtleties of a Clown who knows that the end is near. I  also wanted the look to be just as subtle, so that the clown is not immediately recognized on first look.  

(Upside down balloons were added to symbolize how the Clowns life was about to be turned upside down.)

I had a blast doing this first shoot for the series which has definitely got me super excited to complete the series! There will be 3 more collections which will lead up to the "Death of A Clown. Look for the final image of collection one coming soon as well as the remaining collections for the series.