As Black History Month winds down, I am so happy to share the Story Windows documentary. I was excited to be a contributor to this beautification project based in Oakland, CA. I want to thank Ric Omphroy for recommending me, Oakland Central, Black Joy Parade, and the people featured in my photos, Nicia De’Lovely, Kemi Amin, Deja, and Kelly Finley. Keep spreading joy and beauty!
Announcing New Services →
The last couple of years have been difficult worldwide. I often think of what everyone is experiencing and the loss they may have had to endure. I am sorry we are all going through this. All throughout 2020 I had a lot of time to reflect on what’s important, what’s not, and how to deal with changes in life.
I’ve decided step away from photographing homes and go back to focusing on portraits for women and surrounding myself with beauty.
There are new portrait session options posted on the site under “Services”. I can’t wait to get started and meet some new people.
I will also be adding 35mm film photography options in the future
In Defense of the Selfie
Everyone should take more selfies. Why? Firstly, I can only address the woman’s perspective because I don’t understand anyone else’s.
Before social media took off, before 2003, I used to take self-portraits with my disposable camera, then my crappy phone camera, and I still do them to this day. There will be some who believe that a selfie is silly, conceited, or egotistical. Well, it can be, if it’s coming from a place of conceit. It can also be a great source of expression, self-love, body or face positivity, and documenting yourself in a way you feel most beautiful.
Self-portraits, aka selfies, have been around for so long. They’ve been the subject of paintings and have been the source of some photographers entire careers. For example, Francesca Woodman made some of the most expressive and artistic self-portraits I’ve ever seen. And Vivian Maier has beautifully documented herself through reflections as she was out and about capturing everyday life. Lastly, Van Gogh probably created one of the most famous self-portraits in the art world and he painted a total of 30 self-portraits.
Fast forward and now you can find an entire Instagram account dedicated to advanced selfies. It’s pretty awesome and you should check them out. Even the iconic Iman participates in #SelfieSunday.
I believe taking selfies also prepares you for your portrait shoot. You already know what you like, your favorite features, and maybe you’re a little more comfortable in front of the camera.
Why do I take selfies? Well, I’ve always took them in the past to see what others saw and to document myself throughout the years. I remember my Mom saying that she wished she had more photos of herself. As I got older it was for artistic purposes. Now it’s for art, for love, and I really look like my Mother. So, it’s pretty interesting to see a loved one who has passed in your own face.
So, I say, keep snapping and go document yourself despite the naysayers. Sometimes you just feel cute.
Thoughts sparked by a meme
Just so everyone knows, I don’t always feel great at anything I do. Especially, as a creative. When does the learning stop? When do you reach a point where you are confident you won’t make a mistake? Why are we afraid of mistakes?
Creativity is a journey and the journey leads to improvement. These days, compared to the 90’s void of social media, it’s even easier to get in a cycle of comparing oneself to others. We’re surrounded by a world of instant gratification and visual overload. And then there are viral videos and viral tweets, sometimes for things that seem so pedestrian or ordinary, and I am over here trying to just make an image or a painting wondering if anyone will like it.
One of my favorite books is, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson. A book I highly recommend for everyday life.
In the end, it’s impossible to make everyone happy and mistakes will happen. The only thing that is possible is to present your unique self as best you can to the world. Don’t get me wrong, in all of my imperfection, I fall victim to comparison. I just remember that I need to constantly keep learning, be open, and improve where I can. It also helps when I look at my truly bad photos from when I first started. The growth is right before me.
Comparison may not all be bad if it’s your own journey and the story of how far you’ve come.
Film 101
The first class I took for photography was a community college class. It was an intro class that started everyone off with a simple camera and black & white film. We were taught how to take a properly exposed photo, develop the film, and make a print of our very own.
Being in the darkroom was one of the most peaceful times I can remember. Mostly, because everyone had to be quiet, and I LOVE quiet. My classmates were all considerably younger than me, I may have been 31 at the time, and I was more comfortable socializing with the Teacher. In fact, I’m still in touch with my teacher to this day!
I shot film for a while after the class was over. Then, I started focusing on working as a photographer and practicing interior photography.
I was looking at some old photos my Mom took and was re-inspired. I decided to pick up my film camera again because I wanted to slow down and take photos of everyday moments. I have a camera my Mom handed down to me that I use and recently purchased a Nikon F5. I’d really love to get a Mamiya eventually.
Here are a few photos from the last roll I shot on Portra 400.
