Five In Five Days
My days in Detroit was just a busy trip home. Click to read more.
Dark Alley with Ashley
The first of many shoots and events when I got into Detroit. Ashley wanted to shoot at the Z-Belt, which is a common place for photographers and tourist, and I despise it. I hate it for the simple fact that creatives aren't able to work there even if they were to call ahead. Everything is always a "No" to equipment. We started out in the garage but was quickly shut down. So we moved to the alley and they managed to shut us down again but not before we were able to get some shots off. Now we were on a mission to find a new spot which we didn't find til we came across another part of the River walk and used a fence next to this training faculty. To continue the gritty look we were going for. After the shoot, we dropped her off at a party she was attending that evening
Lost in the Woods
Following the race, I had to run home real quick and dump everything from the race then I had to race back to Belle Isle to meet Stephanie and Dedan. I met Stephanie first near the entrance after the booth to pay. After met Dedan over at the casino. From there we went over to a dirt path that was suppose to be mildly secluded, but it had so much traffic that it was a car every two or three minutes. We managed to get a lot of great shots for the first look we used a Paul C. Buff Alien Bee B800 with 7ft parabolic silver umbrella. The tight throws so much light back that I had to use a higher f-stop than I normally use. After that we moved to a second location still on the Isle. We came to a bridge this time we used the Paul Buff beauty dish because winds started to pick up, and using the umbrella would be like a huge sail in the wind. After another hour of shooting I dropped Dedan off at his car then Stephanie and I went to Bucharest to have lunch. She never been to Bucharest before so she really enjoyed it.
P. H1ll Foundation
For the third year the P. H1ll foundation has held their annual 5k run/walk marathon downtown Detroit. Every year there is a nice turn out, and every year it has been on the cold side but when the sun rises it becomes better. Last year there was news coverage from Fox 2 and Channel 4 WDIV, this year there was none. In my opinion is was fro the better. The event brings out police officers, family, friends, and those who just like to run marathons. The owner of the foundation Deodge Hill have hired George Mitchell and myself to cover the huge event. This year Dennis Radford was unable to help as he had moved to Texas. So, we brought in De'Andre Elliot. Even with the three of us, we still wasn't able to cover the entire event. There is just too much for three people to cover. From video to photography it's just too much space.
This year, I did something a little different. Since I have two reliable cameras now and a GoPro. I setup the second camera on a tripod and shoot the finish in a time lapse then as a second angle during the results ceremony. The GoPro was mounted on Deodge's son to give a first person perceptive of the race. In the end I missed one moment due to me having to go grab my second camera from the starting line.
Video can be found on Youtube.
Warmin' Up
with A-Train Super Fit
And they are off!!!
Deodge with A-Train and crew
Best Male and Female Torphies (Overall)
Fashion with Symona
Afther lunch with Stephanie, it was time to shoot with Symona in Dearborn at the Artist Loft. I was a little behind schedule but it didn't matter. Dedan got there before I did, soon Symona arrived. The spot I wanted to use was a little crowded due to an art show that was being held in the newly renovated area. Everything was going smoothly til the trigger sattery began to die on us. We had to change over to using natural light for the second look. While shooting the first look we wanted Symona to sick off the wall into a strong pose. While Dedan and I were demostrating the look we drew a crowd of onlookers who were interested and cheering us on at the same time. After from the wall we went over to the steps and that was a riot act all in itself. The stairs were grated and she had on stilleto style heels. You can only image the silliness that ensued.
Family Memories
This one is short and sweet. After the passing of our Uncle Reggie, Meech wanted to do a family portrait because we don't have anything recently. You never know when life will end. It took a little planning on Meech and I ends to coordinate when both of us will be back in Michigan. So, we planned everything out with the family we were to do all black and I thought of using the black background. So black on black like a black mafia family.
Hubcaps and Tail Lights: A Motor City Burlesque Review
Recently Sinnator Charlotte put on a production outside of her IBBC productions, and give people something different with Hubcaps and Tail Lights: A Motor City Burlesque Review. This production was showcased at the Huma Room at the HopCat in Midtown Detroit. The Huma Room's stage was a nice size for each of the performers to properly perform each of their sets. The lightning for the stage was some of the best that I've seen around, I was able to photograph the entire show without the use of a flash. As using a speedlight would take away from the mood that was displayed from each set.
From my busy day I was having, I was a few minutes late to the show. I ended up messing a few acts before the intermission of the show. When I entered, Sinnator Charlotte was introducing Luna Legare. Luna first set was that of 1960's (I'm pretty bad with eras) style of clothing. It was here where Luna showcased a very fun playful side. Her second performance with a blue dress that revealed a split dress underneath showed her sensual side still with a bit of playfulness. Next to the stage was Holly Hock, her first performance was that of 1920's. After the intermission, her second performance was fiery hot. Holly came out as a lady to entice the crowd to embrace their dirty sides.
After a brief intermission, more performers were up next. We given a brief history of jitting from Sinnator Charlotte before she introduced Hardcore Detroit's The Jitterbugs. Each member of The Jitterbugs showcase each of their individual skills in the art of jitting. Within the group were three males and one female who held her own with fellas. Next was Magenta Demure, unfortunately I missed her first performance. Her second performance was something of straight seduction from beginning to end. Her look, her attitude, and movement was all to seduce and entice the audience. Rose Chocolat is another who I missed in the beginning due to my tardiness. Rose performed a set that was taught to her by Sinnator. With anything that is taught to someone, they will add their own twist to it. Rose gives off a bit of sass and a lot attitude that this routine truly became her own. The show closer was the host herself Sinnator Charlotte. Just like any performance she leaves the audience wanting more. With a style that shows her why she lives up to the name of Sinnator.
From the point of when I arrived to the very end, I enjoyed each and every performer. I loved everything about it, Sinnator brings sassy, sexiness, attitude, and silliness. Luna has fun, silliness and sexiness to her performances, Rose adds sass, attitude, and confidence. Magenta brings seductiveness, enticement, and a classic beauty that is not seen by most in today's era. I can't wait to see more each performer.
Noir Night At Tangent Gallery/Hastings Ballroom
One whole year has passed since last years Noir Night. For those who don't know Noir Night is an art and history lesson for those willing to learn something different about the city of Detroit. Not many know about the rich history of Detroit that had many jazz musicians that started or came through the city.
This was brought about that the founder of International Black Burlesque Company (IBBC) Rachel McCollough a.k.a. Sinnator Charlotte. She wanted to give people a history lesson of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. Not to bore you with all the details here's the link for you to read.
What Sinnator Charlotte also does is also give info to those who would never believe coexisted together, and that's burlesque and jazz. Sinnator Charlotte states is that during that time of Paradise Valley during the 1920's two styles worked extremely well together.
As many people don't really understand burlesque, as many see burlesque as only stripping. As it is stripping but it's more than that it's an art form. It can tell a story to go along with that music that they are dancing to. When most think of burlesque they think of the movie Burlesque but it's much more that. The movie on glorify one type of female body type, but it's women of all shape and sizes that participate in burlesque shows.
By introducing Detroiters to this particular art form not only does this opens their minds but also truly inform everyone like hey she can do than maybe I can do it. All the ladies who performed are beautiful, talented, and showed so much confidence that you can not tell I they were nervous at all. The all the ladies performed extremely well, and the audience showed love and participation with every performer. As with any event of this caliber there is always one heckler in the audience that gets a little too drunk for themselves.
For all those who missed out, you missed a wonderful show. I was happy I was able be bring family and friends to this, and introduce them to the things I love to enjoy. I can't wait til the next show and I hope to bring more people with me. I will continue to support IBBC with all that they do. Well enough talking time for some pictures.
Stage Kitten: Simone Winter
Candy Mac-N-Toosh
Bianca Coal
Rose Chocolat
Akynos
Essence Revealed
Zaniah Amirah
Sinnator Charlotte
If you wish to find out more about these ladies find on Facebook and Instgram.
Candy Mac-N-Toosh https://www.facebook.com/candy.macntoosh?fref=ts
Biance Coal - https://www.facebook.com/BiancaCoalburlesque
Akynos - https://www.facebook.com/theincredibleedibleakynos
Essence Revealed - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Essence-Revealed/202323189809975
Zaniah Amirah - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zaniah-Amirah/115492175145151
Simone Winter - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Simone-Winter/317231925066801
Sinnator Charlotte - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sinnator-Charlotte/1520548118227833
“There are things which nobody would see unless I photographed them.”
“I see little of more importance to the future of our country and of civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”