NBA All-Star Weekend
Stacy aka Bratz visiting Los Angeles Art District
Over the course of NBA All Star weekend, people are swarming to Los Angeles (LA). Celebrities, models and everyday people ordinary people. In those group of ordinarty people are people who are looking to hit it big with a ball player or celeb. I knew models would be arriving soon, so I was kind of wondering about on Instagram and stumble across a post that an insta-model was looking to shoot while in town. So, I threww a "bone in the dark" and waited. Low and behold she responded. I was shocked!!!
We messaged each other with me giving details, and trying to find a location that would best suit both of us. We settled on the art district area. Of course, like majoity of my shoots they always take place after work. As soon as I got off, I showered made sure everything was packed and charged. Called an Uber early because I know how LA tracffic can be. I arrived at Urth Caffe extra early to scout and get a bite to eat. The session was agreed for four in the afternoon, but she was 45 minutes late. I was going to give her until five to cancel the session. She finally arrived purple hair and all.
So, we met chatted for a bit then started shooting. Her first outfit was an all black tube topand skirt with sparkle style heels. With this look, we shot around the graffiti in the area then over to the parking garage one blick away. While walking there, I asked if she had another outfit in which she replied yes. A few more shots in the first outfit then we switched to the second look.
Eyes
If looks could kill
Now, this outfit is what we should have started with. This fit the lifestyle look I was going for originally. It was more of a fun lifestyle shoot now. The outfit was something she would wear on a regular day. We stayed at the parking garage. Utiziling the area. Alot of the shots turned out like a fashion magizine. No flash was used but natural and available light.
I enjoyed this shoot then when I visit MIami again, I'll definitly connect with Stacy in her neck of the woods.
Wild Flower
I had the honor of photographing a friend of one of my models, Izzy. As this was her first time really modeling for anyone, I didn't want to make things too complicated or weird. As this was really a test shoot for us to really get use to each other. We were meeting and shooting on a Sunday. The only problem was that I was on a time crunch because I had to work later that afternoon. We met up at 11 to get started with a simple style to get her comfortable being in front of the camera.
Stephaine
First location
After those first shots we moved on to a second look that was a business look with a pencil skirt and halter style top. I failed to mention before that she came with a variety of clothes so we had plenty to choose from. With the business look we did a variety of looks from sitting to walking and use of the phone. It was perfect as I was doing a small portion of business style shoots. At this point she was starting to relax just a little but still had a sense of nervousness that you can sense.
The reason I titled this "Wild Flower" is not only because one of her social media handles is HappyWildFlower but majority of the clothes she brought were embroidered with flowers. With the last outfit I chose a black floral dress with black booties. Leaving the last location we across the way to the parking structure that had a few hidden gems within that corner. While searching and shooting we came across a piano that I had her sit upon to create a moment of darkness in a mid day afternoon. Stephanie looked as if she was a doll on top of the piano.
Before I darted of to work like a bat out of hell, I took her Stephanie to the top of the garage for something a little different.
I really enjoy working with Stephanie and I can't wait to do it again in the future. Now to think of a dope concept for her.....hmmmm.
Travel - Vacation Wedding
This has been a long time coming. It's Vacation Time!! What made it even more exciting was that it was my first cruise and international wedding. As the wedding was taking place in our first port in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Before that, We spent the day in New Orleans, LA to explore Bourbon Street. I have to say it was quite fun. Definitely making it a return spot. The atmosphere is one that I enjoyed. During that week was Pride Week so it was a lot of people of all types. We didn't let it ruin our time there not one bit. At the same I tried gator for the first time it was so good. I managed to bring back a few masks from on of the shops along Bourbon Street.
The following day it was time set sail on our cruise. Everyone was extremely excited we were close to the ports to taking an Uber or Lyft wasn't costly at all. Settling on the boat wasn't an issue at all, the only problem was receiving our bags til about 730p. First time being on a cruise ship, it was only right that I explore it up and down, and that is exactly what I did over the course of the trip.
I'm not going to bore with the full details of the whole trip. So, let's get to the main reason for the trip.
Wednesday, We dock into Montego Bay and the ladies were first to get off and head to resort to prepare. One hour later the all the guys and guest left the ship. We arrived to the resort after a 15 minute drive. Just like every wedding I've ever done, it never starts on time. As there were a few things that Groom needed to correct before the ceremony began. As the Groom was taking care of that I was with the Bride in her room as she was still getting prepared bit she was already dressed with a few things missing.
The ceremony commenced and everything was beautiful. Both Bride and Groom wrote their own vows as their own declaration of love to each other. Everything was set up on a pier with canopies to block the sun. Few problems, a party boat near by and the airport as well. Now it's reception time. The Maid of Honor and Best Man gave get speeches for the couple. It wasn't until the Bride gave her thank you speech that things took an emotional turn, as the bride mention she was honoring her mother-in-law's Pandora Bracelet who had passed earlier this year. There wasn't almost a dry eye in the room.
As everything began to wind down, it was time to head back to the ship. After the cruise photographer Made finished with them I was able to do a few shots for myself. In my opinion these were better than what the cruise could have produced.
Again I didn't want to bore so I skipped a lot of days and detail of the trip to primarily focus on the wedding day in general.
Chris & Shannon First day as husband and wife in Grand Cayman Islands
For all wedding pics click here.
“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.”