The Creative Experiment

I know..I know

2010-10-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

2009 was a "YEAR" to reckon with. I had a lot going on along with much of 2010...but I will say this: God is good and what doesn't kill you definitely makes you stronger!

With that being said...let me start right where I am...October...two weddings and a carnival. I experienced the wedding of my long time friend, my sorority sister and the biggest Caribbean event to ever take place in South Florida. I hope you enjoy some of these shots as much as I did...

big shout out to Turks and Caicos....the little island that represents EVERY SINGLE YEAR!!!!

and no...i don't have my DLSR yet....*le sigh*

Footsteps on South Beach

2009-08-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Well folks, it took me long enough to put this together...I must admit..I'm going to have to do a part two for this. Anywho, Footsteps on South Beach is a culmination of photos from the differents areas that make up the South Beach experience. From "Lincoln Road Mall" to "Ocean Drive", I attempted to highlight the hot spots so to speak. All through my little digital camera. (SN: The DSLR is on its way...just a few more dollars to save...)

Enjoy

P.S, I love feedback!!!

The Day My Childhood Passed Away

2009-07-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

I was at work on 6/25/09. It was an ordinary day. Emails, photoshop, meetings and css. I looked at my cellphone and right when I was about to check my facebook, my sorority sister sent a txt that said " Michael Jackson is dead!!". Now, naturally I did not believe her. I thought it was a hoax and sent her and the rest of my circle of Miami Zetas a txt that said...its not true. But then, my co-workers said "Mike had a heart attack!" it's on CNN. For a minute i just knew Mike was going to pull through it. Then another co-worker said in a loud voice, "TMZ.com says he's dead!". at this point, I did not want to hear anythign else or at least until CNN confirmed. I left the office with a few co-workers, some of whom agreed that they would wait until CNN confirmed. We left for the elevators, went down to the lobby only to be greated by the sad news on the CNN network.

I went home in shock. I was dazed to say the least. I sat on the edge of my bed watching CNN, MTV and BET in a trance. Was my Mike dead? Was my first crush gone? Did a part of my childhood pass away? This year, I went through ALOT of changes and this particular change was something I was not ready to deal with. Every pieace of my life, MJ was there. I even remember the first time my mother brought home the Thriller album (not the CD but the vinyl record). My brother and I ran to the record player and he played both sides twice that night. I remember as a little girl watching the Jackson 5 cartoons. My brother taped them all. I never got to a Mike concert but his videos that stopped ALL network programing were enough for me.

Michael, thank you for some of the best days of my life. Your music filled my childhood home with memories that I will never forget.

It hurts to look over my shoulder nowadays, because I know you won't be there.

..Don't Change For Me!!!

2009-03-14T20:39:00.001-07:00

REWIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, let's re-wind a little bit. I went to Nikki Marina a few months back with one of my home girls from FAMU ( wsup Novia!!). She was in town for a friends birthday party. Now, I am not sure who this friend is but he managed to get some of the BEST independant male vocalists/song writers out today. The vibe was lovely I tell you. (At that time I was in the midst of home renovation and needed a break and wanted to spend time other than a dusty condo with dirty timbs and paint stained clothes.) PJ Morton was "laid out" on the floor singing..litteraly..Patti Labelle style!

Then as the evening progressed, I see this guy walk in while PJ was wrapping up his set. (I'm very observant) I ask my friend "who's that cat with the scarf on, is he another singer..he doesnt look like a local". She laughs, "Oh that's Eric Roberson." "Eric Roberson?" I said puzzled while looking at PJ sing his heart out "Yeah girl, Eric Roberson, I need to get you caught up on some artists."

At this point after seeing PJ roll around on the ground, the backup singers "sanging" like they are singing lead, I could not imagine the night getting any better. So when Eric walked up to the mic, my first thought was..."he better be good". After he sang "Don't Change For Me"... I saw that this man was better than good. His voice is very unique and so is his music. The brotha was soooo good that if he were to do a show in ATL, I would make a mini vacay and center activies (shoping, dining, chillin) around the show. South Florida does not have a neo-soul or live music scene and I knew he would not be back down here.

FAST FORWARD

So I'm on my way to met my jogging partners (my best friend is getting maried in Jamaica this summer...i need to get it together) and I'm listening to the end of the Michael Baisden show (I'm usually listening to NPR...)..and he says "South Florida, Eric Roberson performing this weekend at Soul in da City..check Hot 105 for more details!". I could not believe my ears. The same guy who sang like the rent was due is coming to Miami. No one of calibur comes to Miami. NO ONE! So after a three mile jog, I hoped on the computer and checked ticket prices and location. Josef Caleb Center, 25 bucks center seating, "Don't Change For Me" will be sung live, so there!

PLAY

When I got there, of course there was no more than about 100 people but it was small but powerful crowd. Some of Miami's best poets opened and a vocalist by the name of Jesse Boykins. (I will never view "pantyhose" in the same manner again) This guy was amazing. After hearing Jesse SANG all of his music and a 15 minute intermission, Eric came on stage and RIPPED UP THAT MICROPHONE like it was childs play.

Ya girl was singing along, on her feet despite the fact that the seats were tight..and I don't mean tight as in good. Then he proceeds to freestyle sing. He asks the audience for random words and makes a song with them ON THE SPOT. So you know me, I must be either seen or heard...I yell out the word "MORTGAGE". Of course I got the crazy look from him, but none the less, my word "Mortgage" ended up in a song.....(oh yeah, im such a new homeowner)..

along with the words, Kitchen Sink, Shady, Classes, Sunglasses and two other words I don't remember, the crowd gets loud after each word!

I must say I was more than happy.

$25 for good seat tickets

$15 for a DVD/CD set after the show

seeing, getting an autograph and taking a picture with a great artist

PRICELESS!!!!

Wow!

2009-03-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Ok,

I am a creative by all means. I will tell you what a photo feels like and the message it is trying to put across.

I was reading some entries on another site I am apart of and a person posted this

not only was I captured by the photo, but by the music. The funny thing is, the photo looks like it was taken on a cold day..kinda looks like a wedding is going to take place. But the crazy thing is, this cold weather photo kicks off the "cool" in the music...but the warmth in the lyrics combined with the lows and mids of the tune slighty cooled off by the breathy melody make me think of a snowy evening.

I should be the video director of this.

The Most Incredible Day Part 1

2009-03-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

Sup!

So basically I finally had time to put up my Inauguration Pictures...after three months of non stop life. *lol* People, when I tell you I had to pull a rabbit out of a hat to make this trip happen, I'm telling you, Bugs Bunny himself was not to thrilled about me yanking him out of his house by the ears. Anyway, this was history and I needed to be there. I have a ton of pics but, I have to make this thread short because....it almost 12am, it's after daylight saving time, I just moved several boxes into my new home, I have yet to relax after 8hrs of meetings...a workout session and a trip to Home Depot

Yeah...I'm fried...

let's do this.

So on Monday my travel group with consisted of friends from college ( FAMU), went on the national mall to "scope" out the territory. On our way to Union Station, we run into this guy....

and while running into that guy, we ran into this...

and this..

so we finally get to union station (after buying concert...oops i mean Inauguration Day t-shirts lolol), we run into this...

and after eating Chicago deep dish pizza from Uno's...we run into...

protesters.

This group was protesting the war and ole' girl was laid out on the cold dirty marble floor at Union Station...

so after wading through throngs of countless people, its practically night outside and that's when EVERYBODY came to the Washington Mall..

the news bureaus were in full effect!

Let me tell you, I love crowds and everything but crowds plus cold frozen feet and hands did not make for a warm feeling. I kept thinking about the word "History" and that brought the warm weather dweller back to reality cause a sista kept blackin' out due to the how harsh that cold was...Chicago truly had nothing on that D.C. hawk!! Did you say 23 but felt like 3!! Yeah..

but when I got back to the hotel that night...I made one of these..

living in Florida, I never seen snow. I made a sand angel before but...it just wasn't the same!

I will tell you this...on the day that Tuesday when I woke at 4am, there were a dozen thoughts going through my mind. I thought about my parents, I thought about my college experience. I thought about the 70's, the 60's and every history book I picked up. I will honestly say, I felt a sense of urgency to get on that mall and experience that "once in a lifetime" moment.

at this point, ya girl was in tears. I remembered every piece of black history I learned, through every movie, every book, every article. Every single thing came full circle to that very moment when I saw Barak walk down the stairs to enter into the cold D.C. winter wind to accept his position as 44th president. (I have video of crowd reaction....that will come later)...and I'm glad I shared it with.....

you guessed it...

Most Incredible Weekend Pt. 2

2009-02-01T22:42:00.000-08:00

What it do?

I'm sure you are wondering where is pt. 1, but that's Inauguration Weekend and those pictures have yet to be edited and uploaded. Check back in a few days.

Anywho...

I have a bit of a story to tell you. Without giving away certain intricate details about myself. So, I managed to scrounge up two tickets Kaplan's 2009 Winter Commencement.

I am very intrigued about online education especially when there is a commencement involved. Most importantly, commencements with celebrity key notes speakers who have some-kind-of sense. Kaplan was graced with the honor of having John Legend as the speaker. Now before you say..."John Legend? Is'nt he a singer?" Yes, he is. But, he has his B.A. Degree in English from the Univesity of Pennsylvania ...Summa Cum Laude!

thank you very much...

So yes, this qualifies him to join the ranks of celebrity key note speakers.

What did he talk about you ask? Fufilling your dreams. Yes, you to can earn a degree when the odds are stacked up against you. You can do whatever you set your mind to, even if it means leaving a very succesful job at a top notch consulting firm in Boston to become a grammy wining musician. That was the "wow" moment. And the fact that, he's been through rigors of a university education. He went to talk about his life and his foundation and what we can do to make our dreams and other's dreams come true. John, I must say, if yo uare indeed reading (which I know you are not), you did a great job being that this was your first time giving a key note address.

Now with that being said, some collegues of mine arranged a VIP ticket for me to meet (or shall I say, beg nicely for a picture and an autograph without getting pushed away by security) Mr. Legend. Now, this is year has been many firsts for me: A presidential innauguration, standing in near freezing weather with strangers, participating is a step show (ever seen Stop The Yard?), etc. But, I never thought I would be in a VIP section. Any you know what, it was all I thought it would be.

Elegant ambiance (very important), flickering candles, high end seafood repleate with mimosa's, fresh juice, cappuchino machine, desert shots and designer water (you know the kind that costs 5 bucks a pop at your local health food store). Now, I wanted to calm hungry down but as soon as I could say is that jumbo shrimp, in walked Mr Legend himself...dressed in a white blazer.

Coincidentally..I was dressed in white blazer too.........

See folks, dreams do come true, especially when they are about 5'8, well learned and multi-talented.

I will honestly say, this was a good weekend. My first online university commencement, first time being in VIP annnnd wearing the same outfit as a celebrity...ON THE SAME DAY! (I did meet Mr. Legend a few years back but this is my first picture with him...)

Break Out!

2008-11-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

Ok so..today was an extremely gorgeous day in South Florida. It was a nice 65 degrees mixed with a sunny blue sky. So I did what anyone would do..(or at least I hope)

Roll Out..!!!

I wasnt sure where I was going to go, but I hoped in the car. with a full tank of gas, my afro out and sunglasses on..with camera in hand..

so after a few stop lights....a brief ride down 95

and a few foot steps...

I ended up in South Beach. SB is nice during the day. Familes are walking around taking picutres, people on Ocean Drive enjoying the sun. It was a pretty nice day....until I went to ...

yes..this place in the enemy on thighs, tummies and booties everywhere....

not to mention pocketbooks. Did I really just pay $5.07 on a small ice cream code...da heck??

I have not seen beach water in a long time. So I decided to venture out....

but, I wasnt paying attention......because this happened

needless to say...it was nice little outing. It's nice to get that solo time in. Too bad those were my step practice sneakers and rehersal is in two hours....hopefully I can find my old-school timbs (timberland boots). Stepping in wet Addidas's that sound like a wet duck everytime you stride is not cute..

enjoy!

I did'nt forget

2008-11-15T23:12:00.000-08:00

Lucy, you got some splain'nin to do...
I know, i know. You don't see the Miami Beach slideshow I've been promising since last year. Well good news, I startedediting the photos. A funny thing happened on the way to Photoshop.

I bought my first home. :)

Yes, yes a big step but also a time consuming process. I have yet to move in because it needs TLC ( Tender Loving Cash and Sweat Equity). But no excuse to not make good on what I am supposed to be doing. Give me until Thanksgiving weekend (after I get my black Friday shop on..at home depot of course)

MC????
Yes, I do that to. Please people do not put me infront of a mic. Im still a spoken word poet..so when I get on the mic...I do command attention. LOL. I had the oppotunity to host the wedding reception for friend of mine! It truly made my day when he txt'ed me two weeks after to tell me how pleased him and his wife wa. One time for all the men truly happy to be married. Yall inspire me.....and in the mean time while you are inspiring me, tell your friends about my MC skills....this mortgage is not going to pay itself LOL.

What happend to Carnival Weekend 08??
You tell me. Ok International Flag Night was off the hook until at about 5am....THEY SHUT IT DOWN??? I was ready to "wave my flag" (Irie to all my Jamaican bredren and sistren) until about 8am, but it got shut down. NO worries here, I had to MC the wedding later that day....annnd I had to do some renovations at my condo....needless to say I crashed when it was all over. I did not go to the parade in downtown Miami because...THERE WERE NO MASS BAND PLAYERS...I'm not going to even go there.

YES WE CAN
Ya girl is going to DC to be in the atmosphere when the first African American man gets sworn in as our 44rd president. I had to pull a rabbit out of a hat to make that happen. Pictures forth comming.

09
I won't go into detail but alot of life chaning things happened. I will honestly say..I am looking forward to December when I can party my buns off at all the Christmas parties I have lined up. I am truly looking forward to 09. I turn 30 during 09 and im kicking off the year by jet-setting to DC, then to ATL...then Jamaican for a wedding..!!!!!

Stay tuned!

..its been a long time...since I left you...

2008-08-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

Greetings all..

I must say it has been a roller coaster of a summer but the ride stoped and now I will make my way to the cotton candy stand. I had a blast..well sort off. I was able to go to Atlanta for a wedding and an annual "Divine 9" Greek Picnic:

and a few in-town excursions...(words to remember - Slava's Snow Show)

My quest for the allusive Nikkon d-40 digital SLR continues. Or maybe a good point and shoot that takes great night shots and motion pictures. So far my CyberShot is holding up. Before Labor Days comes and the summer goes (well in Miami, it's always summer until about Thanksgiving when the first chilly snap is over) I am going to make good on a project goal I set last summer.

*drumroll*

Foot Steps on Miami Beach.

I plan to highlight some of the best parts of South Beach. It's going to take a while but I want to take my time with this one. Shucks, I even have the perfect house music picked out for my slideshow. I'll do you one better, I might put together a teaser slide-show for the slide-show. I'm going to take my time with this and not rush the process.

As always. I love feedback..

oh hold up...I did'nt tell you of my recent accomplishment. I was chosen to attend a Master Photography Class by Ross Oscar Knight. Too bad the cost of the class is $750.00. *sigh* Well, if anyone has $750.00 laying around, holla at a sista in need of improving her photography skill-set! =)

Jazz in the Gardens

2008-03-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

Greetings..

This past weekend ( March 15 I think) I attended the third annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival here in Miami. I must say the vibe was NIIIIICE. It reminded me of my trip to Chicago last year to see Frankie Beverly and Maze. It was a sea of all races in the audience. That is what made it even better. It is something about music that brings EVERYBODY together. It was a two day festival where we had acts such as, The O Jays, George Duke, Chaka Khan, Kem, Crisette Michele, Nancy Wilson et all. I went Saturday night where George Duke, George benson, Chaka Khan, and Wyclef performed.

Me and my friend had great seats by the way. Four rows away from the stage!!!!! I failed to mentioned I have a Sony Cybershot..which is way better than the Nikkon Coolpix I had. I could not take decent night picutres with my Nikkon for the world. But..the D-40 will make up for it. (C'mon tax return)

The legendary George Duke

The legendary George Benson. He was JAMMIN. When he played Breezin, Gimme The Night and Turn Your Love Around...OMG!!! Everyone was DANCIN'!!!! Either he didnt age a day of his life or....he's got one heck of make up artist. George..can you tell a sista how you keep your skin so smooth.....??..

The legendary Chaka Khan. Can you say standing ovation for ten minutes..!!..

my favorite picutre...I like I how I was able to catch a portion of her face on the big screen while her eyes were closed...she was singing Angel..from her new album

another favorite of mine

Wyclef!!! I must say he really got the crowd moving. He is definiatly a showman. He was climbing over seats, gaurd rails, he climbed up the scafolding and anything that was or wasnt nailed down. He is truly a musician. SERIOUSLY!! He mentioned his mom was in the audience and that he would not curse. And you know what..he held true to his word. Entertainer and Musican..that is Wyclef. Too bad the Fugees are'nt together.

...and of course the sea of people. Please believe the crowd goes past the light source in the back...

My next installment will be New Years in South Florida...(I know im backwards). This summer, Im really going to kick-off the summer experience with "Memorial Day-Best of the Best Reggae Concert".

The Beta Pi Reunion

2008-03-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Its been a long time..since I left you..without a good pic to step to LOL.

My bad folks. I have taken PLENTY of picutres since October. I just did'nt put them up yet :(. (Gimme a few more weeks, I will put up some more pictures)

A few weeks back, I was able to cover the "Phi Beta Sigma - Beta Pi Reunion" cook-off during the Florida Memorial University Homecoming festivites. Now, I am a FAMU Rattler to the heart but I still love my HBCUs (Historically Black College or University). I was able to attend last years events and had a great time. This year it rained. Rained it did. However, the weather did not stop this event from being well attended. I chose a few photos for special reasons:

It's something about black and white photos that bring out the meaning of the pictures. The first one shows the branding of the event and of course the hand-sign for the fraternity. The second photo is my favorite. It represents the Old School and New School of PBS.

It kept drizzling so these young ladies tried to stay dry...

I like to call this: The Soul of Sigma! :) If you ever get an opportunity to take picutres of REAL "old-school" members of BGLOs please do so!! I think a group of black men are the best to photograph. This may sound silly but, their faces tell a story. It also helped that they were in a very jovial mood before I cajoled them for a picture.

and of course the group shot of the "New School"

Miami Carnival 2007

2007-10-07T15:14:00.000-07:00

This is a piece of Caribbean culture. (and No, this is not a celebration for the ill-fated Carnival Center that was built with wasted tax payers money in Miami last year). If your parents are from any of the islands in the Caribbean, then nine times out of ten you know exactly what this yearly event is. Non stop soca/reggae/ska/soca/soca music and food. Our kind of soul food, curry chicken, jerk chicken, roti, coconut water , fish tea, beef patti & coco bread, tamarind balls and the list can go on and on. This event goes on for seven days straight. Forget about the one in Brazil. It's all about the West Indian massive.

The parties (or "Fetes" - pronounced "Fets") that go on can start anywhere from 9pm and not not stop until 10am the next day. Ticket sales for these events range from 20 to around 75 dollars and the pre-sale tickets go very fast. Most are outdoor and take place in large parks or entertainment facilities. Hours upon hours people are eating, drinking while famous Caribbeans artists are coaxing attendees to "wave yuh flag". To "wave yuh flag" is the most exhilarating thing to do and the most beautiful sight to see. People are jumping in unison to blaring soca music while waving their respective island flags in the air. A sea of colors and a sea of bodies. I myself, was apart of it all. Friday night, 4:30am, soaking wet at the "Socavivor/Wave Yuh Flag Fete". Soaking wet, not by sweat, but by a downpour of rain. You would think that people would run for cover..umm..nope! The more it rained, the harder people danced, and danced and "wave yuh flag".

The weeks events lead up to the big Mas Parade and Concert. What is Mas you ask? Mas is when different groups or band have certain colors and costumes. If you are interested in joining a band, you register with them, pay a fee and wear their colors or costume. The parade showcases how well a band displays the most energy. Energy means half naked people doing suggestive pelvic thrusts, gyrating and performing moves that are considered R rated to American public. And that is the just the men. LOL

Either way, I decided to head down to the parade and take some pictures.

Well folks, I hope you enjoyed some higlights from the parade. Soon i'll put up a slide show of all the pictures I took. Until then, "wave yuh flag"!

..there is a piece of summer still left

2007-08-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

..well, labor day is soon to come..then the barage of holidays.... (*sigh* I could have sworn this was yesterday)

anyway, my next photo intallment will be..*Drumroll Please*

A Weekend in Miami!

My sister is coming from Canada, and now that I am of age , have transpo and a couple of dollars, we can actually DO MIAMI! (somewhat, it is expensive as all get out) I plan to take some shots and post really soon. Untill then....

Summer Breeze.....

2007-07-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

Where is the summer going? Seriously!! Wasn't yesterday Memorial Day? Anyway. A gentle summer breeze blew me into the nations' capital last week. I was attending my sorority's leadership conference and also visiting some friends in the Baltimore area. In a wierd way it felt like I was doing a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage to a place where five woman ( also inspired by two men) came together to establish one of the nations oldest predominantly African American sororities. History.

This same summer breeze wisked me away to the nations oldest HBCU (Historically Black College and University). Im a FAMUAN but I will give Howard University their props. (just this once LOL) This same summer breeze blew me into a city where two of my favorite people live (and also a city that was hosting what had to be the wierdest comic book/anime cartoon festival...folks went all out dressing up to match their favorite characters....weird!)

Well as always, this summer I am showcasing my journey in becoming an advanced photographer. Yes, me and my Nikkon Coolpix L3 are riding tough! This little camera can take some good shots. But, you know I'm still saving for my Nikon D-40. Hopefully, I can make something happen before Miami Carnival/Carribean Music Festival. So many people come to town from the West Indies and nationwide for this event. So, this is indeed a photographers dream!

Fin!

Right after a rain storm (and waiting to see Hillary Clinton.....like that was going to happen)

I thought this would be a nice shot. Kinda like what you see while looking at a hotel website :)

Then entrance to the International Headquarters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. ( I was hoping you would guess by now :) )

Past International Presidents of Zeta Phi Beta.

The Five Founders of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

To see this lit in warm lighting was photo op I could not pass up!

Miner Hall (.....now called Miner Teachers College)

Phi Beta Sigma owns the entire block and offices where they rent the spaces out to small black owned business to promote economic growth in the surrounding community! Impressive!

Phi Beta Sigma International Headquarters.

As always I love feedback. Leave some comments!

Happy July 4th

2007-07-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

Greetings!! I think im the only on the net right now. I've had my bar-b-que already and hopefully, if negritis doesnt set in, i'll be on South Beach.....with my Nikon Coolpix :) Anywho, after a weeks delay, the "My Block" photo project/slide show is up!!. I learned alot in these two projects. Taking picutres at different angles rather than the "hey everybody, gather infront of the camera" snap shot - shot! I also learned..if you are doing outside shooting...and you have a subject....do it all in one day. "My Block" was taken in sunny and cloudy/wet conditions. It made the shooting rather interesting. I also learned that driving around in a black car and making random stops AND taking picutes in a BLACK neighborhood is suspicous to the locals.

Do you now how many people slowed down, just to see what I was doing?? One man rolled up next to my car while I was getting out and proceeded to mumble some words I could not make out before he drove off. I got squatters rights, I been in this area since October 1979!

AND WHAT!

So here it is..

My Block - The Norland Area

My motivation you ask? To look back at this journey, and see where I started in comparison to where I will be. Along with taking "FIYA" pictures, I always wanted to tell a story with my pictures. Who knows where this could lead to..but the most important thing about this journey is that............ I started!

God Bless!!!

Taste Of Chicago...

2007-07-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to make it to Chicago again to visit family and attend the "Taste of Chicago"! The vibe was cool, the food was good and the people were NOT rowdy. I guess full stomachs lead to peaceful minds.

Anyway...

Maze feat. Frankie Beverly performed that opening night. It was truly a beautiful thing to see so many people peacefully enjoying the entertainment from this legendary band(Did I mention 90% of the audience wore all white!!). I love big cities. I travel alot and my favorite places to go are huge urban cities. I grew up in the suburbs and my city does'nt have a "real" downtown area.

I was able to get some great shots from my Nikon Coolpix, but it is nothing like a DSLR. (anyone want to donate one to me ? LOL). Here is a link to the movie slideshow. It takes about five minutes to load up so be patient. You will need Windows Media Player or Real Player on your computer in order to view it. Oh an of course, please turn your speakers up!!

Taste of Chicago-07 Slide Show

God Bless

p.s. I know the first project is not up yet as I have said, but it is forever raining down here and there are a few more picutres I would like to take before I call project #1 completed!

Off to Chicago!!!!

2007-06-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

I did not forget about the "My Block" photo project that I'm putting the finishing touches on. I just realized, my flight to Chicago is tommorrow and I have not packed a single thing. Not to mention today (I'm typing very early Thursday morning...like 1am early), is going to be a busy day..(Corporate-wide mingler, several projects due before I leave for the mingler...art show later tonight...yada yada)! With all that is going, I soooo lost track of time.

I'm still researching DSLR cameras though. This Minolta 35mm film camera is kicking my tail and a sista "aint" paying for a $1,000 Nikon. I'm settling for a Nikon D50. From what the reviews are saying, it's great starter camera and some of the features are better than the later versions. Also, you can get a real good one for under $500. So, send up a prayer as I bid with the best on ebay!

I feel bad for not delivering what I said I would, so here is the cover art I designed for the slide show as a teaser for what is to come. Be safe!

no script..just play it by ear

2007-06-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Anyone want to give away a SLR camera (film or digital) cause working with a film camera is begining to show its draw backs..like..the cost of purchasing and developing film. I will take a film SLR because, if the shot does not look right, I simply delete, try again, save to film and proceed. But the film camera is good. Good start actually! I'm learning how to set Aperture Priority and Speed (i.e a picture taken at f/2 and 1/250..very good setting for minimum depth of field). After I take this roll of film to the developer, I will determine if I am going to stick it out with the old school film camera or go to the nearest pawn shop or check ebay for a film SLR. Why not a digital SLR you ask, I got a busy summer lined up, and it requires increased finances.

Currently I am working on my first assignment:

My Block - The Norland Area(183rd to 199th)

It will consist of snap shots from certain points in my neighborhood taken with my digital camera (Nikon Coolpix L3). The slide show should be up by this Wednesday with complete story. Yes, a story indeed!! When you are rolling around North Dade in a black car, taking random pictures in a 99% percent black neighborhood....there WILL be a story....

TRUST!

Throwbacks...

2007-06-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

Ok...I'm back..with some photos taken my senior year at FAMU....

I thought this to be ironic...a "No Parking" sign..with a car parked under it! This was taken near the student union or what "old school" Rattlers call "The Set".

I was walking back to my campus apartment and I happend to stroll by the bus stop at the student union. I told everyone to "never mind" me and continue to look natural..but the girl chose otherwise..

This a very fine picutre of some of the members from the FAMU Chapter of Progressive Black Men. To this day, the image is being used in their publications. I still wonder how my brothers managed to look so cool in 95 degree heat during a Tallahassee summer.

On the way back to campus I was riding with a friend when we saw a roadside bar-b-que stand. These guys were a bit aprehensive when I rolled up with my camera. But when I mentioned I was a photogrpahy student, they gave me the "black mans head nod" and proceeded to continue with their tasty transaction...

This was taken on the Venom shuttle bus to one of my programing classes. This young man is a fellow classmate as well as a member of the Marching 100. He was in deep thought that day and did'nt seem to mind me sticking a camera in his face...

Greetings!!

2007-06-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

Another summer is upon us. With my current schedule, summer allows me to do the things that I want to do......if I have the time. :)

Anyway, I registered to take a photography class at my local community college to pick the art back up again (I used to be a decent photographer during my days at FAMU..but that was five years ago...shhh dont tell anyone). To my surprise, they canceled the class...TWICE. So after about five mintues of verbal frustration, and a trip to the local camera shop..I decide to take matters into my own hands and proceed with re-teaching myself the art of photography.

I raced home with ad-hoc directions of how to use my old 35mm Minolta (a gift from dad's camera collection a few years back) from a very nice old cuban guy from Wolf Camera, grabbed my photography text book I used back in college..and started taking pictures!!

A few things.. this camera has no flash pieace, and no other lense to use with it. Until..I start an unplanned journey through my father's Cannon camera bag and found not only a flash for my Minolta, but a 50mm lense (a professional film camera in mint condition AT NO CHARGE..can't beat that).

I figure I'd start with the basics then work my way up to one of those $500 -$1000 dollar digital SLR cameras. (anyone have a Nikkon D80 they want to give away??)

So with all that being said. This blog is for the sole purpose of displaying my picutres during my self motivated - self driven photograpy class where I am the student and professor (along with Google and other photography sites where I can learn some techniques from) My first entry will be some throw back black and white picutres I took six years ago while I was senior at Florida A&M University!

God Bless