Summer Breeze.....

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

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...

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!