Last Photoshoot with Amir Thrash and Chloe Bailey

These are a few shots from my last photoshoot.
Models: Amir Thrash and Chloe Bailey.
Stylist & MUA: Nia Hall of CulturedCouture/UrbanAnatomy

A few pictures of the Voyage to Paris II Fasion Show

Antowan Fleeton was the creative force behind one of the largest most progressive fashion shows in Montgomery. Photography by myself, I told you i'm a PHOTOGRAPHER now! Just a few pictures of the show and the process of creating the show, as well as some of the more fashionable and memorable moments of the night. Enjoy fam!

BACK...for the first time lol

OK sooooo finally i'm updating my blog (blowing the dust off my keyboard). Maaaan its ben awhile but im newly renewed and feeling mad inspired! I want to give a quick shout out to Jonathan Taylor of UrbanAnatomy, thanks for the inspiration brotha. So whats new since I've been absent....OH MAN i'm a PHOTOGRAPHER now! Working with a magazine and everything. So yea man its on! I'll be posting my photographic experiences on the blog a lot, so feel free to comment. Thanks for the support and lets continue to be fashionable.

-Stay progressive my friends-

Lord David Nelson- The Interview

Hey ppl, I do believe I have found a great photographer in the likes of Lord David Nelson. Here's the interview:

1. What made you interested in photography?
My grandmother was an artist.. As a child, I couldn't paint like her so I'd get a camera and take photos of her paintings with a Polaroid to recreate what she did to be more like her. I'd carry around all those pictures I took of her paintings in my pockets

2. Tell us about your background
I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan in a two parent home. Both of whom were entrepreneurs. My mom owned a daycare which is still up and running and my dad, who is now retired, owned a moving company.


3. Why the "Lord" in your name?
My father was in the military and was an avid history buff. I was named after Britain's greatest naval hero.


4. What's your favorite style of photography?
Fashion!!!


5. Who or what is your inspiration?
Beautiful things that create the art of fashion.


6. Do you have any favorite photographers?
Markus Klinko and Indrani
Dave LaChapelle
Sarah Silver


7. When it's all said & done, what will people say about Lord David Nelson?
They won't say anything....they'll just smile then laugh.


8. Give me one quote that personifies your approach to photography
"Always evoke emotion"



I sincerely thank Mr. Nelson for his time and look forward to seeing him continue to rise in the photography world. Please visit his site, lorddavidnelson.com and view more of his incredible work, contact him, let him know he's great lol, and more importantly, keep him working!

One last look at the genius, the "Hooligan of English Fashion", Alexander McQueen. SPR2K10

Alexander McQueen was a giant in the industry, one that can not be replaced. His legacy will always be of a man with impeccable skills that always pushed the limit, always bridged the gap between fashion and art. His spring collection was a masterpiece and as such I will include a link to his final show, entitled "Plato's Atlantis. Enjoy, and R.I.P. Alexander McQueen.

Never Allow Location to Stagnate Your Growth!

I had an interesting conversation with Earry Hall, CEO of UrbanAnatomy, today. We were talking about small town talent and how important it is to branch out and away or risk stagnating your growth, sometimes with deadly consequences. See I have always felt like I want to bring big things to my small city of Montgomery. I can see such potential here. But as Mr Hall pointed out, you have to get away, travel, experience other culture and go places where you can continue to be challenged, therefore continuing to grow. Its so easy to become complacent in a small city. It's usually not long before your dedication makes you the best in your area. You may become that "go to guy", even a "local celebrity". At that point it's easy to become complacent. All of a sudden, becoming a leading photographer for Vogue takes the backburner to shooting local fashion shows and working on $200.00 photo shoots for local "models". Years go by, and all the emmense talent one might have had is wasted. I used a photographer but this example just as easily applies to designers, models, really anybody in the fashion industry. Don't become complacent!! Keep fighting and clawing your way to bigger and better and brighter futures. Never be afraid to reach your goals. never become complacent and settle for the comfortable. Strive to be the best you can be. And one day you'll look back and know it will all be worth it in the end!

Interview with Charles Andrews

In my opinion, Charles Andrews is definitely an up and comer in the industry. With an expansive collection and a great feel for fashion, you can expect to hear from him for many years to come. I recently had a chance to interview Mr. Andrews aka "The Couture Divo" and learned a little bit about the man behind the designs:

Me: What made you want to get into fashion design?

C.A: I always loved fashion. My mother sews, she was a big inspiration for me.

Me: What is your favorite style?

C.A: My favorite style is couture, because it's fashion you dont see everyday. Its very fashion forward.

Me: What is your ultimate goal?

C.A: My ultimate goal would be to become the next Valentino.

Me: Wow, an ambitious goal indeed! Who are your favorite designers?

C.A: My favorite designers are of course Valentino, Alexander McQueen, New Directions, and I really like Prada.

Me: What challenges do you face being a designer in Montgomery, Alabama?

C.A: Montgomery is a low fashion market compared to NY and LA. It's harder to be appreciated...

Me: Very true indeed. With that being said, do you have any advice?

C.A: "If you are really passionate about something, stick with it to the end"

Me: Great advice indeed, Mr. Andrews. Thanks for your time.


Charles Andrews can be seen as early as July here in Montgomery showing his collection in one of our fashion shows and as far away as New York in August. It will be a busy summer for him, which is always a good thing. You can find Charles Andrews and see some of his collection at his website here

Fashion News: Calvin Klein Parent Company To Buy Tommy Hilfiger Brand for $3B

LONDON (AFP) – The company behind Calvin Klein has bought fellow US fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger for 2.2 billion euros (3.0 billion dollars), Hilfiger's current owner said Monday.

Phillips-Van Heusen, one of the world's largest apparel companies, will open a "new chapter" in the the story of Hilfiger, said one executive.

"Funds advised by Apax Partners today announced a definitive agreement to sell Tommy Hilfiger Group ... to Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation for a total consideration of approximately 2.2 billion euros," Apax said.

Apax Partners, a leading British private equity group, bought Hilfiger in 2006 for 1.2 billion euros and has since boosted revenues, increased the brand's global presence and lowered its debts, Apax said.

"We've enjoyed working with them and now look forward to the next chapter in the Tommy Hilfiger story," Hilfiger chief executive Fred Gehring said.

Apax chief executive John Megrue said: "We are pleased that the company and brand are poised for continued growth."

Phillips-Van Heusen owns the Calvin Klein brand worldwide, the statement added. Its licensed brands include Kenneth Cole, DKNY, Sean John and Timberland.

-Editor's note: Interesting...Tommy Hilfiger is truly an iconic brand, one that has gone through many changes over the years. To infuse a small bit of the Calvin Klein look into that style of clothing should be very positive. We shall see though. Tommy Hilfiger has a worldwide audience. How will they accept the changes that no doubt are on the way? We shall see....

Tommy Hilfiger is known for its all-American casual and sports clothes, often featuring the preppy look of Ivy League American students, along with fragrances and accessories.

The company was struggling in its main US market when it was bought by Apax.

Apax partner Christian Stahl, who will join the Phillips-Van Heusen board after the sale, said that when they bought Hilfiger four years ago "the business was suffering in the US and had lost its clear positioning.

"We saw the strength of the international business and together with the management team developed a clear strategy for repositioning and restructuring the US business.

"We invested heavily for growth and were able to crystallise the inherent value in this iconic brand," he added.

Finally, some pics!

Earry Hall and myself had a real great day in Atlanta. A lot was accomplished and much good came of it. Inspiration was given out in buckets. So really, what more can you ask for?

Hottest Red Heels in Atlanta

Not to leave you ladies out, this incredible heel belongs to the shoe company Bakers (www.bakersshoes.com) and its going to be seen featured on the foot of some fortunate model in Reco Chapple's newest collection. I say thumbs up to the choice Reco. It is a work of art!

More 5 Point Madness!

Some great boutiques in 5 Point Atl:

Vinnie's Styles

Moods Music

Wish Atlanta

The Clothing Warehouse

I appreciate 3 out of 4 of these stores successfully emptying my bank account while I happily stood by and watched lol (Dont worry Vinnie's, you will get me next time!) All in all, these stores were awesome. I cant wait to go back and try some of the others

I Love My New Kicks!!!

These, my friends, are the Trinity Burgundy Hi-Top sneaks from shoemaker Supra. If you haven't been up on your shoe game, Supra is a brand thats been brewing a storm over the last few months. Im no true blue sneaker head; I only own like 4 pairs! But to say these are easily the most expensive sneakers I ever bought and I paid the price without even thinking about says that these works of art really blew my mind. I'm lovin the fact that these will not be seen on anybody else's feet in Alabama anytime soon. Exclusive sneaks? ChaChing! Wish in Atlanta (http://wishatl.com/cms/product/) is a sneaker lover's paradise!

Dope Artist of the Week

I was put on to this guy while I was in Atlanta. I bought his album on a whim, but man his energy, rhythm, and lyricism are excellent. He is truly an inspiration! So go buy his album. The name is Black Milk, he's out of Detroit and the name of the album is "Tronic". If you're a hip hop head this album will blow your mind...

Kidnapped By A Kreatif Genius

So maaaaaaaaaaaan i'm FINALLY getting home from a loooong day! Let me tell you tho it was awesome. There's thhis young entrepreneur I know, name is Earry Hall, CEO of UrbanAnatomy (www.urban-anatomy.blogspot.com). Well these super dope design/fashion/marketing genius and myself went to Atlanta to get some things accomplished for the remainder of the week's' festivities. See Mr Hall is about to move to N.Y. and leave us poor southerners to fend for ourselves....lol j/k he's leaving to light the torch for the rest of us who are hungry to make it happen. We have a photo shoot planned for later today (it is like 4:00 in the morning) and i'm personally on a quest to pick this man's brain for everything piece of knowledge he will allow me to scrape off his plate. We went to Atlanta to get a couple of pieces from Reco Chapple of House of Chapple Clothing Line (www.houseofchapple.com) as well as tie up a few loose business ends. Now I say "we" but best believe I was in learning mode most of the day. Honestly the man is an inspiration. And he taught me a lot about the little things, the various nuances of being a great marketeer and how in doing that you can build some great connections within the industry. Reco as always was a pleasure to work with, and I look forward to doing more work tomorrow and the rest of this week. I will be uploading pictures of Atlanta and writing more and more. I have finally found the inspiration I was desperately searching for! Who knew all I needed was to be kidnapped lolol!

Elements of the Photoshoot, Part I: The Photographer

This is the first part of a 3 part series I will be writing about elements of successful photoshoots. I decided to go in order of importance, and in my opinion, the MOST important element of a shoot is the photographer, or photog for short. Why is the photog such an important element, even more so than the location and the model? Its simple: without the photographer, the other two dont exist! No matter how inspiring your location is, no matter how perfect your model is, if you can not successfully capture and compose the vision of the shoot director into a medium that the world can process, then what a waste it all is! Not only is the actual photog important, but his or her equipment can make or break a great scene. The camera is obviously very important; to make successful shots consistently, key word being consistently, you will need an SLR or DSLR camera. Point and click cameras are never going to give you consistent results. The reason for that is because they are not made to handle the calculations and the lighting variances that a photographer will have to deal with shoot to shoot. They are indeed user-friendly; but with that user-friendliness you lose the variences that can turn a nice photo into a work of art. Also the quality of the image can never match up to a DSLR camera. Its like day and night! Beyond the camera, lighting is paramount to a good scene. If a point in the scene is either too light or too dark it could pull focus from the areas that need it. It controls how dull or vibrant colors are seen and interpreted as well. If a designer's clothes are involved, that vibrancy is especially critical. literally millions of dollars could be gained or lost from how an article of clothing is represented in a singular picture. And you thought the model's job was difficult! Lastly, composition is what seperates the men from the boys, sort of speak. How a photographer takes his shots, as in the angle, the area within the location itself, the points of focus, all of these things affect the way the picture is interpreted. For instance, setting the aperture on the camera can make a photo vary widely; you could go from focus on everything, to focus just on the modl, to focusing just on the background. All of those views change the purpose of the shot greatly. So in conclusion, as you are getting ready to choose your next photographer, REMEMBER that your choice could very well be the key to either flat shots and wasted money or power shots and success!

Iconic Style vs Fads

Style and Fads have some common similarities. For one, all style started off as a fad, or something that was popular for a time. The difference is style is eternal, while fads eventually fade away. Even as fashion changes, style continues to come back around. Things such as suspenders, fedoras, the fabric tweed, just to name a few, they have all come back around. Can you say that about bell bottoms or platform shoes though? Or polyester lol? (I make mention of these things not because they havent tried to come back around, b/c we know they have, but more so on how they are looked at in general since their heyday) Another aspect I notice about style is respect across generations. True style gets you noticed for the right reasons. Young and old alike love the appearance of a well dressed man; a sloppy appearance usually will get you the same disdainful glances whether young and old as well. This point rings me to what I think is the major faux pas of my generation: The sagging pants. This will NEVER be style! Instead for some odd reason its a fad that just will not seem to die. Even as the celebrities have FINALLY moved away from that nonsense, still in the inner cities you cant throw a rock without hitting somebody with their jeans around their thighs...and its so sad to see that lack of progression in my people. It was interesting to see designers try and implement that into their designs some years back, with the jeans with the underwear attached and about an inch above the actual jeans...we see that didnt last long. And hopefully the practice of sagging will die as well, and sooner rather than later!

A note on "models"

An interesting thought before I get into the "meat" of this note. So interesting the little things you can learn from watching professionals do what they do. For instance, its so interesting to see real models walk in the Dolce and Gabbana Fashion Shows or the other various designers' shows, then see the way "models" here walk. Its very different. I wonder why that is though? Do the actual ppl training models here to walk know what they are doing lol? Or is it a classic case of "the blind leading the blind"?...

I'll start with a point of reference. If you played basketball, would you model yourself after a guy who plays in the local pick up games, or would you model yourself after Kobe Bryant? To me, modeling is very similar to a sport like basketball, or even golf. Its not about talent as much as its about technique. Its very mechanical, instinctive. Kobe Bryant probably shoots a 1,000 jumpers any given day trying to perfect his shot. He knows where he needs to be and in what position he needs to be to be excellent at any time. Tiger Woods practices 8.5 hours everyday and spends another 3.5 hours on fitness related activities for a grand total of 12 hours everyday devoted to his profession. Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods are the best in the world at what they do. A lot of that is very much talent related. I can guarantee you this though: beyond the talent lies a technique that is unparalleled. And that is what rises them above the good mark and into greatness. And you can always tell the guys that dont practice well, that are all talent and no technique. They dont last long. They are streaky, unreliable. They have attitude problems, etc etc etc... So how does this correlate to modeling?

Modeling, like basketball or golf, requires a tremendous commitment and requires technique. It also requires a lot of study to become great. Beyond the fact that Kobe physically practices for hours a day, he also watches hours of film, not only on opponents, but of himself, and what he needs to improve on. A model, in a similar sense, should not only work on his/her walks and poses in a physical sense but they must study themselves and study those who are successful, learn what they do, take elements from their "game" and apply it to themselves. Naomi Campbell is one of a kind. Don't try to walk exactly like Naomi does. Instead take elements from her walk, and those of other models and put it together to define your own success, thereby making your own destiny. Commit yourrself to your craft. Dont just practice when you know the show is a week away; dont start working on poses a day before a photoshoot. Among other things, learn the business. Learn how you are suppose to act on go-sees, learn how to present yourself when in front of clients are even on a day to day basis. Learn how to seperate yourself from the mass of "wannabes" and become an outstanding example. Another very important point: Learn to say NO.

When it comes to shows and photoshoots and such, a lot of models, because they desire to make it so badly, get into a bad habit of accepting everything that comes there way. Some people will tell you that "All exposure is good exposure". That's wrong. It's also why being with an agency is still essential when it comes to representing yourself properly. Some fashion shows are simply done in bad taste. Some are cheap, others are just lacking any guidance and are thrown together at the last moment, many times creating a disapointment to those in the audience. Its very easy for an otherwise good model to leave a bad taste in people's mouths by the way they are portrayed as they walk the runway. Everything, from styling, to the manner in which they walk, can bring a negative vibe upon the model themselves. The same holds true for photoshoots. If a photographer asks you to do things you dont feel are right or tasteful in a shoot, its time to leave! Some pictures can do a lot more harm than good. The safe bet is to allow an agency to groom you and to choose what is and isnt acceptable. It will save you spinnin your wheels in the future.

Want to know another difference between your Kobe Bryants and Tiger Woods of the modeling industry and your average "pick up models"? They GET PAID! The "average" supermodel makes between $40 and $50...........MILLION a year. $40,000,000 to $50,000,000 in case you missed that. Even middle-rung models command upwards of $100,000 a year. Most real models make in one day what a teacher makes in 6 months. So its understandable to desire that kind of luxury. However, if you're not willing to work for it, you will always have only the desire. I'm tired of seeing talent wasted. I'm tired of these attitudes of "local models" who feel as if they are destined to be great, but won't put in the time and the work necessary to truly be even good? Lets step it up models!

"You hold your own destiny in your grasps."

Make the most of it.