The day I met Common

Well, when I say I met Common, it's more like, I stood next to him and photographed him for hours but froze when it came to speaking to him. - What is wrong with me-

I just started shooting after getting stumped on my words.

Here's how it went:

I'd accepted the fact I  wouldn't get booked for the Common concert as a photographer after never getting a response when I inquired and expressed wanting the opportunity. I was bummed, but not for long. However, I was very open and clear (to myself and God) it was something I wanted. The weekend of, I found myself perusing the Target natural hair product aisle with a friend (some of you already know the deal), because of our sheer boredom and annoyance of another day of rain - We needed to get out of the house. 

Then: A phone call from a number I didn’t recognize until I did. And that quick I was being booked to shoot the concert/show the very next day. How the heck did that happen so fast? A fundraiser for the current States Attorney looking to make a stamp in the community and get reelected in the upcoming elections. 

I was excited and nervous to say the least. 

The event started off like any other social event- photographing people conversing and enjoying themselves. Then Common arrived and so did the Mayhem. I was the only female working in my kind of role alongside 4 other guys with cameras in front of their face. l realized quickly the extra size balls I needed to grow from that point on. I wouldn’t say they grew much by the end of the night- but they grew some- a lesson for the next. 

With the camera fixed in front of my eye, competing for a view of my main subjects, my thoughts were racing- stop feeling intimidated, trust my eye, trust my gift, take command and push my way in front, speak loud and tell people what I need from them and most importantly Land the shot (a lot of shots not needed). 

I'm backstage with Common, standing so close to him our shoulders rub, he’s pepping himself up for his set, while we listen to MuMu Fresh killing it on the other side of the curtain. 

I wanted to ask for a picture, but my brain was saying all kinds of ish- like, you don’t have a flash on phone front facing. it was super dark- like what the heck,  it didn't? 

I still don’t know...Smh

I say how are you?, he responds and 2 minutes later he’s on stage and I'm on there with him. Running up down and all around, I loved it for sure. to be on stage with all the artist capturing them at their best was good enough for me. 

I still can’t get over the simple fact that I was there. Not because of the States Attorney and Common- but because my desire came true in a short time. Be clear about what you want, ask for it, however, be totally content and grateful if it doesn’t happen. Realize how quickly things can turn around when you least expect it, so don’t sulk in any regret or sadness or disappointment so you don’t miss something. 

Note to self—— Everyday and Always

E

Photo Day- Baltimore Light City Festival

Hey good people,

I can't believe its mid to end of April already. I have not kept up with blogging although I have several posts written. Anyway, this past weekend we here in the Northeast were blessed with 2 magical summer days on Friday and Saturday- I mean we are talking 80-degrea weather. it was amazing and a tease. Lets just say I wont go into what happened on Sunday and the current situation. 

I headed out early Saturday evening , it was still light out but it was later than I wanted to get out the house. I was able to convince a friend to get out the house as well, which worked out because she had a friend who owned a boat they were taking out that evening. I found myself in great new company on a sailboat, at night - in canton headed towards the inner harbor where all the festivities for the opening of light city were happening.

Light City is a yearly event in Baltimore which focuses on art installments which light up of course. We could see the movement of the mob of people, the neon lights in the sky, the buildings I’d never seen from that perspective all while the sounds of the marching bands drums echoed from the distance. We had such a beautiful view, but taking photos at night, on a moving sailboat is definitely not easy.

Sometimes I contemplate leaving my camera so that I'm able to just enjoy whatever I'm doing in a different way. Recently I've been going against that feeling and weight it out by using only my small light 35mm lens to keep the camera light and easy to keep on my shoulder. Of course, I love sharing my photos with hopes to inspire emotion, feelings and questions but I take photos for me too. 

Peace out for now!

ES

IG Folks

When IG Folks Meet

Meet Derrick: Chef. Bmore bread. LA Bound

I often find myself in total control of how often I go on Instagram, but as of late Im hitting that button way too many times throughout the day. 

What I will say, its allowed me to find people and reach out to those I would never have none about or had access to. Not everyone responds but that is okay ( I just hit them up again). I have booked work and pitched ideas. I sent thank you messages to people who inspire me through there work. I've also connected with people which has led to off-line relationships. Usually, we connect through a common skill of photography or they have the need for photography and I like the work they do. 

With all that- I want to share the moments I have with these IG folks. bringing people together within a whole new realm of meaning, intention and curiosity. 

My most recent off-line meet up was with Derrick (@derricksworld). How I stumbled on his page I haven’t a clue, but i was instantly intrigued by his photography skills and light. Even more so he was a chef so I’d often be drawling over the dish he featured while wondering what his light strategy and setup was for capturing the often moody, dark yet vibrant feels of the food he cooked. 

I reached out and we planned to connect and did so within just a few days of introducing ourselves via IG DM. 

Derrick was inspiring in his own unknown right. I walk into his small, yet well organized and decorated studio that made it feel a lot bigger and was impressed with how he put his place together. I automatically knew he had a creative yet detailed process and thought-provoking way of thinking. He had a lot in his place. it all felt right like it was suppose to be there but not everyone would know this. I also knew that I wouldn't have been able to conceptualize my space the way he had. I also quickly found out he created (built) pieces I told him I was fond of. Why was I focusing on all this? Simply put, he was a real creative who had ideas and just tried them. He had no fear in trying. And I knew I did. It inspired and motivated me while also put light on the dim-ness Id let take over me. 

Regardless I was in a creative space, with a chef who made dessert from scratch and we would photograph it and eat it. I was cool with all and any emotions thoughts and images that came out of this moment. 

I'll also say about Derrick: born and raised in Baltimore, he doesn’t fit the stereotypical ideals of a black male from Baltimore, I would assume he skateboards but I saw no evidence of that, he’s a great photographer. He’s never traveled but will be moving to LA mid Mach making this is first time traveling as far and first move from Bmore. Stories like that make me swoon because the potential of newness that opens up to you when you decide to do something different is just incredible. The trajectory of his life and how he was living will be completely different once moves. if he continued to live in MD he would have a totally different outcome to each day he lives and that makes life so cool. 

I'm sure this new adventure will bring challenges worth the reward. . 

Fun Facts

Instagram: @derricksworld

Website: https://www.derricksworldd.co

Favorite food to eat: Asia, mexican

How did you start cooking: started off at a chain restaurant rolling silverware. eventually asked to work in the kitchen. Went to culinary school in bmore after realizing he liked it and there she wrote.

Whats your next personal goal? Personal/private chef company