TARRICE LOVE - PHOTOGRAPHER

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY (a tribute to the ideas of change)

2012-01-16T10:32:00.005-05:00

I AM CHAD WHITE @ Soul Artist Mgmt.

2011-12-15T06:20:00.005-05:00

One day I was chatting with my best friend on the phone and she was going on and on about the universe and if I want something I should put it out into the universe and I will get it. so I decided to compile a list of people i want to work with one day and i did so on facebook (see dream list). I also tagged the people and their agents to the list. After that Jason Kanner from Soul Artist management saw the list and offered to send as many of their models on the list. The first person he sent was supermodel Chad White.

I was so nervous. What do you do with a model who has photographed with all the greats?

so i decided to customize something just for him. I googled him and I saw a runway image of him in the D-Squared show dressed in a white motorcycle jumper and ran out and got the closest thing I could afford which was a white painter's jumper from Home Depot. The whole time I was planning his shoot I was thinking "wow, i caint believe i'm finna shoot Chad White."

many of you may recognize his face from major campaigns like Dolce & Gabbana and Hugo Boss and magazine covers and editorials shot by amazing photographers like Steven Klein, Steven Miesel, and Francois Rousseau

When he arrived, he was on time ( 2pm on the dot) and he was gracious and polite. He whipped out his phone and turned it off and put it in his bag. It was the first time I noticed a model doing that. I am accustom to models walking thru the door texting and twittering and facebooking but he showed respect by putting his phone away. I know for me, I never use my phone during a shoot so I can give the person in front of my camera my full attention.

We sat and chatted about modeling, his numerous photoshoot experiences with the Stevens (Miesel and Klein), our families, his dogs and motor bikes, and food (we both looooove food). In front of the camera I told him to give me some of that "Chad White shit" - and he just started moving like he could read my mind. I really had fun working with him and I can't wait to work with him again. Next time imma make sure to get some full length shot because he has the best legs ever.

Special thanks to Jason Kanner for sending him to me ...... thanks!!!

ps. Chad, you left your baseball cap.... i'll hold on to it for you ;)

...IN MY DAYDREAMS feat. JEREMY ROSADO @ Boss NYC

2011-12-05T05:14:00.001-05:00

model: Jeremy Rosado @ Boss Models NYC

(photography and styling: Tarrice Love)

I met Jeremy Rosado during an editorial shoot I did for AMMO magazine. I really enjoyed working with all of the guys that day but he was the only one that never had a one on one session with me. We exchanged contacts and proceeded to set something up. At the time my relationship with booker was "strained" so we set the shoot up directly with each other.

Jeremy has beautiful face and an amazing body. I wanted to do images that show'd his sensual side that compliments his physical strengths. So i decided to shoot him in with a natural light theme using my favorite magazines with black models as a way to pay homage to their black beauty. Jeremy's character is obsessed with black women so much so that he has daydreams about them. He was completely open to the concept and took direction well. He fell into character so convincingly that he fell asleep on the floor during the shoot. The results turned out beautiful and I hope y'all like them.

model: Jeremy Rosado @ Boss Models NYC

(photography and styling: Tarrice Love)

introducing: CAESAR STOVALL @ Red Citizen NYC

2011-12-02T04:40:00.001-05:00

I met former Army paramedic turned model Caesar Stovall at the beginning of the year on modelmayhem. We would chat on skype about our ambitions and our planned photo session. He came to shoot with me from a small town in Virgina. In person he was more than another one of those light skinned, pretty, mixed-raced boy that towered over me like a tree.... Caesar had that "it" factor..

I really didn't like the pictures from this session because i hated his hair so we reschedule a second shoot with a better hair cut. On the day of our re-shoot, he signed to Red Citizen NYC and booked an exclusive with Givenchy fashion show. His booker had other plans for him that didn't include shooting with me - so the shoot was cancelled. He took me to lunch instead to show his thanks and appreciation for me taking the time and special interest in working with him and being his friend. He told me that it was the pics I took of him that caught the eye of his booker at Red.

Caesar Stovall's walking the Givenchy runway show last season created a lot of buzz for him to work with leading photographers and designers in NY. He's even had a write up in the New York Times. I am excited for him and happy that all his hard work and sacrifices are starting to pay off. I expect bigger things for Caesar and I wish him continued success.

LIVE YOUR DREAMS

2011-11-30T05:55:00.001-05:00

I came to New York City 5 years ago with the hopes to become a influential fashion and fine arts photographer. I have no real family or friends here .... just a few artist friends whom i developed friendships through social networks like black planet, myspace , and eventually facebook. Within the last 5 years I have worked with some amazing artist and models. Aligned myself with people I never thought i'd have the opportunity to meet and work with. I am living my dream.

That would have never happened had I not took a leap of faith and stepped outside the comfort zone of my hometown of Memphis, Tn.

I just want to say thank you to all the people who help make living my dream in nyc a little bit easier.

introducing ANTHONY BURRELL - Actor/ dancer/ choreographer

2011-10-12T15:14:00.001-04:00

I am a big fan of the art of dance and was happy to work with Anthony Burrell. He's a good friend of mine and I just wanted y'all to check out the newest Kelly Rowland video that he not only appears in, but he also co-choreographed.

cotton drop harem pants designed by me-Tarrice Love with matching sleeveless t-shirt

behind the scenes Anthony Burrell and Kelly Rowland

BRYCE - AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL ... FOR REAL!

2011-10-12T02:57:00.000-04:00

I general don't photograph babies, but yesterday top working models of color came in and out of my Brooklyn studio to be photographed for a special project i'm working on. One girl came thru with her 8 month old daughter, Bryce. After my session with the modeling mother, she asked me to take a few shots of her cutie pie. I was finna say "hell no!" The last time i shot a small child, he cried the entire time and held onto his grandma's leg screaming like i was the boogie man coming to kill him. Lil momma was so cute so I said sure. We sat her on the little stool and she proceeded to serve face better than the majority of the pros that step in front of my lens. I just had to share a few of the shots from our quick shoot.

...WHEN ONE PERSON'S IDEAS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

2011-10-06T12:35:00.001-04:00

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com

SMOKIN' feat. rapper/actor BRY'NT

2011-10-03T12:55:00.002-04:00

photographed by Tarrice Love

featuring rapper/ actor Bry'Nt

Hair - Vaughn McIver

Barbering - Kev G.

styled by Tarrice Love

The first time i worked with was last year when I shot his promo material for his music. I didn't know what to expect. The only other time I work with a rap artist was when I shot Eightball and MJG for Ozone Magazine. He came in with his stylist, groomer and management so I was expecting drama. To my surprise, everyone was so cool - the nicest crew of people I have worked with to date. I liked working with Bry'Nt so much , I had him return to shoot something a bit more provocative for me.

Bry,Nt is an openingly gay rap artist and actor. He's had success amongst the gay community and a growing following in mainstream rap circles. Bry’Nt began his solo career with the release of his controversial mixtapes “Porn Star” (2008) and “Porn Star II: The Director’s Cut” (2009). He titled the projects "Porn Star" because he felt people are hesitant to admit they like his music because of his sexuality the same way people are hesitant to admit that they like porn. He has toured nationally and internationally opening for artists such as Fantasia, Teairra Mari, RuPaul, and DJ Class. From interviews on Sirius Satellite Radio with DJ Kay Slay and Angela Yee. Magazines including Spin, Bleu, and Kontrol Magazine have already done write ups about him. Bry’Nt has put himself at the forefront of an underground movement known as “Out Hip-Hop;” which consists of openly gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual artists. This has mad him a recent nominee for OUTMusic Awards.

me and Bry'Nt chatting it up about our experience working together and his upcoming projects.

Bry'Nt also stars in the independant film "Finding Me: Truth."

Check out the "Finding Me: Truth" blog for more information: http://findingmetruth.wordpress.com/

For the latest events, info, photos, and more on Bry'Nt visit the following:

Facebook

http://facebook.com/BryNtMusic

Myspace

http://myspace.com/BryNtMusic

Twitter

http://twitter.com/BryNtMusic

Band Camp

http://brynt.bandcamp.com

ReverbNation

http://reverbnation.com/Bry...

I think Bry'Nt is a very cool dude and I enjoy working with him and will continue to collaborate with him to produce madness.

THE GENTLEMAN OFFICER feat. PATRICK CLARK @ FORD NYC

2011-09-29T14:57:00.000-04:00

photographed by Tarrice Love

featuring Patrick Clark @ Ford NYC (Direct)

styled by Tarrice Love

Patrick Clark of Ford Models Direct is a working models that has appeared in campaigns for everything from Redken hair products to Target. He wanted to do some images that would attract more editorial opportunities so his booker at Ford Direct, Dorian Lowe, hit me up and asked me would I be up for the challenge.....y'all should know me by now... I'm always down to do any project that challenges my skills.

I pulled a few military inspired pieces from my personal closet and styled him in a "poetic" fashion. The ruffled ascot was customized by me cutting up a cheap button up I bought at one of those bargain stores that lined up and down Fulton Ave.

THANK YOU DORIAN LOWE and the team at FORD NYC for supporting my vision and keeping me in mind for projects like this for their models.

... PLAY THE GAME.

2011-09-26T05:53:00.001-04:00

I was chatting with a photographer and he expressed his frustrations with a black designer who hired him to shoot his lookbook and when several black models arrived the designer abruptly cancelled the entire shoot. The designer and his people didn't want any black models in the lookbook. The photographer (a non-blk) didn't understand why the black designer felt this way.

I told him that many of us understand that the current fashion industry is a white-owned industry. The majority of the design house, magazines, and beauty products are backed by white owned corporations and that in order for us to get a piece of the pie that we have "play their game". Black people in this industry feel like they have to present a "white face" in order to be accepted by the industry - that we haveta "play the game" and adhere to the constraints of the fashion marketplace in order to be relevant and successful. They truly believe that if we "play the game", we can make significant changes.

I am always told (by other black people in the industry) that if I want to be successful in this industry that I need mostly white models in my presentation and body of work so that white clients won't feel alienated and can see themselves. Many black stylist, modeling agents, MUAs, and other industry people have told me to my face that they are reluctant to work with me specifically because I work with "too many black people."

My upbringing in Memphis, Tn (the place where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated) has taught me to have a deep level of respect for the sacrifices our people have made in this country and our place in history. I have always felt a responsibility to represent myself and my black heritage in my work.

When people tell me that I haveta "play the game" to win, I tell them why should I follow rules that aren't set up for me to win anyway. The people who truly win in this world know the rules but they make their own rules. Just look at people like Oprah and Tyler Perry. They are 2 of the most powerful people in television and film. According to Forbes magazine, talented filmmakers like Jerry Bruckheimer and Steven Spielberg are the second and third richest men in Hollywood, topping the list with $113 million and $107 million while Tyler Perry has respectively earned over $500 million. He has clearly made his own rules in Hollywood and never "played the game". Had he "played the game," he would probably still be waiting for a white-owned film studio to back his film projects.

Everytime someone tells me to "play the game", I think about all the people who broke the rules in order for me to be here today.

I use my gifts to remind us of our presence and what we offer it in this world.

PERFECT FORM feat. ISA RAHMAN @Soul Artist Mgmt.

2011-09-25T09:45:00.002-04:00

The first time I saw Isa Rahman was in an editorial in L'oumo Vogue. I later saw him several times in GQ magazine. I torn out the images and taped them to my wall in Memphis, TN hoping to one day work with him.

photographed by Tarrice Love
featuring Isa Rahman @ Soul Artist Mgmt/ LA Model Mgmt. LA
styled by Tarrice Love

The first time I saw him in person I was at the Russell Simmons fashion show during fashion week in 2007. I was overwhelmed (aka starstruck) by all the celebrities walking by me. After the show was over and the models were walking around mingling with the celebrities. I mustered the courage to to walk up to Isa, but nothing but mumbled gibberish came out of my mouth. I sounded like one of the adults from the Charlie Brown cartoons. He gave me this weird look and I turned and walked away completely embarrassed. I made a mad dash to the exit and went home. LOL. Looking back, I can't believe I was so silly acting. I just glad he didn't remember this encounter.

Isa Rahman has been featured in campaigns for Macy's, Target, and JC Pennys ...

(Isa on my wall)

me and Isa chatting it up about how he started modeling.

CAN SOMEBODY GIVE ISA RAHMAN AN UNDERWEAR CAMPAIGN BECAUSE HE IS PERFECT!!!

photographed by Tarrice Love
featuring Isa Rahman @ Soul Artist Mgmt/ LA Model Mgmt. LA
styled by Tarrice Love

NOIR featuring ZEB RINGLE @ Soul Artist Mgmt./ Nous LA

2011-09-22T07:12:00.000-04:00

photographed by Tarrice Love

featuring Zeb Ringle @ Soul Artist Mgmt/ Nous Model Mgmt. LA

styled by Tarrice Love

I was a little nervous and excited to be working with Zeb Ringle of Soul Artist Mgmt. He is on the cover of the recent collectors supplement of popular fashion magazine Arena Homme Plus photographed by Steven Klein. He is also the current face of Rufskin campaign.

We chatted and he told me how he has wanted to work with me since he saw the work I did with Robert Evans. They were roommates when both of them first moved to NY. I channeled my "McGuyver" skills and created this crazy hood-thing inspired by a hair style from Karl Lagerfeld's Spring 1994 collection (see video)

I enjoy working with models who allow me to "play" with them and create something beyond "test" images. With each model who steps in front of my camera, I try to create images that inspire them and the people who look at them.

*special thanks to Jason and the team at Soul Artist Mgmt. for sending him thru... :)

TRUE COLORS feat. PHYLICIA JONES @ M+P Models UK

2011-09-20T19:04:00.000-04:00

This is a pictorial series entitled True Colors featuring model Phylicia Jones currently represented by M+P Models in London. I had the opportunity to work with her and her makeup artist friend, Eugene Kevin on my birthday because I wanted to do something creative for myself. Part of that creative process was me designing her clothes myself.

photographed by Tarrice Love

featuring Phylicia Jones @ M+P Models (UK)

styled by Tarrice Love

makeup & hair by Kevin Eugene

i took extra large t-shirts and old jeans that i shredded and distress with bleach to design outfits for her to wear. The pictures turned out nice but I wanted to do something different so I experimented with photoshop and played with colors. When I usually use photoshop, I just clean up the pics to correct minor cosmetic flaws but this time I decided to play with layers and filters.

Industry people in NYC have challenged my ability to shoot women and I wanted to prove to myself that my women's work is just as powerful and beautiful as my men's work. . I think I did a pretty good job, Phylicia looks amazing. I don't get the opportunity to work with makeup artist and I do want to give special thanks to Kevin Eugene for stopping thru and using his artistic skills to Phylicia even more beautiful.

I LOVE NY (sometimes) feat. NARGIS @ Muse NYC

2011-09-18T21:18:00.000-04:00

As much as I love my hometown of Memphis, TN, I understand that to achieve a curtain level of success in the fashion industry i'd haveta leave. So on October 30, 2006, I left the comforts of home and moved to New York City to live my dreams of becoming a fashion photographer.

I decided to do a post celebrating my accomplishments living in NYC by featuring my work with model Nargis who is currently represented by Muse NYC. I custom made her dress from a I LOVE NYC t-shirt I bought at a tourist shop on Fifth Ave. Being in NY has really challenged my creativity and tested my drive. Instead of breaking me down, its pushed me to prove to myself how strong I really am.

Every morning I wake up and thank God for making it possible for me to still be here and allow me another chance to share my artistic blessings with the world.

also check out the Empire State of Mind cover video featuring some of the top models in NYC.

An ode to New York City starring: Selita Ebanks, Karlie Kloss, Constance Jablonski, Jourdan Dunn, Daphne Groeneveld, Edita Vilkeviciute, Hailey Clauson, Josephine Skriver, Zuzanna Bijoch, Shu Pei, Kristina Salinovic, Martha Streck, Toni Garrn, R'el Dade, Andi Muise, Ataui Deng, Chantal Stafford-Abbot, Kelsey Rogers, Ashton Phillips, Fabiana Mayer, Sabrina Nait, Sydney Edmonds, Claire Collins, Brenda Mutoni, Naoumie Ekiko, Sonia Niekrasz, Paris, Kaitlin, Lina, & Tian.

http://lifeandtimes.com/

"Empire State of Mind" by JAY Z feat. Alicia Keys used with permission from Roc Nation/SC Enterprises/Life+Times.

Executive Producers -- Life + Times, Devin Chanda and Dustin Nakao-Haider for Scheme Engine
Director -- Justin Wu
Producer -- Danny Dewes for Scheme Engine
Directors of Photography -- Ben Vogel and David Raboy for Scheme Engine
Editors -- Matt Mitchener, Dustin Nakao-Haider, & Ben Vogel
Makeup -- Adam Maclay for Senses New York Salon and Spa

ITS CHAD WHITE (aaawwww - yeah!) @ Soul Artist Mgmt.

2011-09-05T17:28:00.003-04:00

Chad White stopped by my place this weekend......

I have worked with alot models who think they are the "bizness" with inflated confidence and attitude with arrogant undertones. Chad White was definitely NOT one of those guys. He's had the career every guy dreams to have and yet he's just a regular cool ass dude.

He arrived (on time) to my place in bedstuy Saturday afternoon. We chatted and shared industry stories and childhood stories.... laughed a lot and just had a great time. He made me feel like I was Steven Klien or any other big named photographer. I felt appreciated and special. I really enjoyed him and look forward to working with him more...
He just raised the bar.

thanks Jason Kanner and the team at Soul Artist Mgmt.

THE STARTING POINT (before digital-before photoshop)

2011-08-31T06:18:00.002-04:00

my self portrait wearing my photoshoot overalls. I wore these at almost ever photoshoot because they were roomy and had lots of pockets for film and stuff...

I was looking back at my work when I began to take a serious interest in photography. I took college courses at Southwest Community College and the University of Memphis at the same time. The Southwest professor ( Mrs. Lechman) allowed me stretch and experiment. I studied all the greats - Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Gordon Parks, George Hurrell, Albert Watson, and so many more - through books and magazines. I was shooting with a 35mm Pentax K1000 film camera and photoshop didn't exsist.

I didn't have professional equipment.. In the beginning I used construction lights and clamp lights like the ones pictured above...

I look at young photographers today and look at all the advance technology today and how they are so dependent on photoshop and retouching to make their images come alive. They "need" a team of artist, makeup, hair, stylist and retouchers to successfully create a fashion image. I didn't have none of that (still don't). I didn't have photoshop to cover up things I didn't know or a model's imperfections. I had to work with people with good bodies and great skin and learn how to use light, shadows, and composition properly.

I look at new photographers work and haveta remind myself what my work looked like in the beginning. I thought I was the coldest muthafuxah with a camera in Memphis (thus the name ice-itsocool).

.... the following images are some of the examples of what my work looked like when I started.

these are from my first photoshoot. My besy friend , Dawn Jones Kimble, was my model for a class assignment to capture a sense of place. Everyone in class just lazily snapped images of campus life...I wanted to incorporate my love for fashion into the assignment. We rode the city bus downtown , in the cold rain to do my first "fashion" shoot. to this day these shots are some of my favorite images...

I was lucky to have a best friend who modeled for me. She taught me makeup tricks and different posing techniques that i still use today. The most important thing she taught me was to trust myself.... and trust my artistic vision.

This David "Bama" Pipkin with my assistant Tiffany Jones. Bama was my 1st male model and I remember telling Tiff that I wanted to shoot a guy but I didn't know any with interesting looks. I was very shy and I was afraid to walk up to a stranger and ask him to shoot with me. She scanned the room, picked one she liked and walked up to him and boldly told him that her sister was gonna pick him up that Saturday at noon to shoot with me. They eventually married and had a daughter. She passed away shortly after having her. - This picture also sparked my interest in showing images of black couples in a loving way....(something i rarely saw)

I have had a natural ability to draw and paint since childhood and I have always tried to apply my artistic abilities into the images i created. Many times I incorporated the drawings and paints in the images.

I didn't have professional models at my disposal, only my friends and my classmates. I taught myself to work with people of all different body types, color tones, and communicate with very different personalities. They allowed me to experiment with different techniques to figure out what works and what doesn't.

my goal was to make beautiful images and help show the greatness I saw in people who were close to me.

one of the coolest things I learned was the power of fashion and art to transform people. I found this tall and pretty 16 year old Erica Carroll and with the help of my friend , Malaika who did hair and makeup for me sometimes, we transformed her into a sexy glamazon. I think the experiences she had working with me and my crew completely changed the way she saw herself forever...I know it changed the way our friends saw her.

Every now and then I haveta step back and look at some of the work I did in the beginning to remind myself why I want to do this. The work I did in the beginning has inspired the approach I have on the way I do things today. It is real easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of industry bullshit. Everything I have done is my steps towards creating some kind of truth for myself and the people who enjoy my work.

I know my work has changed a lot since the first time i picked up a camera, but it does hold a special place thats just as strong ( on some levels even stronger) in my heart. My work has always been personal for me....i make a personal commitment to everyone who steps in front of my lens and thats been the double edge sword I proudly carry.

introducing L.S.T - Light Skin Trouble (MADISON STEWART @ Ford NYC)

2011-08-24T19:51:00.001-04:00

Madison Stewart is a model/ rapper from California. He is currently represented by Ford NYC. I met him thru Henry Watkins and Laurence McCrae. He wanted to test with photographers to improve his portfolio and they recommended he contact me. Madison has done work with Bloomingdales, Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, and is currently in the 2011 Kenneth Cole Reaction campaigns.

I really enjoy working with Madison. He has lots of personality and good energy. I like working with models with lots of hair and love his freckles. Madison is definitely someone I look forward to doing more work with him. their are lots of sides to him that I want to show the world.

check out his debut music video.....

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/light-skinned-trouble

Video produced by Martin Landgreve and Magnus Jonsson

Music produced by JFK

Acting by Bijon H and Oskar Tranum (International)

Special thanks to Laurence McCrea

this is me and madison talking about our hair and looking at my facebook page w/ my baby pic.

BACK IN TOWN - DORION STANDBERRY

2011-08-16T14:50:00.002-04:00

photographed by Tarrice Love

featuring Dorion Standberry @ Click Model mgmt.(atl & la)

Back in town again and in front of my lens is model/ actor Dorion Standberry, who many may remember him as one of the cast members of BET's reality series College Hill (season 2). After the show, Dorion relocated to L.A pursuing a career in acting and modeling. He hit me up to let me know he was in town on business and wanted to reunite with my camera to get some new images to show off his body he been working hard to get in shape.

me and actor/model Dorion Standberry chatting about his experience working with me.

HE'S WET - ALEX CIAPPARA @ Re:Quest Model Mgmt.

2011-08-14T18:58:00.001-04:00

He has a handsome, masculine beauty, amazing body, and a personality that's inviting.... his name is Alex Ciapara currently represented by Re:Quest Model Mgmt.

GETTING HOT & WET WITH THE LADIES OF SOUL

2011-08-12T12:40:00.002-04:00

I shot 2 of the new girls Jaqueline Wiegand and Julier Bugge from Soul Artist Mgmt. It was officially the hottest day of the summer. It was so hot in my studio space that I almost cancelled. I originally had planned to do some fall fashion stuff, but i threw that idea out the window and decided to just wet them up and get them out of here quickly. I dont think no one can imagine how hot it was that day.....and without air conditioning. These are the results of a quick test shoot when its too hot to be doing makeup and hairstyling....

introducing JACQUELINE WIEGAND @ Soul Artist Mgmt.

introducing JULIER BUGGE @ Soul Artist Mgmt.

special thanks to Jason, Andrew, and Lindsey for trusting me with their new girls. Because I don't have a team, most agencies won't even give me time of day with their women. Being around my momma, my granny, and all those FABULOUS southern belles...I learned a thing or two about makeup and hair. lol

IM MY BACKYARD. feat. TANIEKA CARTER and NAJEE STRICKLAND

2011-08-10T06:19:00.000-04:00

while I was home, in Memphis, this summer, I had to shoot someone in my grandmother's backyard. Me and my little brother spent most of our childhood playing in that backyard.

BIRDS OF PREY feat. SIMON THAM

2011-08-02T06:06:00.000-04:00

photographed by Tarrice Love

featuring SIMON THAM @ Soul Artist Mgmt.

styling by Torin Lewin

Its not often I get the opportunity to get the chance to work with a stylist, so when stylist Torin Lewin contacted about shooting a jewelry series with Simon Tham I jumped at it. I called this series Birds of Prey because the majority of the jewelry pieces look like little bird skeletons dipped in silver and gold.

photographed by Tarrice Love

featuring SIMON THAM @ Soul Artist Mgmt.

styling by Torin Lewin

inspiration: THE FALL 2001 SEAN JOHN SHOW

2011-07-30T14:04:00.004-04:00

The Fall 2001 Sean John fashion show changed everything for me. It was the very first time I really felt like their was a specific place for me (the young black man). I remember watching it on E! Entertainment television.This was the first fashion show to be broadcasted live on national television. It was an exciting fashion show with clothes inspired by my life and i wanted to wear them. The model roster was a diverse mix of guys who looked like the casting director just went to Union Square and grabbed every tall guy they saw. It was like watching The Source, Vibe, and Spin magazine come to life. This has the be the one of the best men's fashion shows ever.

Sean John Fall 2001 Fashion Show @ Bryant Park from Sean John on Vimeo.

(Sean John was the wardrobe, Badboy made the soundtrack for the movie that was my life)

The one thing I try to tell young people who are trying to get into the fashion industry is the reason you don't see a strong presence of black people in the industry is that we don't own anything to include us. Back in the day, Sean John was one of those black owned labels that represented the guy on the street.....and catered to the everyday young urban man lifestyle. Sean John, like most of the urban labels, are no longer black owned. The are now owned by big corporations who do connect or relate to black culture.

Fashion is still created by artists. The results are a reflection of artist lifestyle or the lifestyle they desire. If the artists are white people, the corporation who owns the fashion house are compiled of mostly white people....you really can't expect to see a genuine representation of colored people and their cultural lifestyle.

STEPHAN HOFFMAN @ Ford Direct NYC

2011-07-28T13:23:00.001-04:00

Stephan Hoffman stopped thru for a quick photoshoot to update his book for the upcoming season. He was the first model to pull up on bicycle to my studio in Brooklyn. With a few major campaigns, like D&G and Lucky Jeans , under his belt - he performed like a season pro. Look forward to seeing an amazing collaboration from both of us soon. :)

thanks Dorian @ Ford Direct for sending me amazing guys to work with. :)

IT'S JUST TOO HOT IN BROOKLYN feat. OMAR KENNEDY

2011-07-26T06:02:00.001-04:00

For the past few weeks its been rediculously hot everywhere. Some cities reached record temperatures. People think because I'm from the south I should be use to the heat but New York heat is waaaay different from any hot weather I have experienced. Its combinded with nasty think humidity. It's like wrapping your face in plastic and sticking your head in the microwave on high.

Temperatures rose to a sweltering 104 degrees in Brooklyn. My non air conditioned studio was even hotter. I live on the top floor where all the heat in the building is trapped. My actual room doesn't even have windows. With the heat index, it was probably 110-115 degrees in my place. It was to the point where i started taking cold showers while fully dressed.....yes I was walking around in soaking wet clothes. You haveta find creative ways to cool off.

PAPER CHASE! feat. photographer/ model JUBEI RAZIEL

2011-07-24T10:23:00.001-04:00

I was shooting some updated images of a good friend model/ photographer Jubei Raziel and I noticed the scripted tattoo on his hip. As soon as I saw it , the idea with paper popped into my mind.

Check out my sit down chat with model/ photographer Jubei Raziel. We talk about his career as a model and photographer and the modeling industry.

view his work : www.DevilMayCryInRain.com

check his blog: http://devilmaycryinrain.blogspot.com/

GRABBING THE BULL BY THE HORNS feat. KAHARI MAYS @ Soul Artist Mgmt.

2011-07-17T09:41:00.002-04:00

I was very nervous and excited to work with the amazingly gorgeous Kahari Mays. Amongst the many campaigns he's been featured in, the Ralph Lauren Fall 2010 is the most recent one to use his flawless face as one of their brand ambassadors.

I have followed his career for a very long time and was a little intimidated. I didn't really know what to do with him. I don't have access to a lot of clothing to do fashion images nor do I feel comfortable to ask a stylist to haul a bunch of showroom clothes to my studio space in Brooklyn...for free. So I decided to use the bull skull that my friend, photographer James K. Holder, gave me. That thing has sat on a little table in the middle of my living room for months. Kahari kept staring at it with that "ooh, I want to shoot with it..." look on his face. Most of the guys who come in want to shoot with it as soon as they walk thru the door. I decided to use it with Kahari because his face is a-maz-ing and strong enought to over-power it. I wanted us to create images that were lasting and impactful. I wanted these images to be something that Kahari would want to hang on his wall at his home.

I was so intrigued by how flawless his skin is. I didn't haveta do anything to his photos but clean up the background and adjust the color tones. He is stunning and complete class act.

Special thanks to Jason and Andrew @ Soul Artist Mgmt for making this happen.

inspiration: THE EYES OF LAURA MARS

2011-07-17T08:32:00.002-04:00

Not many movies have been able to capture the essence of the fashion industry like The Eyes of Laura Mars. The oh so chic days of New York's fashion industry in 1978 is the backdrop for this jem of a movie.

The fabulous Faye Dunaway plays a top fashion photographer, Laura Mars. Her images are more than just your average pretty picture. They are filled with sex and death and when her models begin turning up murdered in the most unsavory of ways, it becomes apparent that this is more than a case of life imitating art.

The visuals were overdosing on couture fashions from Halston and Valentino with imagery influenced by one of my favorite photographers...Helmut Newton. When I saw this movie as an adult, I almost creamed myself. Before you watch that clip below, I would suggest you get one of your good towels to wipe yourself.

MICHAEL PRESS - BEYONCE'S PROM DATE FROM HELL

2011-07-12T08:44:00.004-04:00

Congrats to my boy Michael Press, co-starring of Beyonce's latest video Best Thing I Never Had . He portrays the prom date from hell, lol. That's funny to me because Michael is one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet. I have known him for about 3 years now. He is a recent graduate at Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, NC. He successfully took advantage of local modeling opportuntities and is now in NYC trying to make it happen.

I was going to post the video presenting him upon my return from my trip to Memphis. Within the 9 days I was gone, Michael signed to Mint Model Mgmt. in NYC and booked Beyonce's video ...

Right before he graduated from college, he stopped by my studio in Brooklyn to do a video for my blog. I wanted to do something different with the videos for the models who didn't have representation. So we did the video in the style of agency digitals. I wanted it to be like those natural light digitals coming to life. I walso wanted to show a bit of his personality. ( see below)

Michael Press - currently represented by MINT Model Mgmt. NYC

I am so excited for Michael Press and I look forward t o seeing what is next in the cards for him.

CONGRATS ROBERT EVANS @ Major NYC

2011-07-05T13:43:00.001-04:00

Coming off the international campaign for CK One, I'm proud to see Robert Evans @ Major along side supermodels Naomi Campbell and Natalia Vodianova . I remember when his booker first called me asking me to do a test shoot with him. Many photographers were reluctant to work with him in the beginning because he's not the industry standard size. I didn't care about that industry standard shit, I saw a star in the making. If I never get the opportunity to work with him again, I'm happy to know that I was one the first photographers in NY that helped show that he doesn't haveta be the usual industry standard to be a superstar in this industry. I am so happy for him...he's shutting the naysayers down with one fashion moment at a time. :)

check the behind the scenes for the Givenchy Fall 2011 Campaign at STYLE.COM

INSIGHT INTO ME pt.1: MEMPHIS, TN ...Represent to the Fullest!!!

2011-06-26T23:29:00.002-04:00

Recently I took a much deserved break from the hustle/bustle of NYC and went back home to get dose of southern love from my family and friends. Its also a time for me to refresh myself and remember why I left home to conquer the dog eat dog world of the fashion industry.

me :)

this is the house I grew up in - in South Memphis

Being back home allowed me a chance to be around my family and friends and submerge myself in love from people who genuinely care about me. I got to go back to the house i grew up in and eat some real home cookin' and get alot of granny hugs.

this is a portrait of my grandparents (my grandpa died on Father's Day a few years ago) Grandpa bought me my first camera ...a Pentax K1000 35mm camera

Being back in Memphis forced me to slow down and take a little break. One of the plus factors to coming back home is returning to my old studio space. It was my bedroom at my grandparents house. They helping me clear out my bed and furniture and convert it into my studio. I spent most of the time re-absorbing the things that inspired me before I made the move.

this is my studio...where all my magic took place

I also looked thru old journals I kept and artworks i did during my college days.

sketches and notes that were in my notebooks and journals....

paintings and drawings i did before my move to nyc

I sat in the middle of the floor of my old studio/bedroom I spent most of my life looking thru my massive archive of magazines like HONEY, SUEDE, TRACE, CODE, V MAGAZINE, INTERVIEW, AMERICA, as well as Vogue, GQ, and Elle.

People who I useta photograph stopped by and we'd reminisce about our college days, fashion shows, and past photo shoots

ONLY PPL IN THE SOUTH KNOW ABOUT "FREEZE-CUPS" (frozen kool-aid in Styrofoam cups)

One of the things that tripped me out was that alot of businesses and homes were forclosed or just completely gone. Living in NYC has made me completely blind to the effects the economy has had on this entire nation.

there use to be a house in that empty lot next to my Granny's house - and you can see one of many foreclosed homes that litter my old neighborhood.

I was surprised to see the old poetry spot Precious Cargo boarded up...

After about 3 days of eating, eating, hanging out, and more eating, ....I came to the realization of how much I NEED to do art and I could never do it at the level I want to in Memphis. I became restless and longed to get back behind my lens.

During the last few days of my "vacation", I contacted Brian Peters who wasn't available for shooting ( he was in the middle of dealing with his brother's wedding). I then reached out to Tanieka Carter and Mercedes Stafford, wonderful models whom I collaborated on some amazing images together ( and they still had their "model" bodies). I also linked up with Najee Strickland, a model/ designer who has a line of t-shirts called Heartless. I will do a separate post about their shoots and you'll see the results of those images soon.

photographer Darius Williams

Aquarius Creative Studios

www.createwithaquarius.com

Photographer Darius Williams of Aquarius Studios gave me free reign of his studio during my time at home. I met him during my return trip last year at photographer S Julian's birthday party. He let me use his studio space when I shot model, Ty Parker. During this trip, I got to spend some chill time with Darius and get to know him a little bit better.He's a very nice guy and very talented. His work with Najee was what made me interested in working with him too.

photograph by: Darius Williams - behind the scenes photographing model Najee Strickland and assisted by Mercedes Stadford

All the food I ate, the parties I went to, and the time with old and new friends and loved ones was priceless and contributed to one of the best times I had at home.

new face: DEZ BRAXTON @ soul artist mgmt.

2011-05-30T13:42:00.002-04:00

Jason and Andrew at Soul Artist Mgmt sent me one of their promising new faces, Dez Braxton, to see what i could do with him....

I was growing bored with shooting clean images that do nothing more than show off how photogenic a model is. I want to do something fun and that showed some character and personality and would leave a memorable impression on viewers. I didnt know what to do with Dez but I knew I wanted to utilize my artistic abilities. I wanted to do something special and unique so i decided to do a quick caricature of him on a t-shirt.

Dez has an amazingly unique face so it was easy to render a likeness of him on a t-shirt. I hadn't done anything like this in years and it was a lot of fun. I was so happy when he walked in the door and saw the shirt...it was priceless. It was like seeing a kid's face at Christmas.

Dez loved the shirt so much, time he saw it, he immediately put it on and insisted on keeping it.

(...of course i let him have it. :) )

preview: DARK GIRLS

2011-05-27T01:39:00.000-04:00

I SAW THIS EVERYDAY WHEN I WAS GROWING UP. I UNDERSTAND THAT ART HAS THE POWER TO HELP MAKE PEOPLE SEE BEAUTY. I HAVE MADE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO CREATE IMAGES THAT MAKE PEOPLE RECOGNIZE THE BEAUTY THEY HAVE IN THEMSELVES. IT IS BECAUSE OF THE FILM BELOW,

Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.

New Face: RAINER BOUCARD @ Saints International

2011-05-19T19:29:00.001-04:00

Deiwght Peters of Saint Intertaitonal Limited (one of the top agencies in the world) hit me up to squeeze in time to work with one of their new faces arriving in New York to make his rounds to the top agencies in nyc for representation. The moment I saw Rainer Boucard I had no problem work in time to shoot him. He was great to work with and I enjoyed him. I could have shot his face all day long. He's already been in VMan magazine and I look forward to seeing him do more.

VIDEO HOES: NATHAN OWENS, LAMAR JAMES, & STEFAN BAIRD

2011-05-17T18:34:00.002-04:00

When I was growing up music videos was everything! They shaped my aesthetic of what was interesting and beautiful. They helped mold my fashion vision. They entertained me. Music video networks like MTV, BET, and The Box showed videos 24 hours a day. Every 20 minutes i could catch a glimpse of my favorite music artist. Black models like Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Tyson Beckford, Beverly Peele and many more seized the the opportunity for consistant exposure since fashion editorial opportunites were limited. This gave me a chance to see some of the most beautiful black models ....regularly, especially on BET.

Some of the top male models I have worked with are doin' it vixen style by appearing as leads in some of the hottest music videos right now.

NATHAN OWENS

major model mgmt. nyc/ wilhelmina la

California King Bed - Rihanna

LAMAR JAMES BALLARD

wilhemina miami

What Could Have Been - Ginuwine

STEFAN BAIRD

DCMA - nyc

Far Away - Marsha Ambrosius

PIERRE WOODS by Kai Karenin

2011-05-15T11:52:00.001-04:00

Kai Karenin is a visual artist who is based in Russia who decided to create artworks from photographs i took of supermodel Pierre Woods who is one of my friends and one of the current faces of POLO Ralph Lauren.

if you want to see more of Kai's amazing work, check him out at http://kaikarenin.blogspot.com/

OUTSTANDING BODIES for GEIL MAGAZINE

2011-05-10T12:22:00.004-04:00

Geil Magazine is a men's fashion magazine based in Germany. They hit me up to do a body-based editorial featuring black male models. I had less than 10 days to submit enough images to do an 8 page spread so I dug through my archives and sent them a selection of images that were consistent in look and style with a diverse range of guys. I treated it like a tribute to the best of the black guys I have shot. I wanted each photograph to carry confidence, dignity, and strength.

models included in the editorial Oraine Barrett @ Soul Artist, Pierre Woods @ New York Models, Jeremy Rosado @ Boss NYC, and Robert Evans @ Major NYC

also featured : Evander Holyfield Jr @ Ford Direct, Omar Kennedy @ Next Miami, Darrell Walden Jr. and Remi Alade Chester @ Re:Quest, Marcus Hill @ Soul Artist Mgmt., Henry Watkins @ Red, Stefon Baird @ DC Model Mgmt, and Unsigned model/ actor Ralph Torres

Check out the full story on HERE....

introducing DREW CHRISTY @ Ford NYC

2011-05-09T09:58:00.001-04:00

I have worked with Ford represented Drew Christy a few times already, but we really turned it out with this quick test shoot giving him what I like to call the "Beyonce" effect with his hair blowing beautifully in the wind.

special thanks to Dorian Lowe and the rest of team at Ford Direct, the always send me great models to shoot. :)

THE ART SHOWCASE

2011-05-09T09:25:00.001-04:00

its all about the showcase.

THE ARTISTS from left to right: Victor Ross II, Greogry Prescott, Sidney Etienne, Me, and William Elliot Springfield

Sidney Etienne, Gregory Prescott, William Elliot Springfield, River Clark, Victor A Ross II, Ocean Clark, Willaim Hessian and MYSELF participated in a group art show at Pudding Factory in New Jersey. This was my first time being involved in an art show this year and I had a great time hanging out with fellow art friends.
I decided to show my photographs of photographer Ron Arrindale as Jesus for my Jesus Was A Black Man series.

I had fun hanging with "my dawgs" and viewing their work. I was a great opportunity to expose the fine art community to my work. I enjoyed the reactions I got for my Black Jesus series. It allowed me to exercise a more artistic aspect of my photography. I even gave out my 1st autograph which was soooo exciting.

Me and Victor had never been to Hoboken so before the art showcase we spent the day hanging out....

JESUS WAS A BLACK MAN....

2011-05-03T04:50:00.003-04:00

After watching comedian Paul Mooney's, Jesus Is Black and So Was Cleopatra, Know Your History, on Netflix, it inspired me to put together a series of powerful images to showcase at this art show.

Come out to a artist showcase event in Hoboken, NJ at the Pudding Factory, featuring me, Sidney Etienne, Gregory Prescott, William Elliot Springfield, River Clark, Victor A Ross II, Ocean Clark and Willaim Hessian on May 5th. Click on link below for ticket details. 8 great artists under 1 roof. http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1394477921/efblike

HENRY WATKINS featured on VOGUE ITALIA WEBSITE

2011-04-10T06:50:00.004-04:00

I woke up this morning and went to the Vogue Italia website to see who was the featured black model in the Vogue Black section edited by the iconic Bethann Hardison and was completely surprised to see Henry Watkins. I remember a few years ago, George Brown (booker at Red NYC) hit me up and asked me to do a test with new face Henry Watkins. I instantly liked his fresh All-American look and after seeing him in person, I really liked his personality. Most new models come into my shooting space seem blank and empty .... not Henry. He was very smart and funny.... i instantly saw "superstar" in him.

Since our collaboration, Henry has walked runways for Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Emporio Armani and countless other designers all over the world. Hes also done campaigns for Benetton and American Eagle. He even appeared on the reality series Model City.

With the fickleness of the fashion industry,it is real nice to see the work we did together continues to hold a presence in his presentation to the fashion world. This past fashion week, WHY NOT Model mgmt., his agency rep in Milan used one of my images on his showcard.

Everyone go check out Henry's interview on Vogue Italia - VOGUE BLACK . Its a major compliment that Bethann chose a few images of mine to appear in the Henry Watkins gallery.

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO INTERVIEW

fashion editorial: LOST WEEKEND featured in AMMO MAG

2011-03-31T23:19:00.004-04:00

check out my editorial featured in AMMO MAG styled by Javon Drake. I worked with Javon before with model, Pierre Woods and fashion blogger Jinna Boo and we got along great. This time we teamed together for an online magazine called AMMO MAG. -

below are some of the outtakes as well as a few shots from the editorial. CLICK HERE to view the full editorial

photography: Tarrice Love
Fashion Editor: Javon Drake
Art Direction: John Woodland Jr.

location: ALOFT Hotel/ Harlem
Fashion Assistant: Thandie Gweshe
Models: Jeremy Rosado (Boss Models), Evander Holyfield Jr. (Ford),

Chris Douge` (Q Models), Shamik (Idenities), Marcell Harris (Major)

the editorial was shot at the Aloft Hotel in Harlem. the rooms and hallway space weren't large enough to utilize the lighting I had anticipated so I had to rely on the lighting available .... which was difficult. This was my chance to show people that I could do something besides shoot in "controlled" lighting circumstances. I untilized the colored filters in photoshop to experiment and give a different mood to the pics. I hope people like the editorial...I know I am very happy with the way this turned out.

OMG! THAT FACE: MATTHEW COATSWORTH @ Soul Artist Mgmt.

2011-03-31T18:35:00.000-04:00

When I opened the door I was blown away at how gorgeous Matthew Coatsworth was. Thanks Jason and Andrew @ Soul Artist Mgmt. for sending him to me. :)

ACTOR/ MODEL/ RESTAURANTEUR THIERRY PEPIN @ Major Model Mgmt.

2011-03-25T12:17:00.002-04:00

I remember Thierry Pepin when he was the guy in the ads for the Ralph Lauren fragrance Romance. I tore the ad out of a magazine and added the image to my wall collage at home in Memphis. I would have never thought I would have the opportunity to work with him....now I have.

Canadian model and actor, Thierry Pepin, use to own a popular restaurant in NY called “T-Poutine”, which served Canada’s national dish — poutine. Poutine - a mixture of French fries, cheese curds and hot gravy - is making it onto menus alongside typical American fare like cheeseburgers and chili dogs.

check Thierry out in the recent Body Heat commercial....

He cut his hair to give himself a new look and the agency hit me up to photograph it.

introducing ASHLEY DUVERNAY @ Photogenics LA

2011-03-18T00:49:00.002-04:00

I met Ashley Duvernay when he was living in NYC in 2007. Last summer he relocated to California and he is currently represented by Photogenics in Los Angeles. He was in town visiting family and these are some of the images we shot for his portfolio.

With a face that bares a striking resemblance to the late Michael Jackson, Ashley has a beauty thats unforgettable. He also has an amazing body and a laid back personality that always makes him a pleasure to work with.

introducing KORTNEY WILLIAM @ Trump Model Mgmt.

2011-03-17T22:04:00.005-04:00

With a unique look and a personal style thats all his own, designer/ model Kortney William is definitely someone to watch. He is currently the only male model on the Trump Models roster.

Kortney William (photographed by Tarrice Love)

styled by Ataui Deng

Groomp by Ataui Deng

Kortney Hopkins does more than just model. He is also a fashion designer with a t-shirt line called I INSPIRE. Look for the website soon.

LAURENCE MCCREA @ Next Model Mgmt. IS DOING BIG THINGS

2011-03-01T11:52:00.003-05:00

CONGRATS TO MY BOY, LAURENCE McCREA @ NEXT MODEL MGMT. FOR LANDING THE NATION-WIDE GAP CAMPAIGN.

I was walking home from work and passing the Gap flagship on 34th street and saw Laurence's face leaping out of the window. I was so proud to see him working on this level. I remember when i first spotted him on modelmayhem and chose to work with him and develop him into a good model. After I posted him on my blog, he started getting good responses from photographers and industry people. It was those images that attracted his mother agent who helped him get representation with Next Model mgmt.

He's appeared in GQ and Esquire and now the Gap Campaign. I look forward to seeing him develop more into the supermodel I have always thought he could become.

Teedra Moses R U 4 Real

2011-02-25T13:39:00.003-05:00

i am feeling this song and video at the moment.
Teedra Moses feat. Drumma. I actually attended to University of Memphis with Christopher Gholson aka Drumma, who has become one of the leading music producers today. He has worked with a host of hip hop acts that include Young Buck, Jeezy, T.I., Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, Nelly, T-Pain, Gorilla Zoe, Drake, Gucci Mane, Ludacris, Plies, Young Joc, Rick Ross, E-40, Rocko, Paul Wall,Lil’ Jon,Travis Porter. .....and the amazing Teedra Moses.

check out TEEDRA MOSES @ http://teedramoses.org/news/

When I was in college, my ice-itsocool.com website use to be an online magazine and Drumma was one of the models whom I photographed for it. He also did 2 of the instrumental tracks that appeared on my website. It's really great to see hometown talented people work hard and become successful Grammy nominated forces to be reckoned with. check out his blog - http://www.itsbeenofficial.com/ and you can also download music from his official website - http://drum-squad.com/

this was his "compcard" i made for him that was featured on my website.... seems like a lifetime ago, lol!

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL featuring ATAUI DENG @ Trump Mgmt.NY, Elite Paris/ Milan

2011-02-11T06:07:00.002-05:00

I have had the pleasure of working with Ataui Deng @ Trump Mgmt NY and Elite Paris/ Milan. I think she is amazing and from the moment I first met her, she left an instant lasting impression on me. She is definitely one of those women who has "it" factor. She is a balance mix of commercial and editorial. She has appeared in countless editorials for top fashion magazines as well as campaigns for commercial clients like Macy's (with Andre Douglas). I am especially happy and honored to know that our work together is featured on her compcard and contributed to her successful season in Paris. I love working with Ataui and look forward to more projects with her soon.

here she is featured on Fashion TV :)

Ataui is poping up everywhere....

she's even on the side of buses .....LOL!

THANKS MS. HILL - WHENEVER I WATCH THIS I FEEL UPLIFTED....

2011-02-04T05:40:00.002-05:00

IT'S BLACK HISTORY MONTH and in honor of Black History Month I will do a positive post every week to enrich, celebrate, and inspire.

NEW FACE: RAEL COSTA @ FORD NYC.

2011-02-01T05:51:00.002-05:00

The first time I met Brazilian Rael Costa I thought he was strikingly beautiful. Yes, BEAUTIFUL - he was beyond being handsome. He was recently featured on Models.com as MOTW (model of the week). I had lunch with supermodel Pierre Woods the day we were shooting and he stuck around to assist me with Rael. He was flying back to Brazil that evening and we had to make it quick.

He couldn't speak English well so he did a lot of smiling and nodding. :). He was the first person I shot that had a language barrier but it had no affect on his performance. He was amazing in front of the camera and seem effortless in his connection with the camera. Maybe its a Brazilian thing, but he just seem to have a seamless understanding about his body and his eye contact. Thanks Dorian @ Ford Direct NY for sending him to me as my first test with you..... he was magic.

his name is ORAINE @ Soul Artist Mgmt.

2011-01-28T05:27:00.003-05:00

These are images from my quick test shoot with supermodel Oraine Barrett represented by Soul Artist Mgmt. Their is really nothing to say except Oraine is a-mazzzzz-ing! Thanks Jason for sending him :).

Oraine is probably one of the nicest guys I have ever photographed. He has worked with some of the biggest legends in the business from Bruce Weber, Steven Meisel, and Steven Klein. He has appeared in amazingly controversial editorials featured in Vogue Italia, Vogue Japan, and Interview magazine. When I worked with Oraine, he made me feel like I was as important and legendary as the big name photographers he's accustom to working with.

(he's recently appeared in campaigns for Ralph Lauren and Phat Farm)

INSPIRATION: Jean Michel Basquiat

2011-01-26T15:49:00.002-05:00

I love the paintings of Jean Michel Basquiat. I am more intrigued by his life story.

This is the trailer of the new documentary Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child. The film is directed by Tamra Davis and features never-before seen footage of the prolific artist painting, talking about his art, and existing in the two years prior to his death in 1988. check it out - its on Netflix

NEW FACE: MARCUS HAUGH @ MAJOR MODEL MGMT.

2011-01-20T13:47:00.001-05:00

Marcus Haugh is the newest face to enter the roaster at Major Model Mgmt. Booker Sanam Kelly hit me up requesting that I squeeze in some time for the newest, young face at Major. Expect big things from this African/ Norwegian cutie from California. ( yes...African, hehehehe!)

digitals - Marcus Haugh @ Major NY

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANNA SEE....

2011-01-17T05:27:00.003-05:00

When I was a little kid in Memphis, TN, every year on the birthday of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr , my granny would take me and my little brother to the Lorraine Motel where he was assassinated as her way of paying respects to a man who made great sacrifices so that my generation could live as we do today. She wanted us to appreciate and respect the sacrifices people have made for us.

As I reflect on this day, I think about the sacrifices I have made personally so that I could be here in NYC working with the models of color. I get mad and frustrated and I do feel under-valued but I'm no quitter. I hope that in the bigger scope of things, they will understand and appreciated what I am doing for them and reach out and help someone else- PAY IT FORWARD. I live everyday being the change I want to see.

I'M LISTED AS ONE OF THE TOP 25 STYLE MAKERS of 2010

2011-01-05T17:58:00.003-05:00

Thank everyone at www.amoirehomme.com for listing me as one of the top 25 style makers of 2010.

MUSES OF 2010

2011-01-02T09:57:00.001-05:00

Many artists, writers, poets and musicians have said that their creative work has been inspired by an individual whom they refer to as their muse. A muse is someone who has such an influence on another that he or she becomes the focus and inspiration for that person's creative work. 2010 was a year of transition for me and the following models inspired my creative work and my professional choices. I cannot wait to see who 2011 brings to me to become my muses for 2011...

OMAR KENNEDY @ Next Miami/ Click

ISAMAR GONZALEZ @Rocket Garage Mgmt.

PIERRE WOODS @ New York Models

ROBERT EVANS @ Major Model Mgmt

ANTHONY WHITE @ Ford Models NYC

SHYLOH WILKERSON @ Identities Inc. NYC

RICHARD LIMA @ Ford NYC

THOSE PINK SHOES.... : FULL TIME FABULOUS W/ JINNA BOO

2010-12-29T05:38:00.005-05:00

from left to right: Javon Drake, Jinna Boo, Me ( I look like I just got out of jail), and Pierre Woods

Jinna Boo, One of the finalist for the Sunglass Hut blogger competition was on set documenting my photoshoot with top model and my good friend Pierre Woods @ New York Models. Pierre invited fashion editor of AMMO Magazine, Javon Drake to style the shoot.

Jenna compiled a teaser video of clips she took during the shoot, from the styling process to the actual shoot.

Behind the Scenes with Pierre Woods I Teaser from Jinna Boo on Vimeo.

We shot in various spots in Pierre's apartment building. Pierre and Jenna are neighbors. I chose to use available light in the building because it was too cold and I didn't feel like dragging my strobes and shit from Brooklyn to New Jersey by myself. This also gave me an opportunity to try a lighting situation I hadn't done in a long time.

I loved the vibe and energy of the entire day. The shoot was full of fall menswear fashion, gorgeously colored wardrobe, goofing around, and of course, amazing sunglasses! Jinna was fun and very cute. I like working with stylist like Javon who can put looks together and make them seem effortless and expensive. Everything looked like something Pierre would really wear...except those pink shoes ( i loved them and if I was a typical South Memphis hoodlum, I would have them on right now, lol)

(i lovvvvved those shoes)

Check out Jinna Boo's blog for more about the shoot and other fashion info (its really good) - http://jinna.fulltimefabulous.com/

LOST WITHOUT YOU: A Homage to My Nudes

2010-12-23T05:49:00.003-05:00

I decided to re-post this video project....its very special to me.

Before i came to New York - me and my friends got together to do one last big project...a music video. My cousin was interning at Interscope Records and got his hands on the Robin Thicke tune "lost without you" and slid it my way. I then collaborated with video director, Arick Elion on the project. This was a project that paid homage to my nude work with a subtle re-telling of the biblical story of Genesis. I wanted the video to capture my photographs comming to life. The video features Tanieka Carter @ ny models, Brian Peters @ Ford Models NYC, Corey Reese @ Ford Models ATL and unsigned models Mercedes Ware, Brandon Parker, Jessica Henry, Allura Pulliam and a slew of others who appeared on my website when it was an online magazine.

I shot 50% of the footage and did the art direction myself to preserve my artistic style of photography for the video. I wanted to do a project that gave Arick an opportunity to showcase his video editing skills so I left a lot of room for Arick to work his magic. He had assisted me on projects for over 10years and I wanted to do something that allowed him a chance to shine.

All of the footage was shot in my bedroom turned studio in Memphis. This was my last big project before I moved to NY so I sent a mass email to all 72 models I was working with about the project. Most of them were not interest after finding out that they were going to haveta be nude on video.

We shot this video about a year before the song was relesed and emailed the song to all the models that agreed to do it. They had only a few days to learn the song and we had no idea who was going to lip sync what part...so they had to learn the whole song. I had alot of fun doing this project and I thank all the models who were secure enough and trusted my idea enough to allow us to film them nude.

here are a few behind the scenes clips from this video project:

clip features Brian Peters and Jessica Henry

clip features Allura pulliam

clip features Brian Peters

clip features Mercedes

clip features Brandon Parker

pictorial: HOME ALONE feat. RICHARD LIMA @ FORD NYC

2010-12-20T05:22:00.010-05:00

Amongst the things i do with this blog is take ppl behind the scenes as well as inside my mind to understand how I create my images.

This particular photoshoot started with a phone call from model Richard Lima @ Ford models asking me to shoot this idea of him hanging out in the bachelor pad of his friend Rick. They wanted to capture Richard like he was chilling at home alone. I have worked with Richard a few times before and we hit it off great and I met Rick before to discuss the possibility of us collaborating on a project and we hit it off as well.

Richard suggested that this would be a great opportunity for me to work with Rick and an amazing wardrobe stylist and hair and makeup they felt I should be collaborating with. I was excited about working with these people. They all are very talented and this could definitely bring something new to my work. In the past, I haven't had the best experiences with wardrobe, makeup, and hair people. I was hoping this was my opportunity to finally start collaborating with other artistic talents so I could take this photography thing to the next level.

I packed my camera and lighting equipment and got on the train from Brooklyn and headed to Manhattan in the freezing cold. I don't like traveling at night because I'm legally blind and I can't see very well but this was a great opportunity and I wasn't going to let my visual impairment prevent me from working with some amazing new people.

I arrived and instantly realized the apartment was much smaller than it appeared in the reference pictures that Rick had emailed me but it was nice....colorfully decorated and interesting. I immediately started trying to figure out how I was going to photograph Richard casually relaxing in this very small apartment. The hair/ makeup artist arrived and I almost died. It was Andrea E Wilson. She is amazing and has worked with all my favorite supermodels including Veronica Webb. She was hella cool and funny. She was as anxious to get started as I was. She asked me what did I wanted her to do Richard's salt and pepper gray hair. I really had no idea what to do with his hair but I told her the scenario for the shoot and left it open for her to use her judgement. She took him in the bathroom and when they came came out he looked amazing. I don't know what she had done to him but he looked much better than he had before she worked her magic.

The wardrobe stylist had arrived. He saw Richard's hair and didn't like it. He wanted to do something different from the way Richard always looked and told Andrea he want his hair to be slicked down, with a part on the side, and a swirly swoop-thing in the front... in a nerd chic kind of way. She explained to him that Richard has very thick, curly hair and she was going to have to straighten his hair and put lots of product in it to make it do all of that ... but she could do it. He told her to do it. I was sitting there lost and confused and trying to understand the direction the stylist wanted to go with this shoot. This un-naturally, nerdy idea on a mature, manly Spanish guy wasn't registering in my mind. I decided not to say anything and remain open minded and allow for the magic to happen.

She must have channeled her wonder woman skills because they came out of the bathroom and Richard was standing their with the hair the stylist had requested. The buzzer rang. The door opened and their was rising supermodel Jourdan Dunn. She came to the shoot to meet up Andrea. Andrea was going to do something to her hair for some event. Now I am really nervous. Jourdan is one of my favorite models. I even have her Vogue Italia cover - still wrapped in plastic. She sat in chair out of the way while we prepared to shoot. Richard put on his first look and before we got started the stylist wanted to smoke a cigarette. He went outside. While we were waiting for him to return Richards hair started to resist the style....he has ethnic hair and unless its chemically altered, it will "fight back". Andrea was fixing his hair and looked up and asked me did I like the hair. Without thinking, I said what was honstly on my mind. "I hate it. He looks rediculous." She smiled and asked me what did I want. I told her I liked it the way she had done it at first. She rubbed her fingers through it and started to fix it back like it was. The stylist walked through the door and looked at Richard and asked what was going on. Andrea told him that the photographer didn't like the hair so she was changing it back. He was obviously pissed. He made it very clear that he didn't want Richard's hair to be styled in its natural state. He started putting on his coat and said that since I wasn't feeling his ideas he was going to leave. I told him I was fine with whatever kind of hair and she could fix it back in the swirly swoop thing. I didn't want him to leave. I wanted everyone to be happy but that wasn't going to happen. It was too late - he was mad. He touched Richard on the shoulder and told him " we'll talk later. I'll find another photographer who appreciates my vision." He left.

I wanted to die. Andrea, Richard, Rick, and Jourdan were looking at me. I was embarrassed. Andrea explained to me that within her 20 years in the business the photographer has the final word that its ultimately his show and that I should get it together and tell them what to do. Truthfully i wanted to pack my shit and run out of their. I was feeling like like crap and doubting myself. Why does this keep happening to me. Why can't I seem to get along with people in this business, especially stylist? I committed to doing this project so I shook it off, got myself together Andrea fixed his hair and I told Rick that he was now the stylist and he put the looks together and we finished the shoot. Like my momma always say, "One monkey don't stop the show..."

After I went home, I realized that this wasn't about me. I didn't do anything wrong. What people haveta understand is collaboration comes with disagreements until agreements are made. It clearly wasn't a collaboration on the stylist part. As soon as his idea was challenged he got mad and quit. It was like a child being mad because the other kids don't wanna play like he wanna play. I was disappointed that the stylist walked out - especially since he never really tried to bring all of us on his page and understand the direction he wanted to go with this shoot. This isn't the first time this has happened and I am sure it won't be the last. This was a failed networking opportunity but it really wasn't. If he is the type of person to storm out on a photoshoot the minute his ideas are challenged, then this was the wrong type of person for me to be collaborating with in the first place. It was a good thing that this happened now and not later on a major shoot.

People tell me all the time I should be more compromising . I think I am compromising but when it starts to feel like surrendering, I have a problem with that. I refuse to be treated like a "nigga with a camera." I am an artist first....with opinions and Ideas. I come to the table open for suggestions and leave room for others to express their ideas. Andrea was right, it is my show. As the photographer , it is my job to make sure the finish product is a success. The photographer takes all the blame when things go wrong. If I don't understand something its impossible for me to capture it at its best.

Overall I am happy with the images from this shoot and thought I would share my experience so my viewers can understand why don't have a team yet.

WHEN I CHOKE MY BROTHER....featuring THE HARRIS TWINS

2010-12-01T14:44:00.001-05:00

Alex & Andrew Harris - The Harris Twins (photographed by Tarrice Love)

Makeup and Styling by Tarrice Love

"When I choke my brother, I am choking myself" was a quote scribbled amongst many words in a Basquait painting I saw in the documentary A Radiant Child. It inspired the images in this post featuring Alex and Andrew Harris know as The Harris Twins. In honor of World AIDS Day and the anniversary of the historic arrest of Civil Rights Revolutionary Rosa Parks, I thought I was perfect timing to show these images.

I also included this song called Liberation by Outkast featuring Ceelo and Erykah Badu because I think it vividly expresses what we (brothers and sisters ) are doing to each other.....

Alex & Andrew Harris - The Harris Twins (photographed by Tarrice Love)

Makeup and Styling by Tarrice Love

BLACK SNAKE MOAN by Idle Warship feat. IBRAHIM BAAITH @ RED MODELS NYC

2010-11-29T14:06:00.003-05:00

I love this group - Idle Warship. Its a trio composed of rapper Talib Kwele, singer Res, and Graph Nobel. Res and model Ibrahim Baaith were at one time the campaign faces of urban clothing line Ecko. Ibrahim makes a appearance in their video Black Snake Moan. I love this song...its heavily rotated in my ipod playlist.

I remember before I moved toNY I had Res and Ibrahim's Ecko ads on my wall and me and my friends use to watch his promo video when he was with Q models. He ended the video by walking and doing a Michael Jackson spin and dance move. I thought he had so much personality. I was so hyped when he signed to Red models and they asked me polish up his look. I feel special knowing it was my images that set to tone for his reinvention.

SOMETHING ABOUT MARY: introducing MARY FRENCH

2010-11-17T13:54:00.004-05:00

Mary French is not a model. she is a sound engineer who just wanted some nice photos of herself.

Mary French (photographed by Tarrice Love)

styled by Me - Tarrice Love

hair & makeup by Mary French

assisted by Kris D'Olivier

note: I styled her myself - with some vintage things I bought mixed with her own dresses.

The coolest thing was topping her red dress with my red sleeping bag as a evening coat.

I really enjoyed working with Mary. Coming from Memphis, I was use to working with body types that are fuller than the size 0-2 that models here in new york are usually. I actually was glad to have a woman with a "real" body in front of my camera.

Mary French (photographed by Tarrice Love)

styled by Me - Tarrice Love

hair & makeup by Mary French

assisted by Kris D'Olivier

introducing CARL ANTHONY AGAPIT @ Re:Quest NYC/ Natalie Men Paris

2010-11-16T06:09:00.006-05:00

Carl Anthony Agapit photographed by Tarrice Love

I had the opportunity to work with newcomer Carl Anthony Agapit who is currently represented by Re:Quest Model Mgmt. in NYC and Natalie in Paris. Carl is currently one of the faces in the United Colors of Bennetton campaign. He is has an extremely beautiful face and his body is slender but cut.

Carl Anthony Agapit featured in United Colors of Bennetton campaign Spring 2010

Carl Anthony Agapit (photographed by Tarrice Love)

styling by MacGuyver

Carl Anthony Agapit photographed by Tarrice Love

Carl is from the island of Martinique and speaks fluent French. His English was very broken and it was new for me to work with a model i had a hard time speaking to because i love to talk, lol. Despite the language barrier, he took direction well and we was able to create some hot shit. I really enjoyed working with Carl and I can't wait to see more of him editorially and commercially.

Carl Anthony and photographer Tarrice Love

Carl Anthony Agapit photographed by Tarrice Love

RIHANNA'S RUDE BOY - BRANDON HARTLEY @ Wilhelmina LA

2010-11-05T16:21:00.007-04:00

Brandon Hartley (photographed by Tarrice Love)

styling by MacGuyver

With a balance mix of masculinity and POW and a set of cheekbones that are razor sharp Brandon Hartley is one to watch. Brandon is based in Los Angeles and represented by Wihelmina LA. He hit me up during the summer thru facebook when he was going to be in NYC seeking representation. He has an amazing energy with a sick body. Check him out getting his grind on with popstar Rihanna in her rude boy video.

Brandon Hartley (photographed by Tarrice Love)

styling by MacGuyver

I totally enjoyed working with Brandon during his stay in NY and looking forward to collaborating with him more in the future.

me and brandon hartley

Brandon Hartley (photographed by Tarrice Love)

styling by MacGuyver

ONE MORE THING: 2 thumbs up to Brandon for having really nice feet. These guys coming from the west coast are making these NY fellas look bad from the ankles down.

... CAN WE UNITE AGAIN?

2010-11-02T12:33:00.004-04:00

after listening to the latest leak from Niki Minaj entitled Roman's Revenge feat. Eminem just disappointed me. I think Ms. Minaj is very talented and definitely at the top of her game. I think it was rather lame and unnecessary to do a diss record eve of her album release, especially against another fellow female mcee... another black female.
We are apart of an era when people believe it is "customary" to tear each other down in order to shine. I am just so tired of watching us cut each other's throats for crumbs while the real owners of media and entertainment reap the benefits. I just wanted people to see that it is possible to shine brighter and stronger...together.

featuring Queen Latifah, Yo-Yo, MC Lyte, Left Eye, Nefertiti, Petra, and Me' shell Ndegeocello

I just wanted people remember when the female mcees came together and did music promoting sisterhood, unity and support for each other. Check out when sista mcees use to support each other.

Brandy featuring Queen Latifah, Yo-Yo, and MC Lyte

Lil Kim featuring Angie Martinez, Missy Elliott, and Left-Eye

This is what we need again....

SOMETHIN' TO THINK ABOUT:

2010-10-30T05:43:00.006-04:00

THRU MY ARTISTRY, I STRIVE TO INSPIRE THE WORLD TO BE GREAT.
I BELIEVE IN OUR GREATNESS .... AS A TEAM.

I THINK WE HAVETA START THINKING ABOUT "US" INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON "I, ME, AND SELF"

AIM TOWARD GREATNESS.

REAL GREATNESS COMES FROM LOOKING AT THE PEOPLE WALKING WITH YOU AND KNOWING THAT WE DID THIS SHIT TOGETHER.

CAMPAIGN ALERT! KEVIN FREED @ Ford NYC/ Vision LA

2010-10-28T05:45:00.000-04:00

check out the hot new face to the scene, Kevin Freed represented by Ford NYC and Vision LA.

Kevin Freed (photographed by Tarrice Love)

CHRIS GALYA @ Major Model Mgmt.

2010-10-27T03:33:00.003-04:00

Chris Gayla (photography: Tarrice Love)

styling: McGuyver

Chris Gayla @ Major Model Mgmt is definitely one to watch. He's currently sailing thru the air in the Lacoste campaign and editorials in Contributing Editor, Wound and V-Man magazines. I enjoyed working with Chris. He has alot of good energy and personality and I tried to convey that in a fashiony way with the images we shot.

More to come with Chris Gayla.

Chris Gayla (photography: Tarrice Love)

styling: McGuyver