Just A Few Clicks

Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to photograph many people in portraits, figure studies, and beauty shots. Each sitting provides an opportunity for me to learn about a unique individual, and in turn reveal to them, something that they may not have realized. This album represents a small sampling of the images I have taken in that time.

Whitney, April 2008 - I was inspired to digitally alter this beauty shot of whitney to pay homage to one of my photographic inspirations, Richard Avedon. While skimming the pages of Performance: Richard Avedon by John Lahr et. al., I became enamored with one image in particular. A young woman, face vividly coated in bright yellow, shocking pink, and rich purple, is depicted in a bust reminiscent of a tropical bird. This is my adaptation.

ZaQuan, May 2008 - I met ZaQuan through a mutual friend and fellow photographer, Tarrice Love. At the time he was working between New York City and Atlanta and wanted, as he put it, an "opener" for his portfolio. I immediately thought -bold, rich, masculine, unique, and honest- terms I felt appropriately described him, that I would attempt to convey in this portrait. This was one of many successful captures from that shoot.

Jenique, May 2008 - I took this image of my sister about a month before her 30th birthday. I wanted to give her an abstract beauty shot, focusing on her unique features. Composing the shot as a series of textures, rounded-edges, shadows digitally inscribed within the silhouette of her face an neck, I aspired to liken her face to that of a wind-swept desert with the emotion of a maturing woman.

Sean, July 2008 - Sean is an aspiring model that I met on a social networking site called Model Mayhem. After talks of collaborating for about a year, he decided to fly to Atlanta (from Delaware) and we shot incessantly for two days. I find this image to be particularly striking because it incorporates the bare human form within the physical context of a stunningly geometrical post-modern building in Midtown Atlanta. Sharp rays of sunlight, askew reflections, and the model's poise all collaborate to make for a successful capture.

Adaora, August 2007 - Adaora is a dear friend that I met as a student at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Many know her for her warm personality, beautiful African features, and intellect - attributes that inadvertently and yet undeniably resonate in this portrait. This image serves as a benchmark for all of my photographs because of its candor, attention to detail, and je ne sais quoi.
Sean, July 2008 - In the last season of Bravo's Make Me A Supermodel, Tyson Beckford described a supermodel and one who gives the photographer something that he couldn't have asked for, which is exactly what you see in this image. I am very inspired by movement and athleticism and as a trained gymnast, Sean provided just that.

"1,2,3, JUMP! -shutter clicks- Hot!!!" -JKH2

Nivia, January 2007 - I photographed my sister on the first day of 2007. My entire family was in town for the holidays and my other sister agreed to do make up and styling. With one 100 watt bulb, a fan, and a black bed sheet we turned our living room into a studio and created this image, which would later serve as the key shot for my first public exhibit in the Georgia Tech Black Arts Festival.

Chris, March 2008 - Every artist has a muse, that inspires them to create new things and push the limits of their craft. I have undoubtedly taken more photos of Chris than any other living human being, and for that I am truly grateful. At the time of this shoot I had been working with him for over three years, and in that time he has consistently brought an energy and confidence to the set that is hard to come by. He will do anything to get the right pose and expression for the shot. In this black & white nude, we aimed to express balance and strength.

Erika, March 2007 - On occasion I happen upon a unique and picturesque locale to conduct a shoot. My photography class was invited to photograph the excavation of the Vulcan Quarry in Atlanta: I knew this was a perfect opportunity to bring a model along. After driving about 400 ft to the bottom of the reservoir, we found a large gneiss rock boulder surrounded by limpid aquamarine water. After climbing through a bit of mud, evidenced by the residue on her heels, we shot a few frames and this was one of them.

Ryan, March 2008 - 35mm is my medium of choice. The challenge of taking a photograph without having the instant gratification of digital playback, forces you to take all of the details into account and reverts photography back to a science. This is an un-retouched scan, rife with a grainy patina that is intrinsic to film emulsions.