The Lady in Red: Fashion Editorial with Nivia

Red dress with three quarter length sleeves and gold detail by Cache

Bowler hat by H&M

Ring by Kayla Boutique

Houndstooth gloves available at TJMaxx

Red and Black swimsuit by Ralph Lauren

Shoes and Jewelry are model's own

Photographer: James K. Holder II

Model: Nivia Holder

Makeup: Jenique Mincey

Assistant: Geoffrey Williams

JKH2 Photography Fan Appreciation Discount Now-January 2010

The James K. Holder II Fan Appreciation Discount gives fans of the official JKH2 Photography Facebook page an opportunity to receive a reduced rate on the portrait session package. The package, which includes a 2-hour studio session, with 4 retouched high-resolution photos for $220, will now be offered at a reduced rate of $150. This is just a FAD and will therefore only be offered through January 31st 2010. Sessions will be held at the Midtown Atlanta studio on Tenth St. To become a fan today follow this link http://tinyurl.com/jkh2fan. Standard retouch guarantee applies, however an additional fee will be assessed if you require an assistant or makeup. Book sessions online via Facebook message or through the contact page of the website www.jkh2.com.

Help Portrait - December 12th 2009

          "Help Portrait is a movement of photographers who are using their time,
          equipment and expertise to give back to those who are less fortunate"
For a while I have been looking for a creative outlet that also impacts the community. I have been involved with many organizations, movements and projects that give back, but none like Help Portrait. I found out about this project when a friend of mine posted a link about it on Twitter.

@maddmikeonline

              PHOTOGRAPHERS AROUND THE WORLD... JOIN HELP PORTRAIT                

              TOMORROW http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz-JLCq371M

After watching the above video, I was very compelled to take action but had no clue where to begin. After following up with Mike, I learned that a group of photographers had already been arranging an event with the Center for Working Families in Atlanta, and that the actual event would take place the next day, December 12. Though I already had plans, I rearranged them around the morning event because I could see no better way to spend my 25^th birthday. 

It was surely my pleasure to be able to provide my services for families, women, and men who would never have otherwise been able to afford them. I post this entry not to receive credit for my actions; my gift was being in a position to help, while doing what I love. 

I hope that this encourages others to give back in ways that are a reflection of their unique abilities and talents. When most people think of community service, tutoring, mentoring, and cleaning parks often come to mind. While these are all noble endeavors, it is up to us all to find a way that we can provide for someone who couldn’t otherwise do it for themselves. 

You are blessed to be a blessing.
Find out more at http://www.help-portrait.com/

Take A Stand By Acknowledging World AIDS Day December 1st 2009

        It was exactly one year ago today that I first became aware of World AIDS Day. I thought a lot about the concept and even wondered why I had never heard of it before. I came to the sad realization that I just didn’t identify with the cause and as a result didn’t care. Though I am of Black and African heritage, the two groups are among the highest affected by the disease, I have never (to my knowledge) come across anyone who is directly affected by AIDS. I have never met anyone who was infected with HIV and therefore I couldn’t put a face to the disease as I could with cancer and heart disease. I, like most people my age, have been tested for HIV. I remember the terrible anxiety, frustration, fear and even regret I felt when waiting for the results, and the euphoric relief when I was told that I was HIV negative. I can’t imagine what my life would be like if that coin had flipped the other way, but it is a shocking reality for more and more people everyday. 

        This year I wanted to do something to commemorate WAD. Though I am not in a position to give money to a worthy cause like AMfar, or have the time to volunteer at AID Atlanta, I do have a voice. Just three days ago, I posted a very impromptu casting call on my Facebook Photography Page, and within the hour had responses from two willing fans. I wanted to somehow generate a connection with those models, and with those who would later view the images. I also wanted there to be no subtlety to the fact that these images were about HIV/AIDS. It didn’t matter whether the models themselves were living with the disease, but in many ways represents the beauty of the shots. These beautiful young people lent their likeness to a cause, not knowing whether people would judge them or label them, but they proudly and courageously took a stand for the cause, and I sincerely hope that this will inspire others to do the same. Things that you can do to show your awareness may be as simple as wearing the color RED, educating yourself about HIV/AIDS, or even searching for outlet through which you can volunteer your time or contribute financially.  


Models: Jeremy Jackson and Kristi Hector


Visit The World AIDS Day Official Site for more information.

Inspiration for the text came from a group portrait of ACT UP activists by the late Richard Avedon