Official Blog James K Holder II is the Eclectic Rogue

Gay couple attacked in Piedmont Park

2010-07-14T05:41:00.000-04:00

Last week I came a cross an article when the Atlanta Journal Constitution's twitter account posted the link. In short it told the story of two men who were enjoying a picnic in the park and were accosted by a group of young men who apparently attacked them for being gay. I was taken aback by the news for several reasons. As an Atlanta native, I am familiar with the demographics of Midtown and specifically the reputation that Piedmont park has for being frequented by many gays. In my mind, I'm wondering that if gays cannot be safe in Piedmont park, let alone Midtown and even further still Atlanta, then where is there refuge? Also, the youngest of the violent muggers was 13 years old. I admit that at 13 I may not have been able to form a logical argument in defense of gays in the military or same sex marriage but I certainly wasn't assaulting gays in the park either.

I know that this type of treatment is not new and that this sort of thing has been going on since the beginning of time, but I'm about ready for it to end. I cannot believe we live in a society that thinks it's ok to deny rights to "some" people, typically justified by the belief systems of "some" other people. At some point we must realize that this type of violence is a result of the backwards policies that exist in this country.

Portions of the AJC article replicated below:

At approximately 10 p.m., Jarvis Johnson, 19, and five other males ranging in age from 13 to 17 approached two men having a picnic in Piedmont Park, asked if they were gay and then threatened them, the report states.
Noblitt said one of the suspects used a large stick to assault him, which he grabbed away from him and turned on his assailant.
Several other teenagers ran into the field to help Johnson and the other suspects in the beating, the report says.
Noblitt fled to Charles Allen Drive, where he called 911 from his cellphone, police said.
Noblitt told police that a suspect in a black tank top, who he believed to be Johnson, took the cellphone from him, put a gun to his face and demanded his wallet.
Noblitt sustained a visible head injury and back pain from being kicked in the head and kidneys, the report states.
After responding to the call, police found several of the suspects ducking behind a building, where they were approached by several officers. Further investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in a previous armed robbery minutes earlier in the evening at Linden and Central Park Place, police said.
Noblitt, the Social Justice Minister at St. Mark's Methodist Church, said he has worked with people in criminal justice before. Although he is happy his alleged assailants were caught, he worries about them.
"I saw on the police report that one of them was only 13. They could potentially be tried as adults because it was an armed robbery," he said. "I'm just sad that this whole thing happened. It breaks my heart."

This article infuriated me! It made me want to do something equally powerful, something that would open minds. Something that would change opinions and if not at least light a fire in anyone that would read this blog post. As a photographer you can just about imagine what I did. Yes! I went out and found the hottest gays I could and shot them in a way that would show the irrefutable beauty of their love. Click HERE for my pictorial response Re: Gay couple attacked in Piedmont Park

Open for Business!: JKH2 Photography Studio Open June 12th, 2010

2010-06-21T20:59:00.003-04:00

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On Saturday June 12th 2010, I had the privilege of hosting a small cocktail party with a few of my closest friends and supporters to celebrate the opening of my new studio location in the Historic Castleberry Hill neighborhood of Atlanta. This event marked a huge step for me and my photography career and in addition to celebrating, the event also commemorated the success of Your Face HERE and took place on the 5-month anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. With this in mind guests were asked to make a pledge to the cause in lieu of gifts or food. Pledge cards were collected in a vase and totaled nearly $500 by the end of the night. This extra push placed the overall total of the fundraiser at $8,000 or 80% of the overall goal.
The room was full of excitement and energy and what studio open could be complete without a proper ribbon cutting and taking some beautiful photographs of my guests. All of the images from this shoot can bee seen at the following link http://tinyurl.com/JKH2Open though a few are posted to this blog entry.

Images from the Lancom event at Macy's with Your Face HERE

2010-03-29T02:43:00.000-04:00

Progress & Motivation: Haitian Earthquake Relief Effort

2010-02-13T02:32:00.002-05:00

It’s been 1 month since the earthquake hit Port Au Prince Haiti causing billions of dollars of damage, razing nearly every building and triggering a death toll that is now estimated as to be as high a 300,000 people. In the wake of the devastation I organized a project called Your Face HERE: Haitian Earthquake Relief Effort with the end goal to raise $10,000 or more in emergency relief for the Haitian people. I must admit however that I thought this effort would be a lot easier than it has been. Everyday I am learning more and more about the challenges and barriers associated with philanthropy and leadership. Rather than express the challenges here, I’d like to focus on the purpose of my efforts in hopes that people may see more clearly what I am committed to doing.

"Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose."-Charles Eames

I designed this project to meet two very specific goals. The first was to catalyze positive change and provide resources to the people of Haiti as quickly as possible. I was impressed with the alacrity with which many charitable organizations were able to establish convenient ways of giving to the cause. The Red Cross and Yele Haiti each had phone numbers to which people could send text messages and donate $10 and $5 respectively. Though I was excited about this accessibility, I feared that it would lead to complacency in giving. I feared that the Obama motto of contributing would lead to people giving a very small amount out of convenience without truly considering the impact they could have. On the day following the quake I announced the effort with a minimum contribution amount of $50. I chose this amount because although it is a lot to ask, it is that much more rewarding to sacrifice some of the luxuries that we become so accustomed to in order to provide for the need of those who cannot help themselves. $50 can go a lot further in Haiti right now than it could ever go in the States. For $50 you can support multiple families with temporary housing, medication, food, and clean water tablets among other things. I knew that people with the loving capacity to give anything, would be willing to give more if they just knew the importance of it. It was also important for me to assist in getting the money to the victims as quickly as possible, which is why all contributions are going directly through the charitable organizations themselves.

The second goal of this initiative is to empower people who don’t have the means to contribute financially to be creative in finding ways of giving back. I have heard of amazing efforts from people of all ages, using what they have to save lives in Haiti. Whether it is singing, designing tents, or volunteering to ship goods all of these contributions are valued and in addition to providing resources are raising awareness about the cause. Photography is something that I love to do. There is something very special about all photographs but these in particular are very unique. They will not only expose the physical beauty of the subject, but also serve as an expression of their commitment to the cause. This in a way is also proof of inner beauty on film. It takes a very special person to extend a helping hand to someone who isn’t in his or her sight, but it has been my pleasure to meet and provide for those who have provided for others. I figured that if I could contribute 200 hours of my time in photography and retouching, I could raise $10,000. Though simplistic, in my planning I remain steadfast in my goal. The project has been able to raise $1,200 within just the first month and has garnered support from all over, with photographers replicating this model in New York, Los Angeles and Vienna. It has also been especially rewarding to get the support of so many friends and family members, and even perfect strangers. Every time I get a sign up there is an unmatchable joy that fills my heart because I know that I’m using my God-given talent to please God and serve his people.

I want to encourage people to continue to support the relief efforts in Haiti. It will be very easy to forget about those who have lost everything they hold dear once the cameras leave, but we must never forget that Haitians are our neighbors. Give what you can.

It was Ghandi who said “We must be the change we wish to see” I see the change and it’s starting with me. To sign up for Your Face HERE, please visit www.JKH2isHERE.org

White Paper: Leveraging BIM to Re-invent the Business Model for Design & Construction

2010-01-26T16:08:00.001-05:00

La Città Nuova, di Antonio Sant'Elia, 1914

Building Information Modeling is a concept that is gaining popularity in architecture and construction. This White Paper is an analysis of the future implications and the value of embracing that technology towards the mutual benefit of those who are involved.

"The Story of architecture is in fact the story of mankind. In order for beautiful architecture to exist it must adapt to the methods of its era and unfortunately for the architect, this means his model must adapt or his time is up. In the information age that values deliverables, speed, and affordability, Building Information Modeling technology will have placed the flowers at the headstone of the architect’s business model before the death date even occurs"

-James K. Holder II

Click Here to Download The Full Text Paper

Your Face HERE: Haitian Earthquake Relief Effort

2010-01-14T04:44:00.004-05:00

Follow this link to the official website www.JKH2isHERE.org

Chris McClain is the Boxer

2010-01-06T11:22:00.006-05:00

Among my goals for 2010 was to intently focus more on my photography portfolio and to make an effort to spend a lot more time shooting in the studio. Towards the end of December, I reached out to several models in the Atlanta area and had the privilege of working with several. I initially contacted Chris McClain in hopes of doing some testing and to just see how things would go on set. We scheduled the meeting for January 4th in my studio. I must've been engulfed in the New Year's festivities because it wasn't until the night of before that I reached out to Chris about his measurements in hopes that some of the items in my wardrobe would fit him. I also asked him to bring along any items that he thought were representative of himself to add an additional layer to the photos.

"In the clearing stands a boxer

And a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders
Of ev'ry glove that layed him down
Or cut him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame
"I am leaving, I am leaving"
But the fighter still remains"
-Lyrics by Simon & Garfunkel

The lyrics above are an excerpt from a very popular and also one of my favorite folk songs by Simon & Garfunkel called "The Boxer." This 1st person lament expresses the struggles of a young man to overcome loneliness and poverty in New York City. While I am by no means an impoverished New York City vagabond, I can relate to the ballad on many levels and as I would find through the course of this shoot, so could others.

I started out Chris' shoot as I have with countless others. Attempting to gain an understanding of the model through the most poring of shots, the close-up portrait. During this process we talked and developed an instant rapport. After about 20 frames we had the headshot and it was time to move on to the next portion of the shoot. Without having had a detailed agenda I asked him to show me what he brought as his inspiration and he pulled out a few athletic items including boxing gloves. Though I wasn't particularly inspired by the gloves themselves I asked him to put them on anyway. He began telling me about his time in New York City, and how it was there, he was first inspired to try boxing and joined a gym. I could tell that He had been boxing for years because he was so enthusiastic about this portion of the shoot. I gave almost no direction (which is quite unusual for me) and became a fly on the wall, with a camera. The more he boxed, the more he moved, the more he talked I began seeing the similarities between him and the protagonist of "The Boxer"

Within what seemed like five minutes, in actuality an hour and a half accompanied by one hundred and thirty actuations had passed before I realized that I had t o have had all the shots I needed. I didn't go in with a clear purpose of creating an editorial or a specific kind of shot, rather to simply record the splendor that was before me. At first I was even frustrated and told Chris: "Perhaps this was a bad idea. The intensity and precision of boxing doesn't necessarily lend itself to modeling photos." It became less about modeling and more about existence - portraiture. This collection of images is a collection of portraits. They tell the story of a young man of many talents, who finds his home in various places, with the ambition and drive to do great things. In them you see every facet of a young man struggling perhaps with the same challenges as that of the young man in the aforementioned song. In them you see excitement, passion, vulnerability, strength and poise...

...however this photo in my opinion was the most intriguing, passionate and expressive. It closes the set, because Chris' strong brow, concealing his hangdog eyes, is balanced by his raised shoulders and agressive stance. In this photo you can see that no matter what this young man may go through in his time on earth...

..."the fighter still remains"
Model: Chris McClain
Photographer: James K. Holder II
Location: 10th Street, Atlanta GA

Black hand-wraps and red boxing gloves by Everlast
Red drawstring trunks by H&M

The Holder Family Portrait

2010-01-03T02:19:00.001-05:00

From Left: Lance, Keyatta, Sydatu, Nivia & James

January 2010 in Atlanta Georgia

Photo by James K. Holder II

From Left: Glenn Toussaint, Jenique Keyatta, & Jaymes Kai Mincey

The Lady in Red: Fashion Editorial with Nivia

2009-12-17T15:39:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-16T16:39:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-15T22:33:00.012-05:00

"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

2009-12-01T03:27:00.000-05:00

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

Join My Facebook Group

2009-11-20T06:21:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week I launched my official Facebook business page. It contains archives of my work, multiple examples of digital re-touching along with videos that I composed when I originally starting doing photography professionally. Please visit this page, become a fan and recommend it to friends. Occasionally I may offer promotional deals via the Facebook page but only followers will be in on the ground floor.

Follow this link to join: James K. Holder II Photography Fan Page on Facebook

Guerilla Shooting with Drew Stephenson

2009-11-06T14:01:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday October 28^th, I got a phone call from Click Atlanta model Drew Stephenson. He was in the process of revamping his comp card and needed “the shot” to set it off. Being that Drew and I had casually discussed collaborating on a shoot for some time, I was very willing to work with him, schedule permitting. It turned out that we were both available for that Friday afternoon and the weather forecast was perfect for an outdoor shoot.

When Drew arrived on set, Atlanta’s predictably capricious weather had taken a turn for the worst. After quickly doing some classic indoor photos, I realized that we still needed something with an edge. Equipped with nothing more than a strobe light, a white cloth and an umbrella, Drew, my assistant and fellow photographer friend Mike Letterlough and I ventured into the rain to shoot Guerilla style.

Guerilla Shooting in essence is a method of driving around itinerantly until you find a spot that you can use as inspiration for your photos.

Our journey brought us to the top of a Parking deck just off of Tenth street in Atlanta. The cloud cover was so dense that you could scarcely see the outline of buildings just across the Downtown Connector. It ended up being the perfect outdoor-studio background.

This is just one of the final shots from my session with Drew Stephenson
"James K. Holder has an amazing eye and creative mind. I contacted him with an idea of a classic look. he took the idea, added his own twist and created nothing short of amazing!" -Drew Stephenson

Yours Truly laying down on the wet pavement until we got the shot.

"an artist must suffer for his work" -James K. Holder II

The Business of Photography: Lesson #1

2009-11-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

After about 5 years of studying and practicing photography as an amateur and doing some freelance work, I am finally making the transition into photography as a full-time profession. After filing the proper paperwork and documents with the State of Georgia, I am well on my way to formalizing everything. This has been a huge undertaking especially for a full-time graduate student and I’d just like to first thank all of my supporters, especially my mentors, clients and assistants that have been there along the way. One of the greatest challenges has been to provide a service that clients find value in, while keeping my artistic point of view and quality standards intact.

I have come to the realization that my work is high quality, and that I am not willing to reduce that quality in order to increase profits, this decision may seem averse to the fundamentals of operating a business but I would argue for it all the same. The role of a photographer requires many skills, as does the creation of quality photos. Though clients may not see the difference between images shot at 8 Mega pixels or 15Mp, or understand the value of having a strobe lighting system over natural or continuous light, these differences are reflected in the final product. I realize that clients are not concerned about the details of the process, they only see the value in the final product and though that is my focus on every shoot, it is my responsibility as a business owner to reconcile the two for maximum client satisfaction and sustainable operation of the business.

I am gearing up for a major re-branding effort to signify the launch of “James K. Holder Photography” including the further development of my portfolio, which presents a unique challenge because in order to attract clients, to pay for quality photos, I must first illustrate the quality of these photos by creating them with other individuals. Portfolio building requires any artist to walk a fine line; you have to somehow find a niche of people who can help you produce great images, without alienating potential clients. This is typically referred to as Time for Print (TFP). This is essentially a mutually beneficial arrangement between a photographer and a host of other industry professionals including but not limited to models, makeup artists, and fashion designers. The goal is to foment a synergetic environment where each contributing member may showcase their unique talents in order to further whet the skills of each partner. Though there may not be an exchange in currency, each has paid his own way through his specialized talents and is thereby adding value to the project and the other participants.

My goal in writing this document is to make it unequivocally clear that though I often engage in TFP arrangements with industry professionals, it does not debase the value of my professional services, but rather enhances it. Therefore I will not simply offer someone a TFP arrangement if it will only benefit him or her, it must be MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL. In cases where a client may lack satisfactory experience, I have on occasion accepted new photo equipment as compensation, however this is in the rare case. Because my focus as a photographer will always be quality, I can assure every client and TFP participant that they will receive 100% of my efforts but I require that effort to be reciprocated in the case of TFP in effort and in client agreements as 100% of my published rates available at www.jkh2.com . Unfounded requests for TFP and or discounted services will not be considered.

7 Tips to Achieving Eclectic Style in a Down Economy

2009-09-10T03:48:00.000-04:00

Follow these seven savvy solutions to a smarter, chicer and more personalized living space on a “shoe-string” budget.

Photography and Story by James K. Holder II - The Eclectic Rogue

ONE - Let There Be Light: God said it so it must be true. Lighting is the single most important component of a successful design. Go with an adjustable lamp like this for maximum versatility and ditch the shade for a contemporary industrial look.

Brushed Stainless Steel Lamp Free, salvaged from a moving yard sale

TWO - Dear Old Stockholm: When money is tight, don’t skimp on your dining experience. Choose white plates with rounded edges to make all of your culinary endeavors as visually appealing as they are delicious. Save the trip to Stockholm for your summer vacation and visit your neighborhood Ikea for all your Swedish wares.

China and glasses $17 per place-set at Ikea, Butcher Block Table top $10 from Ikea’s “as is” department & Silverware $35 for set of 4 from Target

THREE - Flora No Fauna: At times like this who can afford another mouth to feed? Forget the pets and grab a plant instead. The right one can add a splash of inspiration to any dull space.

Fuchsia and White Variegated Orchid, $9 at Ikea, Water and Sunlight Free

FOUR - Javaology 101: Save time and money by brewing your own coffee. In less time than it takes to wait in line at Starbucks, you can have and even better quality brew right from home with two simple rules.

1. French Pressed coffee is always the best coffee

2. The smaller the kettle the quicker the boil

Stainless Steel Thermos, Free with an order of office supplies. Bodum. Shin Bistro French Press $29.95 available at www.bodumusa.com, small Stainless Steel Kettle $2 at a yard sale

FIVE - Retro-Relaxation: Unless your living room is bedecked with gnomes, flamingos and Astroturf, leave the folding furniture for the lawn where it belongs. If you have to spend money, invest in quality seating. Material is God; think leather, wood, metal, and durable cloth. And don’t be afraid to buy used, once a good design… always a good design.

Eames Lounge Chair (replica) and Ottoman $200 from an Antiques store

SIX - Develop Your Collection: Leave the numismatics and taxidermy to the penny-pinchers and Palins. Instead, collect something that has meaning to you. Classic cameras are a great way to go whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner. Go for familiar brands of varying type and origin and most importantly, buy cameras that still work.

These are a few of the cameras in my collection, many were received as gifts and others were purchased abroad. Each one is unique and has it’s own story.

SEVEN - An Apple a Day Keeps the Dean Away: In this fledgling economy, the last thing anyone wants to hear is the hackneyed narrative of how you lost the big account or flunked a midterm because your computer crashed. Quit pretending that you are going to jump out of your 2^nd floor office window and defenestrate your paperweight (adorned with its opalescent Dell insignia) instead, then buy a Mac. I’ve been using the same 13” MacBook for three years, with no problems. If you have to purchase a new system, save money with Apple Student discounts or buy refurbished.

13” MacBook $1049 (2006), 15” MacBook Pro–Refurbished $1350

Just A Few Clicks

2009-06-16T16:51:00.000-04:00

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.

Design = Solution: (C)HAUTE in the RAIN

2009-05-05T09:32:00.000-04:00

Problem: Liberian Rainy Season

Rainfall in Liberia is of three types – very wet with torrential rains, thunderstorms and lightning, wet with heavy downpours; and rainy days interspersed by days of dry weather, with the moisture being supplied by the south-westerly winds in most cases. At the beginning of the rainy season, from April to June and from September to November, short thunderstorms with storms winds lasting from three to ten minutes, accompanied by thunder, intensive lightning and by a marked drop in temperature, bring heavy downpours of rain.

The menacing nature of annual weather patterns coupled with rampant post-war homelessness create a seemingly insurmountable issue for Liberian citizens. In this fashion editorial, I propose an exceedingly idealistic solution to a very real problem. Watch Whitney transform this ordinary plastic tarp into a Haute Couture Rain Coat.

Model: Whitney Smith

www.jkh2.com

Design = Solution: Casa Basica by Martin Azua

2009-05-05T09:05:00.000-04:00

I came across this project in the Museum of Modern Art in NY, and it really spoke volumes to me.

Artist Statement: Inhabitable volume of basic presentations; folding, inflatable, reversible. (Experimental prototype in metalized polyester) Our habitat has turned into a place of consumption in which an unlimited number of products satisfy a series of needs created by complex relations difficult to control. Cultures that keep a more direct relation with their environment demonstrate us that the habitat can be understood in a more essential and reasonable way. Learning from these attitudes and using the most advanced technology, I came up with an almost immaterial house that swells itself up from the heat of our own body or from the Sun; so adaptive that if we turn it, it protects us from the cold or from the heat; so light that it floats ;besides, it is possible to fold it up and put it into a pocket. A life on the move without material ties. Having everything without having scarcely anything.

Martin Azua 1999

http://www.martinazua.com/

Greening The Ghetto

2009-05-04T10:21:00.001-04:00

In this truly inspirational lecture, Majora Carter gives a heartfelt narrative about her journey to bring parks and environmentally friendly spaces to her home, the south Bronx. In addition to her research, experience and hard work, she brings a passion that is rarely seen in this type of arena.

Origins of the Eclectic Rogue

2009-05-04T06:33:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my blog. My name is James Kiazolu Holder II a.k.a The SLIM One a.k.a Jim Holder Jr. a.k.a The K Holder but perhaps most appropriately "the Eclectic Rogue"

This cognomen was bestowed upon me by a classmate and friend during my undergraduate years at The Georgia Institute of Technology. I originally struggled with this nickname, but have recently come to realize that its ironically resolute ambiguity paints a fairly vivid and accurate diptych of the circumstances that compose my life.

I am the son of a businessman and civic leader from Monrovia Liberia and a Southern American woman from LaGrange, GA. I was born in Atlanta GA in 1984 and spent my early years growing up with my parents and two older sisters in Monrovia Liberia, W. Africa. In April of 1990, I vividly remember taking a routine trip to the grocery store not far from our house in Paynesville. There, my mother was alerted to random shootings that were going on in the immediate vicinity. My mom immediately enlisted the help of a cab driver to escort us safely around the turmoil to the house. Later that evening, reports were confirmed that Charles Taylor was on his way into town. Thanks to the help of family friends we were able to flee the country within the week with little more than the clothes on our backs.

On the Sunday afternoon of April 29, 1990 my mother, sisters and I absconded to Robertsfield Airport, not knowing whether we would ever return. We boarded flight 1082 to London's Heathrow and eventually on to our new permanent home in Atlanta Georgia the following day. Life in the States would prove to be one rough adjustment after another. As our family struggled to find a balance, my father worked fastidiously with American supporters to garner help for the Liberian refugee efforts, leaving him very little time to spend with us. Watching the then Minister of the Liberian Chamber of Commerce, Jim Holder, discuss the war efforts on CNNs Headline News provided little solace or consolation for his absence. In March of 1992, not even two years after our escape from Liberia, my father lost a painful battle with cancer at the age of 44. What my father failed to bequeath in finances, he more than made up for in wisdom, strength and a legacy that has been both my greatest privilege and challenge to follow. Imagine that an unlikely string of events, all having taken place prior to and during your first 7 years on the planet, serving as the primary source of inspiration for the rest of your life. I don't have to, this is my life.

This may read like the prologue to a New York Times bestseller, but it is the intro to my story, one about a young man of many homes, interests and ambitions with no money, a little talent, and a great responsibility to do what is right. I'll post the epigraph soon.

Portrait by: Tarrice Love http://loveismyrealname.blogspot.com/