Photography

I recently made a photography portfolio. I’m not set on calling myself a photographer just yet. I’ve always admired photographers. I get inspiration for my paintings more from photography than from other paintings most of the time.
I only have a camera for now. I originally got it to take high quality reference photos for my paintings. Of course I still use it for that but I also like how some of the photos stand alone. I don’t have a bunch of different lenses or flashes or equipment. I just want to take interesting photos for now. We’ll see how it goes.

Sedrick Miles

Some people inspire me to be successful in the form of recognition and money. And others inspire me to find success simply by creating beautiful and sincere work. Sedrick Miles is the latter.

Sedrick Miles, when asked for his favorite photo out of all the photos he’s taken:

This is my favorite. It was taken during the summer of 2000 on Ilford black and white film. I call it “Tre’”. The three little boys were homeless children from the Bronx. The county services sponsored summer camp opportunities for families through an organization called Homes For the Homeless. The camp was called Wakonda in Bear Mountain , NY.

I thought the boy on the left looked like Tony Terry, the eighties singer. (look him up, it’s worth it.) Most of these kids had never been off their block, so to be out in the mountains was very exciting for them. It was amazing to watch them freak out at the sight of a butterfly. Like most children, these three were wound up with energy and didn’t know they were tired (parents understand this) until I made them sit down for a little while. When they did, they kind of all went into their own heads And I took this shot with my Canon Elan II. I dont remember the settings, but I’m sure I had late afternoon sun, filtered through the trees to thank for the light.

I love that shot. I have been blessed to work for over 15 years in communities of color helping children see the light in themselves. This photo always reminds me of that. Thanks for asking.

Stephanie

Photos by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh

Brent Stirton

Brent Stirton Photography

Nayyirah and Rasheeda Photos

Photos from my shoot with Nayyirah and Rasheeda.
I edited them in Photoshop – they were all originally in color.
I took these as possible reference for a painting.
But, I think they’re all beautiful as the photos they are now.
The painting I ended up creating is here.