STUDIO BONITA
In 2021/2022 I had the oppurnity to work with San Marcos Texas’ best nail technicians, Jazmine and J’Erica, who own Studio Bonita, which was voted “BEST NAIL CARE SALON” in Hays Co. for the year of 2020/2021.
When meeting with Jazmine to discuss the photo work, she did not have any ideas for how she wanted the photos for her salon to look, but she knew she wanted to capture the amazing quality of her and her sisters work. This was an easy task for me, because my work is known for its good quality. So making the details of the nail art in these photos pop and making the photos appealing in their entirety was not gonna be a problem for me at all.
After booking the shooting date and my amazing models, we were able to successfully execute this project with no problems. Today, they are printed and hung inside the Studio Bonita Salon and it was such an inspiring oppurnity to work with Jazmine and J’Erica; seeing 2 talented women of color, striving in a competitive business was very inspiring for me. I wish nothing but the best and much success for the Studio Bonita team/Salon. I hope to work with many more SHE-EO’s in the future, haha… get it?
Instagram: @StudioBonitaSmtx
6/10/2022
RETORO
At some point in 2021, while working my 9-5, I was on my break scrolling through my instagram feed. While doing that I came across a photo of some really cool sunglasses, so I clicked the page and I was looking at all the other unique sunglasses this page/brand was posting and this was right around the time that I released my prints ‘VERDE’ and ‘VERDE ll’.
I quickly felt the need to reach out to the brand with hopes that they were interested in collaborating by letting me shoot for them. After contacting them, I received a quick response back saying they were very much interested but they wanted the photos to look similar to my ‘VERDE’ photos.
Some weeks later, they sent me 2 pairs of sunglasses and I gathered three of my models to begin executing these shoots. I truly feel that I outdid myself with these photos, considering the type of photography this brand was posting at the time. Fast forward and it’s been damn near a year and the photos are still not released… so I released them myself as you can see, I think the photos to this day are still better than what they’re releasing right now haha. I’m still grateful for the oppurnity though and the quality of the glasses are 10/10 a very dope brand overall!
Instagram: @RetoroEyeWear
4/15/2022
RADO
I had the opportunity to photograph one of my favorite music artist from Arlington, Texas, a small town known as “The Agg” to Dallas locals. The artist in question goes by ‘Hello, Desperado’
Hello, Desperado is the next big thing to happen to music in the south, for example here are a few of my personal favorites “A Glistful Lullaby”, “Peace from The South” and one of his EP’s titled “FREE AGENT”, which is an 8-track project filled with nothing but hits and is full of great vibes for all types of settings; Whether you’re trying to set the mood or enjoying a cookout with some friends and family, his music will always set the tone and have your company feeling right.
Something I noticed about RADO during our photo shoot session was how much positivity this man is filled with and how driven he is. I always tell up-coming creatives that it’s very important to learn how to focus and discipline yourself when chasing a dream or trying to accomplish a goal, but RADO didn’t need that kind of advice. After hearing a few inspiring stories behind certain songs and listening to some of his unreleased music, I can say, with confidence, that Hello, Desperado is on the road to bringing some platinum plaques home and being one of the biggest artist to come up out of Dallas, Texas. If you would like to keep up with RADO’s journey and movements, you can follow him on his social media.
Instagram: @HelloDesperado
06/09/2021
POV
I really enjoy this photo because it’s showing my point of view when I’m shooting and working with these beautiful models. I’m amazed at how talented some of these girls are, because it takes a lot of practice and patience to be modeling. I don’t know how many times we stop during shoots to test a different pose or to change outfits or even drive to another location just to get that perfect shot. Sometimes certain concepts sound, feel or even look silly, but when you peep through that viewfinder… no, actually when you peep through MY viewfinder, you’ll always be blown away by how great I am at capturing what once was just a idea floating around in my head. It’s best that you get to know me and my work now, because I’m not going any where.
10/23/2020
HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?
2020 has been such an odd year, a lot of businesses have been struggling or have gone under due to Covid-19. I see everything through my phone screen; it’s so scary and upsetting, but all we can do is wear our masks, wash our hands and stay 6ft apart. I've Been doing my part and despite what is going on in this world I am still trying to make the best out of it, I’m still booking my photoshoots so I can continue putting out amazing work, I guess you can say I’m looking at the glass half full. I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. I send my regards to anyone who has lost a loved one to Covid.
07/26/2020