Alex is a photographer, dear friend and mentor. At the beginning of the year, Alex called me and wanted to know if I could take photos of him and his Charlie. As it turned out, Charlie was terminally ill and Alex didn’t have any good photos of him and Charlie together.

I have to say, it was a joy and honor to capture these two! Seeing such a loving relationship made harder knowing how hard it was for both Alex and Charlie. Seeing such things, often, gives me the opportunity to ask about the story behind the emotion and connection.

Charlie somehow found Alex, as a young pup, when Alex was photographing an assignment. As Alex recalls he tried, unsuccessfully, to push Charlie away a number of times before giving in and taking him home. As it stood though, Alex was stubborn and, at the time, pets weren’t welcomed where he was living.

Alex had decided to take Charlie to a shelter before going to work after having Charlie for a little while. However, it was too late, Charlie’s charm took hold of Alex and later the same day Alex returned “To get his dog!”, as he said. When he asked for his dog, the shelter asked him, “Which one?” to which he said, “The little Pit Bull.” Apparently Charlie became a popular guy fast because everyone had been playing with him the whole day.

Needless to say the two had not been apart since. Alex, even went so far as to buy a home so that Charlie had more space as well as changing work to be sure Charlie wasn’t alone all day. I can’t tell you how much I smiled as I listened to how much of an impact Charlie had made in his life and world. Charlie, was put to sleep a month after these images where taken; surrounded by love and gave a boy love, loyalty, and more in return.

I know Alex misses his best friend everyday and I’m glad I got to meet and photograph this absolutely sweet guy with his boy. I don’t think I did his story justice but I wanted to share it. Gone but never forgotten… Charlie.

In December, photographers around the world grab their cameras, finding people in need and taking their picture. When the prints are ready, the photographs are delivered on the spot.

The second part of the shootout involved a Boudoir session. I have to say that it taught me a lot about my strengths and weaknesses in more than one place as it concerned Boudoir. I had the luxury of having Jenn Rozenbaum as an instructor who photographs primarily Boudoir. I’ll always love Jenn for riding my arse during my time with her and giving me the ability and confidence to do it better!

What The Hell Did You Do!? |

For those who don’t know, Boudoir photography is an animal of it’s own; especially when done right! Everything has to be done well especially posing and lighting. Some think it’s easy and it far from it, something small, like a shadow in the wrong place can make a great image into an unflattering one. I learned this the hard way!

I took what I thought was an awesome shot, even getting kudos from other photographers at the shootout; that is until I showed Jenn. She liked what I was “trying” to do but, there was a shadow that wasn’t flattering present on the model’s tummy. Also, due to how I framed the image, the model looked quite short. As you can see in the images the model is quite tall and slim! However, in this one image that wasn’t the case. The shadow that I thought looked so cool actually made it seem like she had a pouch and due to the pose and angle I was at, short, as stated. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated Jenn’s honest critique as it made me more aware of how much more important good light is when it comes to Boudoir! Though I’m not displaying this image, I’ve kept it to remind me of what to consider when shooting something like Boudoir in the future.

The second thing I did was something quite a few photographers are guilty of so I wasn’t too upset with myself over this one but Jenn wouldn’t let me get away with it. This has to do with posing. I personally love catching people in natural positions as much as possible vs trying to pose them. This isn’t always possible though. As our model was getting herself set for a pose I saw her do something that I wanted to capture and I said to her, “Do you see what you just did! Can you do it again!?” Jenn, “No she can’t see what she just did. Only you can see what she just did.” Is she picking on me or something!? No! Was she hard on me? Hell yes and I loved it! I’m not a fan of “yes” people as I feel having too many of them can give a person a false sense of security. You know that photo on Facebook taken with a cell phone of a girl in a dirty room in her undies with 100 likes and just as many comments telling her how hot she is. You get the point, and I’ve been lucky enough to not have a lot of them around me.

What Jenn did, by being hard on me, was make me once again be more aware of directing people with words to get the best I can from them. No they can’t see what they just did, DUH, but I can certainly tell them to angle themselves with their right hip away from me and lower their left shoulder a touch and tilt their head up or down as needed.

What Did You Get!? |

A lot! Also, some awesome images! Jenn came to talk to me about why she was being hard on me. It didn’t matter and she didn’t have to explain anything; I’m built tough damn it! I appreciated her more then she knows for taking the time and more importantly being honestly and making me think. Not everyone can take criticism and some are afraid to give it but how are we suppose to get better if we’re NOT willing to be exposed to our faults even if they take down our ego a notch or two. I want to keep doing better and thanks to Feuza inviting me to Tri-Age, I feel like I got one step closer and I hope the images below show that!

I headed over to the gorgeous Casa Belvedere with another photographer friend Mike Ramos.

The shootout was hosted by Natalie Licini, Jenn Rozenbaum, and Neil van Niekerk who each was there to give all the attendees pointers as needed in a variety of areas from lighting to posing. Beyond my desire to stay fresh and inspired is my desire to network with other photographers!

These images are from the first part of the day…

The Story |

At the end of 2010 I lost a dear friend, Donald McGeachy. Donnie, as he was known, and I were in the hospital together. He had an illness he was born with that he was getting treatment for. Because we got along we were moved into the same room and from there we bonded. Nothing like sneaking out of the hospital to make food runs to keep you together. He was more like a brother then a friend. Donnie was a bum, as we would seem to lose touch every so often; mainly because he would rarely call me back at times. When we got back in touch with each other it was like we never missed a step. Always happy to hear from me when he did pick up, and excited to tell me about everything I missed out on with him.

I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Donnie but found that not much had changed because he was still being a bum about calling back! However, one major thing did change; he was a father. My brother Donnie had a daughter named Audrey! This was same guy who was afraid to sneak into a movie!? I couldn’t believe it; at the same time so happy for him as he told me all about Audrey. I also found out he’s been living, literally, around the corner from my favorite camera shop!? Knowing that, I would call when I went up there but Donnie being Donnie, I guess you know what happened!?

On one occasion, I decided to just pop-up on Donnie after a visit to the camera shop. A decision that was met with a huge smile and big ass hug! Donnie introduced me to my “niece” Audrey, who was nothing but smiles. Much to Donnie and Audrey’s mom’s surprise she warmed right up to me. Honestly I just thought she was that sweet to everyone. Donnie told me she NEVER gets as friendly with people as she did with me the first time meeting them. He also stated, “My mom is going to be so mad at you when I tell her about this!” as he smiled and laughed.

I had just gotten a new lens and I thought what better way to test it out then on this cute girl with her very loving father!? Donnie even took a photo of Audrey and me being silly!

It wasn’t the last time I saw Donnie but it wasn’t long before he started being a bum, but I reminded him I was there for him and he told me he knew that.

The Thought |

As I write this I can help but to tear up — Right after Christmas I had received a call from Donnie’s mom and I knew it wasn’t good but, I wasn’t expecting to hear that my brother had passed away. If I had known that those moments would’ve been the last that I would have captured of him, I don’t think I would change a thing!

I captured something priceless for not just Audrey but also her children. Something that she will treasure as time goes on, is what I thought as I now looked at theses images in different light. Children often don’t remember things too well at times or as they get older. I truly hope she remembers some of these moments of a father who loved her and even if she forgets she’ll have these images which captures his love for her.

I still miss Donnie but I have memories to share that show the kind of man and father he was and who he loved the most.

“Sometimes the value of an image isn’t always about what you see in it but about what it makes you feel.” — Jaleel King

]]> http://www.jaleelking.com/ediomi-utuk-converse-4-a-cure-fashion-for-sickle-cell/feed/ 0 http://www.jaleelking.com/fast-track-nj-princeton-nj-wedding-shoot-out/ http://www.jaleelking.com/fast-track-nj-princeton-nj-wedding-shoot-out/#comments Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:35:42 +0000 Jaleel http://www.jaleelking.com/?p=190 I had the pleasure of being a part of a Fast Track NJ shoot out. The shoot out took place in Princeton, NJ at the wonderful Laurie House. The event was organized by my friends & fellow photographers Fueza Reis & Katie McKnight! I had a lot of fun meeting the photographers who showed up, despite the crazy weather, and working with some of my favorite people – Greg Haygood & Mike Ramos among other familiar faces!

At this event we had the opportunity to work with some great models. Not only that, also, hone our skills for shooting weddings, bridals, & couples. Especially useful when thinking out of the box or trying something new or different! I would like to thank my models, Jackie & John and Mariana for being awesome!

Also, let’s not forget the unseen heroes either: Hair – Heather | Make Up – Yvonne Moss & Gina Brozon | Bouquets – Divine Decor

Touch Tone was an interesting person as it was a Saturday and I needed to be let into the building, and who let me in? Why, The Blind DJ himself! He led me up to floor where the radio station was. The cool thing was how well he navigated the building! If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought he could see.

We set up in an empty booth and I went to work with setting up lighting and trying to find position as the room was extremely tight and everything was HIGH up!

DJ Touch Tone was a pleasure to work with. It was interesting seeing how he used technology despite his lack of sight. Like, watching him use his phone to text message!

Needless to say, I love connecting with those that I photograph; when I can. I had ball getting to know The Blind DJ as well as his co-worker at the radio station, Lady B who is a DJ on 107.9FM WRNB; who was awesome enough to treat us to some Sushi!

After presenting the editor with photos, I found out that I got the cover for the magazine; my first! Below are some select images used in the magazine as well as select of my own or two; as well as, the cover!