Friday, February 29, 2008

STILL Beauty

These are some selections from random shooting I've been doing lately. It's been interesting because I find myself wanting to capture more and more, the detail of the beauty that exists around me. One thing's for sure, I'm always motivated by natural light. For me, I "see" a shot mostly because of the way the light falls on a subject. In the case of photographing people, I always joke that it's really the light that's the star of the photo! LOL!

Enjoy this series and I look forward to posting more!























The Leaf Series.

Don't ask any questions! :-) Just know that I noted the way the diffused window light was caressing the palm leaves, enhancing the striated patterns. Simply beautiful! This work is a departure for me in terms of my photographic work, but these days, I'm really feeling still life!











Tuesday, February 26, 2008

GBM News presents Ocean Morisset!

GBM News showed me much love and props by putting this video presentation together featuring my photography. Thanks to Ralph and his team at GBM News for the video!

Friday, February 22, 2008

NYC Snow Storm 2008

The first major storm of the season dropped five to seven inches of snow in the city today. I'm not really a winter person, and when it comes to photography, I'm not as active a shooter. However, today's snowstorm was undeniably beautiful, and since I had my camera in hand, I took full appreciation through my lens. Rather than deal with the hustle and bustle of the city on a cold winter day spent catching pedestrians from near skull-cracking slips and falls, I decided to head for the solitude of Central Park in a walk across town. I don't really fancy myself a landscape photographer, and perhaps if I had my tri-pod, I would have. Nevertheless, I couldn't ignore the beauty the park provided so I shot away. The images follow below. Enjoy!


































Sunday, February 17, 2008

Black History Month Tribute- Sunday February 24th!

I'm participating in a black history month tribute at NYC's Taj Lounge (www.tajlounge.com). This should be a really nice event! Performances include poetry readings by Kahlil Koromantee, my photography (slide show), book readings, singing, comedy and of course, a dance party by none other than James Saunders. Hope you come out to support the arts!

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Rashawn Brazell- Three years later and still unsolved

The gruesome murder of 19 year-old Rashawn Brazell on February 17th 2005 remains unsolved and the killer lurks amongst us. Rashawn, a young black gay man and aspiring web designer's body parts were found stuffed in garbage bags at three different locations throughout Brooklyn. This case garnered very little media attention but did include a national piece on the television crime show "America's Most Wanted". Homophobia on the media's part? Perhaps.

Three years later, on the eve of Rashawn's murder anniversary, I can't help but wonder how much more exposure this case would have received had it been a white woman whose dismembered parts had been found in a similar fashion. In the same year on May 30th, a young white woman disappeared during a school trip to Aruba. Three years later, the case still garners considerable media attention on national and perhaps even some global news outlets. I remember Natalee's name, not because I knew her, but because the media makes sure that I don't forget her and that I (and everyone else) helps provide tips to locate her killer. But what's worse is our own community's apathy surrounding this case. I mean, there is a killer out there who has murdered a black gay man! Though this case has not been officially deemed a hate crime, it has all the makings of one... chopped up body parts to start. Hopefully the killer will be found and brought to justice.

This year I'm honoring Rashawn's memory by running the series of photos from last year's candle light vigil.

I remember Rashawn, and will never forget...



Nostrand Avenue Train Station, Brooklyn. One of the places where parts of Rashawn's dismembered body were found.




Volunteers hand out leaflets to the community.




Desire Brazell, Rashawn's mom speaks to the crowd.


The Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project.


Friends embrace.


Crowd begins to gather at the corner of Nostrand Avenue and Fulton street.


Unty Fellowship's Bishop Zachary Jones and GMHC Executive Director, Dr. Marjorie Hill exchange warm smiles on a cold winter night.


Candles for Rashawn.




Rashawn's father.


Desire Brazell, Rashawn's mom lights candles for her son.



Community comes together for Rashawn.




Reward for Rashawn: $22,000


Candles for Rashawn.




Dr. Marjorie Hill.


Candles for Rashawn.






Bill, Big Rod, and Boris Powell, Program Director for GMAD. Adodi brothers unite for Rashawn.


Candle and glow for Rashawn.


Bill helps Rashawn's sister light a candle for her brother.


Crowd.


Desire Brazell gets a warm hug from a supporter.


Desire Brazell, overcome with emotion at a rally for Rashawn. Brooklyn 2007.


Rashawn Brazell (1985-2005).
Rest in Peace.


For more info and to see how you can help, please visit rashawnbrazell.com.