Chicago, IL | 19'

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of spending a few days in downtown Chicago. This was my first time in Chicago and I couldn’t believe how cold it was. Even though the temperature was the same as home in Pennsylvania, I couldn’t seem to stay warm for the first 2 days I was there. I know what you’re thinking…”Oh, it’s the windy city Jesse, duh”. Ironically, it wasn’t that windy tho..just cold ! Luckily, that was the only negative I came across. Chicago is an amazing city. Clean, lively and full of life like a giant melting pot of diversity. I felt a strong resemblance to NYC but Chicago definitely has its own vibe. I was super fortunate to check out some amazing food spots. Shout out to Portillos! I knew I had to get a skyline shot so on my last night, I ubered over to the Hancock building. I didn’t have a tripod but luckily I was able to set up on a small ledge overlooking the city in various spots and set the self time. The view spans a breathtaking 80 miles around and features 4 states. I will have prints available soon. The elevator ride down (100+) floors felt like an experience all in itself. Realizing I was close to my hotel, I walked down Madison Ave back to my hotel and passed every possible retail store I could think of. If you’re a foodie or indulge in retail therapy, Chicago is a must. I also had the opportunity to shoot with an extremely talented model, Ashley Marie. We were on a tight time limit and not having a means of transportation or much of an idea of where I was, we opted to freestyle around the city in the hour we had and tried getting as many looks as we could. Below is a few of my favorite shots from our session. I didn’t have any off camera lighting with me so these were all natural light. Her info, along with our fantastic MUA we collabed with (Deja) info will be below. Go give them a follow. Overall, I wish my time in Chicago was longer ! I’d love to go back and work with a handful of people I didn’t have an opportunity too because of time restraints. Next trip will most likely be Jamaica…stay tuned.

Model: @theashleymarie
MUA: @dejatyre

Ghostface Killah x Easton, PA | 18'

I’ve neglected to make some blog posts this past year but I’m going to make a conscious effort to post more frequently going forward. Besides connecting with you all, I plan on using this platform going into 2019 as a way to document my travels and experiences and share them with you all. With that said, a couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to shoot Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna of The Wutang Clan at One Centre Square in Easton. There were about 6 local acts including my homie and close client, Eruza Five being the last act to perform right before Ghostface. There was a lot of energy in the 2-floor building. This was easily the best show I’ve been to at OCS, hands down. Eruza had a great set playing his singles such as “Ghost” and “Five Stages”.  I took notice to his improved stage presence and confidence on stage. Here are some shots I grabbed of both Eruza’s set and of Ghostface Killah’s set.  Shooting concerts can be a refreshing challenge due to low light and constant movement so I was happy to have the opportunity to document the show. No flash was used for these, just a cranked ISO, manual focusing and some luck.  I feel I’m reaching my stride with concert work and would really enjoy working some larger venues with some well-known artists. Going into 2019, I plan on reaching greater heights in this photography journey.

Jag x Atlanta, GA | 18'

I recently had an opportunity to fly out to Atlanta. Coincidently, one of my personal top five rapper's..West Adams own, Jag was staying less than a mile from my hotel.  I had been following Jag about 8 years now, but never had the opportunity to link up with him.  Back when I ran Remuse Collective ( Alternative / Urban clothing line), Jag had worn a couple pieces in some promo. Since that time I have had it on my bucket list to vibe out and meet him. It amazes me how this love of photography has put me within reach to different opportunities I would not have without it. This may not be a big deal to everyone but it was a personal milestone and high point for me. Jag has been one of the most consistent and TALENTED people I've had the pleasure of following while doing different creative mediums and generally a hip hop fan in general at the end of the day. Here are some shots I got while vibing out talking about growth, Eazy E, Compton conspiracy stories and being black in modern day America. Check out Jag's debut album, "Dalton Ave".