Brother Ali -> "Street Preacher"

"Brother Ali vow solemnly not to die while the music is still inside of me." -Brother Ali

I spent two days behind-the-scenes at The Hideaway studio in Minneapolis to document Brother Ali working on his next full-length album. "Street Preacher" is the album's current working title and it is slated for release on Rhymesayers Entertainment in the fall of 2009. The album will feature an array of live instrumentation arranged by Twin Cities' famed hip-hop producer Anthony "Ant" Davis. One of the best aspects of being a location photographer is the access given to people and places. I was able to hover in the studio with little to no constraints - shooting nearly every possible angle. Keep an eye on the "Archive" section of the website for additional Ali imagery. There will also be a future blog post that features a video edit - both stills and video captured during the time I spent.

Busy times, doing some very interesting things with some great people. I've never been more excited about what I do...

Brother Ali -> "Street Preacher"

Target House Turns 10...

A decade has elapsed since the opening of Target House: the collaborative effort between the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Target in Memphis, TN. As a way to both celebrate the anniversary and promote awareness, I was brought in to photograph a print ad depicting a few of the children who are currently patients at St. Jude's staying at the Target House. To date, 1,337 families have benefited from the fully operational apartments offered to long-term patients and their families for free, providing a "home away from home" amidst a very challenging time in their lives. The experience was an inspirational one and I think the imagery is a testament to the strength and courage of the children I met while on location. Shot back in March, look for the print ad that was just released at Target stores, in magazines and of course on the Target website.

Target House Turns 10...

At the Core of Genius -> Apple

Innovation mixed with minimalist design have always set Apple apart with a premiere line of products. The opportunity to shoot for them came about a little over a week ago; a call I was obviously excited to receive. I worked alongside a San Francisco based video crew shooting every possible angle, both in front and in back of the store. Needless to say, it was a great way to spend the better part of a day. I like to think that my shooting style lends itself to a "less is more" approach when creating images. The Apple store was a great venue to explore clean lines within a monochromatic environment peppered with a variety of textures. With that in mind, I was able to capture the patrons filtering in and out of this unique space with my own view of the core of genius.

At the Core of Genius -> Apple

"T" for "Texas"

As the saying goes: "Everything is bigger in Texas," and surely the two acre, indoor, Leon Springs Dance Hall just outside of San Antonio is no exception. United Health Group hired us, the invoko team, to put together an interactive piece featuring a senior dance / social event they were sponsoring titled, “For the Love of Country.” Bolo ties, flashy belt buckles, cowboy boots and hats were the prevailing attire for the folks we encountered during the event. We were fortunate to meet an incredible array of elder “ladies and gentlemen,” with great stories that nicely complemented the existing textures of the local. Some great content (stills, video, and audio) were acquired. Texas - yes Texas…

"T" for "Texas"