Depth of Field

Family Affair

(c) Chyna Bennett 2009

This is a photo my little cousin Chyna Bennett took earlier this month for our family reunion in Pittsburgh. I believe she's like...10 years old or younger. Once I get the correct age confirmed, I'll put it right here_______.

She likes cameras and photography and often oodles over my D90 and I told her the most important equipment any photographer can have is their brain. She's a young talent and I want to encourage her to keep snappin'. This photo she took has two of the most important people in my life in it: my son and fiancee. Whatever I have taught her this far, she has given me back three fold with this picture. Thanks Chyna. 

- kamau ware

Coney Island Mermaid Parade 6.20.09

(c) David Grim 2009

This is the last vital entertainment complex on the north eastern shelf, and this is the most dynamic procession I've ever been to. What happens next year? Will it be homogenized corporate culture? Will it escape the clutches of moneyed beachcombers? For whose eyes are these visions if not ours?

- David Grim

DTM @ Work

(c) Tierney B. Williams

This is artist Daniel Flores AKA DTM [Dan The Man]. I was checking out some of his facebook flicks and was excited to come across this set of black and white images. The scene is urban arts in the rawest and purest sense of the concept. Dan was tattooing at a birthday party that extended all the way to 4am. While he's getting his art on, photographer Tierney B. Williams snapped some great creative process flix. If you want tats at your next bday party, get at DTM, I believe he's down to fly.

- kw

Projections

(c) kamau ware 2009

Service In The City

(c) kamau ware

Ever heard of home-dulgence? It's an interesting concept about the trending toward more entertaining at home due to the Great Recession. I do enjoy a great home event - trust that, but I also think that people in the service industry, New York City in particular, need to think about old fashioned ways of combating this trend. Be nice damn it.

One of the coolest parts of entertaining at home or being hosted at someone's home is the warmth...people are nice and good. There's gotta be a way to at least create that goodness in the hospitality industry. Just a thought...

kw

Stock

(c) kamau ware 2009

This isn't a stock photo...I actually drank this beer.

kw

Binding

(c) Lesley Williams

Left to Right: Cornel West, KRS One, Tavis Smiley

Books have always taken me to unfamiliar places and taught me new and exciting things. While taking a break from the Girl Scout Journey booth, during Book Expo America (BEA), I ran across these inspiring men and I realized a new capability that books have, the ability to bring people together.

- Lesley Williams

Behind the Scenes

(c) kamau ware 2008

Last week on April 15th I had a chance to work with tag, a brand communications agency specializing in events. They were preparing for dance company Rioult's gala being held that evening at the Altman Building. Stay tuned, we have an interview coming up with tag's Chief Operating Officer, Terry Reiser. 

Subphonik

(c) kamau ware 2009

This is a recent image from a set where I used my film and digital Nikons for this Subphonik photo shoot. My transition to digital was protracted because my training is in traditional black and white processing. I really dig the way the above image turned out, which was one of the film results. Thought I would share. Don't get it twisted, the digital results were bananas too.

-kw

We Get Down

               jlwoods c2009

              Marz c2009


This post is long overdue.....

Though I have grown increasingly dissatisfied with the Kings English, many of you know one of my favorite words or expressions is grindin'. I do it and do it often. In fact, I think I am addicted to it. Good or bad, it's who I am. Music being my passion, it represents a large part of my grind and quite frankly I love it.

Friday March 6th is definitely a day to remember on my 'grind milestone' calendar. I had the opportunity to perform at the BLVD, an emerging NYC performance venue. This night was special because it was a true coming out of Chen Lo and my now 8 piece band.

The venue ambience was incredible, the stage was set, my gear had been provided by up and coming designers Brooklyn Renaissance...in a phrase--it was on.

We came out crushing to a crowd of familiar and unfamiliar faces and were even graced by the presence of Duckdown Records label heads Dru-ha and No-ha. I had to give it to them....30 minutes of hip-hop, funk and soul.

I'm firmly embracing the perspective that this is one of the main reasons my spirit was directed to walk the planet at this point in time. So my attitude is not one of cocky conceit, but focused assertiveness. We rocked that ish!

Chen Lo