PAGE Magazine, Author at Kulture Hub

I love digital photography…

Photography is shrouded with photo filters and presets, giving the effects of film cameras’ aged lenses in today’s digital era. Film quality images are a nostalgic reference to the original shooters.

Digital photography has enhanced creativity, and editing software is the crutch of the sport.

Over a decade ago, I started out shooting for photography with a digital camera. I picked up a DSLR fuji digital camera years after shooting with disposable cameras because developing rolls of the film became expensive for a teen like myself.

September 11, 2009: Jadakiss, Steven Victor, and Pharrell Williams at Billionair Boys Club flagship store on West Broadway, Soho, NY. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere.

The idea of digital photography was relatively new, undervalued, and underappreciated. Digital cameras were not that great on a consumer level.

Professional photographers had all the access to any camera, whether film or digital, and could produce a range of work far from any other amateur.

As I was learning the ropes, I was gathering the positives and negatives of all photography styles, but the love I felt for digital photography was like nothing I had ever felt before.

A chance encounter with Jonathan Mannion

Back then, I was introduced to world-class photographer and hip-hop historian Jonathan Mannion.

The former brand manager for Billionaire Boys Club was a man named Phillip Leeds, also a photographer. He was also the author of Big Shots, a collectible book of polaroids of music and fashion industry figures, and felt that I was worthy of an introduction.

September 11, 2009: Kid Cudi at BAPE store on Greene st. Soho, NY. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere.

Mannion invited me to his studio, located in Midtown at the time. He has since settled at Mana Contemporary, a cultural center for the arts.

Back then, I got to see a great deal of Mannion’s original works still on contact sheets, prints large and small, and hear some in-depth stories of how he got some of those amazing photographs.

I got to see his raw negatives and also see how little changed from his taken shot to the intended print. His eye has captured the greats in music like Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Kanye West, and even furthermore produced work for global beauty brands.

October 15, 2020: Dapper Dan at his Gucci atelier in Harlem, NYC, for Forbes.com. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere.

As I was just a young photographer, I wanted to shoot just like a great photographer. So, as the digital era persisted, I wedged between my photographic process and a very restricted photoshop process.

My love for digital photography led me to soak up all the game that I could

As Mannion spoke, I would note his enthusiasm and his detailed approach to executing his vision.

May 16, 2015: Dave East in Harlem, NY. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere.

Familiarly, we would revert to a black and white desaturation of an image we didn’t think was up to par for our portfolios. But beyond that, adding contrast, brightness, clarity, etc., we use filters because they are cool, and may enhance our photos to a degree.

All that Mannion said was evident that a good photographer creates the image before picking up a camera.

love digital photography — November 19, 2018: Jonathon Van Ness at Spring Studios in NYC. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere.

I thought of how Jonathan Mannion got DMX to get in a tub of red liquid… Or how he told Dame Dash and JayZ to wear suits and top hats to give the old-time gangster-feel of New York City, shot on a rooftop for the Reasonable Doubt album in 1996.

Those stories thus reflected Mannion’s intent for each photoshoot and mutual understanding with the subject.

It was great that Mannion gave a critique of my current portfolio of work at the time. In an impromptu meeting, I showed him images and videos on my iPhone 4. The main takeaway from the day in Mannion’s studio was that he told me to “shoot for post.”

DECEMBER 16, 2014: Young Dolph in NYC. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere.

I learned that digital photography required me to be in the editor’s mindset whenever I shot

How photographers are navigating expensive editing software tools today with their images has been heavy-handed. VSCO filters, photoshop layers, lightroom presets, and other photo editing apps have been popular for many photographers.

The photographers who find more happiness in removing skin blemishes than they do by adding lighting effects, to bring to life a less impressive image are indeed more efficient in practice.

Although photographers have mastered photoshop, layering filters, recreating a planned version of the original image are quite remarkable.

Digital photography also required that I had specific intentions for each photograph I took

In comparison, if you take a picture with intention each time, you won’t need as many filters of photoshop labor to make your art come to life.

Proven in how social media audiences have shifted their attention to natural images in feeds, opposed to the curated filter images of the early takeoff of social media platforms, especially Instagram and Pinterest.

Composition, dynamism, rule of thirds, and manipulating light are factors in photography, even with our smartphones. The capabilities are limited at times. Advancements have improved range.

NOVEMBER 16, 2019: Model for Tayground fashion line (@tayground). PHOTO: Cassell Ferere.

Photography as a hobby and profession democratized. Computer applications are far more affordable today than they were in the earlier stages. Photo rendering applications are something Adobe has capitalized on with its monthly subscriptions.

A field of creators is heavily reliant on color manipulation and digital effects in presenting their work. This style, without any initiation, is covering up your work in ways that restrict your growth. And for people who love digital photography, that is the main thing holding you back.

MARCH 2, 2015: Eric Holder, Attorney General during Presidents Obama's term, taken at the Department Of Justice building in Washington, D.C. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere. — MARCH 2, 2015: Eric Holder, Attorney General during Presidents Obama’s term, taken at the Department Of Justice building in Washington, D.C. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere.

MARCH 2, 2015: Eric Holder, Attorney General during Presidents Obama's term, taken at the Department Of Justice building in Washington, D.C for Advocate magazine. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere. — MARCH 2, 2015: Eric Holder, Attorney General during Presidents Obama’s term, taken at the Department Of Justice building in Washington, D.C. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere.

When you “shoot for post,” you will see the image as-is during the developing stages of your photo project, idea, or campaign. This creates a foundation for the final product.

If you decide to use filters, presets, or photoshop, your photographs will adhere to the overall concept and have purity in lighting and aesthetics. The photographer’s intellect and understanding of the final product ultimately create these photographs.

If Jonathan Mannion taught me anything, it’s to always “shoot for post”

Forgo being discouraged if this is you. Understand that making art may be a back-and-forth between mediums and tools, like film or digital cameras.

It can also be a continuum of learning, going about complex ideas with simple solutions.

Though technology continues to make advancements, photographers have reached back for film cameras more and more. Revert to the basics of your craft, steering clear of the thought of making your photo in post-production.

Create the photograph from inception to final product with little use of editing software. Ultimately you will be stepping up your photography skills in an efficient and unfiltered manner.

Reverie: PAGE magazine Issue #1, published in September of 2020. Cover: Coco & Breezy eyewear designers, photographed in November 2019. PHOTO: Cassell Ferere.

With that bit of information from Jonathan Mannion and guidance from mentors like Leeds, I have explored my photographic style in printed form with PAGE magazine.

Apart from the digital era, “shooting for post” ultimately meant to shoot the image best for printing.

Filters are somewhat in favor of digital production and photoshop can be helpful in fashioning filters for optimal printing. Still, I would refer to this principle when planning any shoot. And I appreciate Jonathan Mannion’s wisdom more than he may ever know.

Look out for this article on PAGE magazine.

art direction by PAGE Magazine January 20, 2021

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9 ways budget photography will help you create better artwork in 2021

Budgeting for anything in life is a task of maturity, competence, and discipline, and it is perhaps never more important than for photography. Those who don’t budget are left unorganized and often run into problems. It’s like starting a race with your shoes untied.

As an artist and a photographer, in this case, budgeting suggests that you take sustainable measures to create your art. Rather than thinking of it as cheap, consider yourself exploring new ways to manifest your vision and develop your craft.

We made is easier for you by compiling a list of budget photography tips. As a photographer myself, this budget photography guide has helped me hone in on my vision, and get there in one piece.

Budget photography tips from one photographer to another

Going back to basics is that one step back that helps you take another two steps forward. You may have been used to your time working in that studio daily, or when your city was open at the public’s leisure, and you could document your city in its fullest form.

The 2020 pandemic lockdown and social distancing have lessened those experiences for many artists, especially for photographers who have to work with others more often than not.

Like the new rules for living and interacting that persist, creatives should remain in their bags with ideas for their quarantine comeback.

If you have been worried about creating your art in these times, know that as your income may have slowed down, your creativity is ready to turn up.

Reconsider selling yourself short in your current situation. You can learn processes that will make you a better photographer and creative as we progress into 2021.

Here are nine budget photography tips to get your photography skills flowing while saving your bread on production.

Utilize the sunlight around you

Using sunlight in the early morning or afternoon hours is a great time for beautiful lighting on subjects. Whether shooting buildings or a model, sunlight is the optimal way to get more photography done.

Use sunlight to your advantage. Get outside in the early hours of the day as the sun rises.

Or on the contrary, get outside in the last hours of the day as the sun sets. But as far as budget photography tips go, using sunlight to help you complete your vision is one of the best hints out there.

Use the style around you

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Styling friends with their own wardrobes will keep the photo budget down when shooting fashion concepts. You have friends with fresh style? Utilize that.

That’s about one of the best budget photography tips a photographer can give.

Capture their honest style choices as a potential project you can conduct over some time. You can always ask a savvy friend to help with style also.

Craft your lens and stick to it

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Stick to one lens and get nice! You can be a master of a lens, and that’s a good thing.

You’ll quickly develop a unique style and techniques to carry your work on each shoot. Sticking to one lens is an easy budget photography tip, as it enables you to master one direction, while also not spend money unnecesarily.

Explore set decoration and interior design

Explore your own space and explore set decoration and some interior design. These are little jobs you wouldn’t necessarily think you can do, but with time and conviction, it is all possible.

Set up your space and rearrange things to flex your art direction and props skills. You can also explore still-life photography with objects around your home, furthering your skillset. None of this costs money, just time and dedication. Take this budget photography tip and run with it.

Focus on one project at a time

Become project-driven. Think of your photographs as a series of receipts. Each photo is a calling card and that is something to consider in marketing yourself.

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Remember that your friends each have a unique style that will create a cohesive study of people and who they are through your photographs. You can budget your photography better when you are focusing on one project at a time.

Live with the costs you make

Budget your living cost first while being grateful for your photo kit.

Resist reaching for the most unique or latest piece of photography gear. Though film photography is an interesting medium, it can become unassumingly expensive too.

Film for analog cameras can garner cost beyond the purchase of the camera body itself. Keep in mind the maintenance and cost of developing that film is part of that budget.

Keeping your kit light is a humbling experience, but making an effort to use your skills to enhance your work is most rewarding.

Essentials work best

Budget for essentials, not extras. This is the biggest budget photography tip I can give you.

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You may think you need more lenses or camera bodies. You’d likely need a good camera body capable of producing the kind of content you like. Preferably in this capacity, you would want to use the camera all the time.

You also need memory cards, which are affordable and come in handy when you become low on drive space. Memory cards can act as storage for your shoots when you can’t transfer footage.

You may eventually want to have a whole office and studio dedicated to a full photo operation, but you have to start somewhere.

Utilize collaborations and online platforms

Get familiar with money-saving solutions through online platforms for collaborations.

Now we have Instagram, Clubhouse, and TikTok, great places to meet other creatives that you can potentially work with in the future.

If you have mutual admiration for another person, you two can work collectively on a project. These novel ways of networking are autonomous within our daily lives, and allow us to even work remotely.

Always plan ahead

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Ok, I may have lied before. This is the biggest budgeting photography tip I can give you. Always. Plan. Ahead.

When planning shoots, estimate spending, and time. Budget for more so that you don’t surprise your bank account. Things can get expensive when planning a shoot.

Think of a larger number so that after the shoot, you can do the math on how much you spent in actuality. By then, you will see what a decent estimate for that kind of shoot will cost you.

Whether if you rent a few hours in a studio for the day, or rent a car to get outside of your city, this will be a learning process regardless.

Utilize this budget photography guide to level up

These habits will keep you in the green and out of the negative as you explore your artistry. A budget photography guide for the people, we have presented you with.

We may not all have the money for our lofty aspirations. We may not all have the resources. But we all have these budget photography tips to steer us in the right direction.

Look out for this article on PAGE magazine.

blee blu by PAGE Magazine January 19, 2021

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Why toxic photography won’t get photographers laid in 2021

Toxic photography is a stain on the industry. Toxic photographers who hold their power over young, aspiring models engage in a deeply twisted act that warrants retribution cancel culture provides.

Photographers hold power through the service or product they, as artists, provide. Over the past several years, through an affirmative movement known as #MeToo, photographers have been exposed for their misconduct.

A history of inappropriate behavior and those who have taken advantage of their positions have succumbed to social media justice and cancel culture.

What is toxic photography?

An industry that has always had this cloud over it has met cancel culture in hashtag fashion. Male fashion photographers have been too thirsty and the people and social media companies have then spoken. The toxic photography will not stand.

Most of these photographers have thus faded to black, or have retreated into the bushes like Homer Simpson for cover.

The screenshots of conversations between some photographers then became public by the accusers of the misconduct. This opened Pandora’s box of ugly behavior by photographers who have made advances while working.

The recent history of toxic photographers

Many artists were accused of misconduct, on photoshoots and beyond by models, and they include Marcus Hyde, Blee Blu, Chuck, Mark Del Mars, Timur Emek.

These photographers have been the millennials involved in the recent exposure of explicit advancements over direct messaging on Instagram.

Among the millennial class of photographers, Marcus Hyde, who famously worked with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, was a prime example of how not to conduct your business no matter the type of content you produce.

Hyde, like some of the other photographers, slid in DMs of models. These women were interested in growing portfolios with notable young photographers. Not dealing with toxic photographers using their power to exploit them.

Hyde sought to get nude images from the model inquiring about a potential shoot or dish out $2000 for a photo session. Timur Emek took it further in the messages suggesting “some fun” as part of the shoot under “[his] rules,” alluding to sexual acts.

Working with celebrities doesn’t afford toxic photographers the right to manipulate and take advantage of vulnerable models.

Whatever considerable clout these artists possess through their social media followings, it shouldn’t allow for sexual privilege over up-and-coming models.

Toxic masculinity in photography

Photography OGs, like, Terry Richardson, Mari Testino, and Bruce Weber have also been accused of such actions of hyper-masculinity. Even though their careers happened well before the digital era, they have garnered notoriety beyond social media.

As photographers, they were relevant figures at publications, like Vogue and some of the finest high-fashion brands. But their power of course did not warrant toxic masculinity in their photography.

The world has since evolved in the digital era, and the internet emboldened cancel culture protagonists, the models, and associates who have worked with these artists in prior have come forth in efforts to protect future talent.

Terry Richardson’s explicit photographs got him famous. But, the authorities investigated him and he thus endured litigation for sexual misconduct on set. His reputation could not survive the #MeToo movement and cancel culture.

Don’t be a toxic photographer. Get laid another way

If you’re planning on taking your photography seriously, consider your conduct at all corners. Be mindful of your business dealings and reputation as precious pieces to your growth and advancement as an artist and creative.

You should not have ulterior motives. Also, you don’t want people thinking you do. And essentially, a problem within the intimacy of working on set, especially as the photographer and conductor of the collaboration, could wreck the whole project.

Don’t be a toxic photographer. One, be a good person. And two, don’t use power to exploit people.

Look out for this article on PAGE magazine.

Biggie by PAGE Magazine January 13, 2021

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8 photographs of late rappers that will remain special to the culture

Photographs of our favorite late rappers have graced the culture way before social media. And though they have passed on, they have hundreds of images out there, and many of the photographs of those late rappers hold a special place in their fans’ hearts.

Rappers live the rockstar life, pun intended, as clichés of past music idols are evoked through these artists. The photographer, though, is crucial to humanizing those talents in today’s day and digital age.

Years ago, photographers like Anne Liebovitz toured with rock bands like the Rolling Stones and captured some of the most intimate and public moments from the life of greats who have passed, like John Lennon.

Now with the digital era, photography is diluted and more personal – in a public manner.

Photographers have always released posthumous photographs of late rappers

Pop Smoke photograph — Ryan Lowry photographed Pop Smoke.

In recent news, Vikki Tobak has launched her very successful exhibit, Contact High: A Visual Story of Hip Hop. Showcasing rappers from all areas of the genre and those who have passed in their quest to be the best MCs, photography is recognized as a key element to hip hop culture.

Contact High chronologically exhibits photography contact sheets from the film cameras of some of the most notable hip hop photographers ranging from 1979 to 2012.

Photographers relish the chance to capture rappers, but sometimes they are gone too soon

Photographers want to shed light on their work and hope to capture eye-catching content with your favorite rapper. Sometimes it’s a challenge to get the chance to meet your favorite rapper, and those late rappers weren’t here long enough to give all of us a fair chance at a meet and greet.

So we look to other photographers to give us the peak we need into the lives of our most favored rap artist. The photographers with access are the internet’s blessing to voyeurism.

juice wrld phtograph — Christopher Lee photographed Juice Wrld.

Christopher Lee photographed Juice Wrld in Midtown Manhattan in April of 2019, before he tragically passed at age 21, in December of 2019.

mac miller photograph — Clarke Tolton photographed Mac Miller.

Clarke Tolton captured this photograph of late rapper Mac Miller at his home in July 2018 before we lost him that same year in August.

dead pop smoke photograph — Ryan Lowry photographed Pop Smoke.

Ryan Lowry photographed Pop Smoke in his neighborhood of Canarsie Brooklyn early in 2020 the same year he passed.

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And photographer Apex keeps Pop Smoke’s memory alive with #WooWednesday.

dead rapper tupac photgraph — Al Pereira photographed Tupac.

Al Pereira took this photograph of the late rapper Tupac. Here Nas appears in a contact sheet image after seeing Biggie and Pac side by side along with Redman in his circulated photo at the time back in 1993.

late rapper nipsey phtograph — Jorge Peniche photographed Nipsey Hussle.

Jorge Peniche photographed Nipsey Hussle for a long time and has been through some real moments with the man, even on the day he was released from his probation.

late biggie photographed — Barron Claiborne photographed Biggie.

Barron Claiborne photographed of late rapper Biggie and was confident in giving Notorious B.I.G. a persona like no other, like a king, he describes this now-famous image.

Look out for this article in PAGE magazine.

cthdrl by PAGE Magazine January 6, 2021

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How are music artists flipping merch? Jagwar Twin x CTHDRL set the tone

‘Merch’ sales for music artists have been a way for them to make money to continue to fund their projects and career while keeping in touch with the fans. Recently the merchandise has become a thing solely sought on the internet.

Thanks to COVID, most things internet-based have boomed; facetime and Zoom meetings were the go-to work from home solution, delivery services pushed hard for our dollars in clever ads, and besides Amazon, if you had a solid e-commerce platform you made some money short of a billion, or two.

music artists and merchandise — Happy Face merchandise by Jagwar Twin, via CTHDRL

Jagwar Twin recently released his song Happy Face in a unique collaboration with digital agency CTHDRL, a high design digital agency engaging with culture, and providing a connected, engineered experience.

Working with music artists on the concept and design of their campaigns, CTHDRL helps fans get from the music to the ‘merch’ in a seamless experience.

Co-founder Josh Hubberman says, “Fans want to connect with artists on a richer level than just music. Engineered digital experiences have the unique ability to immerse fans inside of the story which can create a more intimate connection with art.”

The “Happy Face” campaign was an interactive smile-triggered activation you could access from your phone or computer. A countdown activated by your smile into your camera ushered you through the experience.

Happy Face merchandise Jagwar TWIN and CTHDRL — Happy Face merchandise by Jagwar Twin, via CTHDRL

At the end of the countdown, fans could unlock and listen to the Happy face track by Jagwar just by holding a smile.

If your smile faded the song would stop but if you’re able to cheese for a minute or two, and you made it through the whole song, then you would unlock a limited edition merch capsule.

The Happy Face campaign received a generous response leading up to the launch. Josh explains, “On top of this, digital mediums are tailor-made for different kinds of gating which can drive anticipation and ‘FOMO,’ making it the perfect place for limited-run merchandise drops.”

Happy Face digital merchandise — Happy Face merchandise by Jagwar Twin, by CTHDRL

CTHDRL is leveling the playing field, creating a balance between the visual stimulus and organic engagement of the fans, music, and the artist. Playing the hand for the consumers, the Happy face platform directs their attention to the artist’s merchandise.

Considerably, platforms like CTHDRL’s creation are a new order of operation as COVID shifts our cultural prowess to digital engagement and less in-person interactions.

Let’s acknowledge the fact that we haven’t witnessed our favorite artist in concert for about a year now. The digital era has been booming otherwise for music artists who are savvy enough.

Happy Face merchandise by Jagwar Twin, via CTHDRL

We watched Travis Scott eat up the market with a McDonald’s restaurant collaboration that offers Chicken McNuggets body pillow, as well as Mickey D’s branded raw denim shorts.

Scott was also featured in the Fortnite game where he held a performance while players navigated the venue and a Godzilla-sized La Flame tore up the stage.

Happy Face Jagwar Twin — Happy Face merchandise by Jagwar Twin, via CTHDRL

Asap TYY and Stalley have also been on the digital wave of selling merchandise. They too have teamed up with dropptv, the shoppable music video platform, to deliver products seen in music videos. The dropptv platform allows for real-time purchasing.

We can see, at least, some of the future with what CTHDRL and others are doing for music artists and fashion retail. As event spaces and retail stores restrict their limits to engage with culture for health reasons, platforms like Happy Face will continue to meld artists with the fans.

Look out for this article on PAGE magazine.

black dads by PAGE Magazine December 22, 2020

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Black Santa Dads are the new trend flooding our feeds

Black Santa Claus dads are an anomaly and photos of them are flooding our social media feeds.

Let’s be honest, Christmas wasn’t invented by Black people. Santa Clause was invented by Northern Europeans of the Anglo-Saxon period and is a composite of multiple ideological figures throughout their history.

These include familiar names like Saint Nicholas who was a 4th century Greek God who was a “gift-giver,” The British figure of Father Christmas, the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas, also based on Saint Nicholas, and reaching to the Germanic deity Odin who and the midwinter pagan event of Yule.

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A post shared by Leta Hyche , REALTOR® (@livelovelist)

In Western culture today, the legendary character of Santa Clause has transformed. Santa can be heavy-set or slim, short or tall, as well as Black or Brown. But the story remains the same, as gift-giving is in the core message of the storytelling.

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A post shared by Cameron J Henderson (@cameronjhenderson)

The Black Santa Company, founded by former NBA guard, Baron Davis, was created to celebrate the diversity in the world through that same storytelling, and the Santa Claus narrative.

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A post shared by Black Santa (@iamblacksanta)

A character-focused imagination, positivity, and a year-round giving program engage with communities and children, led by the Black Santa and Mrs. C, or Cecilia, characters.

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A post shared by BasketballDream Art (@basketballdreamart)

What #BlackSanta has been, in households and on social media, is Black men and dads dressed as Santa Claus sharing their giving spirit with their followers.

Pictures of men at department stores with multiple shopping carts full of toys and food, home video of dads gifting family members, all showcasing the giving spirit of the Christmas holiday. It highlights the Black father figure in a nurturing manner in addition to the holiday charm.

The Northwest African American Museum in Seattle doesn’t even let the pandemic hinder their Christmas spirit as they hosted their annual Black Santa event via video chat.

The museum takes value in the representation of the character and the spirit of the holiday. Their executive director of the museum, LaNesha DeBardelaben said, “We have been hurting, and this joyful moment allows us to move to a place of healing and hope.”

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A post shared by Cocoa Santa (@blacksantastl)

In Black communities, Black Santa has been perpetuated for families invoking inclusiveness and representation. An example is The Kennedy family in Arkansas who put up a 7-foot inflatable Black Santa on their lawn with their Christmas decorations.

They were ambushed by a piece of mail that was falsely postmarked from their Lakewood Property Owners Association facility. The letter was written from the perspective of Santa Claus and said:

“Please remove your negro Santa Claus yard decoration. You should try not to deceive children into believing that I am negro. I am a caucasian (white man, to you) and have been for the past 600 years. Your being jealous of my race is no excuse for your dishonesty. Besides that, you are making yourself the laughing stock of the neighborhood. Obviously, your values are not that of the Lakewood area and maybe you should move to a neighborhood out east with the rest of your racist kind.”

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The note actually brought the community closer together, as much as the author was hoping to bring them down.

And the sender was undetermined. This type of closed mind thinking is the route and existence of Black Santa’s character. He has been portrayed by actors and athletes, seen as old or young, and can be mature and classy, or traditional and gullible.

Check out this photo of a snazzy Black Santa

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A post shared by ECollensJr. (@collensjr)

If you’re having a hard time gifting this season, then no worries. The Black Santa Company allows for others to gift those through their platform. You can “bless someone” with some Black Santa merchandise.

You can also get wrapping paper for your presents, as well as a facemask, and home decor. Share some of your favorite Black Santa moments leading up to the Christmas Holiday. (Shop Here)

And to Black dads out there keep the Black Santa fits, photos and videos coming. We’re here for it!

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A post shared by Black Santa (@iamblacksanta)

Look out for this article on PAGE magazine

art by PAGE Magazine December 21, 2020

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How one collagist’s coloring book is empowering Black women

A Manchester, UK based multi-hyphenate artist with exhibits worldwide and author of a new coloring book is empowering Black women as well as children.

Born and raised on the island of Bermuda, collagist and painter Gherdai Hassell has had a more than colorful life.

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Click here to order your the My Alibi coloring book

She grew up exposed to the natural beauty of her home island and with encouragement from her mom, she uses those colors to express her world view.

Gherdai Hassell Is Coloring A Narrative For Black Women Through Her Collage Art. Photo by Essence Aikman

“Growing up in such a colorful and fashionable place influenced my artwork,”
– Gherdai Hassell, Collagist and Painter

This colorful expression for life was seen early in Hassell’s childhood. She creatively constructed figures that kept her hands busy as well as her mind.

“When I was a little girl, I created paper people. They were drawings that I’d draw, dress them up, name them, and cut them out. I’d play with them like dolls.”
Gherdai Hassell, Collagist and Painter

Gherdai Hassell black coloring book — Art Cred: Gherdai Hassell. Photo by Essence Aikman

Hassell saw her craft as an outlet to tell a narrative untold, in a light that has yet to shine.

She created her world with these cutout dolls, creating Black women in illustrious clothing. “They seemed more interesting to me than dolls because I could make them look like whatever I wanted. I had free creative reign.”

Today, Gherdai Hassell has expanded her view onto the canvas for all to see. Hassell’s art is a cubist depiction, colorful collage of opulent Black children, men, families, and particularly women, as seen on the cover of her My Alibii coloring book.

“I find them to be so interesting, and graceful, even when the world doesn’t view them as such. Black women inspire my work, my work is about them, for them, by them.”
– Gherdai Hassell, Collagist and Painter

Fashion has helped shift narratives for her and she recognizes the power in style of dress. Embedded in Hassell’s coloring book project, confidence is conveyed through powerful postures and royal garb. Here Black women are empowered to reclaim their existence in the world.

“I love fashion because it defines eras. We can look at different images and know with certainty what period it was based on what people were wearing.”
– Gherdai Hassell, Collagist and Painter

black coloring book — Art Cred: Gherdai Hassell

Hassell recognizes her influence with her art and the power fashion and style of dress have in historical imagery. “It’s such a huge part of the culture and our way of life. Just like music, and visual art, fashion is a staple of who we are, where we’ve been, and where we are going as people.”

Painting style into her work has become intrinsic for Hassell and her artistic expression stating, “fashion allows us to express creatively who we are, inwardly, outwardly.”

Representation is the coloring tool for the Afro-Diaspora-inspired creations Hassell has exhibited. Her Atiffacts Project exemplifies this sentiment with color-blocking and collage detailing.

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Hassell spoke on the importance of empowering black women, men, and children through her coloring book and artworks, “How we are represented in [imagery] reinforces beliefs about ourselves.”

She continued, “If we see ourselves painted in a good light, it changes the narrative inwardly, and then outwardly. For so long, black people have had their stories told from other people’s perspectives or not at all…”

“It’s time to take back our stories and our own narratives about how, where, when, and why we show up the way we do in the world.”
– Gherdai Hassell, Collagist and Painter

collage art empowering black women — Gherdai Hassell’s collage art. Photo by Essence Aikman

“It feels paradoxical to the time we are in,” Hassell makes of the pandemic. She found this time to be most nurturing for someone like herself. Taking advantage of the social distance and capitalizing on the visibility tech has provided.

“The reason I think this has happened is that when the world shut down, we turned to art, to music, to dancing. Art in all forms is so intertwined into our existence that when capitalism takes a back seat, we return to our truest nature, consuming, and producing creativity.”
– Gherdai Hassell, Collagist and Painter

What’s important to Hassell, is the freedom of expression, the liberating feeling in telling a story through one’s eyes.

An unfamiliar pair of eyes, nonetheless, has invigorated the spirit of Black women, and Hassell’s expressive qualities are evident in the fashion of the characters she creates.

“One day I will dress every day, the way I dress the women in my collages and paintings. Until then, I’ll just keep living vicariously through them by continuing to create them.”
– Gherdai Hassell, Collagist and Painter

Gherdai Hassell hasn’t started coloring outside the lines of her childhood just yet. Her adulthood has been the extension of her innocence, and her creativity has displayed her growth as a person.

“I’m still doing child-like things,” Hassell explains in adoration of her craft. “That’s what’s so fun about my practice.”

Click here to get your copy of the coloring book empowering Black women and children

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Look out for this article on PAGE magazine.

art by PAGE Magazine December 15, 2020

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West Indian inspired photography is more than just a vibe

Where are you willing to travel for new and inspired looks? Are you willing to hit the West Indian islands or Carnival for the photography vibes?

Caribbean fashion is underserved as a category and has been for years. In 2001, the launch of Caribbean Fashion Week highlighted Caribbean fashion and style for the first time at the Hilton hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.

Attention has been drawn to what Caribbean culture has to offer the global fashion industry by fashion icons like Bajan pop-star Rihanna.

Photography of West Indian fashion may seem few and far between as we instinctively imagine swimsuits and straw hats when thinking of our style on islands just south of Florida.

west indian photography — Photo by Melissa Alcena

In 1685, French King Louis XIV passed the Black Code [Code Noir] legislation in French colonies in the Caribbean region. Part of this legislation gave slaves the right to purchase fabric, becoming seamstresses and tailors in the process.

Creole-style followed some time afterward, creating a melting pot of Caribbean culture and European fashion.

Traditionally, feathery costumes are worn by the many who “play mass” and participate in the festivities. You could be hitting the road of the festival as the trucks and people parade down the music-filled streets – if you have ever been to a Carnival.

Men and women of the islands have always adorned the color of the indigenous lands. More color came with the many cultures that settled there, including the most prominent in the Caribbean, the people of African lineage.

Intrinsically, the Caribbean people adapted and acquired distinct styling from other cultures including, Indigenous cultures, Indian and Asian cultures, not to mention the European influence.

Lightweight fabrics, plaid designs, bright patterns, and color on top of color are ever expressing the happiness of the surviving history. And survived is the photography of the style that has come from the West Indian culture.

Even for men, Caribbean street style has been identifiable with straw style hats from Ecuadorian influences. Fabrics like linen continue to be a favored textile for their lightweight feel in tropical weather.

Most familiar is the Guayabera shirt, notably from Cuba, which has been a tourist staple for decades, especially within travel photography. The 70s brought about Bob Marley and his affinity for modern details of tracksuits, expressive t-shirts, and fitted denim. Other men adapted suiting styles.

Photographers may focus their lens on the beach scenes that the Caribbean implies. These photographers have made the essence of the Caribbean sartorial diaspora, and the people, their focus numerous times through their lens.

These creatives capture a glimpse into the ever-evolving Caribbean street style and fashion.

Melissa Alcena

The Bahamian portrait and documentary photographer based in Nassau captures every day of the people that inhabit the island.

A Realist view of the lifestyle that exists, Melissa Alcena reflects on the livelihoods and conveys the daily style of the people living in the Bahamas.

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Renell Medrano

Born and raised in the Bronx, Renell Medrano knows the melting pot of Caribbean culture in New York City. Her Dominican heritage can speak to that, and her photography has exemplified her attraction for the Caribbean diaspora.

In a recent Aimé Leon Dore campaign, Medrano was commissioned to photograph the Spring-Summer 2020 collection in Kingston, Jamaica.

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Jamel Shabazz

Jamel Shabazz was born in 1960, in Brooklyn, NY, and started photographing street style at the age of about 15 years old.

Shabazz grew up just around the time that the West Indian Day parade or the Labor day parade had just moved from Harlem to Crown Heights, Brooklyn, in 1964.

Shabazz photographs for fashion, fine art, documentary, and street style purposes. Known mostly for his hip-hop culture photography, Shabazz displays a pure passion for West Indian culture through his enormous body of work he created over the past 40 years.

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Seleen Saleh

With her new book out titled Street Culture, photographer Seleen Saleh highlights the street style of black people across the city of New york.

Capturing the many influencers and stylists, Saleh has a keen eye for bright colors, color blocking, patterns, and “funky pieces” as she likes to call them.

“For me, my favorite style is authentic and true to the person I am photographing.”
– Seleen Saleh

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Alex Welsh

Alex Welsh was fortunate enough to attend Reggae SumFest, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, back in 2017, where he photographed festival-goers.

While there, Welsh captured attendees and performers, like, the king of the Dancehall, Beenie Man, and culture-reggae legend, Capleton. F

ocused on the subjects in all their sartorial glory, Welsh provides an unfiltered lens to the authentic street style of the Jamaican people.

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Wayne Tippetts

Wayne Tippetts started his “street” West Indian photography journey in the 1980s. He began by capturing the Dancehall scene in the UK and the raw experience of the Jamaican Dancehall vibe.

Following the movement into the 2000s, Tippetts refocused his lens on street style and has since been documenting the evolution the Caribbean style has undergone as it assimilates in urban communities.

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Diggin West Indian inspired photography? Check out Harlem based shutterbug Flo Ngala’s story below:

Look out for this article on PAGE magazine.

creatives by PAGE Magazine December 9, 2020

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Survival of the flyest: Black-owned boutique talks outlasting the pandemic

This year’s pandemic has tested us all, especially NYC based Black-owned boutique and streetwear brand, The New Blue Collar.

The New Blue Collar’s fifth Collection represents resilience, grit, and survival. And, surely, the fashion style and design have evolved from what the streetwear brand created just over a year ago.

TNBC is a testament to hard work and sportsmanship. The founders Felix Llanos from Queens, NY, and Alex Ewings, who was born in Texas and raised in Tulsa, OK continue to prove that in their fifth drop.

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Both are familiar with the work done on hardwood floors, glass backboards, and the iron rims of basketball gyms, but the pandemic has shifted the energy toward preservation and reclamation of certain wisdom…

Wisdom acquired on the courts of NYC playgrounds.

The New Blue Collar Fifth Collection. Photo by Casey Brooks

“We’ll always make it a point to incorporate NYC into anything we do. We want to make sure it speaks to the city in some shape or fashion – no pun intended.”
– Felix Llanos and Alex Ewings

The Black-owned boutique brand has previously draped its models in leisurewear like crewnecks and athletic shorts and given way to the idea of an athlete’s casual attire.

As well as placing items of grit, grind and everyday work, like mechanic jackets, and hoodies on them.

The New Blue Collar Fifth Collection. Photo by Casey Brooks

The core of the brand remains the same as the pandemic looms. The outlook on the future of their aesthetic continues to evolve. The COVID lockdown allowed creatives to galvanize and strengthen their focus on what needed the most attention to survive this time.

Felix Llano and Alex Ewings explained:

“We’re fortunate to be able to say that the pandemic didn’t negatively affect our business. If anything, it allowed us to slow down a bit and [really] take a step back and reflect on the work we’ve done up to this point. Figure out what we need to do to continue to evolve as a brand.”

The New Blue Collar Fifth Collection. Photo by Casey Brooks

The streetwear brand has stuck to a low volume of production while keeping the items in each collection to a minimum of staple pieces that complete a man’s closet. The fifth collection wants to elevate that same closet with more staples of a “Big Apple” feel.

The Black-owned boutique brand is evolving their minimalist aesthetic view of the athlete to one that has now matured into gentleman status.

Button shirts for casual occasions, a bucket hat that innately screams ‘functionality,’ and in addition to other cut and sewn staples, The New Blue Collar has also featured customized pairs of Air Force 1s that the founders created through Nike By You.

black owned boutique — The New Blue Collar Fifth Collection. Photo by Casey Brooks

“We started incorporating our personalized sneakers in shoots with our third delivery. It’s something we want to continue doing for each delivery moving forward,” said Llanos and Ewings.

Personalized Air Force 1s — Personalized Air Force 1’s made through Nike By You. Photo by Casey Brooks

The New Blue Collar is still fresh in its journey to being solidified in NYC closets, as well as everywhere else. Going into their second year of selling clothing can predictably be better than this year was.

Felix Llanos and Alex Ewings went on to say,

“As we mature, so will our taste levels. The objective will always remain the same – to provide you guys timeless staples – but the storytelling surrounding a certain collection may look a bit different than it did a year ago.”

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As founders of a Black-owned streetwear brand, Felix and Alex continue to explore their aesthetic and grow their sartorial definition, they will have this year’s wisdom to always use a reference.

“Conversations with mentors have provided a fresh perspective, which is a huge help for [The New blue Collar] and [it’s] evolution.”
– Felix Llanos and Ale x Ewings

View the TNBC Delivery Five 2020 Lookbook

10K80 by PAGE Magazine December 3, 2020

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How visual artist Timo Helgert snagged a collab with REDValentino

Timo Helgert is blessing us with a blossoming view of the REDValentino Spring-Summer 2021 Pre-Collection. Creatives in quarantine are making their comeback and Helgert wants you to have your flowers along with your fashion.

REDValentino and Helgert have crafted a brand new story where Mother Nature reclaims the fast-paced city streets we catwalk every day. That little bit of nature Helgert is “creating” is respectively raising awareness of our natural world while still appreciating the modernity of it all.

Helgert encourages creatives to recognize their surroundings and explore while they still can. And with this collaboration with REDValentino, Helgert is seeing the value in expression through fashion in sending that message.

REDValentino timo helgert — REDValentino Spring-Summer 2021 Pre-Collection

REDValentino has created dresses and separates that evoke romanticism. Jacquard trench coat, knitted cardigans, and capes, all are refined to have an artisanal feel to the touch.

Designed with timeless gingham patterns, decorated with blooms of flowers cut in bold silhouettes, the collection carries oversized bows, d’espirit tulle skirts, skirt suits, windbreakers, and quilted outerwear styles that will help with the wintry transition into fall.

Timo Helgert is a German artist, best known for his viral virtual installations.

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His work draws inspiration from classical escapism and draws on the recognizable elements of major modern cities. He has worked with brands such as Apple, Balenciaga, Puma, and Zara through his agency “Vacades” which he founded in 2012.

Helgert creates inspiring, escapist art through the use of new digital techniques, augmented reality, and 3D design. He aims to create hope and peace in a busy world. Timo’s work has been featured by Forbes, ELLE Magazine, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Facebook, and more.

REDValentino Spring-Summer 2021 Pre-Collection

Working through a lockdown, Vacades, along with the REDValentino team, diligently coordinated their collaborative efforts across the European continent, all the way from Munich, Germany where Helgert is located, to the Roman fashion house in Italy.

This type of creative endeavor is less familiar for RED and its obstacles were manageable as a creative for Helgert.

Nonetheless, both parties relied on Zoom meetings, and his design tech to convey messages and artwork for review in how the campaign would result. With travel bans in place, Helgert had an advantage in adapting to the status quo, still creating the city scenes he has been known for recently.

REDValetino, who approached Helgert, would be confident in his re-creations of the city without going there to photograph them. Helgerts crafty resilience and approach have been uniquely his own. As a creative, he encourages other creatives to find what gets you excited in your craft.

Helgert says,

“While there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, everyone’s path is truly unique and challenging. I think there are a few life lessons that I learned in all my career [as a] digital artist. I advise them to explore as much as they can.”

Helgert takes a keen eye to his craft, and on the basis that he has always taken the appropriate steps to hone his creativity into the artist, he is today.

“I often get asked from students, what’s the best direction to take – this school or this course?” recalls Helgert.

“It’s neither. A creative career needs a lot of exploration and sometimes late nights. You get better by practice and many mistakes.”
– Timo Helgert

Helgert goes deeper into how to navigate as a creative, “You need to choose a path that you love because otherwise the mistakes will bring you down and you can’t see them as crucial lessons.”

He takes note of his life, looking back to where he is now,

“I started with filmmaking, photography, logo design, digital photo editing. Those are now essentials in my craft. You really can just connect the dots, when looking back, not when looking into the future…”

“Choose something you love, even if it’s just photography, and embrace it.”
– Timo Helgert

REDValentino is crafting a newer perspective for Timo Helgert, ultimately. The digital artist recognizes the influence behind fashion and in this case how it can raise the awareness of people to ideas, stories, and concepts beyond their normal registry of thought.

REDValentino Spring Collection Timo Helgert — REDValentino Spring-Summer 2021 Pre-Collection

Helgert goes on to say, “Fashion helps us to express ourselves and makes life more interesting. If you break down any expression of art, the essence is very connected. It’s a way of telling a story and creating emotions in a world which anticipates it.

“I would say [my art] is focused on emotions and escapism. My focus is to create something universal. […] to me [fashion] is an extension of ourselves and it’s a story we show the world.”
– Timo Helgert