Honorable Mention in "Artists Wanted" Contest!

When I entered this international self portraiture contest, I did not know what to expect. New to photo competitions, it was actually a lot of fun to apply and openly show support to all my talented flickr girls who also entered. To be honest, winning the grand prize was not that important to me. I mean, don't get me wrong, I definitely wouldn't be mad if I won 7K! However, I wanted to venture into something different to see what would happen. To this moment, seeing my name (or rather "alter ego" Ms. Aarika) listed as an "Honorable Mention" among other respected professional photographers in a international photo competition, blows me away! I can't help but to reflect on this time last year as I was preparing for my first full art show in my hometown of Atlantic City. I'm extremely grateful to God and very proud.

I want to also take this time to congratulate all the winners, especially Hilary McHone, Brooke Shaden and Lisa Sieczka, who I've connected with personally. Keep shooting and inspiring ladies!

Looking forward to hopefully meeting everyone at the "The Power Of Self" reception Friday, March 12th at 201 Mulberry St in Manhattan, NYC!

Shanta's Portrait Session

The above pic is of my beautiful prima, Shanta Covington! First, I'd like to thank good 'ole twitter for bringing us together again in the past couple months and much closer than we've ever been in our lives - before our photo session, the last time we saw each other was at Mom-Mom's going home service. That was 3 yrs ago. By the way Shan, Mom-Mom would be so happy that we did this. She loved you so much. :) Anyway, I was SO excited to work with her, and as instructed, she came well rested and worry-free. She worked it out! Second, thank you Gia for coming to style and "beat face." lol God bless that circa scarf! You're one of my most stylist girlfriends. I knew you'd come with the goods. And lastly, thanks to Weldon in Atlantic City who saw me struggling with my camera equipment to the bus terminal, thanks for dragging my studio - I didn't miss my bus trip to NYC because of your help! Thank God.

Aside from these images, there's a creative concept I also shot that same day. I have yet to find a space to do the separate additional shooting necessary for it. Ugh! Once it's done, I'll post if everything turns out the way I've imagined it in my mind.

Last Call for "Power of Self" votes!

If you haven't already, click here to rate my portfolio in "The Power of Self" photo contest. Thanks to those who have. (You may vote more than once.)

"Haiti"

Moving piece on Haiti by NYC performer Carvens.

Filmed by photographer Steven Amanuel Duarte.

Yele Haiti

My heart hurts...
Pray for Haiti.

Photo Contest! Vote for me!

Okay, I got a direct message via twitter about this contest, then my girl Jovian (blog--> http://jovianzayne.wordpress.com) sent it just a couple days after, so I thought I'd give my chances at winning something cool a shot. After many failed attempts at setting up an account (ended with "Iamthegreatest" because site wouldn't take "msaarika" or "nastassiadavis") I FINALLY got my stuff in. It costed me $50, as it was $10 to submit an image, so I chose what I thought was "my best work" to date - 3 or more is recommended by the site. Whether I win or not, I'm just happy that I followed through and actually entered.

To vote, you must rate my portfolio (preferably 5 stars *hehe*) but I'll certainly be happy with whatever I can get. The winner gets 7K so wish me luck! And best of luck to all the lovely artist that entered as well!

You have today and tomorrow to vote.

Thank you for the support!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Gabourey Sidibe, The Definition of Beauty.

Confidence. It's something that many of us, especially young girls, do not have today and is incredibly important to our overall well-being. It is the one thing that will shoot you to the top of success and keep you thriving among the stars. This post is inspired by Precious' amazing leading actress, Gabourey Sidibe (a.k.a. Gabby). If you've never witness this girl in an interview, youtube her now to see what true confidence (and beauty) is all about. She is such an inspiration to me; I admire her greatly.

Check out these photos from her latest Harper's Bazaar photo-shoot (via necolebitchie.com) and what she has to say about her self-worth and confidence:

On her Self-Worth

I feel like a model. It justifies everyone in my life who told me I wouldn’t be anything until I lost weight. It justifies that little girl who cried because she didn’t think she could be in front of the camera. And it’s for other girls who feel like they can’t do this or that and feel like they’re not pretty and not worthy of having their photo taken.

On her Confidence

People always ask me, ‘You have so much confidence. Where did that come from?’ It came from me. One day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear makeup that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn’t have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see. Your body is your temple, it’s your home, and you must decorate it."

Watch behind the scenes footage and interview of her Harper's Bazaar shoot below:

Find the full article at Harper’s Bazaar

Also want to send a huge congratulations to Mo'Nique and Gabby for winning Golden Globe nominations for their amazing performances in "Precious". Best of luck ladies to a well deserved recognition! The Golden Globe Awards will be telecast live on NBC, Jan 17th.



(images courtesy of the movie "Precious")

Daniel C. Pickett Shoot

Met with up-and-coming film producer, director and screenplay writer Daniel C. Pickett, for a photo session a couple weeks ago. He came with a light bulb, black suit and a script and we spent about 3 hours shooting at a studio in Northfield, NJ.

Definitely keep an eye out for this fellow creative. For more info, find him on danielcpickett.wordpress.com

Featured on "FLY GIRLS" Blog

I've recently released the color version of my originally titled "Misfit" black&white photo.

My friend Jenny found it featured on a really awesome blog. Here's the link. It's a few posts down.

Thank you Andrea Pippins, the creator of FLYGIRLS, for the love!

Stereo Crowd Shoot (NY)

Last week, I did a photo shoot for "Stereo Crowd" in Queens, NY. I've been up on these guys for a minute since seeing them live at The East Harlem Riviera last year. It definitely felt great reconnecting, meeting new band members and the photo experience in general was so much fun! Everyone was so patient and took my direction wonderfully. I'd only done the lighting technique on myself alone at home with a self timer, so I wasn't sure what would come from this session. We began shooting around 11pm and finished around 3am. No make-up artists, stylists or photo assistants on set, just Stereo Crowd, my camera, light and me. Gracias books, chairs ladders (and Stereo Crowd!) for helping to keep my camera steady since I didn't have a tripod. (And a special gracias to my buddy LA photog Jon Genius for the light he left behind. I used it on Chavon! :~)

Here are some finished images below:

To get more info, visit StereoCrowd.com. Follow on Twitter/StereoCrowd.

Blackface in 2009 Fashion Shoots

Date with light paint

I love me some MJ (as most of you know), so the concept in these next set of photos shouldn't come as a surprise. Michael Jackson's estate released the much anticipated un-released song "This Is It" in preparation for the movie coming out next week. So to celebrate The Late Great Michael Jackson and the beauty of this new song (Mike actually recorded this around "Thriller". FYI), I decided to create these pictures using the same technique I did on the photos I shot last year here with the ones you see below. The blurs on the face are nice to a degree, but after staring at them for a while, I'm ready to see clear facial features.

The following night I re-shot and got this.


"Blooper" Images from the night before-





Take a listen to "This Is It"

Inspiration from Lydia Martin

About a month ago, an artist from the west coast contacted me asking permission to use a photo of mine as a reference point for an upcoming painting. Because I admired her previous works, I wanted to see what she might come up with.

I must say this made my night 3 times over upon receiving it! Thank you Lydia for the time and dedication you spent on this piece.

To see more of Lydia Martin, free to take click HERE

Boy Behind The Mask

Michael Jackson

"Boy Behind The Mask"
by Sarah Weaver

Find more of her masterpieces here

Compliments - Act of Love

I've come to believe that compliments are truly little gifts from God. Mary sent me this beautiful message today...



Thanks to all those who have ever said kind things about my work, told me how my work inspires them or even given constructive criticism.

You truly inspire me to keep going.

Love you!

Gospel Music / Photo Contest

Woke up this morning thinking about the project I need to get done for an organization I was commissioned to do. While in the process of gathering music for the DVD, some of these tunes found there way back to me. Man. How amazing are these songs. Can't explained how I felt listening to them, almost brought tears to my eyes. Anyway, here are just a couple of the songs my mom and I were jamming to this morning!

God is so good ya'll. And I feel blessed to be alive.



"Think im so fresh
Think im so clean
Think im so sweet
ITS THE GOD IN ME!" (Yesssss Mary Mary!)



"I was created to make Your praise glorious.
I was created to make Your praise glorious,
glorious, yes, I was, yes, I was." -Martha Munizzi

Any one else love these songs? Or Gospel music in general? Feel free to comment! :)

In the meantime, I must get ready for work. Also, really excited about a Photography Contest I've entered recently. Wish me luck! There are SO MANY other awesome images in the categories too. Click here to enter the Digital Camera Photographer of the Year 2009 competition.

Whitney Houston!!!

W.O.W.

It's Whitney! She's back and looks great!

Will definitely be supporting.



"I love you New York!"

We love you Whitney. Do your thing!

The "Beat It" kid has my heart

Happy (Early) Birthday Michael Jackson, KING OF MUSIC!

The world misses you. Thanks for the laugh Jadon!

HAPPY 48th BIRTHDAY PRESIDENT OBAMA

Proud to Be American!

Sending my prayers and love your way on this special day, your birthday! With God's help, you will continue making the right decisions for our country and bringing it back to greatness. I love you and support you to the end.

MJ Tribute from The Jerkins Family (AC PRESS)

My Dad saved this page for me from today's AC Press. I remember being so upset in 2001 when I read after the fact that Michael Jackson was in Pleasantville (town 5 mins away from Atlantic City) recording music with local producer Rodney Jerkins for the "Invincible" album. Feels like yesterday when I was shocked knowing MJ was sooo close and no one knew it. He just crept in for a week, and nicely crept right on out.

At the time, I remember thinking "Aww, that's ok. I'll get my chance."

Good look Jerkins.

Rest In Paradise Michael...