The Art behind the photographs Part 8

There are many people I photographed that were models or had what it took to be a model. Some of them only model for me and then there were those that just needed pictures for their portfolio.

{Some people I just enjoyed photographing and the window of opportunity was there. Most of the time I studied people so that I could get that perfect shot and then there were the times where I just had to go with the moment.}

I never wanted to do what every other photographer was doing. I tried not to use the typical backgrounds if I didn’t have too. Now that I look back on my art, I guess I was trying to create my signature. Most of the time I photographed myself first using a particular background and if it worked then I’d use it on another client or model.

{The majority of people I've photographed I worked with in some capacity. Sometimes it took some coaching to get someone in front of the camera, but when it happened it was magic. That was the case in this session. I took two shower curtains and connected them and suspended it from the ceiling and let it drape along the floor. It added a contrast with the light as if its two different pieces, a wall and a floor.}

Most of the people that made it in front of my camera was either by word of mouth or I recruited them. I was very selective in who I photographed and what type of events I photographed. I didn’t like being stressed over creating something or taking on more than I could handle.

{For a local clothing store I came up with this concept. It's rather traditional, but both subjects had a look that went back in time. No backdrops, and just natural lighting.}

We began as Dlonzo Modeling Troupe. We were a group of models ranging in height from 5’2” to 5’9”. I had created something that would later catch on at some of the department stores. I knew all alone the chances of making it as a runway model were slim to none, but working in print and doing commercials was another story. My dream had always been to act and then I realized this could be that stepping stone. Everyone that was working for me had other aspirations. When some of the models began to branch out and work for other people, I changed the name to Dlonzo Models and was working as an agent. I was still producing fashion shows, but I was also hiring out models and putting together portfolios. I was teaching them how to market themselves and who to contact outside of the city if they were really serious about this business.

{As I mentioned, some people need a lot of coaching. That was the case with Chantal. The name alone represented beauty, but no everyone sees what I see. I just picked locations as random as we drove around town until we got back to my studio. This was all impromptu. Most of the time I plan things out, pick out what the model would wear, but this time I just went with the flow.}

I began taking video classes because I had always had a dream of having my own talk show. Of course I still enjoyed being behind the scenes and wanted to learn how it all worked. When you tell people you were a model or an actor you can see a twinkle in their eye. There is something about those words that make people a little weak in the knees. It’s a world many would love to be a part of, but don’t always make it. I’m glad I was able to do what I did for so long. There were a lot of perks that came along with being a model and a chance to meet a lot of people.

Coming up:  Dlonzo Models, B C DjayD, The Nexx Fazz of Models F.D. McDermott, Coca, Jack

http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

The Art behind the Photograph (Models) Part 7

Thinking about whether or not one is serious about modeling or just wants to look like one. My motto was don't just look like one, be one. Formal wear is a big deal in NOLA and I figure its important to have at least a few pics in a suit or tux.

Sometimes you don’t actually remember how something happens, but when you have a reminder then you know it did. Ron M. This is an interesting story. We used to work together. There were only a few people that new anything about what I did outside of work. Gradually I’d begin talking about the fashion shows or the film festivals. Etc. One day I had brought my portfolio to work because one of the ladies I worked with had a daughter that wanted to get into modeling.

Winter wear is also an important part of a portfolio, but I was mainly testing out props and seeing what looks worked best. There wasn't much that Ron didn't look good in and once he got hooked on being in front of the camera he was game for just about anything.

Anyway, word must have gotten out and a few of the guys in the warehouse wanted to the see the pics. Mainly, they wanted to see the girls in swimsuits. We guys are a strange breed because as much as we don’t like to think of ourselves as being vain we really are. Sometimes even more so than women.

Part of the first photo shoot when I getting the subject used to being in front of the camera.

All it take is getting in front of the camera once and seeing yourself in a way you’ve never seen yourself before and you are HOOKED!!! That happened to be the case with Ron. Of course not everyone has what it takes, but most people with the right energy, persona and photographer to work with them can take a good picture.

As with the majority of the people I photograph, I have my favorite photograph and this happens to be the one for Ron. It happened purely by accident because I don't like models to take risks that could hurt them. The model was willing to do what was needed to get the best shot.

A photographer can only do so much, but with the right model, art can be created.

Coming up:  Dlonzo Models, Wilbert, Ron C., Dino, Carolyn, Curtis Scott Hall, DjayD, The Nexx Fazz of Models F.D. McDermott, Coca, Jack

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The Art behind the Photograph (models) Part 6

(This image became part of a collage of my models. This was from one of the last photo shoots that we did. It's funny how people just disappear out of your life.)

Simone and I went back a long way. She was just a young girl and then she grew up into a beautiful young woman. I found out she had a crush on me when she was younger. One of her brothers was not very fond of me…

(I was always trying something new. I wanted my images to be unique.)

Anyway, I presented Simone with my idea that I was getting a modeling troupe together and if she would be interested? Needless to say she was right from the start. We started out with a small show and then gradually got bigger.

 (At this particular shoot we created some great images. Each one of my models has that one photo that I really, really like.)

The more I photograph someone the more we both feel comfortable with each other and we can create something that we will both be satisfied with. If the model has an idea I always allow it to be showcased. If it isn’t working for me then I try to get the model to try it my way.

(This was part of that same shoot and became part of my permanent portfolio.)

Sometimes the pose is awkward, the color choices of the clothing or the background may not be working. As a self taught artist, it's all trial and error. Over time you get the hang of it, but I'm constantly challenging myself to create something different. My studio is my canvas and it’s always filled with experimentation.




A photographer can only do so much, but with the right model, art can be created.

Coming up: Ron M., Dlonzo Models, Wilbert, Ron C., Dino, Carolyn, Curtis Scott Hall, DjayD, The Nexx Fazz of Models F.D. McDermott, Coca, Jack









Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The Art Behind the photograph (Models) Part 5

(When someone has that magic I can always feel it. A person can bring so much to the table and be very creative without the photographer having to do anything, but take the pictures.)

I’ve had the pleasure of being the first professional photographer for many when it comes to creating something different. I consider myself an artist who takes pictures. I do a lot of experimentation with people, backdrops and lighting. I prefer natural lighting, but depending on the circumstances, studio lighting comes in handy. Natural lighting depends largely on the layout of the room. If there isn’t a lot of natural light coming in then you have to create the right atmosphere.

When it came to fashion, Ramsey and I had a lot in common. He taught me a few things and maybe I taught him something as well. Ramsey was somewhat shy. Instantly I saw something in him that he didn’t see in himself. It took me a while before I could persuade him to pose in front of my camera. I love the challenge of getting people to pose for me. It’s all part of the art. They usually don’t see themselves as photogenic. They all talk about not liking their photos, etc. It is my job to create an image that they will be proud of.
When I first met Ramsey I didn’t think we would be friends.. He was an acquaintance right from the beginning. We met one night to go to the movies to see Purple Rain. A group of friends got together as we often did back in the 80’s. My models and I were inseparable. It helps when some of them are also family.
The young lady I was going out with at the time, was gaga for Ramsey when she first saw him. We went out with the same girl for a period of time. When they had a conflict she’d come back to me when I wasn’t seeing anyone. She played us against each other, but our friendship remained in tact.

Although I thought Ramsey would have made a great runway model he never allowed me to promote him. He even moved to New York for a while, but we had lost touch and an opportunity slipped through our hands.
I  am really grateful he was a part of my life and I was able to create some great art.
It was 1985 when I first photographed Ramsey. I photographed him on four separate occasions. I had no doubt he would have had a great future in the industry, but his confidence wasn’t as strong or he just didn’t want it as much I did for him.

I had a tendency of pushing people to reach their full potential. It made me want to do more. I’ve slacked off some, but I feel myself pushing people again. I helps me motivate myself when I help others.
There are a lot of models that are no longer with me and so all I have are the memories. I am glad they were a part of my life even if it was for a short period of time. (May they rest in peace.)



A photographer can only do so much, but with the right model, art can be created.

Coming up: Simone, Ron M., Dlonzo Models, Wilbert, Ron C., Dino, Carolyn, C. S. Hall, The Nexx Fazz of models F.D. McDermott









Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The ART behind the photograph (Models) Part 4

I get my inspiration from many places. Magazines, movies and just walking around I'll see a spot that would make for a great setting. This is actually the back side of the Italia Piazza in New Orleans. I'm not sure if this still exists as I took this photo back in the 90's. Below you'll see another shot from a different angle. 

 I met Sara in the mid 80’s. I was always looking for new people to photograph and one night outside of De ja vu I saw here. She had long flowing black hair that came down to her backside. She had a figure and a distinct look. Of course when I approached her about possibly letting me photograph her she thought I was crazy. Most women always assume a photographer wants something or that he wants to photograph them nude.
In most cases that is true, but I really thought she had something.

We formed a friendship and hung out as much as we could. Our friendship became distant and then one day out of the blue we connected again. She had lost weight and had cut the hair which bothered me, but she was still attractive. She agreed to finally pose for me since she felt better about the way she looked. The result was some very sexy photographs. Everything worked so well together.

A lot of people don’t realize that people that have a certain look don’t always find themselves attractive. No matter how many times you may see a picture it’s hard to envision with everyone else sees. It is true, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

A photographer can only do so much, but with the right model, art can be created.

Coming up: Ramsey, Simone, Ron M., Dlonzo Models, Wilbert, Ron C., Dino, Carolyn The Nexx Fazz of models

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The Art behind the photograph ( Models) Part 3 Merlin

     In the evenings after work, I would ride my bike or job around the park. One evening when I was heading home, I heard this incredible sound. It was the sound of a conga drum, but I didn’t know where it was coming from. It wasn’t odd to hear music in the park, but to hear this tribal sound was. When I passed by the museum, I saw the lone drummer sitting on the steps. He was in his own world tranced by his playing. The light illuminated him as a silhouette on the museum steps.  I stopped a few feet away to listen.

It would be a while before I would see the drum player in the park again. I was always looking for new inspiration for my photographs and I wondered if he would allow me to photograph him while he was playing.

I was to meet him one Sunday afternoon in the park before another photo appointment I had made. We talked a little to get acquainted. I found out he was into meditation and I decided I would incorporate that into some of the photographs.
I told him I was looking for some models to promote and he showed an interest. We set up an appointment to do some test shots.

We then set up a day to do a photo shoot at a location of his choosing. I had become bored with doing studio sessions and was taking advantage of what the city had to offer.
He happened to choose and place I had not been since junior high school.
He took direction very well and contributed some of his own ideas. He wasn’t afraid to push himself.

A photographer can only do so much, but with the right model, art can be created.

Coming up: Ramsey, Sara, Simone, Ron, Dlonzo Models, The Nexx Fazz of models

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

Coming up: Simone, Wilbert, Ron C, Ronald, Merlin, Dino, Carolyn

The Art behind the photograph (Models) Part 2

The first time I was offered a modeling job was by accident. The model I am featuring is how it all began for us both.
My aunt was not crazy about the modeling industry. She had read the stories behind Brooke Shields and didn’t want her daughters to be a part of it. So once they turned 18 they were allowed to go on auditions. I do know there were many preparations before hand.
Modeling is not an easy industry to get into and if you’re planning on making it a career you have to meet the requirements.

(This has always been one of my favorite photographs when it comes to fashion. It's interesting how clothes really do help a photograph. When the model feels comfortable and confident, things just come together.)

I decided I was going to try something different and that was by making sure all of the models were the same height, on the runway no one could tell the difference.
When I started Dlonzo Modeling Troupe most of the girls were about 5’ 4”, they had the look and they had the walk. I had become tired of going to the fashion shows and seeing the same faces over and over.
I also didn’t like the way the agencies got a percentage even when you got a job on your won. I decided at that point that I would get in on the business and learn as much as I could.

I was already taking photographs and putting together portfolios. The next step was to find jobs for the models.

I then created Dlonzo Models and covered the spectrum from petite to regular size models. For every four female models I have one male. The models all had unique looks and I showed them how to use this as a stepping stone to whatever they wanted to do.
Some of my models have since told me they were no longer shy in front of people.

I learned to deal with people, write up contracts and model releases. I also taught my models how to manage themselves so that they could make more money. Unless I had to negotiate something their money was their own.

I enjoyed meeting people and the perks that came along with modeling.

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

Coming up: Simone, Wilbert, Ron C, Ronald, Merlin, Dino, Carolyn

The Story behind the Photographs (Models) Part 1

A friend, also a photographer created this image of himself for his business cards several years ago. I liked the image so I copied it for myself. Currently we are both using the images for our business cards.

After years of taking pictures, I made a decision that I wouldn’t ask anyone to pose in a way that I wouldn’t be comfortable doing. Of course if I didn’t look a certain way then I wouldn’t pose. Sometimes I’ll create an image with someone else and wonder what would I look like if I were in that pose.

This was one of the first images I did of myself for my portfolio when I was not happy with how other photographers were doing pictures and charging so much. This opened the door for new opportunities.

I used myself in a lot of pictures that I would sometimes re do with other would be models. As much as I admire some photographers I didn’t want to copy them and instead chose to copy myself. If I find a person I wish to photograph or that is looking for something different I’ll go back and decide which photograph I’d like to do a new take on it. Coming up with new ideas for photographing a person and keeping them safe becomes limited. So for a lot of photographers that’s where digital photography comes in. I must admit I’ve done a few things with different programs, but if I’m going to use a program I’m going to try and do something really different. As I’ve stated many times, artists do think alike so you’re bound to see something that you’ve created without evening seeing another artists’ work.

I did a photo shoot of someone in biker shorts and I wondered what would I look like in them; this was the result. I've gotten lots of comments on this one.

How I got into modeling was really by accident. I had always wanted to get into acting, but I was steer in another direction and it wasn’t until 1982 that someone even mentioned modeling to me. One of my supervisors, Janice C. had taken a Polaroid of me at one of the company functions and said I should think about modeling. A few months later I was without a job and I had gone on an interview with one of my cousins who was interested in modeling. There seemed to be some interest in me, but I didn’t take it seriously. I wasn’t 6’ tall and I didn’t think I was that attractive. As I’ve learned over the years beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So just because you may not like something about yourself doesn’t mean someone else might think the same.

Black and White had become my signature colors. I was lucky enough that Benneton, Oaktree and Chess King allowed me to only where these colors. I did where color in other shows especially when I modeled Willi Wear by the late designer Willi Smith. I had begun experimenting with non traditional backdrops to create my art.

There was a person I photographed and they left some biker shorts behind and I decided to see what would I look like in them. The finished project for me was this photograph which I got many comments on.

The image below sort of inspired this image of myself. I was just curious as to what I would look like. I was quite surprised. Not everyone can get away with wearing leather.

I never thought all leather would be great for me to wear, but I did have quite a few leather jackets. I never owned anything else because I just thought paying as much for a pair of pants and never having an opportunity to wear them was a waste of money. Of course if I had bought a motor bike then it would have made a difference. I always wanted a motor bike, but never invested in one. I borrowed some leather gear from a friend and I did a series of pictures that just blew me away.  Years before the only other person I had ever photographed in leather was Don E.

This image I am really proud of the way it came out. I was using the traditional back drop and lighting. There's a mystery within the art as the partial shadow lurks behind the image.

These are images of myself and images that inspired the photographs. This is the art that I create.

I've been lucky to have had so many people just me with creating a vision that we would both cherish.
Come back to see and read the stories behind the ART. Become a follower, you can even do it anonymously.
Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Donna Summer the Artist

The passing of Donna Summer came as a big surprise.

 Although she hadn't been in the light for quite sometime she was still an integral part of my life and I always listen to her music.

 It's fun, energetic and inspiring.
 Donna Summer's music was a big part of the soundtrack of my life.

This is part of a drawing I did many years ago of the Legendary singer.

Aside from being one of my all time favorite singers, Donna Summer was a great artist.

 Her lithographs went for substantial amounts of money. Everything will be up in value now. Here are some of her lithographs.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Rest in peace, Donna Summer.

The story behind the Photograph (The Weddings)

The story behind the Photograph The Weddings - I am not a big advocate of weddings so as a photographer I’ve stayed away from them. The reason is just that people expect miracles to happen. Of course now in this digital age a photographer can create miracles, but I prefer to capture natural beauty. I don’t like manipulating photographs other than to create visual effects so I use filters for that purpose.

In all of my years of taking photographs I’ve done nine weddings. The first wedding was easy. I think the reason is because I only shot the reception. Some churches don’t allow photography or they don’t want the photographer on the altar.

The second wedding I photographed had some good shots and some not so good shots. The setting wasn’t right and the wedding was put together so quickly there was not time to check out the places before hand. For me as a photographer having everything planned out is very important.

I had pretty much decided weddings would not be a part of my list of events to photograph so I didn’t include it on my business card.
Of course things happen and you find yourself going against what you said you wouldn’t do.
One of my models insisted that I do their wedding. I couldn’t refuse after all this person had done for me. I agreed to do the wedding on one condition. That I allow to do the photographs I wanted after the wedding. This was going to involve locations. Some of the unused locations in New Orleans.

I was already psyched about these photographs that I was able to shoot everything else without any real problems. I made sure I had enough film and took more pictures than I would normally take just in case. I wanted to make sure the client had what they needed to tell their story. From the rehearsal to the reception.

I did find out something very important. As they say you learn something new everyday… When a bride doesn’t have a wedding planner, it is the responsibility of the photographer to make sure things run smoothly. That means making sure the wedding party doesn’t spend the entire reception taking pictures. You are responsible for setting up the first dance with the DJ or band. You are to get the group shots, the cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc. You pretty much run the show. It was all a great experience and I had no problem with that.
I was looking forward to the on location stuff because this is where I was going to get to create ART. That’s what I do.

In 1999 I photographed my last wedding. Once again another model asked me to photograph his wedding. Of course I had to explain to him that although he liked my work it was his soon to be wife’s wedding. So they came over for a consult to look at my work and to discuss her vision and my vision.
I went over to the reception hall, everything was going to take place under one roof. Once again I would take on the responsibility of making sure the wedding was on schedule and that they were able to enjoy their reception. I was pleased with what I had done. Which for me is very important because if I don’t feel as if I’ve done my best then I didn’t do my job. I have to make sure the client is happy with the finished product.

The one thing about doing photographs of family and friends for such memorable events is that if something goes wrong it could destroy that relationship. Wedding photography I believe is the most stressful job a photographer can take on. There is a big burden that comes along with the job. If you can think of it as an art, then you can get through it as a surreal experience. Since we are now in the digital age I might consider doing a wedding when I start meeting people again. I would want to have total freedom and do what I do best. Create ART!

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

The story behind the Art Part 2 Sly

I first met Sylvester when he was in Junior high school. He was friends with my cousins.   He was very mature for his age and loved movies.

When I started Dlonzo Modeling Troupe, Sylvester became my DJ since he was good with electronics and was also in the school band. I had never seen Sylvester as a model (Although he was the groom in a wedding sequence in my first major fashion show, as an inside joke. He actually liked the model a lot.) I had hoped they would have gotten together. (That’s another story. LOL)

Sylvester and I hung out a lot until I got him his first job at Frenchy’s. It was a sandwich shop near the lakefront in New Orleans. After high school Sylvester joined the military and I never heard from him until 1992. He was living in Seattle. He started telling me about the film festival and the celebrities he was meeting. I had always wanted to make a movie and as a kid the family and cousins were always in front of my camera. Even when they didn’t want to be.

I was good with people and knew if I made it to Seattle something might happen. Since the modeling in New Orleans was coming to an end. (I had gone through some difficult times and decided I’d leave it alone.)

In 1993 I had decided to go to Seattle and this was sort of the beginning of me getting back into the photography. The Seattle International Film Festival had set up interviews with the celebrities and one of the people I had met was a writer, I was brought in as the photographer to take pictures to go along with the story. All thanks to Sylvester.

When I returned to New Orleans, Sylvester had planned to come a few weeks later. One of my cousins and his friend was getting married. It would be Sylvester’s first trip back to New Orleans since he had left in 1984.

I had taken a job working for a friend and I had access to his home. Some how we must have talked about doing some photos. I had arranged for Sylvester to come to the house with me and we ended up doing a photo shoot. After all those years of producing fashion shows, now when I was no longer a part of the scene I would discover that Sylvester was a natural in front of the camera. Perhaps him moving to Seattle opened his mind. Sometimes all it takes is for us to walk out of our own backyard to discover our potential.
Everyone I knew was very comfortable posing for me and I would never ask anyone to do something that I wouldn’t have done as long as I looked good.

The next year when I returned to Seattle Sylvester really surprised me. I came up with the idea which was inspired by a photograph in Madonna’s Sex book. The theme of the Seattle International Film Festival was See what the world is coming to… Sylvester had purchased a pair of the boxer briefs which had the titled across the butt. I was not going to turn down a chance to create some art with my best friend.

Sylvester like myself always wanted to do cinematography. I did both so I had agreed when we would make a film we’d share the job. After seeing the film Bad Boy Bubby, we knew it was actually possible to have several people film a project.

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The story behind the Art

                   Every photograph, drawing and painting has a story. Not just the story that it tells once it is complete, but the story that made the work of art what it is. One of my best non-fashion photo shoots was the image that is now known as Jose’ as Jesus.
It began with a conversation with someone I had photographed a few months earlier, Olav. Olav was putting putting together his portfolio to find work in the U.S. in the modeling and entertainment industry. When he found out I would be going to the Seattle International Film Festival, they suggested I contact someone if I needed a place to stay. I took the information down, but I already had accommodations set up. Still there was something that said contact the person to at least make a new friend. This was my second year attending SIFF so I was prepared for how the people known as Fool Serious, eat, drink and sleep film so to speak.

When one is really involved in the film festival, finding time in between films is difficult, but I managed to find time. My best friend at the time, Sly and I walked over to the apartment of Shane. It turned out that Shane was having a birthday party; he offered us some champagne and he invited us to come back. The concept of the party was that everyone knew him, but they did not know each other. I thought that was a great idea. This way I didn’t have to feel out of place.
My friend and I went to the next screening and we agreed to come back to the party. How could I resist a party that was serving champagne.

  When we arrived back there were quite a few people at the party. I got myself a glass of champagne and I mingled. Once I’ve been some place I don’t have a problem meeting people and I was already up one since I had met the host and my friend was tagging along. There were several interesting people at the party, but one person really stood out.
We began talking and some how we got on the conversation of the crucifix. I think I may have mentioned I had just returned from Italy and how it was an incredible experience. I felt born again. I told him this idea I had for the crucifix and he told me he had a similar idea, but he wanted to build a crucifix, lay it on the floor and have the photographer film from above.

I remember I kept staring at his wrists. There were these red markings as if it were dry blood. I didn’t want to ask and I made an assumption that he might be suicidal. We exchanged numbers and we had arranged to meet the following day.

I remember Jose, Shane and myself met for lunch. We then back to Shane’s apartment to look at photographs. It turned out that Shane was also a photographer and he wanted me to see some of his work. While going through his photo album I spotted a photograph of a cross. My brain immediately began working. There were questions spewing from my lips. Where was the cross located? Could we get there? We had to rearrange our schedules. That meant we’d have to miss a day of films, Sly agreed and we had scheduled a shoot.

I remember going with Jose to see his place, do some test shots and to pick out the costumes we’d use for the shoot.

At this point in time, in NOLA I Never would have been so bold as to try anything like this. This opened up my mind to a world of possibilities. I was no longer just a photographer, I was becoming an artist. It’s easy for me to say that now, but back then I didn’t know. I just liked taking pictures. I just knew I wanted to push the envelope and I was going with what I felt.

The one question I should have asked, but neglected to do so was, how big was the cross? When we arrived at the cemetery where some of Seattle’s celebrities are buried I was amazed at the size of the cross. It was a magnificent work of art in itself. The subject was dwarfed by it’s size, but a bizarre miracle was about to take place. My friend Sly was going to video tape the entire photo shoot. Another friend Tina, was going to do stills of Sly video taping. You have to look closely at the cross because there is no ledge. Jose, the subject appears to be stuck to the cross. This is not photo shop. Jose’ designed the crown from some flowers he found in the cemetery. He changed clothes while up on the cross. The first outfit was a long duster. At the end of the photos on the cross, when we played back the video there was a crow that had come out.

None of us knew how our lives would change after this shoot.

Sly, my friend who was video taping the entire thing was in a very bad car accident and lost his eye sight. Jose who I never saw again, appeared in a music video and was last thought to have moved to Japan. All I ever knew was that he was using the photos in his portfolio. The guy who gave the party, Shane, visited me once in NOLA and I photographed him. We stayed in touch for a while. He moved to Amsterdam and got married and has a kid.

Sly and I remained friends up until 1999. Till this day I don’t know what caused him to stop speaking to me. The footage we had shot we were planning to submit it as a short film in SIFF, but that never happened. I finally got my hand on the footage and it’s been transferred to DVD, but I’ve done nothing else. I’ve only watched the footage twice since. This is also the first time that I am sharing this part of the story in greater detail.

I tried to get the photograph into an art gallery, but the first place I went it was rejected because of the subject matter. I was really proud of this photograph that I enlarged it and had it framed in my home which caused controversy there as well. Who knew art could be such a touchy subject when it involved me.
A few years later I’d place it in a shop called Sirens on commission, but it never sold there either. Still, I consider it to be one of my best non fashion photographs. It is truly a work of art. It shows the potential of my creative mine especially when I have a subject that is as eager as I am to create something unique.

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