Another Phase of Change

 

Today I am officially laid off; yesterday ended my extended furlough. The last few weeks I've been reflecting on the first time I was laid off. I was 21 years old, it was my first job ever. I was working for a large oil company. I had always wanted to have a job where I sat behind a desk and that miracle happened at 19. My title was accounting/purchasing file clerk. I handled files for both departments, as well as confidential files, which gave me a heads up that the lay offs were coming. I used to telefax documents to Qatar, Dubai and other locations overseas where there were drilling platforms. A telefax machine is like a fax machine except you stayed on the line until the other party received the document. From time to time my drafting and art skills would be used. I taught myself as much as I could beyond my daily duties. I learned to use the computers, microfish machines, etc. Eventually I would be doing errands, making bank deposits, whatever was needed.

I wasn't aware that I would get paid for not working. The idea of unemployment made me estatic. Luckily my parents were very understanding and supportive so I was able to save some money by them reducing my rent.

As I was trying to figure out what I was going to do, there were some opportunities that presented themselves. Before I was laid off, my supervisor had taken a polaroid of me at some company function. She had asked if I ever thought about modeling. Of course the thought never crossed my mind. Acting was still in the back of my mind, but that is another story.

My oldest brother was working for an insurance company and one of the clients was Paramount Pictures. Since my brother knew I liked movies he asked if I wanted to take his place on a few assignments. Soon it became a regular thing for a few months.

In the 80's there were movies that catered to black audiences and some movie theaters didn't want many blacks in the theater. When a theater received a movie there was a contract that the movie would stay in house for (X) amount of weeks. The only way a movie could be removed was if they could show it wasn't making money. So, when a black person purchased a ticket for a certain movie, the theater was counting it towards a different movie. My job was to count the tickets to make sure it matched the count that was sold. The perk was that I got to see any movie that Paramount was releasing. Over time I got to know management really well at a few theaters and I could bring along a few people and see any movie. I got to visit a lot of theaters I normally wouldn't go to for the reasons that I was always told blacks were not welcomed. It's hard to say with everything that is going on if people just tolerated me or if they really liked me or what? I would like to think it was the latter. I would like to believe that if someone didn't like me it wasn't because of the color of my skin. It was because they didn't like something else about me. That's the way I judge people. It had nothing to do with the color of their skin. It had to do with the attitude, the commonality, and sometimes I made a mistake. I believed in first impressions and sometimes people need to make a second impression. I have learned a lot over the years because I have experienced a lot. I know that experiences from our childhood, dicate how we are in our adult lives. Any type of traumatic experience can transfer over to everyday life without one knowing it. Depending on how your parents explained things to you, it put in motion how you would go through life.

I've heard many black people say the white man will keep you down. That was never my experience. I had more issues with black people then I did with white people. I didn't talk or act black enough. Being smart and experiencing life didn't always make me well liked; sometimes I would dumb it down. I learned from many people in my family that you do what you have to do to survive. I wasn't going to let anyone change my view on how I navigated the world. Of course I question things all the time. There was a point I questioned my blackness. What does it mean to be black and how do you get through it when your family is mixed? Are you supposed to hate them?

The other opportunity that presented itself was a chance to model. One of my cousins was working for a beautician and she was doing a hair and fashion show and I some how got involved. I came up with this idea to start my own modeling troupe. The lady who ran the beauty salon encouraged me to do it and that's what I did. I contacted everyone I knew who I thought might be interested. I had even recruited a few models from the hair/fashion show. There were so many supportive people in my life at that time. Family and friends. We started out modeling our own clothes and then I was asked to do a show for the boys at Milne Boys Home. Some of the boys actually modeled with one of the other modeling organizations.

It was a chance to get some exposure so we agreed to volunteer our services as everyone else was doing. I had 20 models for my first show. The opening sequence was some of my designs incorporated with the models own clothes and a boutique had allowed us to use the blouses for a few of the girls. The opening sequence was just amazing. I was so proud of what we had done. Of course because of our height we weren't going to make careers out of this, but it was a chance to meet people and to use it as a stepping stone to something else. We were all so young back then. Although I didn't know it at the time, we were on to something as one of the department stores decided to start petite models. As long as everyone was the same height on the runway things didn't look off balance.

Eventually I was getting tired of staying home after about 6 months and in January of 1983 I began work for an office supply company where I would be for 18 years. I continued to model and my photography was really taking off because the models needed pictures. I was modeling solo almost every weekend for a while. Then I started to branch out and decided to have models of industry height. I then became an agency and Dlonzo Models was formed. I sent out head shots and sent them on auditions and soon got into commercials and back into movies.

I didn't tell anyone I worked with that I was modeling until several years later. I found out it sort of made my boss reluctant to move me up, but we had a sit down and that all changed. I was doing customer service, inside sales and purchasing of office products. Years before I was laid off I would be the wholesale buyer. In 2001 I was laid off again after 18 years and I decided I would go ahead and retire. Of course I couldn't get any government benefits, but I was able to pull it off. I was eventually able to do the things I loved while taking care of my mother who was bedridden. My father had passed away the year before and although it was a big change, I was able to survive. I was able to pay everything off and there was nothing to worry about except take care of my mother. I learned so much about Medicare and Medicaid and Home health care and keeping my mother at home where she would be comfortable. A lot of what I did is virtually impossible for most of my friends who are now going through similar situations. The benefits just aren't there.

I realize that most people don't like certain people because they see themselves in that person. They are not ready to face that reality. They lash out not really knowing what is going on. All they know is that they are angry because someone is doing something they have always wanted to do. I didn't particularly like artists, but in 2001 I declared myself one. I had to accept that fact. As a child every apptitude test pointed me in that direction and I tried to fight it. I love creating things and have been fortunate enough to dable in many aspects, but writing, and photography are my main focus.

(Next up: My journey to Austin)

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

A fascination with tats.

I am not sure when I had an attraction to this particular art form. I of course would never get a tattoo, but I had thought about it. When I was on the Big Island I had one of those temporary tats of a gecko. It was made to look like a tribal design. I still have one that I was thinking of using in a photo shoot.

I’ve known many people with tats that I’ve photographed on several occasions and there are people I’ve just seen around and asked if I could photograph their tats.

There are people who have tats that aren’t always visible. I'm intrigued when people tell me they have tats. There are some really great works out there.
I’ve also come to realize tats don’t look good on everyone. Some people just know how to pull it off like fashion. The right canvas makes everything look just right. Some times I am only interested in the tat and there are other times when the person is just as intriguing; it helps with telling the story. But not everyone wants to be photographed so I just do the best I can to capture the moment.

The images featured here were taken during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It happened to be one of those times when the weather was warm and everything was visible.

I am still on the prow for people with unique tats that would like to be photographed. I have several locations around Austin where I would like to shoot that, but since the focus is on the tat, whatever city I am in I can always pull it together.

I’m hoping I can get some new equipment and create a studio/gallery here in Austin. I’ve found a few spots now I just have to work on my business plan and see if I can get the funds together. I also have to give myself a time frame. If I wait too long I could miss out, but I always feel when things don’t come together as I plan it just wasn’t meant to be at that moment.


Artography by Dlonzo “It’s not just a Photograph, it’s Art!”

If you are in need of an artist/photographer to capture your event from concept to completion contact me, 1960Photo@gmail.com or Photo1960@aol.com

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads.

Check out my other blogs for more insight.
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
http://filmlover4pg.blogspot.com
http://artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.
Taking it one day at a time. Keep the faith.

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

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).

Check out the links below for some of my 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.

An Update from the Artist

There was a magazine called Bluecanvas that I stumbled across a few years ago in a Barnes and Noble bookstore. I then checked out the website and saw that I could upload my art to sell. Although I didn’t sell anything to my knowledge, I liked the idea of being able to have other artists critique my work. I also got to be involved in a virtual community of artists where we could collect and share each others work.

A few weeks ago I found out the site would be shutting down. It probably has to do with the fact that it isn’t generating enough income to run the site.

I was thinking about posting some of that art here if it is still on this computer. I have been working on some newer stuff which I also hope to post.

I got me a new camera which I have been teaching myself how to operate. It wasn’t the camera that I wanted, but it’s a start to get back into being in control of my photos. I keep trying to get that same effect as I did with the 35mm camera. That was the reason I wanted to stay with Pentax, but the camera I wanted was a bit pricey at the moment. So I’ll keep working toward getting the money saved to buy it.

There are always newer models coming out. I’m learning to use a Canon, but there are some things I don’t like. As I get familiar with the camera perhaps it won’t matter as much. There are things that I didn’t like with the Casio and I got used to it.
Now that I have a laptop with Windows 10 I’m using the photo program to enhance some of the images that just couldn’t be taken over. Sometimes you only have a moment and once it is gone you can’t recreate it. So, if the shot it blurred or a little out of focus, you do what you must do.

Artography by Dlonzo “It’s not just a Photograph, it’s Art!”

If you are in need of an artist/photographer to capture your event from concept to completion contact me, 1960Photo@gmail.com or Photo1960@aol.com

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads.

Check out my other blogs for more insight.
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
http://filmlover4pg.blogspot.com
http://artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.
Taking it one day at a time. Keep the faith.

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

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).

Check out the links below for some of my 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.

Artography by Dlonzo "It's not just a photograph, it's ART!"

In November of 1982, I started something that I had never ever thought about. Most of us think about being famous and we chase after that dream until something else comes along. I always thought I would be an actor, but the plan changed when I was asked to return home to attend school at least for two years. I was 17 when I graduated from high school and my mother thought I was too young to be in California alone. It was one of those things that just wasn’t meant to be. I had some connections, but mother usually always wins. LOL.

I came up with a new plan as to what I wanted to do. College just wasn’t for me, but I did learn some stuff that came in handy. The entire time I was in college I just kept thinking I wanted a job where I could sit behind a desk. I really didn’t care what it was as long as there was a desk. There was no size of a desk, just the image of me behind a desk. I was majoring in Architecture which again was not my original plan. When I had applied to Berkley I wanted to major in commercial art. I followed the rules as they say on getting that first job, but it wasn’t working. Finally I just made a call and it lead to my first job and I was sitting behind a desk. I also got a chance to use some of that drafting I had learned.

 When I got laid off from my first job I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. That was a blow to my new plan, but I found out I could get unemployment. I would get paid not to have to work. To a 21 year old that was like, so cool. Right before the lay off’s one of my supervisors had taken a picture of me at a company function and asked if I ever thought about modeling. I laughed.

I took a weekend gig working for Paramount Pictures’ insurance company and started to look into other things I liked to do. I had started taking pictures and I had sold a few. I didn’t really know what types of pictures I wanted to take specifically so I was doing some of everything. Buildings, people, anything that appealed to me.

One day I went to a modeling audition with a cousin and I decided to try out. I mean, it never crossed my mind especially since I was not 6 feet tall. The guy in charge of the agency said he could get me work. Now whether or not he was running a scam or not I wasn’t sure, but I was working and I was making good money and I still had a new plan.

I had another cousin who was working for a hair stylist that was putting on a hair show and they needed some people to model hair and clothing. There was no pay involved, but it was a new experience. It suddenly hit me, why not start my own group of models. The woman in charge encouraged me to do it and that’s when Dlonzo Modeling Troupe was created. We started out small and then began to expand. I called everyone that I could think of who I thought would want to be apart of my venture. The majority of us had never thought about modeling, but I saw it as a stepping stone to other things. A chance to meet people, make new friends and connections. It also provided some extra money for camera equipment and other things for my studio. I passed along as many perks and information to my models as I could. Tickets to events, discounts on clothing, etc.

When I started getting work for my models with other people I then became an agent when needed. Since there were other agencies involved in other shows, sometimes the models’ checks would go to them and I’d have to step in to make sure they got paid. I would then charge a standard 10% fee to get them their money. Then I saw a new opportunity and the name was changed to Dlonzo Models. In the beginning we were all around the same height so that it really didn’t seem odd on the runway. As opportunities presented themselves I went with the industry standards, but my original models always had a spot. One of the department stores took my idea and created petite models. The industry called for Female models to be 5’9” and male models at least 5’11”.

The head of Elite models once said, “you can’t teach modeling, you either have it or you don’t.” I always believed that. Some models have a face, some have a body and some have a walk. Finding all three is the challenge.

Things were really working out. I was working almost every weekend as I still had my regular job. I would produce a show for groups trying to raise money and then I worked for others. When I wasn’t working I was focusing on taking pictures. At the time I didn’t think of my photographs as art, but when people would look at my portfolio they would start telling me my work looked like other photographers whom I had never heard of. When I started doing research I saw the resemblance and I started to see myself and my work differently.

Artography by Dlonzo was the name I came up with before I started Dlonzo Modeling Troupe. I wanted to create a persona that would allow me to still have my privacy. (Today they call it branding.) Although I had always dreamed of being famous, I never wanted my life to change.
Andy Warhol once said, “In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.”
I used to get recognized from a commercial I had done, but I could always play it off. Of course children can sometimes insist that they recognize you. People would always tell me I looked familiar. In the late 80’s  and 90’s I would get mistaken for Spike Lee.
I started wearing baseball caps and had circle rimmed glasses like he did. (Although I liked Spike Lee’s movies, I didn’t like people thinking I was him.)

In 1989 when an article was written about me in the times picayune my life changed for a brief moment and then everything seemed to change. (When I look at the article now there was some misinformation, but that’s journalism.) There were more doors opening, but there were other things happening as well. My models were going through personal things that made me rethink what I was doing.

Early on I had decided I would give anyone who wanted to model the chance. Who was I to tell someone they couldn’t do something. After all, I decided to take it on when I wasn’t part of industry standards. There were some that were really talented and if they had been taller could have probably made a career on the runways of New York. I did have a few models move into the film world and commercials.

In the early 90’s there was a young girl that really wanted to be a model. Turns out her mother was a model when she was younger. She was featured in my last show at the Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie, Louisiana. That show was the biggest I had ever done. I was introducing many new faces. I got to model for Benetton and Oaktree. Stores such as Porter Stevens, 5-7-9, and The Limited participated in the show. I was trusted with thousands of dollars worth of clothing as some of the stores were not open on Sundays. I knew I was on my way.

 I had found someone that wanted to invest in the career of the young model. Things were starting to happen until she was found dead. Then there seemed to be some sort of snowball effect. Two models died tragically, and another from illness.

My parents had become concerned about me, but I was okay. I just couldn’t believe what was happening. Everything just came to a halt. I just stopped everything.
It was almost a year later when I picked up my camera again to take pictures when I went to Seattle, Washington for the first time to attend the Seattle International Film Festival. I was now focusing my attention on something else. My art was now becoming my therapy and the camera was bringing it all to light.
The photographs tell the story of a moment in time.

In 2001, I decided to embrace the fact that I was an artist. I would just create art through my writing, drawing, photography, poetry and performing.

Today I consider myself an Xtreme artist that takes pictures among other things. (see above.) It’s now Artography by Dlonzo and it is coming along in Austin, one picture at a time. I like to take things slow. I like to get to know the people I would like to photograph. I want the picture to speak to the viewer. And the client will remember that moment as if it were just taken.

I understand being an artist is not a bad thing. We have to embrace our creativity. Without creativity and curiosity the world would be a boring place.

 No one would ask questions and no one would give there interpretation through visuals. I just focus on doing the best I can and enjoying what I do.

Artography by Dlonzo “It’s not just a Photograph, it’s Art!”

I've had the opportunity to photograph some great people. Some went on to greater things. It was such a pleasure and I cherish the art that they helped me create.
Thanks to everyone who ever stepped in front of my camera.



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 keep 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 Part 9

(This image was taken on the beach in Pensacola, Florida.)

As I’ve mentioned before, I had some great people to step in front of my camera. They didn’t have a lot of hang ups and they allowed me to create art. Some of them really enjoyed it and there were some that were just doing it as a favor to me. There were also those that just went with the flow because it was part of their job.

(A body with the right lines makes it all so easy to photograph. There are no wrong angles.)

B.C. I met in 2001 and I immediately wanted to photograph him. I’m always looking for something different when I seek out people to photograph. Either they have interesting features or body type. Covered in tats or blue eyes. Capturing a person’s eye color has always been a challenge in natural light. You have to have just the right angle, but you don’t want to give too much direction to a person that has never posed before because you don’t want them to get bored.

Most of the time I’ll have a person pose and I’ll do the moving so that they can just be relaxed. Then we can both be surprised by the outcome.

(I use every opportunity I can when I see a great shot. After all, I am creating art.)

I first met D2 in 1996 in Seattle. The tat on his wrist was all that I could see. After getting to know him better I asked about photographing him and whether or not he had other tats? I photographed him in his work attire and casual, but it would be several years before I would actually get to photograph his tats. He came to New Orleans and I did some shots that focused on the tats. Several years later I would fly to Seattle and get some great outdoor shots.

(It begins with a simple shot and I can see the potential in the subject.)

My camera opened up an entirely new world to me. He gave me confidence and allowed me to create art that I am proud of and so are the subjects that have posed in front of my camera.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again.




Coming up: The Nexx Fazz of Models F.D. McDermott, Coca, Jack

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 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 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.

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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.

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.