Superstar Revisited

Nearly a year ago I worked on a project known as Superstar. The music video is finished, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

You can click HERE to read my previous post highlighting the production and my work as Director of Photography. Gifted, the songwriter/singer has worked with artists such as Ne-Yo, Jagged Edge, and Bei Major. He's also performed beside Miguel, Brian McKnight, and Marques Houston. In summation, he's got talent.

This production pushed my knowledge to its full extent, but the experience helped me understand the importance of lighting. Soul, aesthetic, and opinion do not pervade the depths of a camera. It should not dictate the experience. A strong cinematographer does not rely purely on the strength of the camera. They intertwine a mixture of movement, lighting, and placement to capture the director's vision. A cinematographer is a visual storyteller. The camera is his workspace, but light is his foremost tool.

Check out the behind the scenes video to learn more about the cast and crew of the music video too.

Welcome to the #QueSystem

First and foremost, I'd like to tell everyone some great news. I am officially a magna cum laude, College of Arts and Sciences, New College, Telecommunications and Films, Beta Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi graduate of the University of Alabama. 

I'm an alumni folks. It feels great. Currently, I'm working on a few things. I'm getting a new demo reel ready for this year. You can check it in my post A Year in Review. I passed the footage for Beta Eta Spring 2012's probate to my editor, and I'm waiting to hear back from a company that may be hiring me when I move out to California. Finally, I'm going to be working on a video for the graduating class of 2012. I always make work for myself, but I'm at my best when I'm pushing my craft. 


Now, I'd like to share some work with you from Beta Eta Que's 2012 Week at Alabama aptly named "The Que System." We decided to base our week around The Kobe System, a collection of videos highlighting the arrogantly awesome entity that is Kobe Bryant. You can watch all of them HERE.


These videos led to the parody name of our week, "The Que System." Justin Streeter, probably the most well known Que on our campus, played the role of Kobe for us (I'll be linking some of my fraternity brothers that were in the videos as I say their name). 

In substitution of high-profile celebrities used in The Kobe System, we poked fun at the various fraternities and sororities on campus.  I also ended up producing a litany of other promotional videos for the week as well. 


We decided to shoot a parody of R.Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet" music dramedy based on campus greeks. My fraternity brother, Marcus Ayers, has a knack for impromptu hilarity so it ended up being one of the more interesting videos. 

Trapped in the Closet (Greek Edition) 

Part 1 and 2 were shot using the Canon 5D MKII along with a H4N Zoom recorder I held hear the rapper during his time freestyling. I used the method to make sure the music on site didn't overpower hearing the rapper's lyrics. 


Alabama Cypher Pt.1 

Alabama Cypher Pt.2

The ChoQuelate Factory was a invite only event we held for individuals who supported Beta Eta (The Ques of Alabama) during the year. We decided to let Errius play the role of Que Hefner in the video. 


The ChoQuelate Factory

As a chapter, we did a good amount of parodies and skit videos for the week, so Reggie recommended we shoot a video similar to VH1's "Behind the Music" series. So the idea for "Behind the Boots" was born. I wanted this to exemplify the other side of our chapter many individuals don't get to see. This was the favorite for a good majority of people. 


Behind the Boots- Beta Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi

Finally, I tend to only post videos that I shot on Que The Lights, but this next video is an exception. If you've ever heard of Phillip and Emmanuel Hudson then you know about the internet sensation, Ratchet Girl Anthem. It's an example of the internet at its best. A simple semi-freestyle over a beat pointing out the indiscretions of ratchet (ghetto or you can look up the term on Urban Dictionary) girls that went viral. Ayers along with UA football player, Bowman, decided to make a remix for Que Week. 


Greek Ratchet Girl Anthem

I hope everyone at The University of Alabama enjoyed Que Week 2012 since this is the last one I'll be working as an undergraduate. It's been a great four years. I wouldn't change anything. 


Also, you're welcome. 

AKA: Welcome to The Mafia

I've you haven't noticed by now I've done a lot of mob related films since I started Que The Lights.

There was my early (very early) work for the my fraternity. Afterwards, I shot a mob themed video for Que-Delta week at The University of Alabama. Now, I'm coming back to tested territory and I wanted to make sure I utilized my past knowledge to make a video far in tune with my growth as a filmmaker. now The Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is looking to bring the mafia back.

The AKAs wanted a Citizen Kane/Strangelove film noir look for their video. It would be reminiscent of the old black and white detective films where lights and shadows played an integral part in setting the mood. For this venture I enlisted the help of my editor, Douglas D. 

For this explanation I'm mainly focusing on the shots seen starting from 00:50 or the Round Table Scene.

This video was shot using a 3 camera set up. We used a Canon 5D MK II along with an Arri Lighting Kit ,six C-Stands, and six silk flags. 

For the master shot we set up a 650 Arri to the front right shooting towards the table (mainly on the girls in all white on the left). Next, we set up the 300 Arri to light on the left of the frame shooting towards the girls in all black. I wanted to illuminate the all white dresses (giving a more pristine look), while leaving the darker dresses to somewhat blend in with the darkness behind them. Finally, we took the 150 Arri and set it in the foreground to lightly backlight the girls in all black. Finally, to block off all of the extra light (turning all of these lights on would completely overexpose even the darkest room) we set up silks on the 650 and 300. We left the 150 bare.  We then took a lamp and set it right behind the head woman at the table to give her a backlight and illumination. We wanted to emphasize her importance as "The Don" of the table. 

For the singles (close up shots of each person) we set the camera on a pile of magazines (I know, very professional) so we could strong close up without moving the table out of the scene. For each single we took the 150 Arri light and positioned it towards the actor to better illuminate her face during her single. 

For the medium shots where we focused solely on each side of the table we kept the lighting identical to the master shot save repositioning the lights to better illuminate that side of the table for a moment. 

We shot this all in one night. It took around 4 hours, but I consider that very expedient because of the amount of preparation we took testing preparing each light set up. Of course, the master shot took the longest to get right. Once we had that together, everything went smoothly from there. 

So, if you'd ever like to ask me a question about lighting or cameras in general feel free to contact me. 

I hope this quick behind the scenes post gave you some insight on how to light a proper Black & White scene. 

Also, be sure to check out my latest feature on website, I Am The Nu Black. I recently wrote a post entitle Journey of a Student Filmmaker detailing my time as a filmmaker and my decisions on graduate school for film school. Click the banner below to check it. 

Terry Rice

I'm always looking for new talent to submerge my work around. Sometimes I find interesting models around campus. In other instances I find myself working with the closest people around me.

T.Rice is my neophyte. This is a common term used by fraternities to signify a younger member in your respective chapter. Terry has been looking to break into modeling for a good amount of time, but we never got around to working together because of the busy schedule of the fraternity.

We finally got around to working together and the products are on point.

I have a good amount of new work floating around my FLICKR. I'd recommend checking out the link and seeing my latest work.

Update: I was accepted into NYU. Along with being accepted into USC, I'm waiting to hear back from UCLA and Columbia!

The Business

When it comes to my work, as well as my proclivity towards featuring videos on the site, I tend to lean more towards my creative side. This doesn't mean my work ends with projects I direct and shoot for my own purposes. On the contrary, the majority of my work is business oriented. Between my own projects (which usually span a good amount of time), I shoot a good amount of videos for The University of Alabama and clients who contract me.

One of the first videos I shot for The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama was Tanglewood. The video featured a bevy of heavyweights from The University at a dedication of new land bought by the university for scientific purposes.

The next video I produced and directed was The Paul Jones Art Gallery Dedication. The video featured faculty from The University of Alabama and close friends of the late Paul Jones, a well known artist in the Alabama area.

Outside of working for the University, I also shoot freelance jobs for clients interested in working with me. The most recent being the cover of Quang Do's spoken word piece, Knight in Shining Armor. 

I've even had cases where, instead of being the main shooter for a piece, I was instead given the artistic license to envision the concept. For this Fade2Black promo (which unfortunately did not pan out) Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity allowed me to come up with the concept for the video. I then worked with my editor (Douglas Dillingham of ZombieSquid Pictures) to bring the idea together. 

This is really 80% of my work. Shooting or creating ideas for Alabama or clients. In between I shoot pieces exclusively for my own purposes. I was once told if you're good at something, get people to pay you to do it. I'm proud to say I make money doing work that I enjoy. 

Few people can say such. 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Fall 2011: V.A.N.I.T.Y

It looks like I started another buzz at The University of Alabama.

A little over an hour ago I posted the Fall 2011 probate video for The Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Needless to say, it caught some buzz. In under an hour the viewcount jumped to over a thousand on the host site, vimeo. I didn't expect it to generate this much buzz, but when my editor, Doug D., showed me the finished piece, I knew we had something special. 

I took inspiration for this video from an earlier individual who shot a probate that completely blew my mind. This individual was John Ledbetter and his work is on point. I knew I wanted to make something as visually compelling as his piece, and when the AKAs hired me to videotape their probate I knew this was my chance. 

I hired three other camera men for the job, one of them being my photography friend and mentor, Kevyn Bryant. With three camera men (including myself) we put together our gear and set up a floor plan for the event. 

Gear: Canon 5D MK II (2), Canon 6D, Canon 550D

50mm Ziess f/1.4, 28mm Ziess f/2.8, Canon L 35mm f/1.4, Canon USM 50mm f/1.4

Audio: Zoom Audio Recorder, Shotgun Microphone

I set up Kevyn as my master shot setting him all the way in the back. Two camera men were placed at opposite sides of the stage ( I was one of the two), and I set up a side profile master shot to the right of the stage as well. 

This allowed us to cover all areas of the probate. I set the Ziess 50mm and Canon 50mm on the two closest cameras which would be moving in and out for medium shots and close ups. I set the Canon 35mm L  and Ziess 28mm f/2.8 on the master shot cameras for the wider coverage of the ballroom we were set in. 

Shooting was excruciating. I had a shoulder rig set up on my camera the entire time. I allowed the second camera opposite of me to work with a monopod. I wanted my shots to be a little less dangerous (and steady), while allowing my third camera-man to have more of a dynamic range. Still, the rig put a terrible ache in my back throughout the show, but I knew I had to capture this no matter what. 

Afterwards, I sat down with my editer, Doug, and went through the entire probate from start to finish. I wanted him to understand the importance of each phase of the event so he could flow quickly and seamlessly throughout since I wanted a short version as well as a long version. 

Doug delivered! The final cut looked great. I got some feedback from Ledbetter and had Doug spruce up a few shots, plus design a sleek introduction and ending logo for the video. 

I'm happy with this one, but I'm ecstatic over the fact people are enjoying this and sharing it rapidly. It feels good to know as a filmmaker your work is appreciated and your team makes something amazing. 

Working for New York Times

If you've read the title of the post you should already know what's coming. A few days ago, I got contracted by The New York Times to do freelance photography work.

I caught the job from Marquavius Burnett, the assistant Sports editor at the school's newspaper The Crimson White.

Last week Alabama took on LSU for what I would consider pre-emptive National Championship game (because most people should already have realized by now on one could beat these teams other than themselves).

The New York Times was covering the ongoing tension at each school and needed shots around campus to choose from.

Marquavius hit me up on twitter asking me if I wanted the job, but I didn't get back to him in time and another photographer picked it up. By some stroke of luck whoever the other photographer backed out and the spot opened up again.

There was no way I was going to let anyone jump on this before me. I shot a good amount of pictures for them, and they decided to go with my shot of the Paul Bear Bryant statue for the article.



I also took a few more shots of Bear.





Along with a few students from the University to cover everything they needed.



You can check the article on the New York Times site. The biggest outcome of this entire endeavor was the satisfaction of knowing individuals outside of my circle consider me a good photographer.

It meant a lot to know I was the first person Marquavius came to. I'm happy the other photographer (whoever you may be) opted out and gave me the chance to pick this job up.

This only makes me want to work harder.  Seeking validation in for my work is not my main priority, but I'd be lying if I said it doesn't make a difference.

To read more on my previous accomplishments check out the Featured page on Que The Lights.

I Gotta Hustle

Now that Homecoming is over life has gone back to relative normality. I have far more time to work on projects I'm not obligated towards. At the moment I'm working on a music video for Alabama rapper, Drama. I've come into contact with some very talented artists because of my work with North Greene records.

I usually shy away from doing music videos. This doesn't mean I'm not interested in the industry, but many of the artists that approach me usually have very sub-par music. Anyone that knows me understands I'll turn down money if a project doesn't interest me. In this case, if your music isn't well done I'll pass.

Drama and Trent surprised me. When I listened certain tracks I felt as if I were listening to something on the radio. From there I've been working with both. I'm focusing on Drama's video at the moment, but I'll more than likely work with Trent soon. Still, I have done some photography work for him.

You can find Trent on Twitter. To check out more of Trent's work click here. I recommend "I Gotta Hustle." To see more of our work together go to Flickr. Also, Que The Lights is now on Twitter. Be sure to follow us!

The 15th Lake

Homecoming is Oct. 7th and my entire life for the past month has been dedicated to coordinating our show. Stepping (or if you're a part of my fraternity hopping) is a choreographed style of dancing typically seen in the African American Greek community. If you've seen Stomp The Yard, you've seen a very basic representation of stepping.

If you're in the Tuscaloosa area I'd recommend coming to see the show. Even if stepping doesn't interest you you'll have the chance to see a show I personally brought together. You won't be disappointed.

Besides the step show, I've also been handling new types of cameras. I believe a good photographer or  cinematographer has the ability to pick up any type of camera, camcorder, dslr, etc, and make something spectacular.

Yea, there is a certain limit on any piece of equipment's ability, but this is when talent and technique should come into play.

I decided to shoot a time lapse around Forest Lake. This is the lake near 15th Street in Tuscaloosa, AL where the storm crossed over. It's been a recurring theme in all of my work dealing with the Tuscaloosa Tornado. After riding by the area one day and watching the sun set I knew I had to get out there.

Shooting took around four days. I filmed with a Sony HDV, edited in FCP, and graded in Apple Color. The music is Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.

Using the HDV was a huge step a large step away from my DSLR, but I wanted to prove to myself I could create a powerful piece of work even when I'm outside of my element.

Click on the thumbnails below to check out some of the pictures from around Forest Lake the day after the tornado.


You can also check it out the video on Youtube. I'm always looking for new followers and interesting people on twitter as well as tumblr.

Nobody Died But Me

One of the interesting aspects of creative projects is the fact your work with an individual can span a few weeks or years between the inspiration and completion of a project.

I'm usually inclined to post a feature on a model or artist immediately after I'm done with their project. I believe in helping those who help you. Still, I decided to wait a few months to post the rest of my work with rapper, Teej.

It's been a second, but I did dual post known as, Listen to the Babble, featuring poet, Sky Diggs, and Teej free-styling some of their best-known work. I also did a photoshoot with Teej along with featuring his talent as an MC.

Teej's mixtape "Nobody Died but Me" is coming out soon and I'm looking forward to seeing him on the map. Plus, if he ever wants to extend his talent modeling wouldn't be a stretch of the imagination.

To check out the rest of Teej's photoshoot click HERE. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @QueTheLights or click HERE.

Little Jailyn

Now that everything has substantially calmed down I'm back to work mode.

In the past week I've worked as a Technical Director for the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, finished up two photo-sessions, went on air at WVUA TV for another feature interview (which you can check out here),  finished up shooting interviews as the DP (Director of Photography) for an upcoming documentary on the aftermath of the Tuscaloosa Tornado, and I recorded two Public Service Announcements for the Mayor of Tuscaloosa.

It's been a lot, but today I want to share a photoshoot I did before I even went to California. I've done child photography before, but it's always been a personal endeavor. A month ago I was asked by a client to catch moments of her only son, Jailyn. I immediately jumped at the opportunity. This marked my first time working with a child outside of my family as well as my first shoot with my own off-camera flash gear.

It wasn't an easy shoot either. Jailyn definitely taught me patience is absolutely key when dealing with infants. You can't tell them to sit still for a long period of time or expect them to understand the kind of creative direction you'd give an adult.

You just have to capture the moments they give you! I was suppose to shoot him outside, but a storm hit Montgomery, AL as soon as my client arrived. We decided to improvise and take Jailyn back to her friend's house and set up shop there.

To check out more of Jailyn's pictures click HERE.

Campus Photography

This is some of the work I've captured from around school.

Christina Danielle

It took me a second but the my photography session with Christina Danielle is done! I'm ecstatic over the finished product. I can honestly see my working slowly progressing and that's what matters.

                      

For more check out my Flickr.