University of Alabama Graduation 2012: The Last Greek Stepshow

It's been a month since I graduated from The University of Alabama. Honestly, it feels like it's been much longer. The transition from being a full time student to free-lance working as a photographer/videographer hasn't been as rough as I imagined.

Currently, I'm working as the Director of Photography on two projects. The first is a low budget feature film named "Doobie Sampson." The film is definitely out of my area of interest as a writer or director, but taking the role as DP fits me pretty well. The biggest reason why I applied for the job is to prove to myself if I'm capable of shooting a feature length film (1:30 to 2 hours) at my current level.

The second project is a music video for R&B artist, Gifted. The singer has written for Ne-Yo and Jagged Edge as well working with Def Jam and Atlantic Records. He's looking to start a solo music career, and professor of mine contacted me about my interest in the project. The song is called Superstar. It's actually really good and if you're into music you've probably heard of the producer, Bei Major. Click on the link above or HERE to listen to it.

Now, one of the traditions I've kept up during my tenure at Alabama is photographing or recording graduations at Alabama. Since I was graduating as well, I decided to get friend and colleague, Kevyn Bryant of K.Bryant Images, to help me.

We decided to capture each Greek organization graduating and create a promo video featuring the idea of "The Last Greek Stepshow" since your graduation step is the final event you'll do as a Greek undergrad.

Along with making the promo video we put together a video for the organizations with graduating members. Here are a few. 

Omega Psi Phi

Yes, that's me for once.

Delta Sigma Theta

Alpha Phi Alpha

Phi Beta Sigma

If you'd like to see more of the videos you can find them on my youtube playlist UA Graduation 2012: The Last Greek Stepshow.

Finally, we are only three likes away from 1,000 followers on the Que The Lights Facebook Page! Take out the time to LIKE us if you've enjoy any of my work over the past few years at The University of Alabama!

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. 

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. 

Stephanie Jones

School is starting back up soon and I can feel the weight of another year looming over me. I decided to take a lighter load this semester to off-set the amount of projects I'll be working on.

Fellow photographer, Kevyn Bryant, has been adamant about me taking out the time to appreciate the philosophy behind being a strobist.

     Strobist - A person who habitually usues small, hot-shoe mountable electronic flashguns (or speedlights), off-camera to enhance the lighting quality of his or her photos. Anyone who attempts to generate professional quality photographs by using portable, lightweight and (relatively) inexpensive lighting equipment, creatively.

This is a quick explanation behind what it means to be a strobist, but it's best summarized through the photographic quality of a picture. There is a point as a photographer your camera, on-camera flash, and natural light will suffice. As a photographer, your ability to grow will be determined by your willingness to venture outside your comfort zone, critique your own work, and buy gear which will allow you to shoot beyond the capabilities of your camera.

This is where Stephanie comes into the story. We've talked about shooting together for nearly a year. Unfotunately, one incident after another kept us from doing so. I honestly thought fate was toying with my portfolio.

Surprisingly, fate was only prolonging the date till I was ready to bring the best out in her.

I can honestly see my growth as a photographer and I'm beyond ecstatic about this. A big thank you is in order for Stephanie for being so patient as I put these together.

To see the rest of photos with Stephanie click HERE. To learn more about Stephanie you can find her on TUMBLR. I'm on twitter now as well! Follow me HERE @XLNB as well as my photography account HERE @QueTheLights. Finally, be sure to check out the newest with Que The Lights on our FAN PAGE and TUMBLR.

We Are The Brothers Que Pt.II -Graduation Pix

Last post I gave you a glimpse into greek culture regarding some of the more known rituals involved with graduating members of my fraternity.

Along with video, I took pictures to test out the new lens I picked up, the Canon 50mm f/1.4.

I had major problems navigating around packs of people or capturing full panorama type pictures, but the results were nonetheless fantastic.

To check out more photos from graduation click HERE.

Block Party

Each year The University of Alabama hosts a Bloc Party featuring the Black Greek Culture found within the confines of the campus.

Each Greek organization introduces themselves through their particular style of hop, stroll, strut, etc...

The even not only gives insight into the stylistic intentions of each frat/sorority but gives freshmen their first glimpse into what could be their future (quite possibly).