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. 

Exposed: Diva Edition - Delta Week 2012

A few weeks ago The Lambda Zeta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta hosted Delta Week 2012: Exposed at The University of Alabama. As everything moves towards a graduation, my work has become more clientele based rather than personally charged.

I am by no means complaining. I've been blessed to say I'm one of the most well-known videographers on campus. When videos are in demand I'm one the first organizations, departments, or individuals

Saturday Night Promo-



Thursday-



Friday Party-


Next week's post will be packed full of videos from Que Week 2012 so be ready. I don't think I've worked this much in a long time, but the final products are going to be spectacular.

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. 

Not An Isolated Incident

I'm almost back in full swing. October has been an unbelievably stressful month for me. The deadline for UCLA's graduate school application is November 1st. Writing this post can be considered my break time before diving back into my work. There is little time to relax. Every other school I'm applying to has a deadline of December 1st. I'm gearing up to shoot another short film, plus I'm currently working on a short documentary with a few of my classmates.

College has taught me there is a trifecta concerning most student's lives. The three points are education, social life, and love.

If you are doing exceptionally well in two of the categories, you're more than likely suffering in the last one. There is no such thing as being phenomenal in all three. What you consider multitasking I define as doing multiple things very poorly. At the moment, my educational goals and love life are quite prosperous. Unfortunately, I've had very little time to just kick it with my friends.

For most, senior year is considered the final coast. You should've been setting yourself up these past three years to glide effortlessly into the post-graduate lifestyle. I know me. There is never a time where I'm not working. It's the nature of staying above everyone else. Being honest, if I had to choose between friends and advancing towards my goals...I know what I would choose.

Recently, The University of Alabama student body got its feathers ruffled when unknown perpetrators plastered racial slurs on campus buildings. The administration consistently plays events like this as rare occasions on campus, but most students at UA realize racial animosity is a constant enemy. Racist incidents happen on a regular basis on campus. The administration has just become very adept at damage control.

A good majority of students were fed up with the problems, so a protest and march was assembled by university students to condemn the ongoing racial and homosexual slander prevalent on campus.

The protest march was known as "Not An Isolated Incident." I've been far more hands-off around campus because of classes, but I knew this was an event I should capture.

Sometimes I'm not absolutely sure if this campus will ever rise out of its past, but it's good to know people are willing to stand up against people who like perpetuate discrimination of any kind.

To view more of the Not An Isolated Incident pictures go to Que The Light's Flickr. Be sure to look up Que The Lights on Twitter.

Delta Sigma Theta

I've been focusing mainly on cinematography recently, but I've still been doing photography in spurts.

One of the most recent work was for my sister sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. It's been a second since I did business oriented photography, but their pictures came out nicely.

To learn more about the Deltas at The University of Alabama click here. You can check out the rest of the photos on  Flickr.

We are the OwtLawz

One of main recurring themes present in a lot of my work is my connection as a Greek on campus. I'm a man of Omega. This always coincides with me being a filmmaker. You can see some of the first work I did with my camera in older posts.

The campus received quite the introduction on the first week of school when we partnered with Lambda Zeta (The Delta chapter on campus) for our Greek Week. Of course this left me with two jobs, creating the video and concept for the step-tease.

I pulled it off in epic fashion.

Steptease Video

Steptease Show

I'm still in the competition for Humor Hotlines. If you haven't watched The Divorce Hotline help me out! We near a 1000 views, but one other video is ahead of us. There is a lot of money at stake so I can use the support!

The LZ Scholarship Ball

The Lambda Zeta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta commissioned me to take photos for their Scholarship Ball this past week. The Scholarship Ball recognized men and women who exemplified the best in collegiate undertakings community wise and educationally.

Here are some of the best photos from the ball.

For the rest of the photos you can check out at the Flickr page. 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).