The Wearable Art Gala

Hi everyone! Here’s a few images from the Wearable Art Gala that I photographed pre-Covid. The Wearable Art Gala is a spectacular event dedicated to the empowerment of artists and youth. Founders Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson encourage artists to find their true purpose and to remind them that “dreams don’t have expiration dates”. They also mentor youths to achieve their best selves and find their voice.

I was incredibly excited to be part of this event and to photograph all of the unique outfits people were wearing! Not to mention, BEYONCE! Yes, my heart skipped a beat when I saw her. I’ve been a lifelong fan along with everybody else, yes. Seeing her so close was an awesome experience, especially immersed in such a high spirited environment. 

Here are some selects from the evening. Pictured are Beyonce, Marsai Martin, Saweetie, Daniel Kaluya with Amanda Crichlow, Kelly Rowland, DeWanda Wise, Dascha Polanko and Chloe & Halle.


Black Lives Matter

The George Floyd protests were an integral part of my 2020 experience. I didn’t realize this man’s horrific death would have such a deep impact on myself along with millions of people worldwide. As the protests began, I thought to myself how special and important it would be to document thousands of people fighting for justice out on the streets of Los Angeles. This tragedy has affected all of us in different ways, and to capture it all on camera would go down in the history books. And so I began.

The first protest I shot was in West Hollywood around 4pm, in front of The Laugh Factory on Sunset Blvd. So many people uniting for this man was a beautiful sight to see. It was filled with noise, honking, sirens, people chanting and screaming loudly “No Justice No Peace”. I looked up to the sky at one point and saw two jet planes zooming by carrying the signs “Black Lives Matter” and “Say Their Names”. I grabbed my camera and pointed towards the airplanes to get those shots. *Click Click* Got it. I was excited and pumped already for the variety of shots I was going to get that evening. As I looked behind me to wards the ground, I saw an adorable little boy with his mom and dad, holding the sign “I’m 4 and at War”. I motioned towards his parents and asked if i could take his picture, they nodded yes. I snapped a few shots of this shy little boy, thanked them, and went on my way.

I must’ve photographed at least 4 different protests after this first one. I felt like I was going to work and it felt so good, especially with the pandemic and all. You could imagine how I felt once the protests started to die down. I would drive around town; Downtown, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Feliz, Culver City, etc, and… nothing. There were a few people with signs here and there but not much to capture. I sorted through the photos that I did have and managed to get some pretty strong images. I was very satisfied and decided to share my work online via social media and my website. 

Here are some selects from the protests above.


Sundance


I was given the opportunity to photograph the parties and Q&A sessions for Macro in January for the Sundance Film Festival. What an experience. For those unfamiliar, Sundance is an annual film festival organized by the Sundance Institute. It takes place in Park City, Utah and Salt Lake City, and is the largest annual film festival in the USA. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and boy was it cold. I lived in NY for 7 years and somehow breezed through 7 harsh winters. This was no different. I’m still mastering the art of layering and making sure I’m warm enough for anything below 30 degrees. But I made it through the week. *fist pump* 

Aside from the cold, Park City is absolutely beautiful. Decorated in sheets of white snow, like a true winter wonderland. I certainly frolicked, partied and had a good time when I wasn’t shooting.

Now on to the events. What a blast! Capturing moments at these parties was a whirlwind experience. It was packed, vibrant, filled with laughs, beautiful people, everyone out to have a good time. The rest of the week continued in high spirits and beautiful energy. 

Here are some selects from the evening. 

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