Since this year is a leap year and we only get this every four years I decided to do a photo everyday series entitled "Project 366." Since January 1st I've been posting via instagram a new photo around 7:30 pm each day. Not sure what I'm going to do at the end of the year but I was thinking about making a photo book. Only time will tell.
6ix.
I brought in the New Year in Toronto, and even though I was there for just one night I had a great time. Partied hard and also managed to go do some shooting on New Years day. I always love coming to Toronto because the scenery and buildings are unique, and there are so many different cultures. I don't know if I have "American" written on my face, but as soon as I speak they can tell I'm not from there, lol. Next time I go to Toronto I want to stay for a few more days and really indulge in the culture and people. Until then here's my views from the 6.
Two Seven.
KRONK.
I got together with the brand Sheto to do a photo shoot at the legendary Kronk gym in Detroit. The boxing gym opened up shortly after World War I in the 1920's. In the 1970's boxing greats like Hilmer Kenty and Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns trained there. In 2006 the gym temporarily closed because thieves stole the copper water pipes in the building. Now the gym is abandoned with little to no hope of it being renovated. We walked up stairs to different rooms and the light shinning through the broken windows made for some dope shadows in the photos. This is one of the many legendary abandoned places Detroit that I would like to see brought back to life. Too much history in this place.
In The Studio: Kori
About a month ago Kori came to the studio to get some photos for her website www.accordingtokori.com. Her website is an insight into her thoughts and opinions about various topics including culture & society, faith, love & self worth, and travel. Right before the shoot my battery went out on my triggers so I had to drive to a few stores to find the right batteries. What was suppose to be an hour shoot turned into a three hour shoot lol. Thankful that Kori was patient and we were eventually able to complete the shoot.
Takeover.
The fog was so heavy Saturday that the same day I went to Palmer Park I was able to make my way downtown where the fog was even thicker. Caught up with my bro Hayden and we climbed some rooftops, went over by the riverwalk, and got some shots on Belle Isle beach. I had to take advantage of the fog because we don't get it that much, nor does it stay long in Detroit. The fog took over most of the larger buildings, and the Renn Cen was almost completely covered. Glad I was able to get out there and spend all day shooting, felt like a kid in a candy store. lol
Heaven on Earth.
This past weekend the fog was been heavy throughout the city. I woke up Saturday morning and saw how thick it was and had to go out and shoot. Made a run to my parents house on the westside that morning so I decided to go shoot in Palmer Park since they live close to there. The fog made for some awesome photos and the park barely had anyone. With the tall bare trees and pond with ducks and me being the only person out there, it was peaceful and truly looked liked heaven on earth.
Around The Way: Amelia
A few weeks back before the snow came me and Amelia hit the streets and took some shots in Eastern Market. Amelia was kind enough to pick me up from my place because I left my car at friend's house the night before, lol. Glad we were able to get the shoot done in some good weather before winter really hit.
Old School.
Earlier I drove over to my old school Crockett Technical HS on the east side of Detroit. What once was a school with hallways and classrooms filled with students is now a building filled with debris and broken windows. I haven't been in the building since I graduated back in 2006. Walking through the halls was eerie and going to the same classrooms where I had English and Government and seeing nothing but a chalkboard and open windows was surreal. It's kind of bittersweet because the abandoned school made for some great photos and the lighting was excellent, but it was kind of sad to see the building left in this shape. Hopefully the city does something with property soon.
First Snow.
Yesterday marked the first snowfall of the season. I wasn't necessarily enthused to hear that we were going to get three inches of snow, but I knew that the snowfall would make for some great photos. So I drove over to my parents house (where I grew up) on the westside of Detroit and captured some photos over there. Walked to the park where I used to play basketball religiously. Got cold quick and went inside lol. Later on that night I made my way out again, but this time in my neighborhood. Not ready for winter to hit full on, but if it is I'm definitely going to use it to my advantage.
