This podcast was recorded on Saturday, January 21, 2017, the day of The Women’s March. On this historic day, millions of people around the world came together to march in solidarity for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families, recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our world. Jamel Shabazz’s iconic photos are a testament to the beauty, diversity and humanity that we are striving to preserve.

January 26, 2017 — Hear the Roses Podcast features iconic photographer Jamel Shabazz whose journey through Brooklyn’s streets in the ‘80s to drugs, graffiti and hip hop has served as the world’s “visual medicine.”

This week Roses features photographer Jamel Shabazz who shares his journey from capturing some of the most iconic photos of ‘80s Brooklyn and the emerging hip hop scene to how his photography has a deeper purpose as visual medicine.

Listen: https://soundcloud.com/heartheroses/jamel-shabazz

 

Listen: Soundcloud.com/heartheroses
HEAR THE ROSES is also available on partner sites The Museum of Light, Fusicology, and RESPECT. Magazine

The post Hear the Roses Podcast features Documentarian, Jamel Shabazz appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: Just as an alchemist transforms led into gold, do you feel that being an artist relates to that of being an alchemist? Do you view the artist journey and your creative expression, as alchemy?

JAMEL SHABAZZ: As a practitioner of the craft of photography, it affords me the ability to transform a chemically based roll of unexposed film that has been placed in a camera, measuring light and adjusting speed towards a particular subject, conceptualizing and composing by the third eye through a glass lens, before applying pressure on the camera shutter release button, freezing a moment in time, thus preserving history. So yes, I would say that there is a direct correlation between being an artist and an alchemist. Any creative artist, whether they are a painter, musician, sculptor or photographer, who uses their innate ability to create something from nothing, is in fact dealing with the science of Alchemy. The various schools of artistry all use science in their creative process and it may consist of the mixing of chemicals, arranging sound, or creating shapes, but when these practices are applied, the results are magical manifestations of a high form of alchemy.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: Artists are often labeled as “stars.” Just as a star radiates light and the planets then reflect this light, do you see your work as an artist like that of a star? Is this “light” that stars radiate merely the evidence of this journey of becoming a star/learning to radiate light?

JAMEL SHABAZZ: As a young man coming of age, I was told by a very wise man that I was the equivalent to the sun which was a giant star in the center of the universe, and that through studying the nature of the sun along with the solar system, I would better understand my purpose in life. It was that wisdom that placed me on the path of enlightenment and provided me with light, guidance and purpose. Like the sun, I would learn that my primary purpose in this universe was to use my kinetic energy to stimulate life and matter through my creative process in hopes that I would create other forms of light and energy in a world that was slowly becoming cold and gloomy.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: When an artist is not “creating” it is often labeled a “creative block.” How do you navigate this space, how do you find the creative spark in the dark, and does it require courage to create from this unknown space? Describe this process.

JAMEL SHABAZZ: With all honesty, I have never been confronted with a “creative block.” My creative energy is in constant motion and the light that guides me seems to always be illuminated. During the course of my many expeditions, I have accumulated such an abundance of photographs, negatives, and other forms of research, that are readily available to me. This keeps me in a constant creative mode to the point that I no longer travel outside my space to take images like I once did. At this stage in my journey, it took courage for me to realize that I needed to reevaluate my assignment in life, and I have been blessed to create a space where I can meditate, reflect and process what I have been blessed to document. In this undertaking, I continue to seek ways to share what I have with the universe and young visionaries who are fresh on the path of self-discovery.

You can also find this story at THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT and on FUSICOLOGY.

Photo Credit: Jamel Shabazz

www.jamelshabazz.com

The Museum of Light is curated by: Billy Johnson Jr., Adell Henderson, Joslyn Rose Lyons, Rafael Casal, Matt Smith, Malik Buie.

 

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The post CONVERSATIONS IN LIGHT: JAMEL SHABAZZ, THE LIGHT THAT GUIDES ME appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Film and television producers Joslyn Rose and Noris Rose launch the second episode of their HEAR THE ROSES podcast on Wednesday, January 18, on HeartheRoses.com.

The weekly series about passion, perseverance and the pursuit of dreams, features photographer Mel D. Cole who shares his journey from picking up a disposable camera to becoming one of the most influential photographers in the music scene.

Listen: Soundcloud.com/heartheroses

HEAR THE ROSES is also available on partner sites The Museum of Light, Fusicology, and RESPECT. Magazine.

The post Hear the Roses Podcast Features Photographer Mel D. Cole House Photographer for Legendary Roots Crew and Trey Songz  appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT: Your portfolio is very impressive. How long have you been taking photos for?
Drew Yorke: I’ve always been interested in photography and how cameras work, but I only began to take it seriously when I started doing music photography about a year ago. I haven’t been in the game for very long but I think my portfolio speaks for my hustle. It began as a way to see my favourite artists for free but it quickly turned into a way for me to work with musicians and tell their stories.

What was your best and worse photoshoot experience?
DY: It’s hard to choose one because I’m constantly photographing new artists and hearing new sounds but photographing Drake and Future at Ryerson University in the rain was definitely memorable. There was just a certain energy at that show and in the city at that time. Worst experience was losing all my photos on the last show of Mac Miller’s GO:OD AM tour – but that’s a long story.

What are some of your influences?
DY: Music has always spoken to me much clearer than just words. I feel really privileged to be able to photograph and work with musicians that inspire me. Instagram is probably my biggest influence because being able to connect with every other hip hop photographer on the planet is always making me feel like an amateur. That’s what keeps me working.

Is photography your first passion?
DY: I grew up in a house of musicians so I’ve always been passionate about music. My parents were heavily involved in the local music community so I spent a lot of my childhood in concert halls and theatres. I always played in school bands but eventually I traded that for house parties and drinking. Photography was just something I stumbled upon that connected me back to that part of my life.

Your first photo taking experience ever?
DY: Living in Toronto and being a fan of hip hop can be pretty hard on the wallet. I was broke and really wanted to see Fashawn perform here in Toronto so I emailed every promoter and manager I could find and lied about working for a magazine. I borrowed a camera from my school and walked into the show like I belonged there. I met Fashawn at the bar before he went on stage and that’s when I became addicted. That show got me into my next show and I haven’t turned back since.

How does it feel to view the world through the camera lens?
DY: It’s cool to be able to share my experiences with other people via my camera. I’m always trying to capture energy and personality so people can see what I see. Viewing the world through my lens at sold out all-ages shows can be painful but that’s why I do it. I do it for all people who pass out in hot sweaty concert halls – and for the occasional cheque.

5 goals for 2016:
DY: OVO Fest

The post [Interview] Photographer Of The Month: Toronto’s Drew Yorke Loves Taking Photos & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

How did you get into photography?

I’ve always liked looking at photos and respected the art of but I never seriously considered it as a career until a few years ago. I started out taking photos at parties my friends promoted, that let to me meeting and shooting musical artists. When artists I shot started to get noticed I got noticed and people started hitting me up for photos. One of the biggest challenges in photography is making the transition from a lifestyle photographer to a commercial photographer but Its been a fun ride so far, cant wait to see where it goes.

What’s the biggest joy you get from photography?

Biggest joy is getting your photo published, especially in print. Its the equivalent of hearing your song on the radio. Its a form of validation knowing you did something good enough to get published. Its not that a big deal for the average person but for a photographer its everything. This is why photographers annoyingly post scans or photos of their photos in magazines.

How did you develop your style?

For me developing a style was simply thinking about what I don’t want to see in a photo. I don’t like seeing distracting elements that are out of place, I don’t like a super shallow depth of field, I don’t like seeing the newest fashion trend that may look wack next year. Getting rid of the things I don’t want to see left me with want I wanted to see or feel in a photo. Poetry, humor, nostalgia and went from there.

Your pictures look very old school like they were taken in the 80s or 90s.

My photos look like they were taken in the past because I am inspired by the past. A time when photography really mattered and people took the craft seriously. I want my photos to have a timeless quality and make you feel like you were really there.

What’s it like dealing with musicians?

It’s delicate and you learn something new every day. You gotta have respect for the artist, their work and understand that for them putting their image out there is a scary thing. Its understandable to be sensitive about your image, i’m the same way.

Ever have artists not like their photos?

It happens to best of us and its a part of the job. Everyone looks the best in their own selfie but sometimes it’s not about the best angle, it’s about the most effective portrait. A photo where on first viewing people are like “who is this person, I need to know more about them”. I find that communication before and during the shoot leaves everyone happy in the end.

What effect does social media sites like instagram have on your photography?

It is awesome, it’s where most of my stuff is viewed for the first time. You have an instant connection to a wide audience and that’s priceless for getting promotion or feedback. The downside is that you might fall into the trap of shooting strictly for IG. A photo that’s meant to be seen on a 24″ screen, or in a magazine, or on a gallery wall won’t have the same effect when viewed on a small square on a phone. The reverse is also true, something that looks clean in an Instagram post might look basic when viewed on a larger screen. A lot of photographers hate IG and refuse to post work on there. I think it’s here to stay so I try to adapt. It’s a new medium so i think its a fun challenge for photographers to figure out the perfect way to present their work.

The post Photographer of the Month: Toronto’s James Ellis talks Photos & Life appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Multitalented artist Akhil Sesh is letting you into his world and travels with his new short film, Nippon Noir. If you’re wondering why this ‘Seshed Up’ artist looks familiar, you may remember seeing him recently featured as May’s RESPECT. Photographer of the Month for his unique way of capturing NYC and members of A$AP Mob. Utilizing his signature visual aesthetic, Akhil brings us a self-directed experience captured in Japan during his visit to the country. Featuring an orginal soundtrack supplied by the artist, this black-and-white effort encapsulates various facets of the country from the peacefulness of Kyoto to the fast-paced city life of Toyko, while giving us hypnotic kaleidoscopic feels.

Check out Akhil Sesh’s short film for “Nippon Noir” below:

The post RESPECT. PREMIERE: Akhil Sesh Releases New Short Film, ‘Nippon Noir’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT: How long you have been taking photos for?

Emele: I’ve been taking photos for a year now.

Is this something you alwasy wanted to do?

It wasn’t at first, but then my uncle gave me a camera to shoot his music video, That’s where I started since then.

How far do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself being successful in the near future all it takes is hard work and I’m willing to put in that hard work.

Do you have any big projects that you have been working on other than the usual?

Yes, I have big projects coming up, working with Sha Hustle(Reps Up/OVO), working with Roy Wood$ , Comedown and Parloque and a lot more to come.

Viewing the world from a lense is pretty intimate still. How would you describe it?

Love at first sight.

What was your first photoshoot like?

It was okay, I was a rookie at the time, I was just learning how to still use the camera.

What is the most important thing to you when your taking photos?

Making sure my message is implemented and that the finish on my photo is well edited.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as lifestyle, in the midst of the action, I’m mainly a dark shooter, like the finish on my photos are dark.

Name few of your inspirations that have influenced your photography?

Drew haran, Matt Adam, Visionelie.

Few tips that you would like to give to those who like taking photos?

Make sure you love the photo, make sure you have the right settings, have a feel for it, find what you like taking photos of and go for it and perfect yourself in that catergory.

Is this a long term career choice for you? why is that?

Yes, I love to do what I do, the camera is my saviour, Im in love with the camera though.

What do you want to ultimately achieve with your photography?

I want to literally show the world how I view things through the lens, that’s my ultimate goal.

For more work by him check out his TUMBLR.

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