CRUISIN' with R&B SINGER: D-MASI

Cruisin' with R&B Singer David Thomas Siufanua also known as "D-MASI"! 

I had a kick back day shooting with D-Masi listening to him serenade the camera with cover songs like "Cruisin" from Smokey Robinson and plenty others! What a treat to have a concert of my own! D-Masi can play the guitar, dance, and new hidden talent... model!

We shot near the beach and I felt like I was literally in a music video. Now if I only had a video camera! 

We played with poses for a bit and then I asked him to just play some music to help him feel out the camera and all the rest was history from there! I can't wait to hear more music from this young artist! Thanks D-Masi and Jermaine! Had a blast! 

I posted a video below where he was featured quickly on San Diego's ABC Morning Show a while a back! Check it out for yourself! 

SPOKEN WORD ARTIST: GRACE TAYLOR! (SOUTH AUCKLAND POETS COLLECTIVE)

The power of spoken word is truly an art form that one can appreciate. I have always been a fan of spoken word and poetry.The ability to a convey a message, passion, and emotion through words still amazes me 'til this day. The courage it takes to stand in front of a crowd and speak your mind is no easy task but it is very inspiring to hear and watch.

I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Grace Taylor one of the co-founders of the South Auckland Poets Collective based in Auckland, New Zealand. 

Meeting Grace was an experience in it's own. Grace has a shy, humble, and free spirit that I found very refreshing. During this shoot I walked around Mangere Town Centre and found these grafitti/urban walls that just fit the bill for this shoot. I went and gathered her scarves and just started twisting a braid not knowing that the wall colors and schemes would just go together. Isn't it FUNKY?

It was a complete pleasure to be around someone so down to earth and willing to blend in with her surroundings! Thank you GRACE!

The South Auckland Poets Collective recently released a book and dvd that you can purchase.  To purchase a copy of the book and dvd you can email Grace at: SAPC@hotmail.co.nz

Here is a clip of their recent launch featured on Tagata Pasifika:

Now here is collection photos of my favorite shots from this shoot!