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! 

VAIPONGI TAI + SIXTEEN CANDLES!

Oh what it is to be 16 again... young, smooth, and beautiful! 

Meet Vaipongi Tai who approached her SWEET 16th Birthday! I got a call to do a photo shoot for Pongi for her surprise birthday party! 

This photo shoot had to be on the "hush" because she didn't know that she was going to have a party! Haha! I played everything off with her Aunty Sivi who was begging not to mention anything about the party and of course being the confidant that I am... I kept my lips sealed! Haha! We even had Pongi's cousin Rissa come in and join in on the shoot so that she wouldn't suspect anything "fishy".

The traditional tongan wear was provided by "Mellow Mood Creations". Pongi's mother is the creative force behind the hair piece and traditional wear! Beautiful isn't it? I have used Mellow Mood's hair pieces in previous shoots and it never ceases to amaze me with the intricate artwork! 

Thank you Vaipongi, Rissa, Fane, Lina, and of course the infamous Aunty Sivi! You guys rocked as assistants!

 

 

YVONNE + PENI = "LOVE BIRDS"

Yvonne + Peni = my favorite couple! Can you believe it that these 2 are not professional models? It was a blessing that I got to shoot these 2 at one time! Behind the camera I am able to see a couple's chemistry. I felt like I was watching a love story blossoming! Yvonne is a hairstylist, make-up artist, and college student who helped me with some amazing shoots while I was in New Zealand. I had the privilege of working alongside with her and getting to know this warm-hearted individual. Peni on the other hand is my brother from another mother. He is a talented spoken word artist, college student, and avid church goer. 

Having both of them on a shoot was just simply magic! 

We had so much fun with this shoot and at one point it appeared that they were sort of battling each other on camera... but in a good way! 

CHECK IT OUT!

THE LADY SHOW: VILIAMU ALO + UP & COMING MODEL!

Happy Labor Day Everyone! Okay I have seriously taken the whole month of August off... Lots of new and exciting things to fill you guys in on! I will definitely be including you in all that has been going on with my work and my life...

For now enjoy up & coming model Viliamu Alo! This guy is definitely a character to shoot! Explosive personality and the typical guy next door. I see a lot of myself in him personality wise. Willing to take risks and have fun with it! Alo has been enlisted to my RM Men's Collection of Polynesian Models! Thank you Alo!

Stephan Tuifua - Making A "Heavy Impact!"

From America's Best Dance Crew - "Heavy Impact" - Golden Boy - Stephan Tuifua.

An amazing dancer to say the least. I don't think ABDC did this guy any justice. As a lover of dance I was pretty amazed at this guy's dancing ability and influences. He can do anything from hip hop, jazz, to contemporary which surprisingly enough is his favorite style of dance. We had a great time shooting and talking about his inspirations and future plans in dance. Be on the look out for this young man. He will be in many productions on and off tv screen! 

If you didn't follow last season of ABDC here is a small clip of the group "Heavy Impact".

The shoes say it ALL! 

RM GENTLEMEN'S CLUB!: SNEAK PEEK!

Here is a snippet from my new "GENTLEMENS CLUB": Featuring fresh new polynesian talent! It is in preparation of a small project that I have coming up next year so needless to say that I am very excited to give you a sneak peek. 

More coming soon! 

Mike Mapuni Saunders (Model)

Stephan Tuifua from last season of America's Best Dance Crew - "Heavy Impact"

Viliamu Alo - (Model)