This is a photo shoot that has been stuck in the planning stage for a very long time, and I'm glad that it all came together. My model is a friend of mine, Johnathon Stewart Newman, who is an amazing artist in his own right. His paintings and drawing work blows me away every time I see it. He has a quote that's written in the photograph that says, "Art is self-expression through any medium you choose." This is a statement that I fully agree with, and taking drawing for an entire semester has only solidified my choice of photography/film as my art form. 

This shoot was filled with "firsts" for me. This is the first time I've shot a female nude, and it's also my first time photographing someone with my name and from California who transferred to TWU. It was also the first time I've booked a model and a shoot while prepping for another shoot. For the record, it's always weird meeting someone with your name because I never say my own name that much and saying it in that frequency just sounds strange? Only me? Okay.  But Latoya was very easy to photograph and I would like to shoot Latoya again in the future.

 Ive recently added ceramic pieces to my reflection series...they are full scale pages of journal entries, writings, and lyrics used on the Reflections photo series. In total, these15  pieces bring the series to a total of 25 pieces. Which would make it finally, at long last, a full complete series. That's officially a wrap on Reflections!!

This was a very special night for me, it was my first gallery show since I've been in Texas. Everyone was very responsive to the work, and I was extended the offer to show here again, so I would classify this as a success. I want to thank everyone who came out tonight, I really appreciate the love and support!!

Recently two of my pieces from the reflection series (photo directly above ans below)  were chosen to be in a Fall Showcase at Oxide Gallery in Denton, Texas. The Reflection series, Started in 2009, is about an internal dialogue, the conversations you have within yourself, and how those dialogues and conversations influence not only your own reflection, but the reflection of the world within you, and around you. These are the four original images from the series.

 These photos were taken at the Texas Woman's University Round of Thanks Tournament a benefit to all the corporations who donate to TWU athletics.

 I've been working at the Pioneer Golf Course a little over a month and I can honestly say I really like working here. The staff is so nice, and all my co workers are good people. The best part is that I get to be Creative Lead, which involves taking all the pictures for tournaments and other events as well as designing flyers, brochures, promotional materials as well as starting a social media presence for the Golf Course.

 This was a photo project I stated in late 2009, it consisted of only four images, but I have recently expanded it to ten images. The series to me is about an internal dialogue, the conversations you have within yourself expressing doubts, fears, mysteries, cynicism, and even hope.  I feel many people have these conversations within themselves, whether or not they are harmful or helpful. This dialogue is a reflection of not only what we see in ourselves, but how we appear to others as well. I wanted to capture some of the internal dialogue that I have within myself. The words are expressed through a amalgamation of lyrics from songs, phrases, journal entries, and even quotes that people have actually said to me or in reference of me. 

Portrait  I took in 2010. I liked the Rebel-esque aspect of this portrait, having a model with those characteristics is also good.

Just had an off day from working and decided to photograph my friend Rebecca. Even with shower hair and sans makeup, the camera is her friend.

I took these pictures at the Denton campus of TWU, where I am in my last year. Being from Southern California, I'm still not used to seeing snow, so I get kinda giddy like a 5 year old. These photos were snapped right before I had a pretty embarrassing fall due to my lack of experience on icy sidewalks.

Today is the memorial service for my mother, LaTanya Rayford. This is the slideshow I made of pictures throughout her life for the service.

Today I lost my mother to cancer, I will always miss her.  This was the last photo that was taken of my mother, and it was taken by me. I was just playing with the camera, but this picture means a lot to me.

Back home in California until Jan 11th, I'm super excited! Been here for a couple of days so I took a lot of random photos, but I really missed the way California looks, it's a lot different from Texas.

I got an assignment to create a image and layout base on an article with no pictures or visuals. So this is what I came up with.  My model is a fellow photographer from Long Beach, who I photographed in the spring of  2010. Part of my inspiration came from Terminator 2, which is a favorite of mine.

I wanted to take a break from shooting my pinhole series for awhile, so I focused on a Noir portrait series I have been wanting to do. I think I still have some fine tuning left on this series, my goal is to have it more stylized.

I did a half skull/half pinup makeup style for Halloween, something I have been wanting to do for awhile.

 

(left image: Vanishing  right image: Imagine)

 

(left image: Gravity   right image: Power slave)

 

(left image: The Stranger  right image: Outsider)

(left image: Drive  right image: Figure.3)

            (left image: Uncharted No.1  right image: Uncharted No.2)

This is a new series I started since moving to Denton, Texas. It explores the idea of trying to find a sense of the familiar in an unfamiliar place, and how that discovery is sometime eerie, dark and frightening. I wanted to experiment with shooting 4x5 pinhole and I ended up making two 4x5 pinhole cameras.

This was from a shoot I did in 2010 for a studio assignment, the theme was based on Steam punk, and I think it came together. My model is one of my best friends, and I guess being away is making me nostalgic.

Outtake from the L.A Rawwater Park Fashion Shoot. Morgan has an awesome personality, which made the shoot even better, and I think his natural charisma came through. Being a rock star helps too.

 My former Boss/Mentor, Cheryl Younger is premiering her movie All I can Hear Are the Sirens, this Sunday. It is an account of 9/11 through the perspective of New Yorkers at the time, including her and her family and friends.  I have seen it, and it's very powerful and moving. I would  recommend seeing it if you are in the Downtown Los Angeles area.

Please join us for the premiere of my movie All I Can Hear Are the Sirens on Sunday September 11 at 2 PM at the Downtown Independent Theater, 251 S. Main.   There will be a reception that follows at Apartment #502, 108 W. 2nd Street  (just next door). Admission is Free.

Cheryl Younger and Allan Harris

Cheryl:   (212) 203 9645