1995-2000
FOCUS SHIFT: New York Hustle
My first New Yorker assignment—capturing the brilliant voices of The Darkroom Collective, a group of the top poets from the East Coast. A moment that marked the beginning of my journey with this iconic publication.
The early 1990s were defined by the rise of hip hop and R&B, and Vibe magazine was at the forefront of capturing what felt cool in urban culture. Some of my first shots in New York were taken in the hallways of city buildings—narrow, towering corridors lit by harsh overhead fluorescents. They felt like the perfect backdrop to capture a moment in time, something every New Yorker could instantly understand.
Representation
George Pitts, photo director at Vibe magazine, introduced me to Jennifer Benton, owner of Benton Nyce, who became my first agent. She helped me refine and position my portfolio for the music and editorial industries.
I was lucky to land in the heart of NYC’s fashion district, next to the Fashion Institute of Technology. Many of my neighbors were designers, including Tony Shellman, creator of Mecca. He asked me to shoot some of his first ads—an exciting moment.
First Big Music Break
Elektra Records creative director Alli Truch gave me a major assignment: shooting the cover for Lyrical Gangsta by Ini Kamoze. I followed that with another landmark project—Supa Dupa Fly by Missy Elliott—which became an iconic cover of its time.
It was the perfect moment to enter the music industry as a young photographer, just as urban music was taking over MTV and the airwaves. Many of my peers and I got our start capturing emerging artists and building portfolios that would shape our careers.
ROLLING STONES
My first assignment for the magazine was shooting rocker Jack Logan on 4x5 Type 55 Polaroid.
FIRST VOGUE FEATURE
French Vogue called and asked me to shoot designer Todd Oldham.
Time Out Magazine became a go-to publication for NYC nightlife and culture. Photo editor Holly Spink trusted me with multiple covers, from club scene shots to pop culture icons. Working in editorial in my early years living in New York, helps me to refine my photography style and people skills.
Wyclef Jean for Sony Music
Art Director: Brian Freeman.
Breaking Into Hollywood — Essence asked me to photograph Will Smith for their summer cover, promoting Independence Day. The shoot marked a turning point, helping me transition from being seen solely as a music photographer to working in Hollywood.
Nas - Nastradamus
Honored to shoot the iconic rapper’s album cover.
Code Magazine — Editor Albert Smith asked me to shoot the launch cover featuring Samuel L. Jackson, helping establish Code as a premier African American men’s fashion and culture magazine.
Film & Key Art Beginnings
After moving from Time Out to Miramax, Holly Spink called me to shoot a movie poster. That opportunity quickly launched my key art career, leading to work on films like She's All That, Scream 3, Dogma, and others.
She’s All That – Shot in Malibu with Rachael Leigh Cook, Paul Walker, and Freddie Prinze Jr.
Djimon Hounsou and I connected immediately. He later invited me to visit him on a film set in Morocco, which led to an unforgettable journey.
First Time Magazine Cover
Lauryn Hill, assigned by photo editor Marie Tobias.
