Homage

Washington DC

Paying homage by skillfully mixing various elements of my childhood arts into my photography is always at the forefront of my mind. From the rich and inviting textures of the grain to the dramatic lighting effects that effortlessly create mood, extending all the way to the vibrant, eye-catching colors of my images, everything is profoundly influenced by my upbringing and experiences.

Now, just imagine being a child thrown straight into the exhilarating and immersive world of PlayStation 2, growing up surrounded by iconic games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the original NBA Street Vol. 2, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, and the timeless classics within the MX vs. ATV series. At the same time, meeting inspiring figures such as Kevin Durant, The Professor, and Dr. Ben Carson in real life left an indelible and lasting mark on my upbringing and the artist I aspire to be today.

Mixing the thrilling aesthetics of the vibrant 80s and 90s with a variety of photography styles feels incredibly cool and undeniably authentic. It truly feels natural and instinctual to me. Honestly, I just can’t connect with the more modern art styles; I believe they lack the depth and richness that I cherish. To be perfectly frank, it’s simply not my taste, and I’m genuinely grateful that I was raised with that blend of professional swag and unwavering artistic integrity.

Some of my images, in my humble opinion, would greatly benefit from that old-school hip-hop flavor, which I love showcasing in my Instagram stories. Yes, even in 2025, I still find joy in listening to legendary artists like Public Enemy and Gang Starr, and that’s precisely how it should be. When people see my images, I want them to truly feel that vibe and energy. People frequently ask me if I shoot on film. Why is that? Because my film-like style originates from my upbringing, and it feels so natural and inherent to who I am as an artist.