Video: Behind the Scenes with Robin + Jasmine

Here's a look at a photoshoot I did with Robin + Jasmine in Philadelphia a few weeks ago. I enjoyed every minute of this shoot.. gorgeous day, gorgeous location & gorgeous ladies!​

Enjoy :)

-lya

Jamillia's Glamour Shoot

Behind the scenes ​

S.E.S.

"Success Equals Sacrifice. Sacrifice Ensures Success." That's definitely a lesson that's re-taught itself over and over again throughout my life. And I don't imagine that the lesson will ever be fully mastered. For hardworking people like myself and Newburgh, NY rapper SES Da Great, sacrifices must be made along the journey to success.

One thing that SES does not sacrifice is quality, creativity or honesty in his music and lyrics. As founder of TRUSIC Music (see my previous post on the group), SES can relate to his listeners by sharing real experiences and by being down to earth. Not to mention, his flow is sick. For him, hip-hop is about the message, not the money. His lyrics are thoughtful and challenging, and they're paired with strong beats and smooth hooks.

SES is working on the third installment of his Duality series, a collection of mixtapes in which he expresses contrast and complexities in his lyrics. Both part 1, entitled Young Man-Old Soul, and part 2, Above & Below are available on his website now. Part 3, Love/Hate will be released this year.

We did a photo shoot in Albany for the release of Love/Hate. Wandering the streets of downtown, chatting and scoping out cool places to shoot, I really got to find out a lot about SES (also known as Sam). A graduate from the esteemed Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with a degree in architecture, SES found that he was more consumed by music than he was by his job working for the State of New York as a construction manager. He's opened up a music studio in his hometown of Newburgh, helped create TRUSIC as a brand, and has fully immersed himself in his music, which makes him happy. And happiness is what makes him successful. Not too many people can say that they dedicate each day to something that truly makes them happy. But SES does, and he's inspired me to do the same.

Check SES and the rest of TRUSIC out at SESdaGreat.com and TRUSICmusic.com

--lya

Photo Shoot Prep: Film Noir

I had a FANTASTIC weekend; fun, relaxing, and super productive. I did a photo shoot with an up and coming model here in Albany, NY and worked with her model developer (MB Productions) to create a great "film noir" styled shoot. I would say that this is my first attempt at editorial photography and I LOVED it!! The model's dramatic look and vintage/1920s hair style really pulled the concept together. What I loved most about this shoot was that it unexpectedly came together by pulling my resources and MAKING IT HAPPEN. Our makeup artist for the day couldn't make it, and the initial location we had chosen had closed! So we improvised! With the help of the local Sephora and MAC counter in Macy's, our model, April, was able to pull off a great smokey & sultry look. We then drove to a local hotel and shot in the lobby, restaurant, and elevators! It was daring, but it worked and we didn't get kicked out!! I'm so pleased that everything not only worked out, but that the photos are phenomenal!

I can't wait to finish them, but for now, here are some pics from our prep!

-lya

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