PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT ON JAMES JOHNSON

 

 Meet Photographer James Johnson

Name: James Johnson

Name of Company: James Johnson Photography

Hometown: Camden, New Jersey

Describe your Style: I try to bring out the beauty in all of the models that I shoot. When I first started out, I wanted all of my work to look like it was suppose to be in a magazine, whether it be a fashion image, recording artist, classy sexy image, whatever It was. I've always studied the designer ads, the lighting in the Louis Vuitton ads, even the black stripe on my tagged images came from the old prada ads when they had a red stripe for the logo.

Prince Range: $200 - $300

Contact Info: BookingJamesJohnson@gmail.com

Tell The Asaq about who’s behind the lense: I'm not one of the photographers who knew he'd be doing this years ago. I actually was music producing and was involved with a certain record company that I won't name, who basically bought the world Trey Songz. After a couple years of trying to land a record I got discouraged and left the producing alone. I then met now friend, DevinWade who was already a photographer in the area through a mutual friend Charlii Hustle. Shortly after I started to shoot pictures just for fun, entering contests and the first 3 months I received my first publishing. My humbleness surprises people all the time because if you let me tell it, I'm just a guy with a camera.

How long have you been doing photography?: A little over 3 years.

Do you have any photographers that you would compareyourself too/who or what inspired you growing up: I wouldn't compare myself to any, but I have been inspired by Nick Saglimbeni of Slickforce Studio, Philly photographer Jasen Hudson, IEC Studios, my california friend Jorge Peniche and Facet Studio, and Markus Klinko and Indrani. These photographers ports are very inspiring.

What is the worst part of being a photographer?: For me... it was when other photographers were starting out and mutual friends would tell them that their work didn't look like mines. I'm not the "I'm better than you" photographer, so that bothered me when the negative vibes came from people that I have no problems with. 

What are your future plans?: I'm starting up The Women Of James Johnson Photography, which will mainly showcase models that I'm working close with, I'm also looking into landing more publishings.

What has been the most difficult part about your journey?: The beginning, back no when model wants to shoot because they never heard of you. Those were rough days lol.

What does the phrase “I am not your competition” mean toyou?: I feel like everyone feels like they are the best at what they do.... enough said lol.

Any other words for The Asaq? Thanks for the opportunity to be apart of your blog :)

Links:

Twitter.com/ShotbyJamesJ

ModelMayhem.com/JamesJohnson

 

 

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ON CHOC BELAFONTE

Name: Choc Belafonte

Hometown: Philly

Genre: Hip Hop/ Rap

Contact Info: lustchoc@gmail.com (email), @chocbelafonte (twitter)

Tell The Asaq about yourself: Cool guy who wears bowties & expensive rare loafers who happens to rap. lol. Nah i'm just a student of the game who is finally getting a chance to speak in front the class. I'm from Germantown in Philly. Most may describe my style as smooth, elegant grown man rap. Me personally I just "do me in the booth & give you me 100%" aka " i keep it a BEAN!". The name Choc Belafonte was somewhat inherited via a friend of mine while watching the BET awards a few years ago when Harry Belafonte won a lifetime award. I was already going my "Choc" at the the time. My homie said "yo you should use Belafonte in your name, cause you a smooth cat. So I ran with it. I've been going in for years with this music, I think I finally reached the place i need to be in order to achieve my dreams.

How long have you been doing music?: since I was 15, always been a fan & inspired by great artist of all genres.

Do you have an artist that you would compare yourselftoo/who inspired you growing up?: I was inspired by many artist such as the usual Nas, Big, Hov etc but I would say my main source of inspiration was Big Daddy Kane. The smooth, laidback but yet distinctive delivery made me an instant fan. Alot of folks often say i remind them of them.

It’s Saturday…the day is free…what can we catch you doing?: If i'm not in the studio, i'm usually watching a good movie (getting my cable bill payments worth, lol) or im coolin' w/ my family. Life is short so I think you should spend time with those that mean the world to you.

What are your future plans?: I plan to bring life to brandname of Choc Belafonte via my music of course & also venture into fashion via my own exclusive line of bowties for the cool guy who dares to be an individual.

What has been the most difficult part about your journey?: The most difficult part of my journey has been to not allowing business to spoil friendships. If you are friends before the game, you should friends after the game. Money & fame are only temporary.

What does the phrase “I am not your competition” mean to you?: We are in this together, no need to think i'm against you or praying for your downfall.

Any other words for The Asaq?  Thanks for opportunity to work with such a great young author/business woman.

Links: video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44mOtQC3xcI

  mixtape:


  http://www.datpiff.com/Choc-Belafonte-Choctober-mixtape.278163.html


reverbnation:


http://www.reverbnation.com/chocbelafonte

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT WITH SEAN WRIGHT

AUTHOR SEAN WRIGHT

Loving the one who loves the streets is a dangerous game. There's a war brewing. Bodies are piling up. Money is being stacked up. Loyalties are being tested. How will a displaced small town girl handle the pressures of living the big city life and all that comes with it when the trail of murders, drugs and blood-money leads to her doorstep?

Hometown: Queens, NY

A little about the author: I was born and raised in the South Jamaica, Queens section of New York City. I always had a love for creative writing. At the age of 9 I wrote my first poem and love song for a neighbor i had a crush on. I guess it was good for me to be so young because everybody liked it so I stuck with it. As I got older I eventually evolved into a songwriter. After doing the "Music Business Thing" for years I decided wanted to try another avenue, but i still wanted to do something that showcased my writing ability. So I decided to write a movie. Once the script was done, we started filming but my lack of knowledge for the film industry showed immediately and the project fell through. the script sat in my office for years while people told me to make it into a book. After saying no forever, I finally said Okay i'll give it a shot, and i'm glad I did. A Gangster's Melody was released 1/11/11 and has been on fire ever since by the graces of God.

Where did the concept of your novel come from?: The concept of A Gangster's Melody came from the fact that I DID NOT want to write what would be considered your typical "Hood Book". There is nothing wrong with them at all, I just try to think outside of the box. So I looked at a situation that a lot of women, especially YOUNG WOMEN face every day and I expanded on that. A Gangster's Melody is actually written from a woman's perspective. .

Which character is most like you?: The character that is most like me..hmmmm...I would have to say Lorenzo. He plays a very small part and only has a few appearances but the key thing is he is loyal to those that he considers friends and or family. He is 100% loyal, unconditionally. Yeah...That's me

What other projects do you have/Are you working on?: Currently i am working on the highly anticipated release of A Gangster's Melody 2 which is entitled AGM 2: A New York State Of Mind. It will be released in early April, and then in mid May we start filming A Gangster's Melody the motion picture. I'm excited about that.

What has your journey been like? Do you have any advice forother authors?: My journey has been a blessed one. Just to think that the journey almost didn't happen. Becoming an author was NEVER on my list of things to do, but I'm glad that I'm here now.. The advice I have for other authors is simply hustle hard and never take no for an answer. Every story has the potential to be great. It's just all about how you tell it.

Where can we find you or your work?: You can find my work at facebook.com/authorseanwright ....amazon.com..barnes and noble..black and nobel.....and various web sites.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME!!

MEET AUTHOR QUIANA CREATOR OF THE ART SPOT

     Author Quiana brings to you her hit debut novel Fallen! Fallen tells the tale of 39 year old Ramae, who like many women, has come to a crossroad in her life. From the outside her 21 year marraige to her husband Jay, career, and her three almost grown children, display the stability that every woman wants. But, she secretly yerns for more. Ramae finds her husband unable to keep up with her climbing sexual desires (due to a woman's later sexual peek), leaving her to lust for some forbiddean fruit! Follow Ramae on a sexy adult journey of Fallen in love, Fallen in lust, and Fallen apart!

Author's Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

A little about the Author: I love my children! They are my one true love! I have been writing on and off since the age of 17 but I set the goal to become a published author by the age of 25, and I accomplished my goal! The world of communication has always intrigued me and writing right now is my number one outlet. I want to reach my readers and give them an alternative to reality. This blog was a way to reach my readers as well as network with the future of entertainment! In the past year I have been blessed to meet so many talented and influential people, I can only imagine what the future will hold.

Why The Art Spot?: I enjoy all forms of art! The Art Spot would be my way of networking with the new wave of entrepreneurs and allowing them to do the same! Having the opportunity to present yourself to an array of viewers can be very promising to one's career.
Where did the concept for your novel come from?: I think a lot of women can relate to giving up their youth in order to raise a family and wondering how things could've been. Every woman that has read my novel has found themselves right in the main character's footsteps. You develop a love hate relationship with Ramae. On top of that, lots of men have had relations with older women and can relate to some of the male characters. It was a story that from my knowledge hasn't been told. The cougar phenomenon is running rapid these days, so why not tell a story about it!

Which Character is most like you?: I would have to say Porscha! She is the tell all friend who tells it like it is, but tells it from the heart. Her honesty helps Ramae, yet also keeps them at a distance. I can identify with her character all the way! I can also identify with Ramae, I know the story too well of sacrificing youth for my family.

What Projects do you have/Working on?: I am currently working on my next novel Uptown's Princess. Uptown's Princess is about a young female named Princess that grew up in the Uptown section of Philadelphia. Her naive ways causes her to trust the wrong man! She finds herself in a kinky sex filled world with no way out. That is until she makes a way!

What has your journey been like? Any advice to other authors?: This journey of being self published is one that I wouldn't change for the world. I have learned so much and I'm still learning about the literary industry! My advice is do your research, promote, and get out and get to know the people! Your network determines your networth so get your contacts!

Where can we find you or your work?: www.Quianawrites.com, http://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Quiana/dp/0578096749/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328858963&sr=8-1, Twitter: @Authorquiana

BUY NOW!!!!!