Vision Beyond The Lens by -J.J. McQueen-

Sometimes in life the question above is one that people ask.  I often ask the exact same one when I'm photographing the homeless.  I've met homeless people from all walks of life and even in the most inhuman moments I try to imagine people at their best.  It was kind of ironic when I grabbed these two shots that a colleague and I were on our way to interview Myron Rolle the 2009 Rhodes Scholar recipient.    In that moment, I was like we are on New York Ave. entering our nation's capital and I have to separate reality from hope... something to think about.  I have no idea who this gentleman was but I'm sure he has a name.  That day he was Mr. Thomas.  He reminded me of one of my college professors so I gave him that name.  He looked as if there were a million thoughts brewing on the other side of his glazed eyes.  As do many of the homeless people that I photograph.  Sometimes I shoot with the hopes that someone will be recognized by a loved one and get rescued from the ...

The color of love is clear! The reason that I say it's clear is because when you find the one that completes you there is no doubt about where he or she belongs in your heart.  They fit well with your family, friends, coworkers and most importantly you.   James & Anastashia Hicks understand clarity.  On Saturday April 25, 2009 they decided that it was time to share with the world there love for one another.    Enjoy a few of their photos.      He couldn't see the bride. James's reaction. Anastashia's spiritual father.  There will be another ceremony in South Africa Ana's home.  James's mother proud of her first born. The touch.  I love you. 

What exactly is the new wave in American cinema? Is it Tyler Perr y making power moves or is it young filmmakers like Pete Chatmon  producing and directing films that keep big time and local theatres thriving.  Hopefully the new wave doesn't represent losing all of the vintage venues that paved the way for so many us in the film, photo and media worlds.  Recently, here in Baltimore the waves have begun to splash.  This past month the infamous "Senator Theatre" closed it's doors for the last time.  Like many other photographers and news media I took my crack at capturing some of the "Senator's" history.  Oddly, I came across a name with the likeness of mine, "Butterfly McQueen" .  She was an actress in the mid 1900's.  Her most famous role was that of a maid in, "Gone with the wind".  Of course not being a native of Baltimore that bit of history was a major surprise.  On a larger scale it was a reminder of what American Cinema was ...