Category: Creative Direction
A Cut Above the Rest
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Some people think being a barber is just a job, while others see it as an art form. I agree with the latter assertion wholeheartedly. I’m in the barbershop every week watching these stylists turn trolls into treasure, and I ain’t talmbout the dolls.
One barber whose work ethic, skill set and hustle I truly admire is Ebony Mann. I’ve known Ebony for about 15 years and have seen her growth as a creative professional. She is not only a barber stylist, but an awesome emcee and music producer. Ebony approaches every project with the rigor and tenacity as if it’s her first. When I watch her pick up the clippers, I see an artist at work. So when she reached out to me about doing a photo shoot, I jumped at the opportunity. *bbm party face*
After a couple of planning meetings with me and the photographer, Elton Anderson, we knew what direction to take. Ebony did not want the traditional “take a picture of my cut” shoot. She wanted images that spoke to her and her client’s personality, while illustrating her skills behind the chair. Elton and I decided to shoot it like a campaign, demonstrating the diversity of Ebony’s clientele in a lifestyle setting.
Undoubtedly the flyest barber in the shop, styling Ebony was a breeze. *bbm whew face* I put together looks out of her closet and added a few new garments. We came up with three looks that were quintessentially Ebony. Also, I had her clients bring several pieces and I styled looks that fit the story.
I know some of the fellas will agree with me on this: a haircut will look so fresh and so clean in the shop, but when you get outside, it’s a whole different story. Not the case with Ebony. Check out her artistry below.
Ebony’s website – http://www.emannstylist.com/
***Photographer, Elton Anderson
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Happy Birthday MJ ◊ A Fashion Story
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Where were you when news broke that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson died? I was in Harlem, NY, home of the Black Renaissance, just one block from the legendary Apollo Theatre. True to form, Rev. Al Sharpton was one of the first figureheads on scene and quickly consoled a growing crowd of devastated fans. Stereos from every corner played MJ tunes while nostalgia filled the air as people cried, laughed and danced in the streets. It was a true life and legacy celebration of the greatest entertainer of all time. *pulls sequined glove out of pocket* Of course, I had to join in and city boy slide one time for ya’ boy *in my best South Florida accent* as Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough played in my head. #iLoveFAMU
I was also in the middle of my first lifestyle shoot with VH1 & CNN correspondent, not to mention huge Michael Jackson fan, Janell Snowden. She has to be one of the coolest and most supportive people I’ve ever met. One look into the shoot, Janell’s phone started to blow up with calls from CNN to be on a panel within the hour. In my mind, I’m thinking, “Party done”. *Jamaican accent* “This shoot is about be rescheduled.” However, in a world/city of people that jumped in reaction to MJ’s death, Janell insisted we stay the course, demonstrating our mutual passion for fashion. *bbm surprised face* Not many people in Janell’s position would have passed up that opportunity. It spoke volumes about her character as a journalist and person. It’s a pleasure to work in this industry with people that share your passion; the end product is always better. Check out Janell’s fashion story with a special MJ tribute in the last look.
***Photographer, Elton Anderson
9 Comments
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I need those purple shoes in my life!!! I love the outfits in Janell’s photoshoot! Fabulous!
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Gotta love those YSL’s. The shoes in this shoot had to be my favorite!
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Love, Love, Love the shoes, concepts, & the realism oozing from the beginning photos where residents are “one” and swallowing that dreaded pill that the King of Pop is….gone.
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Veronica
Love it!
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Loving the blue flower dress & the nude shoes.
I remember being at home when I first got the news of MJ. I was actually watching TV and my sis calls from LA. “OMG, people on the streets saying Michael is dead.” Yeah right, I said. Turned on CNN; reports coming that he was in a coma. Yelled at my sis that MJ ain’t dead cause CNN said so. Then I went on TMZ and it was confirmed, that infact, he was dead. I was flabbergasted (we’re gonna overlook the fact that I believe TMZ over CNN). -
Love, Love, Love the shoes, concepts, & the realism oozing from the beginning photos where residents gather as “one” (i.e.no beef, no hating, nada) and swallowing that dreaded pill that the KIng of Pop is….gone.
p.s. im absolutely IN LOVE with those shoes ft’d in the last 2 looks!!!!
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J. Bland
I always loved these pictures. They tell such an incredible story. Janell is beautiful. Styling perfect.
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Kerri E.
OMG! I love the New York energy in this shoot. Its nothing like New York…I mean nothing. I’ve seen Janell on VH1 and she is absolutely amazing! Keep up the good work Apuje.
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Chandia
FAB! I held my breath throughout the pics!
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Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Forget keeping up with the Jones – I’m trying to keep up with the Kardashians! Well, not really, lol. Earlier this year, I styled Carrie and Donovan of Next Models Miami. Carrie starred in the first season of Khloe and Kourtney Take Miami as an employee of DASH Boutique and Donovan was a new face to the agency.
For this shoot, I chose to keep the styling simple. I wanted to focus on the chemistry I could pull from the models to strengthen my creative direction skills. Carrie was a natural in front of the camera, while Donovan required a bit more coaching. This is often the case with newer models. I had to create stories and concepts to evoke the right emotion out of Donovan, in addition to posing him on set.
Seasoned models tend to change position every time the camera’s shutter clicks. New faces – eehhhhh, not so much. That’s one of the reasons agencies set up test shoots with different photographers. It helps the inexperienced models create a portfolio, get comfortable behind the camera, learn how to take direction, and work with various shooting styles. It’s a testament to the photography team if they can foster the right energy to capture great shots. Who knows, the images from your test shoot could be the ones to propel a model’s career to the top. *crosses fingers*
***Photographer, Elton Anderson, Hair/MUA, Jay Fierce, Producer, Tia Smith
5 Comments
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I really love this shoot! Its is DOPE! Good direction.I might b doing another shoot soon will keep u posted! Nice work:-)
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Aja Chandler
As usual, great work!!! The picture with the Carrie on the skateboard rocking the fadora is fun. I absolute LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the 3rd look. I see you added your personal touch with the bowtie!.
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I try to bring in a bow tie when appropriate lol. Thanks for checking out my blog Aja!
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Gavin
Dude! What’s Carrie’s #? In all seriousness the shoot is great. I love stories you tell around each post. Very well written.
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I could not tell Donovan was nervous. You did a great job creative directing this shoot!
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Stripes, Stripes & More Stripes
Monday, July 19, 2010
Summer 2010 trends puts a spin on military fashion for men and women. While navy and white stripes are a must for the look, the real key to Summer’s take on nautical stripes is that they dominate the outfit. Check out the 1st look in the pictures below of Brazilian Model, Leonardo who is signed to Wilhelmina Models.
This was Leonardo’s first test shoot, needless to say he was a natural and pulled every look and story we pitched at him. I was enthused to be apart of this process, because Leonardo decided to take a leap of faith and follow his dream. He quit his well paying job, moved to Miami to pursue modeling full time. Leonardo has already booked some amazing jobs. I look forward to seeing how far his career goes.
***Photographer Elton Anderson,
10 Comments
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Vivi
You have definitely brightened my hazy morning w/ this fine ass man! Oh my. I hope he has a great career to ’cause I wouldn’t mind seeing him 24/7. Now back to fashion, I’m so down for the military look. When done right, it can look so classy. Funny enough, I haven’t tried it this summer.
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I love the military look this season! It’s a trend that’s very easy to incorporate into your current wardrobe.
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I really appreciate that your take on the military wasn’t army greens. The Navy would take their hats off to your direction man. These are some good shots. Is the blazer top from Zara?
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Yep, you’re right Jayar. The charcoal suit with the black piping did come from Zara.
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Whitney
Wow, you did a great job with this one! The clothes complimented the models good looks perfectly! Keep up the good work.
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i already told u on twitter, but i thought i’d comment too (i know i love comments). you’re blog is beautiful and this model is a hottie! keep up the great work!
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Lachelle
Apuje! Your passion, work ethic, and talent is sooo very inspiring! The styling and creative direction you have posted thus far is awesome. You can tell that you love what you do, even when there might be times your not loving it! lol…I wish you much success, peace, blessing and positive surroundings! Be easy…
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Thanks so much Lachelle! For someone who has known for since the 8th grade you’ve seen the progression. I appreciate the constant support.
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Ahem…he’s gorgeous. That.Is.All.
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I want to move to Brazil, lol.
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*taps mic* Testing…Testing, is this thing on?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
After a few hiccups with a boutique modeling agency in Miami, my team and I decided to take our work to Next Models – Miami to see if we could test some of their models (refer to previous post about test shoots). Next represents some of the top models in the world such as, Malgosia Bela, Anja Rubik, Karlie Kloss and Jamie Strachan. It was a bold move, but not a challenge we weren’t up too.
After meeting with one of the bookers, we were asked to test Lisa M., a 19 year-old model from Colorado. The Miami market is very commercial so I styled her accordingly but added a little edge to the last look. These are some of the images that propelled my team to the top of Next’s list. So much so that we were sometimes testing 3 to 4 times a week.
Now I’m not knocking the photographer, make-up artist, or the hairstylist, but as a fashion stylist you are literally working before, during, and after the shoot. The clothes don’t steam themselves or go back to the store on their own. Let’s just say after 4 months of guerrilla testing, a brother needed a break, lol.
***Photographer, Elton Anderson, Hair/MUA, Jay Fierce
5 Comments
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Jayar Moten
The fourth, fifth and seventh looks are definitely my favorite. The braless red cardigan is more or less me appreciating it from a “MALE” perspective if you know what I mean. I am sure if you were creative director the blue and yellow outfit getting a splash of red with her snow cone and the background is no conscience and a dope addition. You’re still the hardest working stylist I know.
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Those are some of my favorite as well Club. The red is strictly for the agency, not my favorite, but I needed a splash a color for the story. That’s why you don’t see a larger image of it below. Preciate the feedback as always.
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Cortni
the bubbles. Oh the bubbles. LOL
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Jay Allen
Very inspiring….not only to enrich your creativity but to step out on faith to embrace what you truly were created to do…kudos
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Dope! I don’t follow all the fashion trends but I am really into wearing neutral colors adding one bright color to make the look pop. So naturally, I loved looks four and five!!
15 Comments
Thank You so much Apuje I love this blog on point brother!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by A. U. Kalu, Ebony Mann. Ebony Mann said: “@Apuje: @DaFreshBarber Post is up…had to make sure it was on point. http://apujekalu.com/blog/a-cut-above-the-rest/” Thank You Bro! [...]
Some really nice work and I love the unique approach you took. Both you and Ebony stay fly!
All Prasie to The MOST HIGH, for your skill and talent! May ALLAH grant you much success! Love You to LIFE!
Look at tay… These pics are beautiful!!!!
I totally agree that hair styling and barbering can be an art form. I could definitely use Ebony’s skills on my head right now. Lord please help me find a good barber in my area! Great job by you and Elton once again!
May the lord grant you the success, wealth and knowledge to keep doing what you do….Your style is fresh to death…..Blesses to call you FAMILY, love you much!
For me you have always been ALSOME and the sky is the limit with your talent and skills, hang in there and keep believing in yourself, your work speaks for itself.
Amazing work Apuje and Ebony. You both have always been so very talented. Much success with everything! God Bless!
SOOOOOOOOOOOO PROUD!!!!!! Without a doubt you’ve inspired me throughout college. I’m so excited to see you doing so well in a lane that you were BORN to run in. Continue the GREAT work bro <3
Blessings and Love,
Dia
I love this blog entry…the editorial spread was hot and different than the A-typical ‘check out my haircuts’ type shoot. The photos were very inspirational. Great job!
Please tell me she is in the DMV??? I need a barbar ASAP
Yep, she’s definitely in the DMV. Check the bottom of the post for Ebony’s info.
nice…
I love your eye for the shoots you direct. I’m a young photographer; as of lately, I’ve really been trying to push myself outside of “the box.” I’ve come a long way, but I’m still growing. Hopefully, I’ll eventually have worked my way into the greatness that is Mr. Kalu lol. All of your work is dope.