Early Morning Color Palette
Very few things in life can compare to the beauty of an early morning sun rise. I wouldn’t consider myself a “morning person” by any means! But, I understand and appreciate the energizing power of a brand new day. The colors that come alive and start to envelop the surrounding environment is truly inspiring. It seems that they can only be matched by the soft, warm, glow of the setting sun. I always feel a sense of thankfulness whenever I’m up to both document and enjoy a wonderful sunrise.
Young Queen
Happy 21st birthday to my first born child, my young Queen. It’s so hard to process this much time passing by, and what was once my little baby has become a full grown woman! With every passing year I feel both happy and sad. I try to enjoy every moment with you because I know your next steps in life will move you away from me, and I’ll have to learn how to let you go…How did we come this far so fast?! Seems like you were just graduating high school, and now this! No matter what, you’ll always be my baby.
I love you with all my heart!!!
Happy 19th Birthday Son!!!
I’d just like to wish my one and only son a very Happy Birthday today! I LOVE YOU Jr.!!!!
Kobe
Kobe,
My second most favorite NBA player, second only to Michael Jordan. It’s taken me a whole week to even attempt to sit down and write anything. I’m in total shock, disbelief and denial. This is truly one of the worst moments of my life! As a human, a father, and as a basketball fan. This is so surreal, so unbelievably painful. Feels like a nightmare that I wish I could wake up from!
I shot these photos in October of 2018 for the Kobe Bryant co-owned sports drink company, BodyArmor. I never knew how much more meaningful and poignant these photos would become to me…that’s all I have for now. This is much too heartbreaking!!!
My deepest and most sincere condolences to all of the families involved in this unimaginable tragedy.
The young man in this photo is actually named Kobe. Named after his father’s favorite basketball player, Kobe Bryant.
Fear Of Flying
Is it fear of flying or fear of dying?
Fear of living, fear of trying?
Calm your nerves, face your fears
Fight the anxiety, apprehension and tears
Fear is real, but worry no longer
For when you worry your fear grows stronger
Conquer your fear when doubts begin
Should it reappear, fight it over again!
Sedona Family Vacation Color
This set of photos is a continuation of my family’s recent vacation to Sedona, Arizona.
As with most of my work, I tend to create in both color and black & white. It’s not alway an easy decision. It’s honestly more of a constant challenge in choosing what warrants being photographed in color or in black & white. Sometimes it can go either way, or sometimes lighting conditions and color palettes will specifically dictate exactly what should be done.
Here are a few color selections.
Sedona Family Vacation Monochrome
I guess the old saying, “you learn something new everyday” can certainly be applied to this particular experience.
Before I ever stepped foot in Arizona I never knew it snowed there. I, like most people, assumed the weather was too consistently hot to produce snow. I couldn’t be more wrong! During a recent holiday vacation to Sedona I was finally able to see snow in the desert first hand. It’s both a strange and beautiful sight to behold. Seeing all of the familiar desert trademarks such as, a cactus, covered in snow is definitely a memorable occasion. I’m so happy that my family and I were able to witness this moment together, as I feel it’s a unique encounter that my children will never forget.
Photos and videos can only do so much to represent the sheer beauty that can only be truly appreciated in person. Exploring unusual scenery such as, the juxtaposition of snow in a desert setting, is something I highly recommend for everyone fascinated by travel and adventure.
Beautiful Nevada Scenery
The more I visit Nevada the more I fall in love with all of it’s beautiful desert scenery. The colors, textures, and of course the details! I hope to go back soon for more in depth exploration and photo making.
Here are just a few photos from a visit to Red Rock Canyon that I captured with my phone.
Happy Birthday Queen!!!
Wishing Queen Terri a very special and Happy Birthday today!!! I Love You!!!
Happy Birthday Lil Bro!
Happy Birthday to my younger brother Marcus. I hope you enjoy yourself and have lots of fun. I wish I was back home to help celebrate with you. Cheers! I love you man!!!
Business Casual
In honor of my youngest brother’s birthday today I wanted to share a photo we created back in March. This was one of the first photos I took with my brand new Leica M10P. Thanks to my brother Antonio for helping me out with the session, and I’d like to wish him a very Happy Birthday!!!
Grown Woman
Happy Birthday to my first born. I can’t believe that you’re 20 years old today! Where did all this time go? Sometimes I sit back and think, it really trips me out that you were actually born in the 90’s. I’m so proud of the woman you’re becoming. As a father you make me so happy! I wish you all the best going forward in your life. You’re one of the sweetest people I know and I pray you’ll always stay that way. Oh yeah, you may look just like your mom but, you act just like your old man! 😉 I love you so much!!!
Vegas iPhone Selects
Here are a few of my favorite iPhone photos from a recent trip to Las Vegas. More to come soon…
Late Night Snack
A very late night trip to try the local Waffle House. Shot on iPhone to test the phone’s low light capabilities.
New Year Same Pain
2018, what can I say about you? You took so many of my beloved family and friends, leaving my entire family with completely broken hearts. Just when we thought you were done with us, just when we thought that you would give us a break for the new year, you decide to deal us one final, cruel, blow. December 28th you decided to take with you my mother-in-law, Renae. What a terrible way to end one year and begin another.
The last few weeks have been unimaginable!!! Everyone has been far too busy dealing with this tragedy to even think of posting anything on social media. But now that we’ve said our final goodbyes and have a moment to reflect, I thought I’d share this unfortunate news with extended family & friends around the world. If you know Terri, Toni, or their mother Renae, a few kind words plus some positive energy would be greatly appreciated at this time. Thank you!
Special thank you to Melody Murriel & your beautiful Mother for all of your help during this incredibly difficult situation. We can’t thank you enough! ❤️
Mom, we all love you, and we will all miss you tremendously!!!
Denial
My mind just won’t let me accept the fact that you’re gone and that I’ll never see you again! Rest In Power Unc!
Wayne S. Jones Sr.
ANTI-social Anxiety
I’ve been very reluctant to post any new work lately. I’ve been so disillusioned with all of “social media” Seriously wondering if it’s really worth it anymore? But whatever…😕
Catching Rainbows © 2018
Food Festivities Part 2: Black & White
Black & white photos taken a few months ago while out and about.
Festivities Part 1 Color
A small collection of various color photos taken a few months ago while out and about.
Ethnic Princess Series Pt.1
My ethnic princess series was created to depict a more realistic image of princesses to young women of color. The idea is to show girls of color that royalty looks just like them, as opposed to the traditional notion that we’ve been conditioned to accept throughout history. The series is meant to convey the message that you are beautiful and important just the way you are, so be proud of the skin that you’re in. Having a daughter myself, my goal is to get more people involved and have more representations from children of all different cultural backgrounds.
This first set of images feature Princess Madison.
(Please click on each image to enlarge)
Grand Rising!
A beautiful sunrise I was fortunate enough to capture, handheld, while out walking one morning last month.
