Venice Beach - Aug. 2008 - Photo by Daniel Jenkins

The photo above was taken a year and a half ago in Venice Beach. Aside from Pringle’s, the photo makes me think of opportunity. We are given so much opportunity everyday, some we take advantage of, others we let slip by. I like this photo because it reminds me snatch up that chip and instead of putting off taking action, grab opportunity when it presents itself. I think my friend Bryant McGill said it best, “We are all just students of this life”. I’m still learning and each day doing the very best I can possibly do.

Finding inspiration one block north of my loft/studio in L.A.'s Fashion District.

I’ve made it back home to Los Angeles, and am excited to get back to work. I am blessed with the projects that I am working on and everything is falling into place. This location is so inspiring You can walk blocks and blocks indulging in the visual euphoria of fabrics, dresses, jeans, shoes, hand bags, eye wear, and typography.

I was lacking sunshine and when the right projects presented themselves, it was time to get back home and get to work. I’ve been back home three days and the opportunities are flowing in.

It’s like coming out of hibernation, I’m hunting and gathering for the Fall 2010 collections while people are getting spring fever and thinking about their spring/summer wardrobe. It’s a great time to pick up some editorial assignments to keep my seasons in check and to enjoy the sun.

Great weather to hand deliver post-cards to designers, boutiques and ad agencies. Which brings me to my next point. Marketing and improving my book…

I am spending most of my free time tightening up my marketing plan, materials and updating my portfolio. Three important tasks that can immediately have a positive impact on your business.

It’s such a great feeling when you do things productive with your time. It is so empowering when you know “It’s all happening!”

Model: Michael Bloom | Make up by Ariel Hanson and Ashley Bradley | Photography by Daniel Jenkins

Part of the creative process is trying new things, pushing the envelope, thinking outside of the box. After completing Michael Bloom’s head shots, My team and I chose to kick it up a notch and the above photo is what we came up with.

Many roads traveled, those moments behind me now, more to come… Where does the road lead? I’m looking forward to finding out. I have taken this month off from large commercial photo projects to take stock of what I’m doing, where I’m going, some reflection, and projection. Have some exciting projects on the horizon. Emerald City Fashion Week coming in March. HUGE project, I’m excited to be involved, and prior is a denim photo shoot in Sydney, Australia! So excited about that. When everyone is freezing in the northern hemisphere, I’ll be enjoying summer in the land down under!

There are quite a few other projects I’m working on, and some I can’t comment on yet, however, this coming year is going to be BIG! No matter where I’m going this year, I also have a lot to do in this current city. I chose to bring culture and diversity to Rockford, IL in ways perhaps the people here aren’t ready for yet. Sometimes in life timing is everything, and when I found myself back here, I saw opportunity I saw that I arrived early. I chose to set up shop here while I create the city I dreamed of.

I still travel as much as I possibly can, however this project has taken quite a bit of time and energy. It’s not easy bringing everyone up to speed to accept people’s differences, and see the positive impact all people can make. I dream of the time when it all comes together when corruption and hate no longer keep people at their current station, when people truly want to be the best they can be.

Following are some images I’ve been grateful to capture while hanging out with various close friends and amazing musicians such as Scotty Briggs, The Reign Kings, Tramps & Thieves, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, Shurman, Live, Brian Blush, Andy Hersey, and many others. My life sooooo does NOT suck!

Scrolling jet black beads are meticulously hand sewn and strategically placed atop an invisible fluted bottom tulle gown from the haute couture collection of Italian designer Sarli….. This is the image that was just WAY TOO HOT for the cover of The Rock River Times newspaper. They chose quite a stunning image for the cover, just not this “HOT”.

I was one of a very selected few who had media access… No wait… I was the only one allowed to take photos at the Ebony Fashion Fair at Cliffbreakers last Friday night while back in Rockford, IL.

Rockford is an interesting place. Located about an hour and a half west of Chicago, I’m not quite sure how else to describe it. I’ve had quite a good time there lately. I’ve been hanging out downtown. A place that used to be. It’s still got a cool vibe, and the early twentieth century architecture does something for me. Perhaps in a past life… Perhaps it’s the photos that I found from the 1940′s when it was “happening”. I see a diamond in the rough, or perhaps like some old silver that just needs a little polish. There are some cool cats down here. Those that are not afraid of getting shot. It seems like most in suburbia don’t venture out downtown for no reason other than fear. I’m just not seeing the danger. Sure just like any other city center, we have our share of the “less fortunate” but I’d almost bet if they had a gun, they’ve already traded it for a warm meal.

I just question why so many cities have forgotten about their downtown’s. Maybe that’s why I’m here. I’m staying in this amazing old building with plenty of freedom to roam about and do what I want. My favorite watering hole is located just next door. “Tommy Swilligan’s Pub”. Tommy is a great guy and we became friends right away.

I’m getting thirsty…. time to go see Tommy.