Shooting with Thalia

It's been a while since I shot due to the preparation for my exhibition so I was excited and it had me up at 6:30 am on Saturday. Makeup was at 9:30 am which was provided by Crystal Cadahia who did a wonderful job. When we finally made it to our shooting destination it started raining like crazy. We tried to wait it out in the car but the Almighty appeared to have other things in store for me because the rain didn't really ease up. While waiting in the car Thalia (Model) got a call saying that the great music video director Hype Williams wanted to meet her to possibly cast her for a video shoot for Kanye & John Legend. Now if I was the model I think I would have found some excuse to go and meet Hype but Aisha was so LOYAL to me & didn't take up the offer at the moment. Aisha that action has put you in my favorite category. (SMILE) After about an hour in the car fooling around taking pics we decided to take my shooting adventure indoors. Below are a few of the images we captured while indoors. They seem less complicated than the images I'm known for but I really like them. The images I captured were mirrors of Thalia's easy and fun going attitude.

After our shoot was over with we persuaded Thalia to go and see Hype Williams and on Sunday she was apart of the video with Kanye & John Legend so look out for it. Thanks for being loyal to me :)

Shout out to Usian Bolt for shattering the world record in the 100m (9.58) A wha du dem? Dem fi know seh a we set di Trend. www.rogerbstillz.com

I would like to say Congrats to my friend and co-worker Bob Metelus who was recently sworn in as the new president of the Rotary Club of Opa-locka. Metelus, a Haitian-American, becomes the youngest person to take the helm of the chapter founded by the late Rev. Robert Ingram, Miami's first Black motorcycle officer. You can read the entire article in the Miami Times Newspaper (August 12-18) and the photo was courtesy of Roger B Stillz :) this is actually my first newspaper publication. Once again congrats Bob and keep up the good work. www.rogerbstillz.com

ART AXIS REPORTING

First off, I would like to THANK everyone who came out and showed their support. ART AXIS was an Art Exhibition benefiting the Children’s Home Society of Florida. We did manage to raise a good amount of money that will go towards helping abused, abandoned and forgotten kids. These are the children, The Children’s Home Society of Florida protects, guides, and loves. It’s through the generosity of our caring that they are able to change children’s lives and transform our communities. Art Axis had on display works from myself along with Phil Fung, Josafat Miranda and Newton Wallace. We each had our own style and that brought a diverse group of art lovers together in one place.

We had art, good music provided by Selecta FatMan, complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvre, friends and art lovers. To me that sounds like a very nice atmosphere. If you don't believe me ask someone who attended. For those of you who did not make it to Art Axis you definitely missed out. Make sure you stay tuned for my next showing.

Once again thanks to all the artist who participated: Phil Fung, Josafat Miranda and Newton Wallace. Thanks to Miami Art Space, The Children's Home Society of Florida, Pacific Time, Pizzavolante, Abro Gallery and my good friend Gian who helped me coordinate this event. A special thanks again to all who came out and especially those who donated. Thanks for making this event a success.

www.rogerbstillz.com

About ART AXIS

We are two weeks away from ART AXIS. ART AXIS is an Art Exhibition benefiting the Children's Home Society of Florida. Abused. Abandoned. Forgotten. These are the children, The Children's Home Society of Florida protects, guides, and loves. It’s through the generosity of our caring friends that they are able to change children’s lives and transform our communities. But recent governmental cuts have already reduced funding to Florida’s child protection services by nearly $19 million. As the tough economy challenges families and increases burdens on overwhelmed parents and their innocent children, they need our support more than ever.

At ART AXIS we will be collecting donations & 100% of the donations will go to the Children's Home Society of Florida, the artists will also give 20% from any sales during the event. No donation is considered too small & if you cant afford to donate money feel free to look up a charity organization and donate your time. Its time for us to start giving back to our communities, so lets all get involved.

ART AXIS will feature my photography along with Phil Fung, Josafat Miranda and Newton Wallace and is curated by Ada Balcacer.

The works can be viewed at: www.rogerbstillz.com www.philfung.com flickr: Josafat Miranda www.artistsites.org/luminor13 www.abrogallery.com

This event takes place on August 8th 2009 from 6pm-10pm at the Miami Art Space 244 NW 35th Street Miami, FL 33127 (Design District)

Entry is COMPLIMENTARY & there will be wine & Hors D'oeuvre. I'm not responsible if you get there too late and all the wine is finished. Feel free to bring a friend or friends. Dress code is gallery attire so ladies dress sexy :) guys try and look nice for the ladies. Special THANKS to all involved in making this happen. OTHER NEWS I'm still working on my documentary and when it's completed I'm thinking of having a viewing so I can get some feedback before I start entering it into film competition. I will keep you posted on the updates.

Thanks Roger B www.rogerbstillz.com

Another Episode of Shooting

Today I wished I had a camera crew following me around because the things that took place were very interesting. I got to the location before everyone to scout out a few things. Everyone was pretty much on time except for one of the models but she made it up in performance :) so Im not mad at her. While waiting on the late model to arrive one of the other models locked her key in her car and that took about an hour to get opened but luckily she got it open without paying a cost. In the future I will require certain things from models in order to shoot with me. I was thinking maybe having their IQ checked, maybe have them fill out a questionnaire, or maybe quiz them on photo-shoot manners. Anyways the shoot did go on and I'm please to say I like what I have seen so far. After the shoot we walked around a bit looked at some art and shot random things.

After leaving the beach we headed to another shoot. Thanks to my boy Slim from SLim City for his co-operation and who is always up to roll for the cause of Photography no matter the task lol

Special thanks to Gian, Dwayne Watkins (www.dwaynewatkins.com), Desire, Shelah and Jasmine and also Pizzavolante for providing us with Food and drinks. If you are ever in the Design district area make sure you check out Pizzavolante for the best pizza.

Stay tuned for pictures coming soon www.rogerbstillz.com www.facebook.com/rogerbstillz

Newly Published Review/Updates

If you haven't checked out the Wynwood Art Magazine please do so and you can find my review on page 63. The Art Magazine is a bimonthly publication specializing in contemporary art. there public is mainly comprised of collectors, gallerists, art dealers, artists, university academicians, museum and cultural institution directors, art critics, curators and art lovers in general. Special thanks to Abro Gallery, and Raisa. Updates Stay tuned for information regarding my next show which will be on August 8th 2009. The show will feature myself and other talented artist. Proceeds and donation will benefit the Children's Home Society of Florida so make sure you come out and show your support.

I will be revealing some HOT/SEXY photos of my friend Nicole Minotti very soon and they are a must see. Thanks to Vashti and Jessie for helping me out with that shoot. My documentary is still in the post production process so be patient on that one. www.rogerbstillz.com

Memorial Weekend

My trip to Washington, D.C. was an exhausting one.My first stop was at Arlington National Cemetery with my dad to pay Tribute to the over 300,000 men and woman who are buried there. While at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day I noticed many school kids on school trips visiting the National Cemetery. My dad decided to do a quick pole to see if any school kids, teachers, or adults knew anything about the constitution of the United States. So he asked who knew the 5th Amendment? No one knew. No one knew anything about the Constitution of the United States. How can they know if they are losing their rights if they don't know they have them? You don't know what you have until you lose it and then it’s too late. What did they think all those soldiers who are buried in Arlington died for if not for the Constitution of the United States and what it stands for. Freedom!

Memorial weekend and Memorial Day for me was always about partying it up and having fun but this trip to Washington made me realize that its about those who fought for this country so that I have the FREEDOM to party and live like I do.

On Sunday I attended the run to the Wall with Rolling Thunder. I was up at 4am and arrived with my dad at The Pentagon Parking Lot at 5:30am. The huge parking lot would eventually be filled to capacity with over a half million motorcycles. Rolling thunder is a protest, not a parade. Rolling Thunder is asking for accountability for our K.I. A (Killed In Action) and our P.O.W.'s (Prisoners Of War). I thank Artie Muller of Rolling Thunder for what he and his organization are doing and for the huge part that he let my dad and the Veteran Tribute Bike play in Rolling over the past 3 years. Rolling Thunder is truly is one big family re-union (over one million strong). They are a big huge band of brothers. They have been there and done that. They cannot relate that experience with anyone who hasn't.

Gold Star Mothers are those mothers who lost their sons or daughters in war. My heart goes out to them for their tremendous sacrifice. Gold Star Children are those children who lost a mother or father in war. It was an honor and a privilege to see them sit on the Veteran Tribute Bike.

After two months of doing a lot of traveling; I’m finally back home now. This trip showed me that American citizens take their freedoms for granted. It is my hope that the documentary being produced will stimulate some interest and awareness towards our vets. The funds raised during the filming of the documentary, after expenses, will go to U.S. Vets who are doing a great job helping the less fortunate. 1/4 of our country's homeless today are Veterans. You can help. So if you love and enjoy your freedom, don't just thank a Vet, donate to the organizations which you feel will help a Veteran in need. Donations don't have to be just money ; it can be your time or anything you have to give. They need your help not only on Veterans Day or Memorial Day. They need your help everyday.

Special Thanks to my Dad -- Robert Harris - " Sky Soldier "

Los Angeles Weekend

For the past 1-2 months I have been doing a lot of traveling and this past weekend I was in Los Angeles. I was in Los Angeles doing some filming and the weekend turned out to be a very interesting one. A few of my favorite moments were riding with the US military as I filmed the annual wounded warriors project ride that my father headed. The wounded warrior project ride is a ride to raise funds for wounded war veterans. The ride was a beautiful and scenic ride that started in front of the Kodak Theatre and end at a restaurant in Topanga Canyon. During the ride my dad got invited to attend a party at the Playboy Mansion and of course he had to take me along :) The Playboy party was just like you would expect; plenty women who were damn near naked and some butt naked. After the party I spent the remainder of my time with my good friend Katt. Overall a very entertaining weekend and to top it off when I was at the airport heading back to Miami I felt the 4.7 magnitude earthquake.....now thats the way to go out lol. My next trip is on thursday to Washington DC and this weekend should be both exciting and informative. This weekend will also conclude my filming and then when I return its straight to the editing process.

Bombs Away

It's been a while since I've done a shoot because I've been on the road traveling lately. On my way to the shoot when Im getting off the exit I heard a noise when I hit my brakes; I'm like how could this be? I just got my brakes replaced during the week. I kept driving a bit but that wasn't working out so I had to pull over and park my car. What a way to start off the shoot right? Anyways the shoot had to go on so I just called the tow truck while shooting because we all know they take forever to get to you. So finally I'm shooting this idea that I had in my mind for the longest and now I have it in the physical to show :) I haven't started editing the pictures yet and Im please to say I like the look of things so far. I must thank my makeup artist Clivia who is always on time and I hope she keeps it up :) thanks to my model Dominique and the stylist Jazmane who did a great job of what we had to work with. I don't think that the black booths gonna make the cut though Jazmane lol. Thanks to everyone for making my idea come to life. Pictures will be posted soon so stay tuned to my website www.rogerbstillz.com

Why they look like that I don't know LOL Maybe because it was very HOT when we were shooting :)

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there and to the fathers that play the role as a mother :)

www.rogerbstillz.com

The Appreciated Journey

I'm finally back home after a long weekend of traveling that took me to Houston, TX and San Antonio TX. I have embarked on a journey with my father who is riding cross-country to raise funds and awareness for less fortunate war vets. This weekend have reminded me that I have a lot to be thankful for regardless of how little we think we have. My father who is a Vietnam vet decided to bring me along on his journey so I could document his journey but also to show me what life is like for some less fortunate vets. I did meet some very nice folks who are doing a lot for the veterans but there is still more that needs to be done. For those helping I commend them on the job they are doing. I had the opportunity to see how the government treats some of there vets and I just think more should be done for those that went off to war to protect our great country. Some of these vets are still homeless, some are recovering addicts, some are making the best of it, some still haven't gotten over the war experience, some stays locked up in shelter as a modern day fox hole and the ones who understand are often times the ones who are helping in what ever way they can. I can't speak on war because I haven't been to war but in your next encounter with a veteran just telling them Thanks does a lot for them. My next stop will be Phoenix and I will keep you updated as i continue the journey. I do plan on showing the footage once it's all done so stay tuned and I will keep you posted.

Special Thanks to the US Vets at Midtown Terrace for a wonderful job they are doing and of course to all the Vets I have met and had the chance to speak with.

Most of the documenting is captured on video but for my next post regarding this trip I will try to have some photos.

www.rogerbstillz.com

Making what you have Work

My day started off cleaning up then I decided to link my friend JusBus to go and scout a location for an upcoming shoot we are planning. When we got to the location to my disbelief the entire warehouse was demolish. This is a warehouse that I have shot in on numerous occasion and now its totally gone. To say the least that i was disappointed is an under statement but as we all know life is about adapting and moving on. I decide to check another location and its the journey to and from that location that presented my opportunities. I'm sure we have all heard the phrase "when one door closes another one opens" well that seems to be the case today. Everywhere we turned today we found the opportunity of creating great images. Being prepared in any scenario is the ultimate, but working with what you got and making what you got work is Talent. Often times we say that if we only had this we could do this but in reality half of the times we really dont need all the extras. Some of the most celebrate images we admire were created with point and shoot cameras. So instead of waiting to get that dream camera that you always wanted get out and start shooting and this applies to any craft. Start making what you have work. The images below were created today with the bare minimum meaning just the camera, my eye and the sun.

Thanks to JusBus for the inspiration today. If you're just getting into photography check out the work of Annie Leibovitz who also helped inspire me today. www.rogerbstillz.com

FACES of CHANGE COLLECTION

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that came out and supported me last night at my viewing of "FACES of CHANGE" collection. My FACES OF CHANGE collection are images from President Obama Inauguration. The Feedback I received last night were all positive and its the simple things like the appreciation of my work that pushes me to keep on delivering. Special thanks to the ABRO GALLERY for allowing me to share my historical journey and my images will be displayed there until May 1st 2009. Less than two years ago I decided to take my photography to the next level and just last year I set out to accomplish 4 goals and being in a gallery was one of them. I still have two more to accomplish and I have a feeling they are not far off. As I grow in this medium I hope you will embrace in this journey with me. The journey haven't always been easy; standing up for an entire day just to capture images, not being able to feel my toes for more than half of a day, some disappointment here and there but its the end results that always counts.

I know we hear the saying that anything is possible and it truly is, but for the impossible to turn possible we must ACT. www.rogerbstillz.com

Jamaican Getaway

Towards the end of May my work will be on display in the design district. So I took it up on myself to go and gather new images from one of my favorite places; Jamaica. On friday I met up with my good friend Arri and we roamed the town. We started off in Halfway tree and ended up in Jones Town. I'm sure many of us who are Jamaicans and live in the Kingston area have never been in the heart of Jones Town. I find that hard to believe especially when its less than 15min from where a lot of us reside in Kingston. Jones Town is govern by certain law so you just cant walk up in there and start photographing; however, we were equipped with the proper tour guide that made things a bit easier. Along the way I photographed some interesting images. I took an image of a 95 year old lady that I thought was very interesting because in that kind of environment I never expected that someone could survive that long facing all the challenges they go through. Some of the challenge people in that area face mainly the kids are lack of education because they cant afford it. There's a small school that I came across but not sure how educationally fit those that claim to be teachers are. This put the system in a cycle thats difficult to over come. I came across a church sign that had about 11 bullet holes in it and I will showcase that image in May. The folks I met along the way were very nice folks. The kids were amazing and full of energy. I want to thank my friend Arri that always try and reach out to these kids. Arri has helped raise the funds to send these kids abroad to see a different side of the world and with good deeds like that hopefully the cycle of things can change for a better future for the kids. This is also one of the reason that we were welcome in that area.

We sometimes take what we have for granted but a trip like that made me realize how bless I am. We all have our own struggle but if we can help just one person make it to the next level there is no reason why we shouldnt,

On Saturday I headed out to Hellshire Beach. If you're not from Jamaica, Hellshire Beach is known for the best seafood on the island.

On sunday I met up with my friends and we went out to shoot again. We went somewhere in St. Thomas and found an old abandoned building that we decided to photograph. This building remind me of something you would see in the X-Files. We had a blast shooting and after we stopped to get some drinks because it was our friend David Madden's birthday. Thanks to Arri, David and Gian who made this a successful trip.

The images from this trip should be showcased in my May exhibit and I will keep you posted as the date gets closer. This Saturday you can find my collection of images titled "Faces of Change" in the Abro Gallery. Viewing will start from 7pm-10pm on March 14th at 2137 NW 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33127. My work will be on display till around the 1st of April but I recommend you coming out on Saturday because you get to view many other artist work as well and not just mine.

A Marley Weekend

This past weekend was pretty much a Marley weekend for me. Friday night I spent it filming and hanging with Kymani Marley and saturday I attended the Marley concert where I had the opportunity to photograph Kymani Marley while he was performing. I'm heading out of the country this week and when I return I should have some eye candy for everyone. Next week Saturday I will be featured at Gallery Walk in the design District of Miami (Miami, FL) and when I get back in the country I will give the details on that if you would like to stop by. Be safe until next time :)

Gallery Viewing

  Yesterday I had my first public viewing and I would like to say a SPECIAL thanks to Newton Wallace for allowing me to display my work alongside his and I would also like to thank my friend Gian for helping out with everything. Thanks to all my friends who came out and supported. I'm working on doing a few more viewings and will keep you updated once things are finalized. Overall it was a wonderful experience and looking forward to having everyone back at the next one.

Thanks again 

www.rogerbstillz.com

A Night of Art This Valentine's Day

This Saturday which is Valentine's Day I'm showing a few of my images along with another artist by the name of Newton Wallace.  Newton Wallace is a local artist whose paintings are visually phenomenal. Newton paintings are inspired from various elements and influential people in life, from Bob Marley to Jesus.   Time & Place

Saturday, February 14, 2009

6pm - 10pm

Wynwood Lofts Unit 205

250 NW 23rd Street

Miami, FL

This will be my first gallery appearance so come out and show your support. Thanks to Gian and Newton for making this happen. Looking forward to seeing and meeting everyone.  I'm also in the works of making another gallery appearance which would show my Washington DC series but will keep you posted once things finalize.

I haven't shot since I came back from Washington DC but should be back on the ball soon.  If you feel you're a female model and can bring something to the table feel free to drop me a line and email me a pic.  

The image attached came from Miami Carnival 2008

Weekend of the Super Bowl

This past weekend I headed out of town with a very good friend of mine to spend time with my dad since it was his birthday. I consider myself a very entertaining character and I've also been told that. My dad is also an entertaining character so you can imagine what my friend had to cope with. We got in late friday night and relaxed for the remainder of the night. Before I headed out of town I had two photoshoots lined up one for saturday and one for sunday. These models I have communicated with throughout the week to arrange the shoot and really thought things would work out especially from the phone conversations we had and it really sounded like they were interested. Well on the way to my dad on friday night I got a text saying something was wrong with model 1 car and she had to get it towed so she wouldn't be able to make it.  I have been dying to do this shoot and was very excited needless to say I was very pissed. I'm staying in the tampa area and she resides in the Gainsville area and I offered to pick her up because I really wanted to get the shoot accomplished but no answer from her. She texted me back a day or two later saying she couldn't have me come and get her because that would not be fair to me hmmmmm sounds like B.S. to me. Model 2 still haven't touched base with me. A few things about Roger--I'm very impatient but I'm working on being more patient. This is just regarding models--don't cancel on me.

Enuff about the models they are now history. I took my friend to a private zoo however it was close because they were having zoo day.   Zoo day was more about getting the community involved and aware. Folks were able to spend up close and personal time with a few of the animals. My favorite animal there was the baby tiger. I saw the tiger about a month ago and I even petted him. When I saw him on saturday the tiger had almost doubled in size. I can just image how big the tiger will be the next time I see it.  

After leaving the zoo I stopped by my friend Felicia to say hi. Quick info about Felicia--she loves animal and have several horses. I took a few photos of Felicia interacting with the horses that I have posted. Maybe I will start photographing animals because I know they wont stand me up LOL. We then headed back home to celebrate my Dad's birthday and call it a day. Sunday we slept in late spent some more time with my dad before heading back home to Miami.

The Weekend

In a couple hours the weekend will be upon us. I hope it was a great week for us all. As for me it was a good week. I got some good news and if all works out I will be sharing that news with you soon.  I'm wish everyone a safe and fun weekend.  I will be out of town this weekend and plan on doing a couple shoots while I'm away. I will keep you posted on how those shoots went when I return.  Hopefully I will be back in time to catch the super bowl. I'm picking the Steelers for the Champions :)

FACES OF CHANGE ---Image Series

On January 20th I saw a nation unite like never before. People came from across the globe to Washington DC to celebrate CHANGE. Standing in aaww, I was amazed on the numbers who came to support President Barack Obama and his inauguration. I felt an energy in the air like no other. I was very cold and my toes were num, but my heart was warm, filled with admiration and hope. Although, millions of people attended I felt very lucky because not everyone was able to attend. Through my photography I wanted to share my journey. Of all inventions for mass communication I believe that pictures still speak the most universally understood language.

Due to the large crowds I wanted to show a different point of view. I didn't want to give my viewers the general crowd shots. I started to look around me and saw interesting methods and ways people were staying warm and protecting their faces from the cold. This became the focal point of my photographs. I thought, what was hidden behind the scarf, the hats, and the hoodies. We all came together for change, but were still uniquely defined. It takes many different kind of people to make a nation and that's what the foundation of America is built on. I am very pleased with the outcome.

Would love to know what you think about the series.

Series can be view on my main page at www.rogerbstillz.com then click on gallery then on FACES OF CHANGE

Just wanted to thank my friends --Bjorn,Doug,Eric/Tamika/John&his family who was like my tour guide around DC and a special thanks to my friend ROSLYN and her family for the great hospitality.  One last thanks goes to my friend GIAN

www.rogerbstillz.com

Photos from Washington DC

I just wanted to share a few photos I took while I was in Washington DC for the Inauguration. Stay tuned because there are more to come. I hope you enjoyed them www.rogerbstillz.com