I had the opportunity yesterday to witness Adrian Allen at work on one of his projects. This project is titled iNation.tv which is a portal dedicated to producing, providing, and distributing exclusive Caribbean content via an on-demand platform. iNation.tv also serves as the portal for live streamed Caribbean events which i got to experience yesterday with the legendary Reggae band Third World as they rehearsed in preparation for their massive European, African and Asian tour along with Tessanne Chin. The goal is become the leading distribution platform for Caribbean content. iNation successfully live streamed the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival which garnered close to 37,000 new viewers globally. There goal is to become the leading distribution platform for Caribbean content and I believe they are well on there way for achieving that goal. Thanks for inviting me to be apart of history in the making.
The Forgotten Defenders (Trailer)
The Forgotten Defenders is a documentary I recently completed. This is the battle cry of one man who embarks on a cross country journey with the most heavily armed motorcycle on the planet to help raise awareness of the plight of his homeless Vet brothers and to try and raise funds to help make a difference. Check out the trailer for a sneak preview. Stay tuned for more details to come.http://www.rogerbstillz.com [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktDa7YK8ibA]
My Documentary
I'm pleased to announce that my documentary is in the final stages. The documentary will be titled "The Forgotten Defenders" it's directed by me (Roger B) and its about: The battle cry of one man who embarks on a cross country journey with the most heavily armed motorcycle on the planet to help raise awareness of the plight of his homeless Vet brothers and to try and raise funds to help make a difference. “We don’t leave our wounded behind on the battlefield and I should not leave them behind on the streets”
The names below are those that were very helpful in making this vision come to life and a special thanks goes out to them. Robert Harris, Nicole Gilliam, Langston Bates, Lazmel Melendez, Bobby Oneill, Gian Gordon-Whyte, Terrance Clarke, and if I forgot anyone please forgive me.
I will be releasing the trailer very soon so stay tuned
http://www.rogerbstillz.com
Nothing Ventured nothing gained.
The story for the image below is a simple one. My original idea for the shot came from a fellow photographer by the name of Bettina Rheims. If you haven't seen her work make sure you check it out. After seeing her shot I immediately thought of my version. Not sure how this one will be perceived but I'm interested in the feed back. I must warn you that if you take my images too seriously you will hate me. I would like to thank my model for thinking outside the box, special thanks to my make-up artist Clivia and thanks to the police officer for not arresting us for indecent exposure.
http://www.rogerbstillz.com If you try and study me you will never graduate.
Bury me face down
The story for the Image is as follows: I heard my dad joking around saying when he dies he wants to be buried face down so the world can kiss his ass. Upon hearing that I immediately thought of creating the image to fit such a saying. I have never seen it done before so I set out to be the first to accomplish such a task. The first challenge was to find a funeral home that would allow me to do such a crazy thing. It just so happen that I knew the perfect person to call for a recommendation and he came through. After meeting with the funeral home to scout the location Im sure they thought I was crazy but I guess being naked in the coffin they just had to see. The next challenge was to find someone willing and brave enough to do the shoot. Of course I get a lot of No's, HELL NAW IS U CRAZY, and some others but all it took was one YES. After that first YES I arranged the shoot the following day so she wouldn't have much time to think about it lol. I was a bit nervous that she wouldn't show up but she did and I would like to thank her and all those who help me to pull this off. Not every one will find this image interesting and if you are one of those people; I don't give a damn.
The image can be viewed on my website at http://www.rogerbstillz.com or on www.facebook.com/rogerbstillz
Kids
Lately I have been photographing my cute lil nephew, but for those who photograph kids on a regular basis I have a whole new respect for you especially if those kids are two years of age and below. A lot of patience is required for photographing these little rascals; however, the outcome can be just as rewarding with that memorable image. The images below are of my friends kids and my nephew.
http://www.rogerbstillz.com
Helping Haiti
The New Year for myself and others in Sunshine State has been a very cold one. We have experienced temperature in the mid 30's and for us that's not normal. I've seen frozen Iguanas (imagine that falling on you while walking) the size of my arm in my back yard to my friends calling telling me there is Ice on their car windshield. If you ask me the cold front have over stayed it's welcome and I'm ready for it to go so I can start shooting. While we are experiencing a uneasy cold front; Haiti is experiencing turmoil cause by an earthquake magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter Scale. The Richter magnitudes are based on a logarithmic scale (base 10). What this means is that for each whole number you go up on the Richter scale, the amplitude of the ground motion recorded by a seismograph goes up ten times. Using this scale, a magnitude 5 earthquake would result in ten times the level of ground shaking as a magnitude 4 earthquake (and 32 times as much energy would be released). To give you an idea how these numbers can add up, think of it in terms of the energy released by explosives: a magnitude 1 seismic wave releases as much energy as blowing up 6 ounces of TNT. A magnitude 8 earthquake releases as much energy as detonating 6 million tons of TNT. Pretty impressive, huh? Fortunately, most of the earthquakes that occur each year are magnitude 2.5 or less, too small to be felt by most people.
Right now Haiti needs your help. Whatever you can give please do so regardless of how small it is and keep them in your prayers. The picture below shows a few things I got that is going to Haiti tomorrow with someone who will be donating her time to help out. My donation includes: toothpaste, gauze pads, q-tips, bandaids, wipes, soap, shampoo, yellow rice, Chef Boyardee, Ramen Noodles, Vienna Sausages, candles, batteries, washcloths, clothing, and last but not least sticks of dynamite (just kidding those aren't real :) Thanks to those who purchased one of my "Who The Fuck Is Roger B" t-shirt because proceeds from that went to buying some of the goods. Once again thanks for your contribution.
Goodbye 2009.
The year 2009 was a ruff year for many due to the recession we're currently facing. In spite of that I thought it was a good year for my photography. I was able to capture the Inauguration of the first Black president of the United States, I did a lot of traveling for my documentary which is very close to being finished, I had my work displayed in several galleries, I raised funds for the Children's Home Society and the list goes on. For those of you who have supported my exhibitions I thank you for the support and looking forward to 2010 to show more great work. A SPECIAL THANKS goes out to my good friend who is always there to encourage me and push me when I get lazy and don't feel like shooting. Special thanks to my homies who always listen to my ideas regardless of how silly they may sound and then give input or find a way to make the idea work.
Successful people who make money often make mistakes, and even have major setbacks, but they believe they will eventually prosper, and they see every setback as a lesson to be applied in their move towards success. With that stated, congrats to ZJ Bambino of Zipfm who moved back home to Jamaica and is now one of the must listen voices on the radio. Do not be afraid for 2010 get out there and make your dream a reality but first you must wake up and act. To my fellow photographers that I have worked with THANKS.
The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desires bring weak results, just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat. Thanks again for all the support and all the best for 2010
R.I.P Uncle Lloyd - going to country and not seeing you at the shop wont be the same but you're in a better place now.
The shirts below if you must have one can be purchased from my website(LIMITED AMOUNT). Part of the proceed will be donated to charity. http://www.rogerbstillz.com
American Airlines Flight 331
Today I had the chance to view the crash scene of American Airlines flight 331. It's amazing that all the passengers on board made it out alive with a few injuries. Jamaica is truly a bless country. No matter how bad you think you got it, just remember there is always someone else who has it worst. To all the passengers on board American Airlines Flight 331 and to everyone else Merry Christmas.
Art Basel Is Here Again
It's Art Basel weekend once again in South Florida. Art Basel is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 40 years, Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city's beautiful Art Deco District. After work I had to rush to a location to do a small shoot that turn out nice. Immediately after the shoot I went looking at the new murals they painted in the Art Deco District. As I saw them I was acting like a kid in a candy store filled with excitement.
If you get the chance try and check out some of the galleries this weekend. If not you can just go browsing and you will be surprised by the free art you will encounter. Below are a few images I snapped while walking around.
Oasis Of The Seas
I was able to see the departure of Royal Caribbean largest cruise ship and also the largest cruise ship in the world as it departed from Fort Lauderdale around 5:30pm. This modern day Titanic was definitely a site to behold.www.rogerbstillz.com
Ring Around The Moon
Last night around 11:30pm my friend sent me a text saying go outside and look at the ring around the moon. At first I thought it was just some form of prank, but my curiosity got the best of me and I went outside and took a look. When I got outside what I saw in the sky was a wonderful ring around the moon. This is considered a lunar halo or possibly a lunar corona. A lunar halo is caused by the refraction, reflection, and dispersion of light through ice particles suspended within thin, wispy, high altitude cirrus or cirrostratus clouds. As light passes through these hexagon-shaped ice crystals, it is bent at a 22 degree angle, creating a halo 22 degrees in radius (or 44 degrees in diameter). A double halo, sometimes with spokes, may be seen on rare occasions when light reflects off water or ice. The phenomenon of a lunar halo is similar to a rainbow produced by sunlight and rain falling between your eye and the sun.
Hope you were as lucky as myself to have witness it.
My Nephew
I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. My Thanksgiving was a good one, just on the tiring side from babysitting my nephew. Thank God I didn't have to do it by myself lol. Below are two out of the many images I took of him.
My 1st Time in Handcuffs
Being placed in handcuffs is not always something to glorify. However, my first time in handcuffs came at the expense of being on a billboard and just thought I would share the image :) For the up-close and personal look you can view them yourself at :
Nw 79th street & Nw 7th Av
Nw 62nd street & Nw 7th Av
Nw 54th street & Nw 12th Av (Miami, FL)
My Dad at the Playboy Mansion
I'm currently working on editing my documentary that I started back in April (Yes these things do take time). While filming the documentary my Dad was invited to show his bike at the Playboy Mansion. My editor came across this footage and I wanted to share it with my readers. If you haven't been to the Playboy Mansion maybe you can add it to your bucket list. Look out for the documentary coming soon. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woqXN5GKRnM]
Halloween Weekend
I hope everyone had a fun filled Halloween weekend. For about a little over two weeks I was without my camera and I must say I went through camera withdraw if there is such a thing. I was very excited to have it back in my possession and immediately I went out shooting. Below are two of my favorite pictures I took this weekend. The pictures are of dancehall artist Buju Banton taken at the James L. Knight Center. Special thanks to Scuffery.
www.rogerbstillz.com
Carnival Imagination Cruise Getaway
This past weekend I had the opportunity to embark on a cruise along with a very good friend of mine. My cruise on Carnival Imagination is the best customer service experience I have ever encountered. On the cruise I was always met with a smile regardless of who I came in contact with. Regardless of the hour everyone greeted me with a smile. My cabin/room got serviced almost every three hours. Every time I left the room and returned my room looked like when I first arrived; I had to look under the bed and in the closet to make sure the room service people were not hiding in there lol. The food was very good but our waiter was the best and the best waiter I ever came across. Ketut who was my waiter was always smiling and made sure my dinner expectation was met above and beyond. Not only did he serve me dinner but he was also responsible for breakfast and lunch and no matter the time of day he was smiling and greeted me by my name. I found myself wondering when does he sleep and what was he on to always be in a pleasant mood. These folks are on the ship anywhere from 4-8 months at a time and this can take a toll on you but it never showed on the Carnival Imagination crew. I have lodged at many five star hotels and not received this kind of treatment/customer service and just wanted to say Thank You to all the crew on the Carnival Imagination
If anyone wants to know what real customer service should be like take a cruise on the Carnival Imagination. This was my first cruise but it wont be my last.
Miami Carnival 2009
Miami Carnival has been an Annual Event since 1984. Within two years of its inception, it had grown from a small neighborhood festival to an international event. This past weekend was no different. I enjoy carnival and all that it has to offer like the music, the food, the celebration, the photography it allows me to capture and the beautiful women. I did not enjoy how long it took to get the bands in the park. I met with my friends in the band around 11:30am and we did not get in the park until around 8-9pm. By then I had gotten one hell of a tan that I did not anticipate. I also dislike that they did not seperate the masqueraders from the crowd. Besides that it was a great event as usual and looking forward to checking out Trinidad's carnival very soon.
www.rogerbstillz.com
My T-Shirt Project
This past weekend was the 25th Anniversary of Miami Carnival. For the celebration I celebrated with a special edition Roger B t-shirt that was printed by CY Clothing line (from the creators of Cooyah Clothing Line). The idea was to brand the name Roger B and take advantage of the many folks that would come out and glorify Miami Carnival. Overall I thought it was a success. Every where I wore the t-shirt I saw eyes constantly roaming to read the saying "Who The FUCK is Roger B" which was printed on the t-shirt. For those who were not familiar with the name Roger B Stillz I told them to google it. Many however, were familiar with the name and congratulated me on my work. Thanks to those who do recognize and appreciate my work. Thanks to those who read my blog and enjoy reading it and thanks for supporting my work. I printed a very limited amount of these shirts since this was more of a branding experiment for me and was amazed by the amount of request for a shirt that I received. If you must have one of these shirts feel free to email me and it could be arranged.
The Making of the Confession Photo
First off I would like to say that NOT ALL my images are a true reflection of my personal belief. I would also like to say that I have nothing against any religion and Im a believer in God. Now with that out the way lets get to the creation of this image. I have always questioned a certain practice of going to someone behind a wall and asking them to forgive me of my sins. The person you are asking for forgiveness from could be committing more serious sins than what you're asking forgiveness of. So thats the thought process of the creation of this image.
I have scouted numerous churches looking for a confession booth but most that I came across were too small for me to use even if permission were granted and I don't think any church would allow me to shoot there once they saw all the props I had: cross, picture of Jesus, the bible, magazine with little boy on the cover, flour that looks like cocaine, shot glass and a bottle of appleton rum. So, I set out to make my own confession booth. The booth that you see is basically three white walls brought together to make a small box. The cross, the kneeling stool and the see through vent on the wall were all made for me by my friend Jessie Melero. The Jesus poster I bought and had Jessie frame for me. The bible and flour were provided by my cousin. The boy on the cover of the magazine, the shot glass and the appleton rum was provided by myself and I bought the cross at Michael's. The lovely model was played by Maylin Estevez and my friend Eric played the priest. This was shot at the Abro Gallery in the design district that have had my work on display in the past.
So the scene reads of a young lady confessing her sins to a priest who is not really listening to her but instead was more focus in reading a children book while sipping on his appleton and sorting cocaine. The seven lines on the bible indicate the seven deadly sins.
All this maybe hard to see in this small image but if you were at my exhibition and saw the actually image you would see all the details a lot better.
So thats the story of this image.
Special THANKS to all that helped make my vision come through. www.rogerbstillz.com