If it were upto me I would have a blank bio section, never really been too fond of words, just pictures, but you knew that obviously.
What can I say? Im 19 and enjoy taking pictures!!!
I started off taking photography at GCSE level, it was a good alternative to fine art and the thoughts of capturing a moment within time just seemed too good to be true. Went on to studying it at A-level, first year I stuck to the rules, second year I bent them a little to allow myself a stepping stone into the creative industry. I worked with dancers alot in my projects, which was the result of meeting Kymberlee J (Madonna dancer and Nike Athlete, 'the big mixed raced girl from the Nike adverts') and Jay Revell (Bump N Grind Finalist, Mariah Carey dancer). They both inspired me to follow my passion, especially Kym, with her larger than life persona and image that was contradictory to how models/dancers should look, my girl was avin it!
I have been influenced alot by street dancing, which I have also been partially trained in. Ive learnt to appreciate the smallest detail, from how someones footwork will alternate between movements, to the more bigger picture, like symmetry and shapes within a sequence of choreographed dancers. So theres things I may pick up on that other photographers may not, such as framing and composition. Both photography and dance are some of the greatest art forms in the world to me, how one person can see things that another may not and then how people can use their own body language to give translation to music in physical representation, its like magic and yeaah! It excites me! lol
Sooo, this last year has just been a rush! What ive always noticed is how when I set myself targets, I will 99.5% of the time produce what I have to, given the time and resources needed. Leading onto my next point, I started off taking pictures because I like taking pictures, not because I was force feed it as a part of my studies, I mean to continue the same way. I did not have a whole stylist team dedicated to my work or a management company providing me with work, it was just me and still is today. I may do the odd collaboration here or there with very creative people, but I would say around 95% of the work on myspace is me. Hmmm! So imagine if I did always have the styling team and funds necessary to carry out projects? I would be capable of alot more.
Im young (yes I know lol), so what im doing now is only a stepping stone to something much bigger, I want organisations in all the major cities of the world that are solely dedicated to performance and the creative industry, ways I will build this is are as a photographer yes, but also as a creative director, choreographer, magazine editor and as a talent agency.
When working with me, I would say trust is a major issue, you have to put yourself completely in my hands if you want me to make you look 'HOT'. Most of the best pictures ive ever taken arent always of the best looking people or as even people who have the most experience, obviously that helps yes, but so does the connection a photographer shares with their model.
Keep your head up high, the sky is not the limit, dont let anyone tell you you cant do something or attempt to close your mind. A million thank-you's go out to all the people that have trusted me and ive created masterpieces with, your the reason I do what I do! WORK!
New shoot - Two new fashion shoots with RWD magazine!!!Photographer: Yours truely Stylist: Richard Shoyemi Assistant stylist: Luke Castillo Make-up artist: Sareta Gabriel Models: Troy, Cory and Dario
100 of my 'best' chosen images of males and females, out of the 1000's of shots ive ever taken.