I was shot by Ray woods "Thunder Love Shoot"

"Fashion never sleeps. When you sleep somewhere there to take your spot" (RAYMOND WOODS)
I just made that quote up like 30 seconds ago but so TRUE! Jasmine was a previous model a couple years go and decide to pre sue the modeling career soon. So what i did is pre shoot her up for her REAL shoot with me by taking test shoots of her and her boyfriend charles. Very outgoing, funny, and interesting couple i might shall add. They came down from NYC for "The arising phoenix album event" so i literally had 2 days to shoot them but the catch was.. I decided to shoot them 3 hours before i shoot them. That's where the quote comes into play. I might get to shoot her or them again but my schedules and their schedules are busy. So it was either now or never so to speak. I prep my camera as i normally did and think out an ideal look i want the photo shoot to have. Warm/ Violet color temp, ISO 100, Ap 1/60 and some more technical stuff.


The sun was sun-shining too much so i had to close my lens multiple times to make sure the exposure was perfect. I pick a nearby porch and shoot the couple there. Looking at my surrounds, the models and movement. I then made an executive decision on the story i wanted to convey. It ended up being between a portrait and lifestyle photography of love. Thunder love came from a song of "Little dragon" and the lyrics and groove to it spoke out to me. "Thunder" which Charles was photograph alone and "love" which charles and Jasmine was photograph. The color temperature played a huge part within the story because it gave it that since of hardness, looniness, masculine (Thunder), and then it gave that happiness, peace, softness "Love".

Maybe it's me but artistic wise MUSIC! Yes MUSIC Plays a tremendous part in someone creativeness. Everything creatively done was either inspired by quotes, music or art. Maybe thats one of the secrets of being an artist ? haaha. Check out the Photographs

The Arising Phoenix Album Event: Test Shoot

As you know i recently Photograph/ and Host for the event but i wouldn't produce great work if i didn't have my Deadline Production team. I walk up to the set where Danny "Videographer" set up a black back drops, hot lights and filters for the both of us. Very excited to shoot the 3 artist of Tahj Entertainment "Doc, Ex-calvon, and Lil Tahj", i had to mentally prepare myself to shoot them. The factors i had to consider was there heigh (pretty much around the same heigh), skin tone, and ability to move. Also there being 3 different generations the lighting had to somewhat change dramatically to not make them look to young or to old . I was on a time crunch and had to think creativity fast or i will lose my positive aura.
Understanding that Black or White aren't colors but how they lights opens and shuts that cast these to non colors is a major plus in photographs people with these back drops. Easily to hide, touch up or re shape almost everything. On the other hand lighting it was a little difficult. Ty "Creative Director" gave tremendous ideas and creative concept for his first time directing. I kinda set back on the creative side of photography and put more into the technique side of photography. No active wardrobe stylist on set my assistant "Grace" properly fix the wardrobe and always jump in to test the lighting for me..
Test shooting is so important because it gives you a change to see if the model can CCM (Creative Confident Mover). In this shoot i literally had 5mins ! WOWERS. But the test shoot i was really talking about is my assistant Grace and Creative Director Ty. I'am going to be shooting them later this month so seeing how they photograph or move before was an advantage on my side if i don't say so myself. Those 2 hours i had went by super fast. I keep it professional at all times and surrounded myself with positive people through the shoot.

The Arising Phoenix Album Release Party

What’s up Readers



“WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY HOW WHEN WHERE WHAT WHO … OK.”?

This weekend my interning company Tahj Entertainment had a Event for our album release “The arising phoenix. So before i get into details let me tell you all the juice inside scoop on what happen, when it happen, who it happen, etc.

So after pre paring my equipment the night before , saturday morning i was already ready to go and race to the train. I was ask to do a photo shoot at the event as well as be one of the host at the event. Danny “videoographer” video tape the interviews and the event and let me tell you his LIGHTS was a LIFESAVOR. So my train came at 11:30am and i knew i had to get some tan pants for my outfit because all the stores i went to didn’t have any. I ran up stairs in the mall to old navy and found me a $36.15 Tan pants and it was worth every penny. Then i had to run down stair to catch the train (That was a close one).



Train ride was cool until a women who was (Completely a stranger) Kept asking me questions about Delaware. Turn my ipod on and i was zoning. So i got pick up from CEO of Deadline Production Lisa Ward to the Event to handle some business. From then on i was throw into work ! I talked to Danny , Set up the lights and background, assemble my team and was ready to shoot the 3 Artist. Tyleek “Creative Director” was really doing his job. He suggested great ideas, concept and looks to make the photographs pop. Grace “The assistant” Was helping with the cloths, getting me things i need and was my go to person. Renee “The videographer” Tape the whole thing (tear tear) im so proud !. Last but not least Danny was giving my some pointers on how to achieve the look i wanted to achieve.



So my Muses Ex-Calvon, Doc, and Lil Tahj grace my stage and work it like no other before. So you know i had to use my method CCM. I wanted to connect to my clients on another level. Show them how to pose, show them what is lacking within the photographer, and build a relationship with them in hopes of achieving the photographer i want. In the video you prob saw me swagging, instructing them and coaching them along the way. Yes modeling is hard but showing you what you don’t know about your body, how can you boast your positive qualities and being creative is what it’s all about. Let’s just say the photoshoot was MEGA FUN.



So i was rush to hosting and i was SUPER NOVA nervous people. I’am a shy person when i don’t know people so to one of the host at the event was very nerve recking. So Me , Tyleek and Jasmine hosted the event and it went Very well…. until i started my Comedy hour. “Tickle Twinkle”. It was film on a personal camera so you have to wait until it’s edited and what nots. Over all Great Time ! It you miss it…. Weelll it sucks to be you. Hhahaha



Secdum <3

The Arising Phoenix Album release Event

What's up Readers



"WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY HOW WHEN WHERE WHAT WHO ... OK."?

This weekend my interning company Tahj Entertainment had a Event for our album release "The arising phoenix. So before i get into details let me tell you all the juice inside scoop on what happen, when it happen, who it happen, etc.

So after pre paring my equipment the night before , saturday morning i was already ready to go and race to the train. I was ask to do a photo shoot at the event as well as be one of the host at the event. Danny "videoographer" video tape the interviews and the event and let me tell you his LIGHTS was a LIFESAVOR. So my train came at 11:30am and i knew i had to get some tan pants for my outfit because all the stores i went to didn't have any. I ran up stairs in the mall to old navy and found me a $36.15 Tan pants and it was worth every penny. Then i had to run down stair to catch the train (That was a close one).



Train ride was cool until a women who was (Completely a stranger) Kept asking me questions about Delaware. Turn my ipod on and i was zoning. So i got pick up from CEO of Deadline Production Lisa Ward to the Event to handle some business. From then on i was throw into work ! I talked to Danny , Set up the lights and background, assemble my team and was ready to shoot the 3 Artist. Tyleek "Creative Director" was really doing his job. He suggested great ideas, concept and looks to make the photographs pop. Grace "The assistant" Was helping with the cloths, getting me things i need and was my go to person. Renee "The videographer" Tape the whole thing (tear tear) im so proud !. Last but not least Danny was giving my some pointers on how to achieve the look i wanted to achieve.



So my Muses Ex-Calvon, Doc, and Lil Tahj grace my stage and work it like no other before. So you know i had to use my method CCM. I wanted to connect to my clients on another level. Show them how to pose, show them what is lacking within the photographer, and build a relationship with them in hopes of achieving the photographer i want. In the video you prob saw me swagging, instructing them and coaching them along the way. Yes modeling is hard but showing you what you don't know about your body, how can you boast your positive qualities and being creative is what it's all about. Let's just say the photoshoot was MEGA FUN.



So i was rush to hosting and i was SUPER NOVA nervous people. I'am a shy person when i don't know people so to one of the host at the event was very nerve recking. So Me , Tyleek and Jasmine hosted the event and it went Very well.... until i started my Comedy hour. "Tickle Twinkle". It was film on a personal camera so you have to wait until it's edited and what nots. Over all Great Time ! It you miss it.... Weelll it sucks to be you. Hhahaha

Ramon Luis: Secdum Society Ad Campaign: (Behind the Story)

So as you know i'am the creator and visionary of The Secdum Society. Thats NOW the main website i do most of my blogging and Fashion updates. I also have another blog "SS Solstice" where i do most of my quick post i find 24/7. So after all this Why and Ad campaign ? Pretty simple really. To PROMOTE ! My blog has become more then just any old fashion blog it's become a life style. Updating the latest trends, Campaigns, Editorials, Fashion Videos and more right on "The Secdum Society" . Now that my viewers are increasing weekly i want to make a stamp in the industry. Having a official logo, Ads to put on sites, and a trademark is really how i want to brand ( Yes i have taken numerous business). I love to brand and market for people so why not something for me this time Right? So how do i go about branding and marketing my website that only Philadelphia and Delaware only know of?


Researching is the key to accomplishing ones task. I look through alot of Fashion bloggers sites for inspirations to "NOT COPY" but put out something that they aren't covering such as WORLDTOWN, Ad Campaigns, and Lookbook. Yes i love personal style and love shopping but pretty much 75% of all Fashion bloggers do that on a daily bases so what makes me stand apart from them? Seeking other fashion from countries, Introducing the latest lookbook and NOW..... Highlighing Models makes me stand out. My blog has no limits but then again it does because i say "This is the ultimate Fashion blog" i will be lying. Fashion is to Vast for one single person so i will continue to play to my strengths. Researching plays a major part in ones creativity so i try my best to look at the ones that i wouldn't think twice of looking at.

After gathering tremendous information i need to create an ad campaign to better promote myself as a blogger as well a photographer. My vision was to have 2 male models and 2 females in an urban setting with a very fashion forward look but as i made the casting call that ship had sailed. So i had to back to square one and work around them. So i got this amazing idea of have 4 models in 4 different locations expressing there fashion sense in there own way and combining it together. That ship had sailed also. SOOOOOO DISCOURAGE until This very interesting model by the name of "Ramon " was really drawing alot of attention to me. He would keep in contact, start conversation and show personality. Idk about other photographers but when you reach out to me a model should keep the relationship going. Don't hit me up and disappear. Because when you show you don't care i can to.


More and More me and Ramon talk i check his Facebook, portfolio, etc to get a sense of what type of model he could be. Couple days later we book the shoot day. We shoot in old city, Philadelphia still having the overall concept in my head. Yes i was winging it a bit but i always create, edit or twist my concept on the shoot day. A model just sparks my curiosity to try something new. I shot 5 looks and somewhat had an idea to create this campaign. Before i put any photos on my computer the ones i dislike the most i delete of the camera first (about 3 cycles). I do it when i'am eating, extremely tired and busy. Believe it or not delete photographs while doing these 3 things really effect your overall thinking process which really benefits you at the end.

Coming up with a concept when editing can alter your original concept when you started. Never the less you still pull some inspiration from everywhere to get the job done. Flipping through verse magazine, zink magazine and nylon magazine help me to come up with a concept. I decided to use 2 or 3 looks for my Ad campaigns and the other 2 or 3 looks for my actually portfolio. So yes i did edited my photographs mega crazy because.... IAM CRAZY. I love Bright , crazy, muggy , vibrate colors. It's fits my blog personality as well as mines. I really dislike describing my photographs because there always someone who thinks differently about it. So you can be the judge of it. Let me know if you like the changes. Tired of typing so on that note.

SECDUM <3

CCM in Modeling Photo shoots

So i have just started using this trending term about 3 days go ; inspired by editing the model "Ramon Luis" film. CCM is a little abbreviation i use now to better help inspiring models to achieve there potential, not only a shoot with me but other photographers. CCM was about to be spelled out as a "correct word" but i knew i was pushing to far so i just remain it "CCM" . Which bring us to your dying question "What in the world is CCM Ray"?

CCM (better known as CREATIVE CONFIDENT MOVER) . Looking at countless Fashion photographer it was 3 things that these models had to do in order to achieve the expectations of a photographer, designer, agency etc. Being creative, confident mover assures a great deal of achievement for anybody. But why theses 3 instead of her adjectives, verbs, etc.?





CREATIVE: In order to purpose anything "Artistic" wise has to start with creativity first. Being open about your emotions, past experiences, visions, expectations, and goals can and will boast your creativity process. Same thing goes for a model before actually being shot. The model needs to be creativity open and challenging ones ability to please the client. So rolling on the floor, jumping, laughing, spinning, dancing,and yelling is "oh so right" trying to build a character or a theme in the shoot. Thinking of new ideas (without stepping over boundaries) will influence everyone around you to step up there creative process as well. You get the "Yes Girl", "Work", "stunning", Magical" .... You are ready to move on to the next
process.







CONFIDENT: Because you are the center of attention every move you make impacts everyone around. Stand up tall and proud of your body. Knowing thou body and owning thou body will not only make you feel like a REAL model but the viewers as well. Being creative is only the first step but to make it to the 2nd step you must be confident about every decision you make. A Photographer loves to experiment and shoot you endlessly you influence him. Feel the fabric, know the client history, know the photographer style of shooting and use that to your advantage. To become a better model is all about having the personality, positive attitude, and being an effective listener. Personality can defiantly land you other gigs alone so show some confidence. Having a positive attitude and even being an EFFECTIVE listener will make the photographer job a whole lot easier.








MOVER: You want to put what you want to do creativity wise and being sure & confident about your decision only leads to one thing. MOVE MOVE and "oh yea" MOVE DAMMIT ! You mote move like black swan, have swag like Drake, Have grace like Lara Stone, etc. You already have the concept you want and mind and you are positive that you want to act on it so MOVE. Movement follow movement so make sure you what...... posing from H2T H2T and H2T! This one of the make or break moments of a model. A model needs to evaluate, committed and impact EVERYONE AROUND for the agency, photographers, editorials are the ones that book you to sell there products. Everything lies in you!










So yes modeling is hard and yes model is cut throat but modeling inspiration a wide range of people each and everyday! CCM can take years to master depending on the work you decided to take. I don't go to fashion school, not a guru nor in the "Fashion Scene" but me keep doing what i doing i pock up alot of things along the way. Make sense? lol


Hope this helps !
SECDUM <3



Secdum <3