EXHIBIT | Faces of Harlem at Shrine World Music

As the year comes to a close, it is with great excitement that Faces of Harlem makes yet another appearance in the community. For those of you who know me, you know I am very much a grassroots type gal, always looking for a way to promote my community and  the beautiful cast of characters who share this little plot of land we call "home." Well, Shrine World Music, literally around the corner from my residence, graciously exhibited my Faces of Harlem series and last night we had a little "sip and see" (© Brian Jones!) to celebrate. I had no idea what to expect but we had a GREAT {good looking!} turnout. Thank you to friends and fans who have made this project thrive. 

As I look towards 2013, I have a firm committment to writing a few grants for funding so my ever growing list of yet-to-be muses will realize. Will you be one of them?! Email to: studio@ilenesquiresphotography.com if so! 

Limited edition hardcover Faces of Harlem hardcover ($40) and soft cover ($20) books for sale. Available for local pick up or free delivery. Of course, it is cheaper to purchase directly from the studio however, for the zealous readers out there, feel free to purchase directly from Blurb: HARDCOVER & SOFTCOVER. 

A few memories from the evening ...

{and it is duly noted that one should never try out new equipment on super important nights! iPhone only photos <<<< insert very sad face here!}

PHOTO OF EXHIBITION

 YOURS TRULY WITH BOOK DISPLAY.

 CHATTING UP PAST AND FUTURE MUSES, INCLUDING THE ILLUSTRIOUS, LATRESSA. 

 HERE SHE IS POSED UP NEXT TO HER PHOTO!

LATRESSA'S ORIGINAL PHOTO.

RENAULD AND BRIAN GETTING READY TO PURCHASE HARDCOVERS FOR THEIR FAMILIES. SUPER GIFTS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ALIKE!

BRIAN'S OG PHOTO.

RENAULD LOOKING FLY AS EVER!

CHESTER, ONE OF MY OLDEST HARLEM FRIENDS AND MY HUSBAND, JORGE (STILL WAITING ON HIS TURN!).

 OLD COLLEGE BUDDIES, DOING COLLEGE THINGS!

 JONTE AND A FRIEND TAKE A PEAK.

JONTE LOOKING ICE COLD!

 BRIAN, JANICIA AND RENAULD, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF FOH.

 CHARLITO OF CHARLITO'S COCINA & MY FAVE TRAVEL BUDDY, JAXIRA.

 SHRINE STAFF SUPPORT FOH!

 CHATTING UP FRIENDS AND FANS

 TIFFANY, ONE OF MY FAVORITE FELLOW HARLEMITES AND LONG TIME FRIEND

Harlem Meer Portraits | Chester & Dani

A few weeks ago I shot a video for the rebrand on my new website and at the last minute, the couple who had offered to be featured canceled. Instead of panicking, I shopped around my circle of Harlem friends and low and behold, Dani and Chester stepped up to the plate. I can always count on Dani to be stylish, whether it is for a cup of coffee or a night on the town, so in less than twenty four hours, she had hit a few shops and came up with an impeccably styled, fall palette. THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR!!!! Some things in life are just meant to be, and with the perfect golden hour, we commenced with an amazing, albeit abbreviated, portrait shoot. Without further adieu, Chester & Dani {and a cameo from yours truly, so you can see what I wore! Shot by Spinach Pie}

Harlem Engagement Photos | Dayna and Ryan

Shooting Harlemites is at the top of my list of preferred projects. I suppose it's my love for the New Renaissance, or that I too, took my engagement pictures here in Harlem. When I shot my first Harlem Engagement Shoot nearly a year ago, I thought I'd never get another chance to document the beauty of this Harlem. Enter Dayna and Ryan. Referred to me by Brian, a muse for my Faces of Harlem project, we couldn't have been a better fit for one another.

Set to wed in Richmond, Virgina this coming June, Dayna and Ryan happened to be my neighbors. Naturally, we met up on a sunny Sunday afternoon and traipsed around our stomping grounds, on what felt like a walk with old friends. Stylish, chic couples make my job feel effortless as I got to know more about Dayna, who works in Fashion PR and Ryan, an Actor. As you'll see, they were both easy in front of the camera and perfectly paired for one another. 

Dayna and Ryan were in the market for engagement photos that captured their Harlem lives, as Dayna hails from Virginia and Ryan, from the Motor City. Having met at a mutual friend's dinner a couple years ago, they've endured a quite romantic path to the altar. After sharing their first kiss in a NYC cab, the couple wanted to relive that moment as the finale to their shoot. This, of course, came after a few quintessential stops including a portrait with their dog, Paco. Cutest. Couple. {and dog!} EVER! 

Congratulations Dayna and Ryan!