RIP - I Met Her On A Photography Journey

A few years a go I had the privilege of traveling to San Pedro de Macoris (Dominican Republic) for a week. I was there to attend my aunt's wedding but of course I had to turn it into my own little photography project. On my third day there I came across this amazing soul. She was so humble & loving. I was informed recently that she has passed away and is no longer with us. I wanted to end this year by honoring her in this post. Moments like these remind me why it's so important for me to capture the people around me. We just never know when our last day is at hand. Blessings to all!

5 Nights of Partying: Miwe's Birthday Week

I've known Miwe since we were kids. Today he is known as one of Boston's best promoters. Which is why when he came to me with this project, I didn't think twice about it. He planned out 5 different nights of partying, over his birthday week. My job? Document it! But we wanted to do something different. Instead of the usual club pictures, we wanted to highlight the experience of each night. To say the least, I had a blast creating these images. Enjoy!

A 'Thank You' From Me, The Blog Founder, To You, The Reader.

picture credit: NoGraphics

What began as a form of personal creative therapy, has grown into a brand of creativity. When I started this blog I did not expect it to take me as far as it has. I can only imagine what the future has in store for me. Considering all the attention my work has been receiving recently, I figured it was the perfect time to slow down & THANK YOU all for the constant support.

Portrait Session + Bleu

I Promised to Share His 'Scar' with the World

Every time I walk around the city with my camera I meet new people. Some old, some young. Some rich, some poor. I have a gift of getting stories out of people. This past weekend was no different.

Portrait Session + Janet

Portrait Session + Trillary

DEAD ROSES x Coming 2016

I first took to poetry in high school. It started off as a class assignment & quickly grew into one of my favorite forms of expression. A little less than a year ago I started sharing my pieces on my social media accounts. It didn't take long for me to see how much people enjoy reading them. Since then people have been asking me to publish my work. Which led to me wanting to create something amazing.

Portrait Session + AL

5 Tips To Become a Better Photographer

I was teaching a friend of mine a few things about photography. You know- the basic. She urged me to share some tips on my blog. I figured it'll help someone. I hope this article is helpful next time you pick up your camera.

Portrait Session + cWAVE$

I can say I saw cWAVE$ grow up. We're both from the same neighborhood but not the same generation. A mutual friend told me he was doing music & played me this video. So what did I do? I offered him a portrait session. What you think?

Catalog Session + Kush Groove Clothing Company

The Kush Groove team has counted on my brand more than once. We've had the privilege of working together a few times in the past year. We always try our best to bring a sense of realism to our creations. This time around, our focus was on their new Fall line. With the grand opening of their new Boston location around the corner, they needed some visuals to promote their new merchandize. So- we took it to the streets. Enjoy!

Jonathan Jean-Louis: Portrait Session

You might recognize Mr. Jean-Louis from my Kush Groove Clothing session last year. He was one of the models featured in that post. We remained in contact & agreed to work on another project when the time was right. That time is now. Enjoy.

Q&A with Brujo Live

I first crossed paths with Brujo Live many years ago. He's always been a talented lyricist in the Boston area. His music is heard nationwide & in Latin countries throughout the world. We've been able to build a friendship throughout the last few years. Recently, after a photography session, I decided to ask him a few questions.

Amazing Art Carved on Real Human Skulls

I've attended & worked at about seven comic conventions thus far. Each one has been an experience of it's own. After the first few I've learned that you never know exactly what to expect at these events. But during my second time in Philadelphia, I came across Zane Wylie. Nothing could have prepared me for that moment.

Original Woman: Out of Africa

We all come across many teachers as we walk further down the path of life. I enjoy calling them spiritual elders. Each one carries with them a bag of jewels (knowledge). One of my closest elders has referred to black females as Original Women for as long as I've known him. It's because of his belief that all humans come from Africa. This is known as the "Out of Africa" theory (OOA). The many interesting conversations we have shared inspired this particular project. Enjoy.

Trillary + Portrait Session

Trillary is a Boston based Recording Artist. We crossed paths a while back while working on a project with a local clothing company. Since then, she has been one of my favorite females to work with. This is only the beginning of many ideas we have cooking up. Enjoy!

One Man's Words to His Mother Whom He Never Met

This is Daniel. An amazing human being & a client of mine. Not too long ago, we worked together on pictures for his business website. About a week after that, on Mother's Day, he shared a message on his social media to his biological Mother, whom he never met, that touched me deeply. With his permission, I share it with you all.

Pit Bulls & Tattoos #BostonBullyBreed

The Boston Bully Breed is a movement that has been rapidly growing. They're aim is to clean up the tainted image that has been placed upon the pit bull breed. We recently collaborated & created these amazing images. Save & share your favorite!

Artist Portrait Session w/ RIOT

RIOT is a recording artist from the Boston area. We cross paths & wasted no time getting to work on our first project. Let me know which ones are your favorite. Enjoy!

Sigourney - Portrait Session

Me & Sigourney met at a photo studio. We literally introduced ourselves & got straight to work. I must say, I had an amazing time working with her. Here are a few pieces I wanted to share. Enjoy!

Plimoth Plantation (Wampanoag Homesite)

When you read books & see movies about the old days, it's not hard to see how much has changed around us. But it's not everyday that you get to relive a piece of History. I went to the Plimoth plantation & witnessed firsthand what it was like for the Wampanoag Indians.

Eastern State Penitentiary

I was working out of Philadelphia not to long ago. I was lucky enough to get hired at The Greater Philadelphia Comic Con. Before leaving I had to stop by the Eastern state Penitentiary. Here is what I captured. Enjoy!

Why I Prefer To Walk Everywhere

photo credit: Dante Luna

I was born & raised in Boston, MA. This means I am a city boy by nature. Ever since my freshman year in high school, I have been subway surfing & bus jumping. There's a science behind getting around the city but that isn't what this post is about. Whenever I meet people new to the city life or from another state, they're always surprised I don't have a car. I get it; I'm 27 & usually people my age own one by this point in their lives but nope, not me. Why? I'm getting to that.

Unexpected Photo Sessions are the Best

On this day my client (and homie) Vanessa reached out to me last minute. Her friend, Susan, was in town visiting from Miami. I met them at their hotel & got to hang out a few hours with these two wonderful women. I'll be blogging my session with V soon but for now enjoy what I captured from Susan. Warning: she makes it look easy (giggles).

Ex-Vietnam War Nurse, Homeless in America

It was a nice day outside. Most people would consider it cold but for us Bostonians, it was warm (high 40s). I had just wrapped up a photo session with one of my clients when I decided to take a stroll around the city. I barely walked two blocks up State Street before I came across Kathleen. Her eyes spoke to me before her lips could even shed a word. I quickly got comfortable on the sidewalk & began talking with her. Listening to her every word. She has to be one of the kindest souls I've ever had the privilege of crossing paths with.

Baths in the Kitchen Sink

My daughter loves to take her baths in the kitchen sink. She's old school like that. It's the cutest thing in the world. Times like this help me look back & appreciate the small moments. All the moments that I didn't document because I was to busy living.

Fashion/Product Photography w/ Cupcakes & Couture

The beauty of my craft is all the people & companies I get to collaborate with. The best ones are long term. Amy is the creator of Cupcakes & Couture. I've had the pleasure of working with her on countless projects. Stop by her blog & see what all the fuss is about.

The Old Man & the Flower

Everyone in town knew about the Old Man who lived in the mountains. He would rise with the Sun, walk to the top of the mountain & then back down before Sunset. He would do this religiously everyday.

A Modern Explorer

If you've been following me since day one, you've heard me throw the name Dante Luna around. I've worked on countless projects with this talented individual. He's a filmmaker who specializes in short documentaries. This past year, I've witnessed him tour the East Coast with his camera. He wanted to portray that in an image. So, that's where I came in.

Blizzard of 2015 - Boston

It finally has arrived. The blizzard everyone in Boston has been talking up a storm about. I wouldn't be a photographer if weather scared me that easy. So as soon as it slowed down a bit, I grabbed my camera and put on my snow boots. I took about a two hour walk around the city before I decided to call it quits. Here is what I saw. Enjoy & share!

Fried Bananas

Everyone knows that grandmothers are the best cooks. The other night, my grandmother surprised me with fried bananas (not to be confused with plantains). Literally a banana sliced, seasoned and fried. Crazy, I know! But I must confess... it was good. So good, I had to share.

Oliver, The Cat

Oliver's one cool cat.

Words From Another World

If you follow me on social networks, I'm sure you've been seeing these "quotes" being shared around. Many have been asking me if they are mines, and where do I get them from? Well... Yes, they are mines and they come from my mind. That's the simple truth. I'm inspired by life and all that goes on around me. As an artist, I keep my eyes and ears open. Always searching for inspiration. I've shared a lot of myself through my photography and art projects. But there is more to me than meets the eye. Growing up, I constantly used the pen to express my feelings and views. Whether it was by creating an illustrations or poems. Add me on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with my creations. Feel free to share my work on your accounts.

Don't forget to include the hashtags #MrFlakoVeli & #ThinkAndCreate