My Conversation with an Uber Driver

I don't do much driving, so I tend to use public transportation a lot. Everything from trains to taxis. Meeting new people has become somewhat of a routine for me. I'm always fishing for a good story. Which is why i enjoy photographing people so much. I've learned that we all want to tell our story to someone. So I recently struck up a conversation with an Uber driver that I felt the need to share with you all.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

I Wonder What She Would Say

The other day I was going through my folders of pictures and came across the image above. It was a cold December night as I walked up the Las Vegas strip. I came across this young women on a bridge. I asked her a few questions with the intentions of finding out her story, but she remained silent. She gave me no reaction. She barely moved a muscle. I didn't want to just leave, so I reached in my pocket and gave her some extra cash I had on me. At that moment I asked for permission to take a picture. She nonchalantly nodded her head "yes". It's been over a year since my encounter with her, and I still think of her voice. A voice I never heard. I wonder what she would say.

My Moment with the King (RIP Bee)

Ever since I picked up my camera and started chasing my dreams, I've met all kinds of people. Famous and poor. Black and white. But there is always certain spirits that you only have to meet once for them to change your life. King Bee was one of those spirits. 

The Grease Pole (Festival Betances 2014)

I can't picture a Summer in the South End without Festival Betances, and I can't picture Festival Betances without The Grease Pole. It is a tradition that has been kept alive since i was a child. Groups of men and women take turns climbing a pole covered in grease with the intentions of grabbing the flag at the top. Besides the cash prize, the winning team walks away with bragging rights for a year.

My Week of "Pasillos Pintados 2014"

Every year The Hurley School celebrates Pasillos Pintados. It's a week in which they invite about 20 Latino Artist from the City of Boston area to host a week long event involving all kinds of art forms. The Artist gets a class assigned to them and has one week to create/produce a project with the students. The students will then showcase their work in front of the school and community at the end of the week. I was chosen to work with the 9th grade class. My mission was use my poetry, visual art & photography/filming skills to have each individual express themselves. I was beyond excited!

Graffiti Jungle: Bartlett Yard

There's always that one place you always see and walk by but never visit or enter. Bartlett Yard is that place for me. Growing up in the South End/Lower Roxbury area of Boston, I always remember the "empty bus garage covered in graffiti". I recently read an article that was discussing the recent purchase of this lot and the future plans for it. I thought I should document it at it's current state before it becomes history.