14 Days of Valentine! (Couple's Portrait Package)

February is a month best known for hearts, kisses and chocolates. It's the one day of the year that is dedicated specifically to those who have been blessed enough to find love. I know it can be tricky finding the right gift or setting up the perfect date. Lucky you, I'm offering my services to make all this easier for you all. Set up a couple's portrait session and walk away with memories you can hold in your hands.

Package Details:

• $100 $75
• 1-2 hour session
• Location of choice
• 20+ edited images on CD
• Valid February 1-14

Email me for more info CONTACT@MrFlakoVeli.com

The "Old School" Villa Victoria

Every chance I get, I try to remind people how important pictures are and the role they play in salvaging memories. As usual, I was debating between post this week. Not sure which direction I wanted to head as the new year takes flight. 

There's a FaceBook group dedicated to the history of my childhood neighborhood (The Villa Victoria). On there, people share pictures and stories on a weekly basis. As I browsed through the selection the other night, I decided to dedicate the first post of 2014 to the history of my community. It's amazing being able to travel back in time, even if it's for one second. Enjoy!

My Top 10 Favorite Pictures of 2013

What I saw in Las Vegas

Q&A with The South End Show Stopperz

Name: South End Show Stopperz

Location: Boston, MA

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-End-Show-Stopperz/131732836878712 

The historic South End neighborhood, in Boston (MA), is known as a high end community to many. Known for it's 5 star restaurants and fancy condos, to say the least. But to those who grew up in the heart of it, like myself, it’s slightly different. My South End suffers from gang related violence, which at times had led to innocent people being seriously hurt and even killed. Drugs are a walk to the park away and youth programs struggle to maintain funding. Growing up we would make the best of any situation. Wether it was organizing our own baseball game, or just taking a walk to Down Town and catching a movie. I was fortunate enough to stay out of jail and make it past 21 (as funny as that may sound to some of you). Sad to say, many of my friends were not as lucky.

This month, when it was time to choose my final Q&A Interview for the year, I decided to interview someone from my own neighborhood, who in my eyes is making a difference beyond her understanding. Her name is Johanna Acevedo. She is a full time employee at the Administration & Finance office at Emerson College. Alongside Syreeta Ruiz, a full time student at Mt. Ida College, they founded The South End Show Stopperz dance group. It is made up of a group of teenage girls who fight the statistics by dancing. I had the honor of visiting a few of their practices and talking to a bunch of the girls. I quickly noticed how they rarely called themselves "a group". Many of them kept using the words “family” and “friends” when describing the program and it’s leaders. It was truly amazing for me to see these girls in action. 

(I sat down with Johanna and spoke about the group)

Homeless For The Holidays

It was the morning of Thanksgiving day and I was sitting at home, at my desk. My daughter was spending the day with her mother so I didn't have any commitments. In great photographer/blogger spirit, I decided not to waste the day and work on a project. The only problem was I didn't have any.

I was browsing through my Facebook news feed when the idea came to me. Everyone was sharing words of appreciation, as they got ready to spend the day with their families. What I noticed was that most were not giving to those who needed it most. So, I decided to help someone in need.

There's a small bridge about 20 minutes (walking) away from my house, that connects Boston with Cambridge. Every time I walk by I notice the same homeless man, sitting there, by himself. I went on a mission to change his Thanksgiving day. Not only by helping him with food & clothes, but also by telling his story.

Lloyd Banks - Live in Cambridge, MA

I grew up listening to Hip Hop. Everything from 2pac to Eminem. One of the many artist I followed throughout my youth was Lloyd Banks (from G-Unit). Little did I know that years later I would help film one of his live performances. It was a moment when all of a sudden anything seems possible. It's my pleasure to share this moment with you all! Enjoy!

Fall Time Madness (Child Portrait Session)

Rhode Island Comic Con (2013)

This past weekend I took a trip to Providence, Rhode Island. I attended the Comic Con with my colleague Dante Luna, who was working on a short documentary ("Contrast of Evil"). We were granted full media access, which included the privilege of interviewing big celebrity names. The documentary will be featured on his YouTube account as soon as it's ready to go. In between breaks I decided to capture some of my favorite costumes. ENJOY!

Kicks "N" Kush Hits Newbury Street

Newbury Street is best known to us Bostonians as a shopping haven. Most (if not all) stores cater to those individuals with an expensive taste for clothes, food & life itself. Although there are many options to choose from, it was lacking a clothing store with an urban vibe. One Off Apparel changed that on September 27th (2013) when it opened it's doors to the public; attracting over 100 visitors in the first few hours. They chose to unite forces with Kush Groove Clothing Company and hosted the first of three "Pop-Up Shop" events scheduled to tour numerous stores around the area. Each event will feature a special performance & exclusive clothes inspired by the urban city lifestyle.