Accept it, or Reject it.

Someone asked me to shoot an event for them yesterday. I was like AWESOME! I told them what would be included in my package, and then I told them what my price was. They were like “WHAT?…THAT’S TOO HIGH” and tried to convince me to lower it. I told them that unfortunately, I would not be lowering my price. Then they stated that I wasn’t even an established photographer and that I need to humble myself and said that there are tons of photographers out there. I wasn’t offended in any way, it just motivated me to go 300x harder. Yesterday made it officially 1 year since I’ve purchased my camera. I know I’m far from the best photog out there, but I work hard for my business and I know that one day, people will see my stuff and just be in shock like “WHOA, HE’S COME A LONG WAY!”. Her stating that didnt make me feel bad, it just reiterated the thought that I want my work to speak for itself. I want my work to be soo good, that no matter what price I give you, you’re willing to pay it because you know that my work is worth it and that you respect my work. Not only am I working on the branding of the business, but I’m working on improving my skills and equipment. I appreciate her words and I appreciate everyone that has supported me thus far. My work will eventually stand out, bet your bottom dollar lol. #dburtonphotos

As stated earlier yesterday officially made it 1 year since I’ve purchased my Camera. Today I have the honor of shooting Christopher McFadden’s Youth Project event & Shanina Thompson’s Embryo II event. I may be randomly shedding tears throughout the day, not because I’m sad, but because I’ve really come a long way in this last year. I appreciate all of the support thus far.

RAW

I AM OFFICIALLY A PHILADELPHIA RAW ARTIST! I GOT A CALL LAST NIGHT INFORMING ME THAT I WILL BE SHOWCASING MY “NEW YORK IN TECHNICOLOR” PROJECT FEBRUARY 28TH AT 2013’s 1ST RAW ARTIST SHOWCASE AT LIT BAR (460 N. 2ND ST). I’LL BEGIN SELLING TICKETS FOR $15 STARTING LATER ON TODAY. WORDS CAN’T DESCRIBE HOW EXCITED I AM…THIS WAS ONE OF MY GOALS AS A PHOTOGRAPHER…LIKE…THIS IS CRAZY!!!!! PLEASE SUPPORT! I’LL BE PUTTING A LINK UP LATER ON TODAY!!!!!!!

Revival

In order to become your best, its always good to learn from the greats. Yesterday, i had the opportunity to view the “Faking it: Manipulated Photography before Photoshop” exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Some of the basic things we do today in modern photography used to require much skill, patience, and dedication. I am very grateful and was truly inspired by The Duane Michals “The Spirit Leaves The Body” piece and a few others by William Wegman, John Baldessari, Yves Klein, Frederick Sommer, and many more. I learned a lot of interesting things at the exhibit….it made me fall in love with photography all over again…

Go With Your Gut

This past Saturday evening I shot at the launch event for “Gallery Life” clothing. Gallery life is a art inspired brand with most of their pieces being created from original artwork by Saladeen Art (one of the artists behind “Miskeen Originals”) . The brand was created to inspire artists from all walks of life and create a venue for them to highlight their talent…but enough about that event…lol

During the ride home with my homie Rick Dange we start talking about my goals as a photographer, equipment, connections, artists, etc. About half-way through the conversation we start talking about a Dom Kennedy show that happened in Philadelphia a month or so ago. Rick was shooting an interview with Dom Kennedy and I was supposed to be the photographer covering the show. I was a little sick at the time (mentally and physically) but something told me that I should have still tried to make it there. I ended up backing out…

Before Rick began shooting the interview with Dom Kennedy he asked Dom Kennedy if he ever heard of Hiphopsince1987.com (the blog that he was doing the interview for). Dom Kennedy surprisingly said yes, and with much enthusiasm. He explained to Rick how dope the event photography was and told Rick how much Elliott Wilson (hip-hop journalist: content creator, blogger of Rap Radar, former editor of XXL magazine, author, and television producer) loves the pics as well, and actually uses the pics from the site…a lot.

What’s wild about this is that I’M the dude that takes a majority of the photos for the site…which means that Dom Kennedy, Elliott Wilson, and a bunch of other people are always seeing my work…which means that I should have taken my ass to that show and told Dom…I should have gone with my gut.

*insert salty face here*

Story Of The Day: Interactions

I’m in McDonalds sucking up their wifi (as I do every day) and a ton of kids come in. They were very loud, arguing cursing, fighting, etc. I’m sitting down, grooving to some tunes and one of them walks up to me and asks me why I’m so quiet and said that I looked peaceful. Then he goes on to say, he notices that I’m in McDonalds EVERY day and that he remembered me because of all of the cool stickers that I have on my computer. He was like “You never eat anything so what do you do here?” I told him how I didn’t have any internet at home, so I go here to upload pictures onto my website and apply for jobs. He replied “what are you uploading pics for?” I told him that I was a photographer and showed him my pictures. He looked and called all of his friends over like “YOOOOOOOO these jawns crazy!” They all looked at my stuff and were like “yoooo are you famous? ” I replied “Not yet” then laughed. I’m not necessarily excited about them saying that…but I am excited that I had such an impact on them. They all calmed down, and started acting civilized. The most unruly kid even said that he loved photography, and thats what he wanted to do when he grows up…

Progression Is The Weapon

I became interested in being a photographer in the summer of 2008. Despite not having a camera of my own, I still spent hours, days, weeks, even months at a time going online and learning random things like what Range, Metering, ISO, F-stop, and stuff was. Funny thing is, even though I knew a crapload about cameras…i still didnt have my own lol. In March 2012, I bought my first camera, and I shot pictures literally every day since then.

My goal with photography is not to be famous, or to make millions, but to create art that will be talked about for generations. One day I plan on doing commercial work for major publications, traveling the world shooting at events, and just capturing some beautiful pictures of everyday life.

What I’ve learned from the last 8 months is that progression is the weapon. You can’t expect everything to just happen. You have to work hard. When it comes to your dreams…no one is going to believe in them as much as you do, until you show them. There’s been times when I’ve sent out press requests for concerts and I was denied…viciously….but I didnt give up. I worked towards showing everyone that I have what it takes.

Within 8 months I have been:

Featured work on: Rhymestreet Mag.com, Hiphopsince1987.com, “Fashion, Fame, & Frances”, Love Brown Sugar.com, Live Nation, and the Official Odunde Festival’s website.

 Artists Shot in Concert: Machine Gun Kelly, Curren$y, Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Miguel, Janelle Monae, Usher, French Montana, Keyshia Cole, Big Sean, T.I., Brandy, Erykah Badu, Mos Def (Yasiin Bey), 2 Chains, Kenny Lattimore, Elle Varner, Luke James, Joe Budden, Trey Songz, Goapele, Childish Gambino, and many more.

 Events Shot/Press: Global Fusion Festival 2012, Powerhouse 30, MAD Decent Block Party 2011-2012, Afropunk Fest 2012, Power 99 Up&Comers 2012, Hostile Takeover Tour, Danny Rumph Classic 2012, Kings Rule Together: 1^st Annual Tees vs. Tanks Tournament, DJ Damage Caution Tape 2 Listening/Release Party, Maalik Wayns (76ers) Signing Party, and many more.

 I’ve done a cover shoot for “Funtimes Magazine” for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, became Hiphopsince1987.com’s event photographer and shot at School Proms & Graduations, Birthday Parties, Baby Showers, Clubs, etc.

…and that’s just from 8months of hard work…this is only the beginning…