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…

Clouded Mind

One thing you will always know about artists…whether they are painters, singers, songwriters, poets, photographers, producers, etc…is that their emotions play a huge role in their work. Most of the time, subconsciously we express ourselves throughout what we create. For a while now…well since my birthday lol I’ve decided to do a little self improvement. Often, I find myself stressing over the littlest things…sometimes I stress over things that don’t even need to be stressed over…and sometimes I create stressful situations…but at least I can now admit it.

Now that I have a more clear mind I feel like my creativity has been multiplied exponentially…maybe it hasn’t, but it sure as hell feels like it haha. I’m back in the mode where I just want to make art. Almost everything that I see, hear, taste, smell, and feel gives me inspiration to create something…it feels great.

“Try giving up all the thoughts that make you feel bad, or even just some of them, and see how doing that changes your life. You don’t need negative thoughts. All they have ever given you was a false self that suffers. They are all lies.” 

― Gina Lake, What about Now?

“Juke Box Love Song” by Langston Hughes

I could take the Harlem night

and wrap around you,

Take the neon lights and make a crown,

Take the Lenox Avenue busses,

Taxis, subways,

And for your love song tone their rumble down.

Take Harlem’s heartbeat,

Make a drumbeat,

Put it on a record, let it whirl,

And while we listen to it play,

Dance with you till day—

Dance with you, my sweet brown Harlem girl