"All The World is a Backdrop..."

Wedding Season: Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Clark.

2011-06-08T20:28:00.002-05:00

Hotel Lumiere
St. Louis, MO
2nd Shooter + Lighting by: B. Corin Conley.

Wedding Season: Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Mitchell

2011-06-08T20:22:00.002-05:00

Minneapolis, MN.

Wedding Season: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Richardson.

2011-06-08T20:16:00.004-05:00

Behind The Scenes: The Richardson Wedding.

2011-05-15T19:55:00.004-05:00

Here are a few photos taking you behind the scenes of the day that was the Richardson Wedding. The ENTIRE group (including the Pastor) was a blast to be around and kept the day fun and enjoyable. Kristen was a beautiful bride and in addition, the ceremony and reception was awesome....Sidenote*, I still find it odd that Joe hadn't seen the movie "300" in it's entirety, but seemed fitting as the pre-wedding movie in the pastor's office, THIS IS SPARTAAAA!!!..lol. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Tyrone Tuner (for Michael Thomas Photography)

Photo Credit: Tyrone Tuner (for Michael Thomas Photography)

Photo Credit: Tyrone Tuner (for Michael Thomas Photography)

Photo Credit: Tyrone Tuner (for Michael Thomas Photography)

Photo Credit: Tyrone Tuner (for Michael Thomas Photography)

Photo Credit: Tyrone Tuner (for Michael Thomas Photography)

The Seniors!!!

2011-05-06T19:58:00.004-05:00

Here's a peek at my senior sessions from this Spring! Enjoy.

7 Days Ago...

2011-04-29T23:38:00.005-05:00

Pray for the people of Berkeley....

The Brandy...

2011-04-17T14:43:00.003-05:00

Brandy and I have been looking to shoot some photos for awhile now and was finally able to get together yesterday to lay down some portfolio-building photos. With the assistance of B. Corin Conley, we were able to really get some awesome images in my opinion. Even in her continued anxiety because she use to being behind the camera directing, she did a great job!

One Mo'gin

2011-04-03T19:38:00.002-05:00

Tahir Moore needs headshots. Tahir Moore calls Michael Thomas. It's just that simple. Enjoy.

Jacq and Jamie....Episode 2

2011-04-03T19:27:00.003-05:00

So I got this new softbox (Westcott Apollo) and since business was just a tad slow since I shut down for the move into the new house, I got with Jacq again and after a little alchohol and arm-twisting, Jamie Blair (fellow photog) got with me to do some sample shots. Good times and great images. Check 'em out!

Laugh out Loud St. Louis!!

2011-04-03T19:16:00.002-05:00

Client Lecia J. Rives had me come down and do some shots at the taping of her comedy how "Laugh out Loud STL". I found it funny one of the production manager felt the need to tell me I couldn't use a flash during the show.....like I'm that stupid. Plus, I do this in the dark homeboy! Enjoy!

Jacq....Episode 1

2011-04-03T19:08:00.003-05:00

Just a few samples from the homey Jacq and I's practice shoot. Wifey on lighting...she's a beast...LMAO. Enjoy

Fresh Paint II

2011-04-03T19:04:00.002-05:00

Fresh Paint II, showcase of local artists. Art Dimesionz. 11.26.10.

"Dreamin' outta my Mind"

2010-10-17T23:28:00.004-05:00

One woman stage play by Lecia J. Rives, Sunday, 10.17.10, Missouri Art Museum. The show was awesome, enjoy the shots!!

Ebony Lewis Shoot 2.0...10.16.10

2010-10-17T12:26:00.002-05:00

"I's Married Nah!"

2010-10-12T00:41:00.002-05:00

Sunday October 10, 2010, I married my best friend, my support system, my love, my everything. The day was beautiful and everyone enjoyed themselves. It was great to have my closest friends and family there to celebrate our special day. Without a doubt, the most memorable moment was being introduced at the wedding reception to "Blowing Money Fast" by Rick Ross. The crowd went live and that served as a prelude to the fun we had throughout the evening. Thanks to all who showed and share this with us and EVERYONE who played a roll in this joyous occasion.

This is E. SAINT!!!!

2010-09-26T19:05:00.004-05:00

Comedian, Willie Lynch Jr. came down from Chicago to do a few comedy shows this weekend and also while here, wanted to link back up and do another shoot. Since I love cloudy skies, today was perfect for shooting strobist. Willie took me on a tour of E. St. Louis (my hometown as well) to find some of the most delapidated structures downtown and other locations that played a part of his life growing up in E. St. to produce photos that are a direct reflection of him. Definitely good times, we are working on collabing for a shoot in Chicago and NYC sometime in the future, be on the lookout!!

We still "Klownin'!"

2010-09-26T19:01:00.002-05:00

Well, I was approached for another opportunity to shoot with St. Louis comedian Jovan Bibbs for his promotional shots for his second installment of his comedy series, Class Klowns. The show looks to really be taking off and this shoot was all fun, especially Jovan's little one providing all the funny moments and mean faces...lol.

My Black is Beautiful...

2010-08-09T20:34:00.003-05:00

Sneak peek shot from Brandy's Photoshoot!

Saturday, 7.31.10.

Stacey Adamz...

2010-07-26T10:08:00.003-05:00

Longtime friend Stacey Stringfellow came through the studio Sunday to get some shots. We had a great time getting these. It's always good to get the support of your good friends. She'll want me to add that the hair was done by Brandon Williams and Nyna Wylks on makeup. Check them out and let me know what you think.

You can catch Stacey live on NU LANE RADIO every Monday night @ 9:30 http://www.riverfrontradio.com

www.twitter.com/StaceyAdamz

"Look around, this ain't what ordinary gets ya!" - Jay Z

2010-05-30T07:31:00.009-05:00

The Jill Scott/Maxwell Tour rolled into STL this evening (5.29.10). I was fortunate enough to be granted a media pass for tonight thanks to the referral of another photographer, Mr. Lawrence Bryant. As the only photographer there tonight. I was able to really get some exclusive shots. Please just view please do not copy or reproduce without consent. I certainly enjoyed this opportunity. People looked amazed at the equipment, it was pretty funny...after all, I did have to shoot Jill with the Hubble Space Telescope (300mm 2.8). I was inside the concert a entire total of 15 minutes of showtime. I got to shoot the first 2 songs by Jill Scott (from the soundboard) and the second song only for Maxwell. Don't even remember the name of the song he sang second, but the first song would have made the dopest shots. Oh well, here's a few samples, ENJOY!

iReporter Photojouralism

2010-05-05T19:10:00.005-05:00

After the suggestion by local photographer, Wes Allmond, today, I decided to signup as a iReporter with CNN's website and take a stab at photojournalism with my camera. So now, when things that are like "national" big happen in STL, I'd have a shot to get down there and get exclusive shots that have the potential to be used On Air. Although these types of things can get quite dangerous if you're thinking about it like I am...lol, I look forward to the chance to at least try this. I really don't like to back away from a challenge. If anything, if CNN will grab my photo and use it on the air, I'd get credit for it! Let's see how this goes!

One Wrong Step....

2010-04-21T20:21:00.001-05:00

Calhoun Mr. Money performing at Blueberry Hill, Saturday Night, 4.17. Performace was really live, they debuted his latest single "Priceless" that features local artist, Chingy and YG. As the exclusive photographer of FAM ENT, I was asked to get some epic shots of the show. I think I didn't dissappoint, but the getting the last picture turned out to be one that will stick with me for the next 6 weeks or so.. I'll explain..

As I'm done shooting and cameras packed, I'm walking through saying goodbye to the guys, meeting some of their people and passing out some business cards, you know, doing my business, and on the way out, Jarell says, "Mike, you mind getting a group picture of all of us?" "Sure", I replied, I unpack the camera and proceed to flash up and set the exposure. "We want to shoot it up these steps." Ok, so I'm headed up the steps to where they are all lined up and there was no way go get all of them in focus. "Hey Ya'll, we gotta go back down the steps to the open area, its no way I can get this shot." So we proceed down the steps, I'm second in line, there are seven steps, I started to walk forward at the sixth step and down goes Michael. I end up severely spraining my ankle, ligaments and rupturing a small bone in my foot. As my leg and foot shook with excrushiating pain, I did manage to get the shot. Even at my most painful moment, I still am a photographer, hopefully they'll appreciate that. Something tells me they do.

"How You Get Them?...Pictures that is...lol!

2010-04-21T20:10:00.000-05:00

Michael Thomas Media on location at William H's shoot for his new single "How You Got Them!?!" Delmar Loop, Saturday 4/17/2010. Enjoy these behind the scenes shots!

Money Never $leep$...and neither do these guys!

2010-04-21T19:43:00.000-05:00

So Tef Poe officially releases his latest project, "Money Never Sleeps" friday night at Gramophone. Pretty epic concert and was glad to be in the company of these guys. Although the lighting was a photographer's nightmare, I still managed to get out of there with some good shots. Take a look....

...And I don't need a pass for these SHOTZ!

2010-04-21T19:21:00.000-05:00

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Houton Astros. 4.14.10. When you're already poached above the dougout like a sniper with a 70-200mm lens, you pretty much get in all up in their faces and get shots you'd otherwise need a press pass to get. Funny thing is there was a little kid there with his parents and when I showed up with the camera, mom grabs the kid and moves him to the side and said the most beautiful words in our profession, "move over, he's got to get good shots!" Enjoy!

You gotta "Dream Big".

2010-04-21T19:10:00.000-05:00

These are some samples from Ebony's photoshoot. I had a good time working with her. Her pictures came out pretty well. I certainly look forward to working with her on other projects! Look out for her!

Funny Man...DeAndre Whitner

2010-04-21T19:01:00.000-05:00

Comedian DeAndre Whitner linked up with me to get some photos taken for his ad campaigns and packages he's getting out there. Good times. LMAO at the "wandering eye"....

"Steppin' it up another knotch!"

2010-04-21T18:46:00.000-05:00

This was another photoshoot for Dirty Flaws, Inc. Sharvette was the model. She's from Florida and was nice enough to shoot with us when she made her way up here. These are a few pieces by Afton Johnson. Tanesha (stylist), Tai Lauren (makeup) and I wanted to take our photographs up a knotch and try not to seem so "safe". I think these pictures are really a stride in that direction. Stay tuned for more from her! Sharvette is also the female in the alter ego clone shot you may have seen previously! Enjoy.

"The Senior"

2010-04-21T18:24:00.000-05:00

Mr. Dhalvin Gomez-Bonner traveled all the way down from Bloomington, IL to get his senior portraits done. They were referred to me by the homeboy Tahir Moore. Pretty fun shoot, we were able to get some good shots. He photographed really well and on top of that, my crew was a big part in the success of this shoot. Shout out to B. Corin Conley and Michael Parr on the assistance. Take a look see!

"There's another horizon out there, one more horizon that you have to make for yourself and let other people discover it..." - Gordon Parks.

2010-04-05T21:41:00.000-05:00

I don't necessarily have anything to say in this post, but to take a moment to place this iconic figure on my blog and dedicate a post to this legend. It is because of Gordon Parks that I hold a camera in my hand today. His inspiration, long after he was gone, lit a flame inside of me that is now a full engulfing blaze. It was like it came at the right time, that summer, 2008.

Thanks, Mr. Parks.

Who's side are you on?

2010-03-20T23:44:00.000-05:00

I was presented with the distinct honor to shoot this couple. My friends, Tisa and Brandon (who live in Minnesota), booked me to shoot their semi-engagement photos for thier wedding announcements. I've known both of them for 8 years or so and are fellow SEMO alumni. They are full of love for one another and what better way to show it, then on the basketball court...lol.

B was able to pull some strings to get us in the Webster Groves Rec Center to get these shots. In my opnion, I think they came out awesome. It was so good to see them, I haven't seen them since I graduated back in 2004. These are few loose behind the scenes shots. Enjoy...

Delux Magazine Shoot....Top Model too!

2010-03-20T23:28:00.000-05:00

So I get a call from Brooklyn Kingsboro over at Delux Mag. The conversation kinda went like this.

"Whattup Mike, I wanted to know if you'd be interested in shooting a fashion spread for our next issue?"

My response..."HELL YEAH!"

Delux does a spread each issue on fashion, whether it be local or national. The models were good, we got what we needed and all in alll it was a good shoot. Art Dimensions was the location, down on Cherokee. They had some nice art in spot too!

It wasn't until the end of the shoot that I found out that one of the models was actually going to be on the next cycle of America's Next Top Model.....Gabrielle. Here are some of the loose shots that were not used officially. Enjoy.

MAKE SURE YOU PICK UP THE NEXT ISSUE, SUPPORT THE MAG and MICHAEL THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY!!!!

Army Strong....

2010-03-20T23:16:00.000-05:00

This was a pretty cool shoot. This is another one for Tanesha's portfolio. Fortunately, we were able to get her with some "exclusive" ACU gear (military clothing) for the shoot. What was fun about this shoot was that it was indeed fun, but sexy at the same time. Marquette certainly gave us some good shots. Enjoy.

Tori...

2010-03-20T23:06:00.000-05:00

Ms. Jones is an aspiring model looking to begin her career after high school. I was asked to do a session with her for her portfolio. Here are a few samples. The Hayabusa goes soo hard....you should have saw my eyes light up when it "roared" up to the set.

"EyeKonic" - March 5, 2010

2010-03-20T22:55:00.000-05:00

Off the success of William H's listening party photos, I was requested to come down and get some shots of the Eyekon and Koncrete Clothing Event "Eyekonic" over at IAM Snky in University City. This was my first chance to give my D700 a drive around the block to see if the ISO capabilites are what they say they are. Based on the images, you'll see that, yeah...they were right. These are shot with no flash whatsover...enjoy.

Definition of Fresh 103: Listening Party.

2010-03-20T22:45:00.000-05:00

This is my first blog in a few weeks, so let's go back in time shall we? February 27th, Local artist William H. invited me down to his listening party for his new upcoming ablum. Small gathering of some of his closest peoples to sample what's coming out. The album released two weeks or so ago. So far it's been getting good reviews. Here are a few shots from that night! Enjoy.

"I am CEEZ!"

2010-03-02T21:55:00.000-06:00

Samples shots from Hip Hop Artist, Writer, and Actor Corey Bradley's photoshoot with Michael Thomas Photography. Sunday, 2.28.10. Another pretty cool client, these are some sample shot from his upcoming project called the "renaissance". He really enjoyed the samples, hopefully you will too!

Class Clowns...

2010-02-20T14:10:00.001-06:00

Local Comedian Jovan Bibbs and I had a chance to team up again for his latest comedy project...Class Clowns. It was great to have access to SLUH High School. The classroom really provided the ideal setting for the theme. Here are a couple of shots from this morning's shoot. Enjoy...

A Penny For Your Thoughts....

2010-02-18T20:40:00.000-06:00

Today was fun, not because it was a slow day at work, but for the first time in 3 years, I was able to buy a pair of kicks. If anyone knows me, knows my situation and I honestly can't say I miss spending crazy amounts of money on kicks, but every 3 years or so...lol, I can't resist the opportunity, especially for these...

The Nike Penny Foamposite One, a shoe that has been on my wanted list since 1996. So you know it wasn't going to be too many more times Nike would release these and I not pick up a pair. Thanks to Adrian Walker of mademonarchs.com and the good ole' people down at R.Sole, I was able to accept these shoes as a part of my destiny...LMAO, I know, they're just shoes. Enjoy the pics!!!

Funny Guy...Arvin Mitchell

2010-02-08T22:34:00.001-06:00

Comedian Arvin Mitchell flew into town and called about getting some pictures done by Michael Thomas Media. Since Arvin has established himself nationwide and has built relationships with so many people, there was no way I was passing up this opportunity. It was cool to actually shoot inside the History Museum in Forrest Park. They were nice until we got a little creative with the scenery...lol. Great shoot, Q and I really enjoyed getting the photos, it was truly a pleasure to work with this guy. Enjoy!

On a side note: Never made the connection until late that he was the guy in the Insurance Express Commercials...LMAO!

Al Green..no, not the singer.

2010-01-31T17:52:00.001-06:00

Al has participated in two shoots with me so far for Tanesha Nelson's series of photoshoots. Fresh off the feedback from the "alter ego" photo, she decided to bring him back for a solo shoot. They are a series of pretty basic, nostalgic type shots. Here are few samples of course...all for the ladies...lol.

Tony Vega

2010-01-31T09:08:00.000-06:00

Today's shoot was quite interesting. Local model and "fashion guru" Tony Vega commissioned Michael Thomas Media to do a shoot with him for marketing purposes. I had the opportunity to shoot Tony with Exit Left last year. Pretty cool cat. He wanted to do something different, more of a personal feel to it. I personally like the henna ink on the model, pretty interesting touch. Enjoy.

Calhoun...Mr. Money.

2010-01-24T16:41:00.000-06:00

When I was first approached about doing this shoot for Calhoun, honestly, I thought, hopefully this guy isn't just another one of these local rappers who work just to impress their friends and the chicks they with and then goes away. He gave me a mixtape and I was pleased to hear some good music. I honestly think he's got what it takes to really be successful. I enjoyed the shoot this morning and I was really able to shoot comfortably since he has an entourage...lol. So with more personnel present at the shoot, I really didn't have to worry about outsiders interrupting the shoot and could just focus on doing what I do!!! Here are some samples, enjoy.

"Guitar Hero"

2010-01-18T18:27:00.001-06:00

This probably has to go down as one of the funnest shoots I've had in awhile. The model's name is Ashli, very unique and passionate for the arts. We had a chance to work together on this for a portfolio shoot for another client of mine. I was a little scared at first because we were down in the hood, the "real hood-hood" off Grand and Kossuth in North St. Louis. Not too many people can setup $1200 worth of photo gear up in front of a abandoned candy shop in this neighborhood and not come home a little light...lol. Outside of the pervs who made it a very prolonged stop at the stop sign on the corner, it was a great shoot. These are some of the shots from it....enjoy!

POE BLACK HUMP...

2010-01-18T18:15:00.000-06:00

So I finally got to go check out a show by these guys. I had a awesome time and was thoroughly impressed by their lyrics, beats and overall performance. William H, Corey Black and Tef Poe at Urban Lounge, 1.16.10. Here's some captures from the show, courtesy of yours truly. Watch and Discuss...

New 2010 *ish...Alter Ego...well, sorta.

2010-01-12T18:01:00.000-06:00

In a never ending effort to stay ahead of the curve (so to speak). I wanted to take a stab at the new craze....Alter Ego Photography. You saw it on the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and since DBlanks dropped that bomb, my clients have been inquiring about how this is done exactly and most importantly, can I make it happen? The answer is without a doubt...yes. These type of photos take precision and most importantly...patience. Editing one photo can take up to eight hours to edit (that's how long this one did) and some wouldn't really call it all the way alter ego, but look for it from your boy in 2010.

2009 : Year In Review

2010-01-12T17:48:00.000-06:00

Ok, so Happy Belated New Year! As we march forward in to 2010, the word of the year is...progression. 2009 brought about a lot of new relationships, ideas, concepts and fans, but 2010 is looking to be the breakout year for your boy! So let's take one last look at some of the highlights of 2009 (and these are just a few) for Michael Thomas Photography...Now Michael Thomas Media.

Maid to Order...

2009-12-01T18:47:00.000-06:00

About 3 weeks ago, I receive a phone call, kinda went like this....

"Hello?"

"Hi, my name is...., and I received your information from someone who highly referred you to us for help with a show that is going to piloted to VH1, we'd love to sit down and talk to you about it.."

I usually think, "yeah, right", but after talking to her and reading her past credentials, I was lead to believe that this might be worth the time, and hopefully the money....

So a few days later, I sat down with them. Dare 2 Be Bare is name of the agency that is putting together this show called "Maid to Order". It's a small reality show hopefully featuring a few celebs and a bunch of very, very nice "Model Maids".

I'll be running camera when we start production but the first order of business was a photoshoot with a few of the participating models. With the assistance of Mr. B. Corin Conley, we were able to pull it off last weekend at Black Pearl Studios. Here are a few samples...

The Head Camera in waiting...

2009-12-01T18:20:00.001-06:00

Ok, so, I've been shooting my D200 for the better half of 7 months or so. In a effort to taking my photography to the next level, I've already began to contemplate what my next camera is going to be...

Now it has to be Nikon (already spent a great deal on glass), and I most definitely love the ruggedness of my 200. With that said, the Nikon D700 is what you will catch me drooling over and is next in line to be in the bag. I'm pretty sure I'll be set with this baby. Insane sensor, full frame, high ISO capabilities, 51 autofocus points, 12.1 megapixels, the list goes on and on.

This post is a little premature, for it will probably be this

time next year that I will be in position to purchase this beast (praise Him for Best Buy financing...lol). So, until then, this picture is just gonna have to hold me over until then.

And so it begins....

2009-11-28T22:46:00.000-06:00

Michael Thomas "MT" Photography welcomes you to my blog. From here, I will be launching everything from samples from the latest projects I'm involved in and let you know all about "MT Photography"! Please stay tuned...