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

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

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....

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!

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!

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!

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".

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!