TroyBoi of London was on a U.S. Tour, along with him were friends of mine from Academy of Villains - Intricate and Gravity. I got the chance to shoot when they stopped in San Jose. Thank you to Abbie for the plug on the opportunity! Meeting Troy and his fellow artists were a pleasure. The show was dope! I've been to shows similar to this as a spectator, so it was really good to be there to capture moments from the stage and backstage.
The rest of the photos can be found here
January 2017 - Everly Mia Cabatic
My best friends gave birth to their first child, Everly Mia Cabatic, and I've never been one of the first to meet my friends kid's, so meeting Everly (shortly after she was born) meant a lot to me, especially when I held her for the first time.
February - Academy of Villains @ VIBE
My family, Academy of Villains, celebrated their 8 year anniversary. A couple of OG member's and I went down to LA to celebrate with the family, as well as support and catch the new fam members performance at VIBE Dance Competition. I captured moments at the private friends & family night, as well as rehearsals leading up to the day of Vibe.
February - DAM SF
I had the opportunity to showcase my photography in physical form at D.A.M. SF. The selection process was probably the best and toughest part. I got to reflect on my journey as a photographer going through almost all photos I've ever made. Here are the photo's I selected to present as well as made available for sale.
March
My friends from Artistry is Everything hosted an event showcasing some MC's, a DJ, and a producer. I shot with my friend Wendy in SF's Maiden Lane. Shot with my brother Hai in Oakland around Jack London. Captured some moments of my friend's daughter's basketball game. Went to Apexer's release party for his collaboration with Timbuk2 in SF. And wandered around Downtown Walnut Creek.
April
I had more filming projects with Confidance Fitness than I did shooting in general, although I did rent the Sony A7RII with the 85mm GM Lens. Which was an amazing combination! Probably will be the next tools that I pick up to make my photos. Although eventually I would like to become a Leica user, I also got to play with the new Leica M10 which is an amazing piece of equipment! Here are some photos from when I rented the A7RII & The 85mm.
MAY
This month my Sony A7II Shutter locked up on me, I was at an event getting ready to shoot, made one photo and got a camera error. An error that wouldn't let me turn off my camera by it's switch but by removing the battery. Removed my lens only to find the shutter stuck closed. Took it to Mikes Camera in Dublin to have it looked at and possibly fixed. Hoping it's repairable and not too expensive. I've been shopping for a new car, a new camera would have to come second. So I've been shooting with my Sony A6000 while my A7II is being looked at.
Captured some fresh moments at BRKN INTL this passed weekend. Along with the circuit series battles, they hosted a 1v1 footwork battle, a 1v1 youth bboy battle (winner to represent USA in China) and a 1v1 youth popping battle (winner also to represent USA).
If you would like prints or copies of your images please email me at neil@the-commune.com
I went out to support my friends of Hey Ma, who hosted a Sadies Hawkins dance in Berkeley, CA. Their event hosted a lineup of female artists, from singers, rappers, & DJ's.
