JuniorAfro

When I first signed up on dA, I didn't think much of anything quite honestly. The site seemed like a place to get creative things up and about to share and adore works. I initially didn't care about what I put up, if it was bad, okay, awesome or superb like some of the very fantastic and amazing artists I now have had the opportunity to follow, who follow me, or work together in future projects. I really didn't care, but time and time again over the past 3 or so years, I have expanded my reach to quite an amazing group of people. 

I'm an amateur, in the exact meanings of the word. I began by posting sketches here and there. Followed by poetry, of which, while I no longer post here, I continue to avidly learn and create. These two were precursors to what I eventually would fall in love with. Photography. And in those 3 or so years, I have uploaded many, many photos of events, scenery, people, and selfies included. Crazy ain't it? Above all that, the amazing audience here at dA that adores, criticizes, comments, favorites, loves....I can go on, the work I put up here. A trip that began simply by uploading random things to me at the time, to what I now consider my hobbies. And the fact that through this small interactions, I have met friends, network with people I never though of working with ever, and well known and loved artists commenting and loving my amateur work here. Makes me happy. 

This was the image that started everything on dA. I love pandas. Who doesn't? 



When I began photography, I started off with a simple point-and-shoot camera. A Sony Cybershot that I had purchased back in 2009. 5 years ago. Quite a long time, but it has and always will be one of my favorites. Los Alamitos. 

Poetry began as a playful banter. It didn't mean much to me back when I first began liking the sonnets of renaissance artists. In began, William Shakespeare. I began to take it somewhat more seriously around 4 years ago, when I began dating a woman who loved poetry. While I ain't the best at what I write, I nonetheless enjoy it. 



Not much to say about this one other than the fact that...I really miss a lot of the old friends that have come and gone. 



The first image that truly stuck with me when I began Cosplay Photography. The first image that made me realize that I enjoy being behind the camera interacting with such amazing groups of individuals that dedicate their time and effort into making their favorite characters come to life! Pictured here is Lady from Devil May Cry 3 cosplayed by  




As I continued to learn and use my camera(which by the way is Nikon D90), I began to adapt, to use my surroundings, to make the cosplayers feel comfortable around me. I still am somewhat straightforward and blunt, but put in effort to make a person smile, relax and not pressured into a photo, is the greatest thing to me when photographing cosplayers. 



Added simply because the Elf from Dragon's Crown is my favorite character in the game. Shot at Fanime 2014. 



Reason # XXXX of why I picked up photography. Evangelion!! Favorite will always be Unit-02 Pilot : Asuka Langley Soryu



I still have much to learn, but what I do know, and my interactions with people who enjoy what I enjoy has been one of the greatest gifts dA has given me. Pirate!Poison Ivy by Harlequin and Hazel. 

Its been a short few years, but to me, it has been some of the best few years in the short little hobby of mine. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Thank you dA! 

Happy Birthday!! Big 14!! LOL 

I can't place you
In the deepest reaches of my mind
Such small confines do me no help
Because I feel the need to express and speak...
About you. 

At times I wonder
If it was okay to be attracted to someone
Without having actually seen them
Perhaps via picture or in person...
My lips to yours.

I can't place you
In any mathematical formula
To figure out the X number of reasons as to Y
I am so infatuated after all these years...
With you. 

At times I wonder
If it was okay to speak as I have known you
Closely, intimately without having touched you
The alluring, sensual and womanly words spoken...
Your lips to mine. 

Just got back from Fanime yesterday. Currently sorting out and uploading all photographs from the weekend. 

With that in mind, Anime Expo is my next con, Stockton-Con there in afterwards, followed by perhaps Japan Expo 2nd Impact [BECAUSE AKIRA YAMAOKA WILL BE THERE]. San Anime is up in the air. And Comikaze Expo too. 

Aside all that, I'm hoping to meet the many awesome people I got the opportunity to speak with as well as new comers. 

I really need a travel partner to Japan...though granted, I don't mind going alone, I would much rather do it with a partner. Twice the fun, have someone to talk to constantly and it wouldn't feel awkward going out into the night life....lol. Ah well. Had a friend say she wanted to go, but is undecided. Kinda bummed out, but eh. Its all good as I said.

"Motion Changing"

Miles logged
I wear this shoes
Hindered and tattered
With years of rusty hues

Torn seams
Due trophy cases
Fibers and fabric
Life changing phases

Only black
Of favorite wear
Recognized by use
And constant care

None new
I keep walking
These shoes
Do the talking

She stood steadfast.

The blood soaked hands she carried inside her own pockets warranted her attention. It drilled her mind. Flinching ever so slightly at her state of mind, she attempted to smile...

Only to fail.

It hurt her. She knew it. She was overwhelmed, but the power to do nothing...nothing at all, afflicted her own instinct. The red-hooded cloak drenched with the pouring rain of the evening skies contrasted her inner turmoil. The bleeding sun painting the sky an ominous red...

'Why... ' she thought to herself. 'Why...does this always happen to me...'

She slowly cringed as she felt a coolness brush up against her cheeks. Very slowly she withdrew her hands. The shaking of her body vibrating the drops of rain that struck her body. A colorful display of red...on a grief ridden...day...

'Why...?' Reaching to her cheeks and backing away at the sight of her crimson hands, she rubbed her thumbs against her face. A gentle breeze blew through, unwinding her cloak from her face.

A gentle, innocent looking appearance presented itself to the evening rain...and with it, the tears of a painful childhood...and an even more painful experience.

'Why am I always left alone...? Why?' She clutched her hands tightly at acknowledging the tears, immediately dropping to her knees...'Why...?

'Why...me?'

With those words...the Sun hid itself, as the rain intensified...ever so dark to offer nature's way of offering an apology.