Shamar Laing 4/1/24 Shamar Laing 4/1/24

First Quater of 2024

My work so far this year has been off to an amazing start. There is still so much to learn and achieve this year. Overall I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been able to experience.

Oahu, HI

A few highlights so far this year has allowed me to set higher standards for myself. I took a trip in February to Hawaii for my 23rd birthday and was blessed to capture my environment and work with some other creatives in the area. It was an experience traveling so far, but I made sure to capture as much as I could. I decided to spend more time developing the images so that I could create something that reflected how I felt during my vacation. My goal was simple: come back home with photos that were unique but relaxed and effortless. I didn’t have anything specific I wanted to take photos of. I shot what I wanted and when I wanted walking down the streets of Downtown Honolulu. I met with some other creators during my time in Hawaii. Mady, a photographer, model, stylist and creative director in Oahu had a specific theme she wanted with this project. We had already discussed on the mood board and style of photoshoot she wanted to go for. She had everything set up and planned from the outfits, models and props. While visiting the island, I had the opportunity to portray her vision and make it come to life. I am grateful to have been a part of the process, working with others that have the similar interest in art. Overall, I had an amazing time just being a part of an unknown environment capturing what’s around me.

Below are some photos I captured on the island of Oahu.

First Wedding Event

The following month I was blessed with an opportunity to shoot my first wedding event. I’m extremely thankful to capture such a beautiful event. Usually, I never shoot any events, but I thought I take a new approach and take a chance to diversify my portfolio. I wanted to go for something that was fresh and unoriginal for a wedding event while maintaining a professional look. It was challenging at times because I was the only photographer, but I didn’t let it discourage or distract me from the task at hand. I’m looking forward to shooting more events in the future.

More work from this year so far…

I’ve been crazy busy planning and organizing some personal things in my life at the moment so finding time for my passion has been challenging. Lately, I’ve had to ask myself how bad I really want to get better at my craft and no matter how busy life gets I will always find time to sharpen my photographic skills because there’s no getting time back once it’s gone.

I hope and pray everyone who’s reading is well so far this year!

Here’s some more work from the first quarter of the 2024!

Shamar Laing 12/11/23 Shamar Laing 12/11/23

Chris Miller

Chris Miller is one of the few that has been there since the beginning of my photographic journey. He truly supports my work and I am genuinely thankful for his time over the years.

I can’t make this up.

I met Chris around the time I began taking photos at my high school. You could ask anyone at my school who was the most talented dancer and Chris would be the student most would say. In high school I wasn’t into dance, but I remember attending one of the school’s dance concerts and Chris stood out from the performers. That was the moment I thought it would be a good idea to do a photoshoot and it happened. The first picture on the left was taken January 20th 2017. Since then, Chris and I have worked together many times which allowed me to capture his unique movements and diversify my portfolio. I am extremely glad we crossed paths when we did. I can confidently say I wouldn’t be the photographer I am today if it hadn’t been for the first collaboration. It led to pictures like the one on the right which was taken 4 years later in 2021.

As a photographer it’s important to have supporters like Chris. If I have an idea all I need to do is reach out, express what I ideas I have in mind and we discuss dates when we’re free. This relationship was key to my growth as a photographer. I’ve came along way and it wouldn’t have been possible without people like Chris. The consistency of collaborations has allowed me to become more creative with capturing all of my subjects.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend Chris’ first performance The Nutcracker by The Ravel Dance Company on December 9th, 2023. It was a pleasure supporting my high school friend who has been there for me and my passion many times. He did amazing performing as the Snow King. About a month before his show Chris and I had a conversation about how much of a professional he believes he is. Chris had been dancing all of his life so I was curious to hear his answer. Chris replied, telling me that there is always much to learn about dance, its movements and music theory. As far as preforming and choreography Chris is confident that he is a quick learner, but pays close attention to detail and technicality.

Chris and I have the similar goals in life and it’s to chase after our passion to one day turn it into a career. It was exciting to see a friend get one step closer to accomplishing his goals. I am looking forward to attending more shows and collaborating on future projects.

Below you can view the portraits of Chris over taken in 2021-2022 by yours truly.

Shamar Laing 8/9/23 Shamar Laing 8/9/23

Jazmin

Jazmin has impacted my photography greatly over the years. I practiced the technicalities of taking photos with her assistance.

Family

I don’t think there was ever a moment where Jazmin wanted to be a professional model. I believe at first she just enjoyed having her pictures taken, but I realized that she was great help when I needed it. Jazmin never hesitated when it came to becoming a creative assistant, model or aid me with making a project come to life. There are very few that has come close to the amount of support that she has provided me and I am truly grateful. It may not seem like a huge deal, but other photographers know what is like having genuine supporters who give their time and effort. They only want to see you succeed even when you can’t see it for yourself.

Jazmin began aiding my photography in January 2020. There wasn’t many oppurtunities to work and collaborate with others because of Covid. Therefore, I continued to grow as a photographer by doing photoshoots of her and trying different styles of photography. From that point forward, I’ve collaborated with Jazmin many times allowing me to progress with my passion. In the future, when I was blessed with opportunities to work with brands I knew who I could count on to model. Jazmin has made stressful photographer situations manageable by making herself available and I appreciate the consistency and commitment for assisting me throughout the years. I would not be where I am without people like Jazmin

Aside from photography, when I needed guidance and wisdom Jazmin was one person I could rely on to give me concise advice. Fake friends will tell you what you want to hear only to see you fall. True friends are those who are willing tell you things that you may not want to listen to, but are necessary for improvement. Over the years I’ve realized that Jazmin is neither a fake or real friend, she is and will always be family.

Shamar Laing 7/16/22 Shamar Laing 7/16/22

Edna Kamara

My first photoshoot with a published model. It was a great experience asking questions and learning from someone with greater knowledge.

Guidance

Edna Kamara is a published model in the DMV area. She has a long list of appearances including IMAN Cosmetics, Vogue and Elle Magazine (to name a few).

Edna is another inspiration that pushed me to keep going as a photographer and to set myself to a higher standards. Years ago I was anxious reaching out to published models to ask to collaborate. At the time I thought to myself, “why would model want to do a photoshoot with a photographer that doesn’t have many followers”. After reaching out to many models I was given a recommendation from family to reach out to Edna. Surprisingly, I got a response and later on we secured a date and location. As the shoot progressed Edna and I discussed about reaching out to models for work. She reassured me that asking is worth the risk. Although I knew the worst was a model ignoring my message or a replying with a no, it was comforting to hear this come from her. The entire interaction leading up to the shoot was shocking to know that someone like herself enjoyed my photography and was willing to work together. Edna shared with me her upcoming as a model and it has inspired me to continue my journey as a photographer.

We met at The Botanic Garden in Washington D.C. to do the photoshoot.

I am grateful for the words of wisdom that Edna gave me this day. Even though deep down I’ve told myself the same words, it meant something different coming from someone with more experience and greater knowledge. It was a reminder that as much as I think I know, I have much to learn.