Hip-Hop 50.

August 31, 2023 by Jelani Ameer

Consider this an amendment to my "Come Uptown" post from last summer. This year I had the privilege of being commissioned to document two of the 5×5 Block Parties in honor of hip-hop's 50th anniversary. For this offering, I want the galleries to speak for themselves, but I will provide some context for the energy captured on these two incredible days.

“Well if it wasn't for The Bronx...”

This block party took place right outside the very birth place of hip-hop as we know it today. 1520 Sedgwick Ave, now known as Hip-Hop Boulevard, is where Kool Herc split the atom. This was the big bang, and the folks that came out in droves proved just how long that first boom has echoed from '73 to now.

I saw legends like KRS-ONE, Public Enemy, Pete Rock, Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Beanie Sigel. There were gold rope chains, Phat Farm shirts, and genuine Ruff Ryder leathers.

Folks were so proud to show out for this culture that has taken over the world. The block could barely hold everyone who showed up, yet somehow it did. It was truly something magical.

“Go Uptown to Harlem...”

It was only right to follow the energy of The Bronx with a final block party in front of the legendary Apollo theatre. This day, while not as chaotic as the X, was just as full of life and warmth. These types of gatherings really do energise my spirit. Whenever I visit Harlem, I'm reminded why I miss living there so dearly. Our fingerprint can never be erased. No matter how many monuments are torn down and replaced, we still show up and shine bright.

Legends that blessed the stage this day were the likes of Fu-Schnickens, Da Bush Babees, and KRS capped the night with an incredible meditation by way of an off the top freestyle. An unexpected addition to officially send us home was Korey Wise and Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five. Space was held to acknowledge the injustices those five men had endured all those years ago, but love was shown as well.

To be honest, I’m still floating from that weekend. While it was work, it didn’t feel like it at all.

I love hip-hop with all of my heart. It helped raise me. I’ve contributed to it as an emcee traveling the states going on tour. Artists that I came up listening to as a youth, and had in my iPod Classic, became peers. Such a surreal experience. I’ve lived a life thanks to this culture. I am indebted to it, and look forward to all of the other powerful memories that will be created through it. I pray to see another decade.

Come Uptown…it’s beautiful up here.

Very Capable Hands.

September 28, 2022 by Jelani Ameer in Vignettes, Poetry

As the latest installment in my now established “An Oratory Experiment” series, I wanted to shift focus from social media to website. The early iterations were formatted for vertical viewing, but I feel the future of this series is meant to be viewed in the traditional landscape orientation. Keep in mind that this is an experiment.

This video comes to you after many weeks of mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation. Also, chasing blue hour in an attempt to record under the proper lighting conditions. All of this took a toll on me, but I don’t regret anything because it brought me here.

The audio for "Very Capable Hands" was recorded not long after the Roe v. Wade overturn. I was unsure if it was my place to speak on the matter, so I spoke to the greater symbolism of the decision.

My hope is that this resonates on some level...with someone, somewhere. I'm also honest enough with myself to know I could very well be speaking into a void. Getting the idea out was the necessary step for me to get closer to the real message (whatever it may be). “An Oratory Experiment” will continue to evolve with me as a creative and human being.

When I have a stronger grasp on what this phase is, I’ll explain further, but I won't hold you any longer.

“THE WORLD IS IN VERY CAPABLE HANDS…”

THANK YOU

Poochie, thank you for supporting me in all of the ways I've needed support, and the ways I didn't even know I needed. Talking me through the frustration that I felt during the process of filming over those weeks was pivotal in getting the results that we did. I'm beyond grateful to have someone like you in my life.

Sinopsis, thank you for being one of the illest producers, and homies, I know. There's never been a moment where I've questioned if you could deliver, on any level, but specifically a musical one. You tagging in Bao to finesse those keys brought more than I could've imagined to this piece. Here's to more collaboration in the future.

To you, reading and watching…thank you for being here.

Uptown residents standing on Laconia Avenue in The Bronx for the "A Very Bronx Summer" block party. — *“A Very Bronx Summer”* by **Bronx Narratives** | Laconia Ave, Bronx, NY 2022

Come Uptown.

Gun Hill Brewing Company

June 30, 2022 by Jelani Ameer

This past Saturday, I had the honor of being one of the photographers asked to document the Bronx Narratives’ "A Very Bronx Summer" block party. I feel as though this moment was the culmination of the years I've poured into photography. My mission hadn't been as clear as it was on that day. Now I'll never forget. I was meant to be there, and the photos further prove that.

Beautiful people from all over the diaspora showed out. We were shining together as proud Uptown natives. The Puerto Rican BBQ tent, Jamaican food truck, and the Gun Hill Brewery were bustling with passionate home cooks and hungry residents. Providing food straight off the grill and drinks fresh from the tap to the community. Everything we needed was present along that section of Laconia Ave.

The DJs and musical acts were the thread that held everything together. If you guessed "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly was in the rotation, you'd be correct. Two steps were strong even in the 90 degree weather. The jams were jamming the way they needed to. Also, hearing hip-hop in the Bronx is a spiritual experience. No other way to describe it. On this night, there was also true and original reggae played by some very talented singers and songwriters.

This was a historic exhibition of community, togetherness, and Uptown as a whole. I've never been more proud to be from here. This day will be cemented in the community thanks to the photos taken by every photographer who came through. We’ll live forever.

If I may, I strongly suggest you take that trip Uptown (Harlem, The Heights, or The X) if the opportunity presents itself. Even if it doesn't, make the time. It's beautiful here...

“That's it. That's the post.”

“***A Hell Of A Day****” shot on Ilford Delta 100 | The Bronx, 2021*

Noah The Archivist.

March 22, 2022 by Jelani Ameer in Film Photography, Street Photography

It was only minutes into a recent Twitter Space conversation that I felt called to dust off this blog and share some thoughts. Specifically ones that revolve around the concept of archiving and its importance. How I, as a photographer, and a Black man, feel a sense of duty when it comes to documenting my people and other marginalised groups. There's something to be said about keeping records and reshaping the warped narrative that some folks have of us.

In the spirit of some of the greats who have come before me such as Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, Fan Ho, and Katsu Naito, I strive to build a body of work that exhibits truth.

The very last job I had working for someone else was an apprenticeship with a sculptor. In her studio, which also served as her base of operations, I worked alongside someone who I consider to be a master archivist. She essentially created an entire walk-through encyclopedia within the office space. Everything from the artist's step-by-step creative processes from start to finish, physical publications from around the world dating back to the 80s, and even records of every product/tool used in that studio. Whatever you needed to know about the artist and her work was carefully logged in some way. I admired her passion for the skill.

Sometimes, after closing up the studio, she and I would walk towards our respective trains and talk for a while. Those talks slowly revealed things for me. She was understandably cagey about information that she would share in regards to her personal life. Which is what made her moments of vulnerability precious to me. One day, while teaching me how to color correct archival photography, she opened up to me about her Mormon upbringing. How it played a role in her love of documenting.

She told me she could trace her family history back to the 1800s- if not further back, which blew my mind. Because the tradition of archiving is so strong in her community, the bridge to her lineage is well kept and easily accessible for anyone looking to cross it. It made me think about how many Black and or indigenous folk can't say the same. A lot of our history has been discarded or rewritten in some way.

Roll of Adox Scala positives on light-bed

Family on my father's side, while I do keep in touch with some aunts and cousins, is shrouded in ambiguity. Whether that’s all due to losing track of photos, family drama, or both- I’m unsure. I do know how much the photos would mean to me if I was given access to them.

My mom ran away from home in her early teens so I have no lived experience with that side. I haven't even seen a photo of her younger than she was in her 20s. All of these blank spaces make me question what it would mean if I could build bridges for, not just my own family, but others as well. What would that look like for us?

Decades, or centuries, worth of tangible records that can be passed onto future generations. Some of which will never get to speak to us in the physical plane. Our portraits, our joys, and our pains...through our lenses. How much would that strengthen our sense of self? Would it serve as a point of relativity so we know how far we've progressed as a people? That saying "you don't know where you're going unless you know where you come from" comes to mind. I've been exploring this concept more and more through my film work. Even down to my actual approach when out taking photos.

I recognise that what I’m doing, as a photographer, at this point in my career, is bigger than myself. Because of that, there is a level of reverence that must be shown to the subject/moment. If I'm far enough away from a subject, I'll capture the image as is; ensuring that the moment is preserved. When close enough to a subject, I'll ask to take their portrait. It's been an eye-opening experience seeing how receptive some are. There is a level of trust that must be established within the first few seconds of interacting with someone, let alone asking to take their photo. Some will ask what the purpose of the photo is, and I'll let them know it's for record-keeping. I want people to know that we existed- but more specifically, that we existed beautifully.

This is a mission that I will dedicate the rest of my life to. The more I study the greats and why their works are so impactful, the more I understand what my purpose is with this medium. There is a spirit that lives in this work, and I’m looking forward to furthering the greater conversation that’s had when these images are made.

Off Telegraph Ave.

October 22, 2021 by Jelani Ameer in Film Photography, Travel

PROLOGUE

First thing that inspired this trip was a good friend of mine extending an invite years prior when they initially moved out West from Brooklyn. At that time, a visit to Cali felt right, but my money didn't. The idea of traveling, and trusting the universe to carry me, is something I can subscribe to, but due to some past experiences, I've come to appreciate establishing footing before jumping. I'm now at a point in my life where my art has started to pay me well. It's been a slow transition into full acceptance, but I am grateful to have this level of freedom.

The second motivator was a series of conversations I had with my partner about exploring how we navigate our traumas and the ways in which we could potentially rewire our brains in response to them.

I had heard about psychedelic experiences, specifically ones on mushrooms, that provided a "fresh coat of snow" over the deep trenches of our minds. In theory, it would make it easier to traverse those deeply rooted lines of thinking we slip into when triggered by something or someone. My partner and I were interested in that level of grounding. So, knowing that an open invitation had been extended, planning for the Oakland trip was in motion. Coordinating schedules, buying tickets, booking Airbnbs, and creating an itinerary went as smoothly as it could. Next thing I knew, we were on a plane headed towards a week of nature and exploration.

Overall, Oakland was a celebration of life and how far we had come. My homie was turning 41, and it was inspiring to witness him finally living the type of life he wrote about in some of his work. For my partner and I, we were marveling at how all of our choices, work, and love brought us to such a beautiful city. The hospitality we were shown out there forged stronger bonds and new friendships that made leaving that much more difficult for us. But before I jump too far ahead, I’ll bring it back to the beginning of the trip just after a day of rest from our flight.

On day one of my friend's birthday festivities, we took shrooms by a stream somewhere between Blue Tent and North Columbia. Our own private oasis where we were free to be in the water and trip out watching the trees breathe. I can't remember the last time I heard that much hearty collective laughter amongst Black folk. It was healing in its own way.

The following day, we hit up the South Yuba River to soak up some sun in the middle of the water. This was when the tan, that I'm desperately clinging onto, came into full effect.

We dedicated a day to San Francisco's hilly residential streets and Fisherman’s Wharf to see a different part of The Bay. I appreciated the level of preservation from the infrastructure of the piers to the vintage build of the trams. Walking along the water brought some peace and an unexpected windchill reminding me that Northern California is different from the more southern parts. Even with that, San Fransisco offered some memorable photo opportunities.

While this trip was mostly for rest and recalibration, there was also work to be done. On top of celebrating his birthday, my homie wanted to create a lookbook for the next capsule release in his clothing line. So, after some last minute talent scouting, we headed up to the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. The weather turned quickly as a thick fog rolled in and covered most of the terrain, but we rolled with it while we still had visibility. Despite these photos not working for the lookbook, these are still some of my favorite photos to date.

On the last day, we got to take a quick trip through Japantown. I absorbed what I could in the short span of time, but I told myself I would return. With some Hi-Chew and a new set of chopsticks in tow, we headed to the airport and flew back to NYC.

EPILOGUE

This was a long one. If you made it this far, know that I appreciate you.

Believe it or not, I condensed things into a Spark Notes friendly recap as this would've become a novel. I also wanted to hold some parts close to the chest. Certain moments were for me and me alone. Upholding that sanctity with myself is key these days.

I didn’t mention this in the body of the post, but today is my 30th birthday. I feel like I need the day, and maybe a few more after that to really take in what crossing this threshold means. Maybe I’ll circle back and share some findings about no longer being in my 20s.

With all that said, I do hope to catch you on the next one. Be good…

APLoT.

September 17, 2021 by Jelani Ameer in Vignettes, Poetry

When Kayla reached out to me to direct the visual component to her poem, “A Prayer List of Things (I Ask My Father For Daily),” I wanted to be sure that I matched the beauty and reflective nature of her writing. Having taken her portrait a couple years ago, she expressed that she wanted us to work again someday. At the time I wasn’t sure of what capacity that would be in, but to be trusted with a project such as this one was truly an honor.

Kayla let me know how vulnerable of an act this would all be as she’s never truly enjoyed being in front of the camera. With this in mind, I made it a point to affirm her in her decision to do this, especially on set.

The days leading up to the shoot involved location scouting, reading Kayla’s poem, as well as listening to her recite it aloud in an audio recording. Reading was one experience, but listening to her traverse these longings for a deeper relationship with self through her relationship to God was awe inspiring. Wanting more for yourself is a courageous act inspired by having lived a life where you didn’t understand the level of power you possessed.

Often times we give that power to situations, circumstances, and people who use it against us in hopes that we won’t ever realise our true value.

This realisation is the moment where we break free from false realities that we’ve accepted as our own. All the negative self talk, and ways in which we interact with ourselves and others, become positive affirmations and the healthy boundaries we set.

Here’s to growing even closer to our truest selves.

“I WANT TO SCALE THE FULL WORTH OF WHO GOD SAYS I AM…”

Party Of One.

Chinatown

July 23, 2021 by Jelani Ameer in Film Photography, NYC

This “Party of One” concept came to me only after taking these photos and getting the film scans back from the lab. CineStill had just released their BwXX stock for medium format cameras a few days before manifesting this shoot. Considering that some of my favorite films, or scenes, have been shot on this stock, I immediately bought three rolls. The initial idea was “create something that feels like a favorite film you’ve never seen before.”

With that in mind, I knew I wanted to shoot with Charity in Chinatown as an homage to one of our early photoshoots a few years ago. Back then I was still getting a handle on photography as a profession and I wanted to revisit this location as a way of seeing just how far I’d come.

Originally, I envisioned this being done completely in black and white, but as Charity and I were building on the vision for this shoot, she sent me the outfit she had in mind. The pop of red in the dress inspired me to pack a roll of color film. Keeping in theme with the CineStill BwXX, CineStill 50D made the most sense to pair with it for my 35mm images.

The distinctive green tint of the 50D made the color images feel like fully graded movie stills. Almost as if they would start moving if you stared at them long enough. The BwXX offered a completely different feeling with its prominent grain and deep shadows. The size of the grain brought a gritty texture adding to the depth of the images.

After sharing some of these photos on Instagram, someone commented asking “What film is this from?” It was everything that I could’ve asked for summarised in a single comment. This shoot confirmed a lot for me in terms of understanding the kind of footing I have in film photography. I’m looking forward to the future films I create through stills.

Taking The Leap.

July 22, 2021 by Jelani Ameer in Film Photography

Last year, I was gifted this beautiful Yashica 12 medium format camera as a Christmas gift from my partner. She wanted to start me off on my film journey right, and I couldn’t think of a camera build that was more suited for me than a TLR (Twin Lens Reflex).

The 1:1 ratio on this body took some getting used to as I typically enjoy shooting in 16:9 and 3:2 with digital. My entire approach to framing shots has been challenged in a way that I welcome wholeheartedly.

In a way I skipped a step by going straight for medium format and not 35mm, but I figured it would all be the same general principles:

Measure your light
Dial in your settings
Take your time composing
Capture

Eventually I did splurge and buy myself a Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 to fill in that 35mm void, and it’s been a beautiful experience seeing the differences between medium format and 35mm beyond negative size. I’ll be sure to share even more of this journey with you all through my ever expanding and changing portfolio.

Film is where I live right now. If someone were to tell me that I can no longer use my Sony a7Rii for photography, I’d be perfectly okay with that. I want to learn all of the intricacies of this medium and understand why it can never truly be matched. Hopefully you all join me in the different stages of discovery.

"Sometimes I arrive just when God's ready to have someone click the shutter."

-Ansel Adams