Africa | #TheArtHype . “I didn’t need suncscreen in Africa it was real. In school I remember people making fun of people with more melanin. I used to wonder why this would occur. I felt that those with more melanin were more connected to the mother land and the lighter you are the more you are disconnected. That always had me confused. Embrace yourmelanin, you are closer to home!a” . #MoonMelanin . Silhouette and Words: @shaughncooper . “Moon Melanin is a photo series that touches on the relationship between melanated people and the moonlight that illuminates us. The moon provides direct reflection of the sun and in this light we find aspects of us that have been kept in the shadows.” - @thearthype - . . . . . #blackblack #blavity #shootingwithshooters #moonmelanin #makeportraits #portraits #peoplescreative #photography #dmv #visualauthority #melaninpoppin #okayafrica #shootingwithshooters #melanin #african #moonlight #moonlightmovie #manymoons #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #melanin #glowup #glowbytasha #blackbeauty #moonlightmagic #blackglow #darknslay
Let Love Have the Word | #TheArtHype . @common spoke about his book today at @eatonworkshop + @eaton.dc. Much love to @sheldonascott for the invitation and for curating the vibes. . It was great seeing friends like @samjopenn + @jessicastafforddavis + @entertain_dc + @katskornerco + @chocolatechipcheetah + @nicoobabyy + @shaughncooper + etc. . I have been moved to operate “IN LOVE” since I was a young child and it has not led me wrong in life. I appreciate celebrities who are not only down to earth, but also walk in their purpose. . Great event. Great words. @common has done it again. . Faithful. . Featuring: @common . . . . . #complexmusic #blavity #focused #raplegend #makeportraits #portraits #panel #melanin #darkskin #visualauthority #blackartists #okayafrica #blackmensmile #hiphophistory #african #byt #nikesportswear #gq #okayafrica #common #commonsense #rapper #eatonworkshop #blackbeauty #makeportraitsnotwar #blackbeards #darknslay
Queen Kosoko | #TheArtHype. . Happy Mother’s Day to: . Natasha of the House Kosoko, the First AND ONLY of Her Name, The Glow, Queen of the Naija, the Hairstylist and the MUA, Queen of Akure , Natasha of the Great Naijaland, Protector of the Land, Lady Queen of the Seven Continents, Majesty of Legend and Mother of Princes. . 2 years, 2 summers, 2 pregnancies, and 2 blessings. You are unbelievable. . Captured By: @jive.shot . . . . . . #portraitpage #blavity #blackfathersmatter #postthepeople #makeportraits #nigerian #peoplescreative #melanin #blackfathers #folkportraits #musephoto #blacklove #curlgirl #discoverportrait #portraitsmag #blackfashion #blackmensmile #acreativedc #africanart #frobabies #blackwomensmiling #portraitmood #blackbeauty #africanstyle #whyportraits #fatherhood #smileforme #essence
Glow | #TheArtHype . “The first thing I think about is how black skin glows, day or night almost in every environment. . Our skin contrasts with any outfit or style it is naturally adaptable. Glow is a relative of light and Light shines and illuminated any environment. Black people stand out and we are that light. . I was in a majority white environment growing up and I felt I was always noticed. I didn’t take it as a negative thing. My skin is always in display and I am here for it.” . #MoonMelanin . Silhouette and Words: @airzus . “Moon Melanin is a photo series that touches on the relationship between melanated people and the moonlight that illuminates us. The moon provides direct reflection of the sun and in this light we find aspects of us that have been kept in the shadows.” - @thearthype - . . . . . #blackblack #blavity #shootingwithshooters #moonmelanin #nigeria #portraits #peoplescreative #beardbrothers #africanglow #naija #melaninpoppin #okayafrica #shootingwithshooters #melanin #african #moonlight #moonlightmovie #manymoons #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #melanin #glowup #zusi #blackbeauty #moonlightmagic #blackglow #darknslay
We’ve Been Framed! | #TheArtHype . A year ago we took a journey to Portland, Oregon that was life changing and forged a bond of brotherhood that can never be broken. . #TBT . Was awesome visiting with my good friend @markus.effin.prime. Even better meeting new friends and creatives @byanthonytaylor + @rosexleon. . Our talks, dialogues and creativity were moments of clarity of what it means to be a black male creative in today’s world. . Looks like we all found a way to link and fit in. This picture represents how if everyone let’s go of their individual egos, we can paint one hell of a picture. . Featuring: @bryonsummers + @markus.effin.prime + @byanthonytaylor + @rosexleon + @iamjamesanthony . Captured By: @iamjamesanthony . . . . . #focusedoregon #blavity #focused #travelphotography #makeportraits #portraits #wegotoo #melanin #darkskin #visualauthority #blacktravel #okayafrica #traveldiaries #waterfallwednesday #african #portland #nikesportswear #gq #okayafrica #travelnoire #blackmentravel #eugene #oregon #blackbeauty #makeportraitsnotwar #blackportland #darknslay
Grace | #TheArtHype . “When I think of dark skin, I think of women. There are iconic dark women that invoke rich powerful. . I never wanted to be lighter skinned. My mother enforced black pride with an iron fist. I never questioned my skin tone and my melanin has been part of what has brought me grace.” . #MoonMelanin . Silhouette and Words: @brownbelle . “Moon Melanin is a photo series that touches on the relationship between melanated people and the moonlight that illuminates us. The moon provides direct reflection of the sun and in this light we find aspects of us that have been kept in the shadows.” - @thearthype - . . . . . #blackblack #blavity #shootingwithshooters #moonmelanin #makeportraits #portraits #peoplescreative #blackqueens #lightskin #visualauthority #melaninpoppin #okayafrica #shootingwithshooters #melanin #african #moonlight #moonlightmovie #manymoons #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #melanin #glowup #naturalhair #blackbeauty #moonlightmagic #blackglow #darknslay
Long Days, Longer Nights | #TheArtHype . My little nephew here yawning those spring blues away. I’m sure he is exhausted from eating, crying, and best of all growing! . Much love to @paytonsplace + @kelabela_esq on the birth of ZION! It was an honor to capture your first family portraits and even more of a blessing that I was able to capture one of my favorite pieces of art to date in the @moonmelanin shots. . This shot is special, I am literally capturing the memories for a whole new generation. . Not just a photographer. . Featuring: @paytons.place + @kelabela_esq . . . . . #portraitpage #blavity #blackfathersmatter #postthepeople #makeportraits #tiredbaby #peoplescreative #melanin #blackfathers #folkportraits #yawn #blacklove #curlgirl #discoverportrait #portraitsmag #blackfamily #blackmensmile #acreativedc #africanart #frobabies #blackwomensmiling #portraitmood #blackbeauty #blackparents #whyportraits #fatherhood #smileforme #essence
Suns Out, Guns Out | #TheArtHype . 🇳🇬 Adeyeye, “the crown befits chieftancy”. I knew you were royal when I met you bro. From one Ade to another, keep up the good work let’s make sure mother Naija is represented the way it’s supposed to be. . Meet Joshua everyone, your favorite model’s favorite model. ✊🏿 . Featuring: @lve_smply . #portraitpage #blavity #shootingwithshooters #postthepeople #makeportraits #portraits #peoplescreative #melanin #darkskin #visualauthority #musephoto #okayafrica #blackmensmile #melanin #african #blackboyjoy #dapper #gq #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #nycportraits #nigeria #gqstyle #blackbeauty #makeportraitsnotwar #madeinnigeria #darknslay
Easter 2019 - #TheArtHype . Remember your “why”. I look at mine once a day and they serve as a reminder of my drive, effort, passion and love that I pour into my work. “The Kosoko Clan” is special and my wife is outnumbered but trust she’s the boss! @glowbytasha . Easter is a special day to my family, the remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice. I would always try to spend Easter with my Mum, @mentorqueen but now that I have a family it is my duty to continue the traditions that she instilled in me. . Love yours. . Captured By: @jive.shot . . . . . #portraitpage #blavity #blackfathersmatter #postthepeople #makeportraits #nigerian #peoplescreative #melanin #blackfathers #folkportraits #musephoto #blacklove #curlgirl #discoverportrait #portraitsmag #blackfashion #blackmensmile #acreativedc #africanart #frobabies #blackwomensmiling #portraitmood #blackbeauty #africanstyle #whyportraits #fatherhood #smileforme #essence
Resistance | #TheArtHype . “I say black because being brown is not a badge of shame anymore. It is a measure of tone and Melanin is what people want. I think of black because the market has shifted. They understand the impact of melanin money. There is a shift in voice and impact and melanin is the cause.” . #MoonMelanin . Silhouette and Words: @nurasheikhali . “Moon Melanin is a photo series that touches on the relationship between melanated people and the moonlight that illuminates us. The moon provides direct reflection of the sun and in this light we find aspects of us that have been kept in the shadows.” - @thearthype - . . . . . #blackblack #blavity #shootingwithshooters #moonmelanin #makeportraits #portraits #peoplescreative #blackskinwomen #eastafrica #visualauthority #melaninpoppin #okayafrica #queensonlyy #melanin #african #moonlight #moonlightmovie #manymoons #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #melanin #glowup #allwhite #blackbeauty #moonlightmagic #blackglow #darknslay
Protection | #TheArtHype . “In a literal sense melanin protects us from the sun. The purpose is that we need it for protection, in this modern day that protection is not just from the sun. Melanated people need protection, we need to protect ourselves.” . #MoonMelanin . Silhouette and Words: @bryonsummers . “Moon Melanin is a photo series that touches on the relationship between melanated people and the moonlight that illuminates us. The moon provides direct reflection of the sun and in this light we find aspects of us that have been kept in the shadows.” - @thearthype - . . . . . #blackblack #blavity #shootingwithshooters #moonmelanin #makeportraits #portraits #peoplescreative #beardbrothers #lightskin #visualauthority #melaninpoppin #okayafrica #shootingwithshooters #melanin #african #moonlight #moonlightmovie #manymoons #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #melanin #glowup #glowbytasha #blackbeauty #moonlightmagic #blackglow #darknslay
Legacy | #TheArtHype . “I think of the legacy I carry but I also think of the melaninated legacy of those that came before us. I want my son to know that the throne is already his, he must just learn to be king. When I named my son Zion I wanted a strong name. I wanted his path to already be paved in strength and power. . “Zion means monumental, immovable mountain, our skin is a reflection of our story, unmoving. When Zion was born, I delivered him in my car right outside the Washington monument during a vivid moon. I do not believe in coincidences. My son, like the story behind his birth is indeed the tale of legend. He will love his melanin like his father before him.” . #MoonMelanin . Silhouette and Words: @paytons.place . “Moon Melanin is a photo series that touches on the relationship between melanated people and the moonlight that illuminates us. The moon provides direct reflection of the sun and in this light we find aspects of us that have been kept in the shadows.” - @thearthype - . . . . . #blackblack #blavity #shootingwithshooters #moonmelanin #makeportraits #portraits #peoplescreative #blackfathers #fatherhood #visualauthority #melaninpoppin #okayafrica #kings #melanin #african #moonlight #moonlightmovie #manymoons #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #melanin #glowup #zion #blackbeauty #moonlightmagic #blackglow #darknslay
I Misssss Youuuuu | #TheArtHype . I miss my long luxurious locs. I long to see you soon. I love you in the morning, And underneath the moon. . Girls be like, “Water Your Worth Wednesdays” . Naw should I grow my hair back or or stay cutting it back? . . . . #portraitpage #blavity #shootingwithshooters #postthepeople #makeportraits #portraits #peoplescreative #melanin #darkskin #visualauthority #musephoto #okayafrica #blackmensmile #melanin #african #blackboyjoy #dapper #gq #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #nycportraits #manhattan #gqstyle #blackbeauty #makeportraitsnotwar #bbc #darknslay
Smile, Remember To Smile | #TheArtHype . Days like today, I count my blessings. It’s such a cliche phrase, but the truth in it is clear. . If you have only ONE smile in you give it to the people you love. - Maya Angelou - . Featuring: @samjopenn . . . . . #portraitpage #blavity #blacksmile #postthepeople #makeportraits #okayafrica #peoplescreative #melanin #naturalista #beautygirl #africanqueen #crwnmag #beautycounter#blackgirlmagic #gapteeth #smilemore #bellanaija #acreativedc #gaptooth #africanqueen #okayafrica #portraitmood #blackbeauty #africanstyle #exquisiteblackart #naturalhair #africanexcellence
She Looks Suave | #TheArtHype . Had a blast shooting this campaign work for @suavebeauty with the one and only @rock_yo_rizos. . Girl you already know! We go back to that back to that big chop. It’s been awesome seeing you tell your story and even more awesome watching you love on your grandma in NYC. Living example of why it’s family over everything! . Loved having you in the studio for @moonmelanin and I can’t wait until your words are heard. . . . . . #curlyhair #blavity #shootingwithshooters #melaninqueen #makeportraits #portraits #puertorico #lightskin #lightskin #visualauthority #curlsunderstood #okayafrica #queensonlyy #melanin #african #curlsforthegirls #moonlightmovie #manymoons #okayafrica #melaninmagic #melanin #glowup #curlygirl #blackbeauty #moonlightmagic #curlspoppin #beautifulgirls
Crew | #TheArtHype . Shot some portraits while at an @americancrew activation in New York. Thanks for having me and I hope to work with you all again! . Every time I talk to the photographer or a link with a creative my mind expands. Thankful for my people. Shout out to @delanique + @mr.rutherford + @ducdubois. . Special love meeting a legend in our industry. @david_raccuglia_photography, O.G. . . . . . . #portraitpage #blavity #americancrew #postthepeople #makeportraits #okayafrica #NYC #melanin #curlsunderstood #beautygirl #africanqueen #crwnmag #beautycounter#blackgirlmagic #africanautumn #blackfashion #groom #acreativedc #africanart #africanqueen #okayafrica #portraitmood #blackbeauty #africanstyle #exquisiteblackart #naturalhair #africanexcellence
Blessed | #TheArtHype . “My grandmother just passed and I just came back from Chicago from the funeral. My grandmother did everything for me, she showed me the whole country. They buried my mother in a 8,000 St. John’s suit, she was the standard of style. She taught me class, and as a black man it was one of the greatest gifts of all. She taught me class didn’t have a color and that my melanin was good enough. For that I am blessed.” . Words and Silhouette: @homme_dc . . “Moon Melanin is a photo series that touches on the relationship between melanated people and the moonlight that illuminates us. The moon provides direct reflection of the sun and in this light we find aspects of us that have been kept in the shadows.” - @thearthype - . . . . #blackblack #blavity #shootingwithshooters #moonmelanin #makeportraits #portraits #peoplescreative #blackskinwomen #lightskin #visualauthority #melaninpoppin #okayafrica #queensonlyy #melanin #african #moonlight #moonlightmovie #manymoons #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #melanin #glowup #supreme #blackbeauty #moonlightmagic #blackglow #darknslay
Moon Melanin | #TheArtHype . My first solo art show will be a moment and I would love for you to be present. . April 19, the full moon is upon us, 🌚. . SAVE THE DATE/LINK IN “GET TICKETS” . Flyer Design: @abidoehq Show Design: @brownbelle . “Moon Melanin is a photo series that touches on the relationship between melanated people and the moonlight that illuminates us. The moon provides direct reflection of the sun and in this light we find aspects of us that have been kept in the shadows.” - @thearthype - . . . . . #blackblack #blavity #shootingwithshooters #moonmelanin #makeportraits #portraits #peoplescreative #blackskinwomen #lightskin #visualauthority #melaninpoppin #moondust #queensonly #melanin #african #moonlight #moonlightmovie #manymoons #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #melanin #glowup #allwhite #blackbeauty #moonlightmagic #blackglow #darknslay
Sun | #TheArtHype . “Sunshine feeds melanin, we absorb and take in light. Its similar to photosenthesis. I am a lighter a guy but my pride has never faltered. I make sure to feed off the sun and take care off what I have been blessed with. I recieved this honor from my parents and its history has taught me to appreciate the beauty in all shades of melanin. I am indeed a native of the sun.” . Words and Silhouette: @dj_nativesun . . “Moon Melanin is a photo series that touches on the relationship between melanated people and the moonlight that illuminates us. The moon provides direct reflection of the sun and in this light we find aspects of us that have been kept in the shadows.” - @thearthype - . . . . #blackblack #blavity #shootingwithshooters #moonmelanin #makeportraits #portraits #peoplescreative #blackskinwomen #lightskin #visualauthority #melaninpoppin #okayafrica #queensonlyy #melanin #african #moonlight #moonlightmovie #manymoons #okayafrica #pursuitofportraits #melanin #glowup #allwhite #blackbeauty #moonlightmagic #blackglow #darknslay
O’Natural | #TheArtHype . Not all my shoots are big productions. I typically try to just capture friends in moments of purity. It was great having my homie @the_odditty come by the studio to talk all things Naija. . Someone’s glow emits from their soul and it cannot be faked or recreated. It is in these moments that we show our true selves. . Check out my little sis, she has something to say. . Featuring: @the_odditty . . . . . #portraitpage #blavity #naturalhairstyles #naturalhair #makeportraits #okayafrica #peoplescreative #melanin #curlsunderstood #beautygirl #africanqueen #crwnmag #beautycounter#blackgirlmagic #natural #blackfashion #bellanaija #acreativedc #africanart #africanqueen #okayafrica #nomakeup #blackbeauty #africanstyle #exquisiteblackart #naturalhair #africanexcellence