The Elite Elyett

The 2010 Look Book
Islands of The World Fashion Week
 Runway To Fashion Week Winner Theodore Elyett.
Photographer: ScharadL

Runway to Fashion Week, a local competition based on Project Runway, opened out the third annual Islands of the World Fashion Week of 2010, where Theodore Elyett owned it.  Theodore, Winner of Runway to Fashion Week won a scholarship to Parsons.    Winner of Project Runway season one, Jay McCarroll, along with Simon Collins, dean of fashion at Parsons New School of Design and star personality of Project Runway, were welcomed to the Islands of the World Fashion Week's three-day event hosted at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel in Nassau.  

Theodore Elyett also won a place in the International fashion scene, appearing in news coverages from The United States, Europe and The Caribbean, including New York, London, and Barbados, taking the Bahamas to the world, as he continues to make news and headlines.  This young designer surely has what it takes to turn heads and make the world take a second look, stopping them all in their tracks.  Such international recognition puts not only Theodore Elyett, but the entire fashion forwarding Bahamas on the map, as he is becoming a world renowned fashion designer.  Producing an excellence of work that speaks for itself, he strikingly demands the attention that he so deserves.

Picture & Caption taken from
The Nassau Guardian Tuesday October 5th, 2010
 Lifestyles Feature Story

His work, as described by Geneva Thomas, correspondent for Vogue Italy - The Black Blog, is "somewhere in between Roberto Cavalli's Spring 2009 ready to wear, and the influx of contemporary urban designers appropriating traditional West African textiles on trendy playsuits and frocks... brilliantly fused traditional Asian silhouettes with traditional Caribbean prints."

In Essence.com's 10 Minute Style, the writer called Harper in a review titled "Styles of Purpose in Paradise" says that "His clothes have a level of sophistication and youthfulness that women of all ages will love...  He is thinking about real women and is highlighting the resources found in his immediate environment, creating styles of purpose."

As quoted by Quiana Smith of Fashion Q&A.com, Theodore states, "I was attending Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada, but I didnt have the money to finish.  Five years later I am the winner of Runway to Fashion Week with a scholarship to Parsons New School of Design.  I know everything happens for a reason, and I'm inspired by where life takes you."

Tailor Made [Theodore Elyett]
Stylezine Magazine May 2009
www.stylezinemagazine.com

The young and vibrant designer who made his debut designing evening gowns for Bahamian beauty queens 13 years ago, has become all the rave since Islands of the World Fashion Week, yet still humbly remembers to give thanks to God for his continuous blessings within his life.  He is quoted in Tribune Religion saying, "I couldn't be more thankful for anything else at this point in my life; other than the blessings of success that He has bestowed upon me, along with health, strength, talent, and the will power to execute the assignment he has given to me, and I am really thankful for that."

What I am thankful for is you, Theodore Elyett, and others like you, who are the ideal embodiment of everything that it should mean to stand as a Top Model of the Bahamas.  Perhaps not a model in the conventional aspect of the term, but remarkably so, you are one who represents the image of something beautiful created by the handiwork of your own imaginative grace that has come forth in the servitude of your manifested dream.  You, are gifted by God's own ordination and motivated by the true love and passion of that which lives within you; and the drive to excel based on the purpose-given quality of knowing that there is no other way to live greatly than to follow your own heart.

BAHAMASLOCAL.COM
media coverage to Theodore Elyett Collection
at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010.

You have certainly inspired us all, and make us so proud to be one with you of this great nation.  Our vision is a shared one, and we all believe faithfully that the future is bright for they who continue to strive for excellence, such as yourself.  Now the world is at your feet, and surely great things are expected of you.  I know that you will be one to always rise to the occasion.  We believe in you and look to you for continued sources of inspiration.  Thank you, Theodore Elyette.  You are the nuovo, and the remarkable revelation. May your bright light continue to shine as you lead our people by your example of excellence within our evolving arts community here in the Bahamas.

The Hardour Collection

The Hardour Collection is inspired by the NEW generation of the Obama family. It is the fresh, young, new and sassy perspective of the White House; a collection tailored to meet the dynamic and empowered lifestyle needs of world changing proportions.  No matter what you do or where your life takes you, Hardour is here to suit your days of public engagements and renevous; you will be taken seriously as you make bold statements of individual ultra modernity and supernova flare.

Hardour, you are the generation empowered by your father's great strength and your mothers great beauty. Unstoppable is the wind beneath your wings.  Your rise to power is controlled only by the dutiful embroidery of specific declarations by the will of your burning spirit.  Brothers and Sisters of Obama, we are the models of the Hardour Collection, rampantly set free for one night only, here, we come too much too fast too soon for you to keep up with; and I fear that you may become overwhelmed by who and what we have been inspired to become.  

What the Hardour has done for all of us is to supremely raise the barre for the level of work that has been expected for our execution of relay in the echelon of mode.  We have been expected by our designer to rise to meet her call to excellence and precision of our technique - to be still sturdy structures of statuesque divinity - demanding that we present her works of excellence in a way that surmounts the previous standards of our growing industry.

Hardour, a name that comes from Harbour, meaning safe haven, has truly become our home as the birthplace of EPIC Model Management, and in many ways the power of enforcement that has justified our union and given significance to what has become our primary call.  It has placed us in a world together where we are able to communicatively and expressively form as a depiction of clarity for the attainment of our goals, on the road toward this specific duty.  In many ways, Anthea has become our teacher; as she instructs the course of our evolution to be the embrace of her owned movement.  Strict and demanding, the artists vision comes forth as she implies only what she deems to be the willingness to pursue the relative demeanour of the standards of the international industry.  Rehearsals and repetition of the regal runway technique, she forms our minds and changes our lives by uplifting our states of trained thought to see more, do more, and become more.  

Because of Anthea Bullard's grand execution of her supreme vision for the Hardour Collection, I am now of the mind set that what she has prompted us to become is the harnessed energy of her complied image, as the elaborate detail of functional fluiditiy that is her primary and essential asset.  We now become willing and able to rise to the occasion that meets the demands of the particularly high standards of Hardour as the first of many great expectations.

Hardour has groomed us to showcase to the world that the EPIC Models of Grand Bahama are embodied sons and daughters of Barak and Michelle.  We are the inspired generation of the Obama family.  Hardour is the stimulus that has inspired us all - has united us and brought us to the forefront of all things deemed regal. 

Elegance, grace, and modern simplicity... Hardour makes a bold statement of distinction.

The ready to wear line, no doubt high fashion, is a one of a kind collection of peices that are ready to hit the runway and also can be readily translated for every day living.  A true lifestyle collection; it is infused with peices that can be described as wearable art, that gives the true fashion lover a new perspective on grandeur.  

The rich textures and versatile patterns are an elaborate gesture of regal elegance.  We look forward to the fashion event of the season  with great anticipation.  It will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2010, on the Amnesia grounds of Freeport, GBI.  The world awaits the premiere fashion runway showcase of The Hardour Collection and we, the EPIC Models, will never have a reason to look back with doubt or question or fear... because for us, this is only the beginning of a revolution inspired by Anthea's Hardour.

Link  to Hardour Facebook Here

"I set a standard in Freeport here tonight".  -Anthea Bullard, designer of Hardour Collection, on Sunday, December 6, 2010, after the Premiere Hardour Collection fashion showcase.  A presentation that can only be described as phenomenal, and breathtakingly spectacular, I was absolutely enthralled and overwhelmed by the aspect of pulsating energy that surged of the riveted anticipation that was the central force of gravity pulling this show together.

"It was so amazing because she built her show from the ground up" -Model Valdeana Bain speaks about the hands on designer in commending her eye for detail in the exquisite composition of each individual aspect of the produced show that rallied to create an overall impeccable drama.  The mood was set by the pure white ambiance of the celestial glow of stage and arena that became the sensation of a reciprocated aura.  The house was filled with the eyes of hearts awaited, opened to receive the good gifts of Hardours new glory.

Anthea's goal had been reached, her dream had been realized, but it was only the beginning.

"I chose to come home (to Freeport) to have my first show because this is where I was born and it only seemed right that this is where Hardour would be born also".  Anthea went on to explain her vision that this would only be the beginning of the Hardour fashion showcasing which will go on tour to New Providence, Maimi, Los Angeles, and New York.  She is planning to take with her the strength of her team, including producer, Sophia Lightbourne, assistant, Tomacina Culmer, and the blessings of all her best models.  She intends to take on the world with the power of her implemented workforce, each to support one another.

Kyron "Kenny" Kooper

Kyron Kooper made his debut appearance as the breath-taking male model in the "After Dark" Editorial composed by Lyndah Wells Photography for the "Phreshman" Issue of Fall 2010 in STYLEZINE Magazine.  This third issue of the Fashion, Entertainment, and Art magazine, presented by Nik Barnes, featured highlights with interviews of the photographer, Lyndah Wells along with the musician, R.A.P.P. Quelle, both esteemed within our arts community.

In "After Dark" by Lyndah Wells, a works inspired by the sensual and provocative photographer, Ellen Von Unwerth, Kyron appears most seductively.  'Kenny' presents the image of a powerful and self confident male, and of course, stands tall as the "IT Guy".  Cool, crisp and charmingly sophisticated, he is the most eligible bachelor, as the story is told.  With a lady for each arm to hold, she calls for his attention.  Yet, the spotlight is on him, as he commands the demure lights to shine and embrace his masculine physique, but only "After Dark".

"What can we offer to others but the mere sense of stability and comfort that we have within our own self?"  -Kyron Kooper.  Certainly, the image that Kenny showcases in Lyndah's After Dark, is a portrait of true confidence and self assuredness.  He is the man of the hour.  Our Phreshman is pursuing a Bachelor's of Engineering Degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, where he studies design, construction, and maintenance of ships.  In this regard, he intends to rally up the skills in order to design and enable the first mega-yacht of the Bahamas.  Moreso, the man who knows no limits says, "I also want to design, build, and enable a spaceship!"  For him who lives in a world where all things are possible, all things really are possible.  

He is currently enrolled  as a full time student at the State University of New York Maritime.  Like a true action figure, the man in uniform comes fully suited in proper marine attire, and, surely, is a soldier at heart.  Kyron Kenny exhibits a definite discipline of leadership skills, and motivational qualities that earns him a level of social approval and respect well suited for one destined to become our nations leader.  The charismatic Grand Bahama native should have my vote for Prime Minister if ever he decided to run for such an office.  

His moral values are deeply grounded in the establishment of his faithful upbringing.  About growing up as an altar boy in service of the church, and also as a singer, passionate about the value of praise and worship, he says this, "I love stained glass windows, the rich pipe organ, and the royal apparel of the church."  He believes strongly in the celebration of life and the significance of making the most of each and every living day.  "Appreciate life, no matter how it goes, it ends perfectly.  Everything happens for a reason, although you may not know why, how or when.  Take it in doses, love who you are, accept it, grow, move on and when you want to give up, start living all over again!"

Mr. Kooper admits that his true passion is in the arts.  "Everyday I am learning more and more about life, love and art."  He once said that his greatest fear was losing the ability to create, and that because of this, he is driven to continue to grow as an artist, and to never cease creating new ways of seeing life.  For Kyron, there seems to be nothing more valuable, significant, or important than this.  Art is where his heart lives. The lover of music, culture, and celebration lives a fulfilled and joyful life; always grateful for his blessings, and always pushing to be better tomorrow than he was yesterday.  As seems to be his ultimate mission in life, he is always ready to live and eager to give a message of beauty and love as an inspiration for our people.  

Kenny is also a writer.  He has composed his first book, called "PREVIEWS", which will soon be available for public consumption.  In regard to writing he says, "Poetry is our way of seeing life metaphorically;  we want to know what life is all about and by that understand how to better it for ourselves and our families."  He goes on to explain, "I am an artist, and there is a lot that wants to come out."  For this reason, Kyron spends his time enjoying magazines, designing cards, singing, writing poetry, visiting museums, and enjoying theatrical performances.

His latest artistic pursuit is in the decision to work on a jewelery line.  Moreso, he proudly boasts of his successful business ventures as the CEO and Creative Director of his established company "PRAVADA", which is a luxury hand designed collection of stationery and gifts.  He is also the founder of the Kyron Kooper Foundation for the Rise Against Domestic Violence, for Women and Children.  To this end, Kyron lists his various interests as boating, sailing and cruising, fishing, meeting new people, public speaking, tourism, banking and finance, business and formalities, communication, commerce, and community service involvement.

Kyron Kenny Kooper
"After Dark" Editorial
Stylezine Magazine
Phreshman Issue . Fall 2010
Lyndah Wells Photography
Additional Credits:
Tamara Wiltshire and Valdeana Bain

Link to See More "After Dark"

Tomii's Nu Face

Nu Woman Magazine
Lyndah Wells Photography

Can we hit the "Like" button?  Tomacina is one of the most buzzed about new faces in town.  She is taking over the fashion runways, gracing the pages of magazines, and catching the eyes of photographers, while inspiring designers to have her wear their gowns.  Tomii is certainly one to be considered a high fashion model.  Her ultra modern and edgy look is a youthful bliss.  Pouty lips and star spangled eyes are a charming potency for seduction.  The 5'10" model has legs that appear endless, and a body that moves with a refined sophistication in any variety of designer apparel.  The once novice has now become a seasoned professional, as with camera ready charm she proves that practice makes perfect.  Tomacina Culmer is becoming the essential embellishment to any major fashion show.

Nu Face Model Search
Lyndah Wells Photography

Tomii, has always wanted to be a professional fashion model.  The Grand Bahamian native had been modelling locally in fashion shows such as All Black Everything and Elegance with an Attitude, until she answered the open call for the Nu Woman Magazine Nu Face Model Search, conducted by Editor, Erica Meus-Saunders.  Of the two year old magazine's nation wide search for the Nu Face, Tomacina was chosen as a Finalist.  But this was only the start of great things to come.

After being photographed by one of the Bahamas' internationally recognized top photographers, Lyndah Wells, during the Nu Woman Nu Face Model Search, Tommii's image was ready to be propelled to the next level.  She immediately signed up to the online networking site known as Model Mayhem (MM), where she was chosen as the Model Mayhem Newbie of the Week.  Of this she remarks, "I was totally shocked because I didn't know that the photographer (Simon Mott of Arclight Studios) had entered me; and out of the many models on Model Mayhem, I was chosen!"  Tomii had previously worked as a model on Simon Mott's "Wet" campaign, and after the shoot that they did together, Arclight Studios won MM "Pic of the Day".

"Wet"
by Simon Mott of Arclight Studios

Yet again, Tomacina was featured in the magazine, Profiles 98, as a fresh face model, after which, she had the opportunity to model in the Mustard Seed Fashion Show, in New York City.  For Tomii, modeling in the Mustard Seed Fashion Show, for Caribbean designers such as Sonia Noel, Lois Samuel, and Donna Dove, relayed into yet another opportunity for her to get her feet wet.  Sonia Noel, the CEO of Guyana Fashion Weekend (GFW), then scouted Tomii to participate as a model in GFW, where she was chosen to open the first and the third show.  All of this international runway experience was nothing compared to what would happen next, in the life and times of Tomacina Culmer's early career as a fashion model.  

She took the international scene and made it her own during her first appearance at Islands of the World Fashion Week (IWFW).  Islands of the World featured the works of designers from all around the Caribbean, namely, the Philippines, Haiti, Jamaica, The Domincan Republic, The Turks and Caicos, and The Bahamas.  These designers are known as Theodore Elyett, Adrian Richards, Oliver Tolentino, David Andre, K. Bobby, Georgina Esther, Raynelis Howell, Pelicia Dell, Michael Chataigne, and Idashio (Winner of VH1's Glam God).  

Italian Vogue Black Online
Featuring Theodore Elyett

Tomacina notes that her most memorable and significant experience at The Islands of the World Fashion Week, was being casted as a model for the Theodore Elyett runway exhibit.  During IWFW, the dynamic designer, Theodore Elyett, won the "Runway to Fashion Week Award" after presenting  a ramp showcase collection of masterful art work.  In that audience, a correspondent for Italian Vogue Black Online, named Geneva S. Thomas, was inspired to feature an article showcasing Theodore Elyett's collection, as it was displayed at Islands of the World.  You can find Tomii as a model for Theodore featured on the Vogue article, with her photo as the main image of the composite piece.  Certainly, this has been a significant and memorable milestone for Tomii, and we look forward to seeing more of Tomacina as she continues to climb to the top. 

The Blooming Orchids

The Blooming Orchids was an evening of Fashion, Entertainment, and Flair, where 14 beautiful entrepreneurial women on Grand Bahama Island displayed their collections, services, and crafts.  This journey of a spectacular was a full moon goddess ceremony for the honouring of our matriarcal leaders for this commonwealth region.  The Queen of England would be pleased to know of such an event, and perhaps the young and future queen might be lured to the annual occasion of attending such a proud and honourable event.

SisBro Production Company owned by Kenton and Kerel Pinder, geared toward creating innovative and memorable events, hosted their premiere event.  The Blooming Orchids, a most successful presentation of distinguished grandeur, was held on Friday, November 19th at the Canal House of Pelican Bay.  Sponsored by Pelican Bay, The Bahamas Weekly, and Agave, The Blooming Orchids displayed an enchanting sophistication that will be remembered as timeless, for all of those privileged enough to have been in attendance.

Kerel Pinder with Erykah Monique
The Blooming Orchids

Miss Kerel is not only a beauty queen, but a debutant groomed to host such events for the elite social upperclass.  By the works of her hands, the Blooming Orchids event was a distinguished time peice, and I have yet to experience another of its kind.  A tradeshow suited for kings and queens, it was refined in grace and elegance as the most influential entrepreneurial artists of our day came together to showcase their works in a celebration of time, talent, and treasure. It was an honour to be a part of such a regal affair, and to have the opportunity to take part in such a momentous occasion that was as groundbreaking as it was ceremonial.

For the Blooming Orchids, this is only the beginning.  I believe that each year this such event will become more recognized, endorsed, and sought after, predicting a growing popularity through the ranks of the social class and the upper echelon of the Bahamas.  There is a definite demand for this sort of event that is able to harness the potent energy of creative beauty and present a package that is suited to embrace the empowered movement of the feminine ideal, as a specific cause for celebration of impact.

Lyndah Wells and Co.

The evening featured women entrepreneurs of photography, art, fashion, wedding planning, parties, makeup, jewelery, cakes, marketing and locations, and home decor. Amongst these were the twelve ladies of the night, being honoured for their exceptional contribution to our community, as we celebrated their beauty as well as their talents. The Blooming Orchids of the night are known as Sally Vardaoulis, Davina Rutherford, Grace Ann, Michelle and Adriene Adderley, Rachel Smith, Beverly Cooper, Georgia Taylor, Sarah Kirkby, Raquel Smith, Krystle Allen, Danielle and Lauren Johnson, Leshan Ferguson along with my personal favourites, Chantal Bethel, Lyndah Wells, Anthea Bullard, and Erykah Monique.

These Blooming Orchids will most certainly continue to impact our socio-economic structure by defining class and regal aptitude through their works and the finesse of their self-carriage.  They are the role models that will influence the positive dynamic of our culture; these are the women whom I will continue to look up to with admiration for their strength of character, and for answering the call to service excellence as members of our growing community.  All Hail the Queens, for The Blooming Orchids are certainly a Royal Party.

More At The Bahamas Weekly

The Hardour Collection Premiere

An Introduction to The Hardour Collection

Hardour Collection photographed by Frankie Ladeyo

Hardour Collection is the brainchild of the award winning fashion designer, Anthea Bullard.  A collection of class, elegance, style, and high fashion, Hardour is not just fashion, it’s a lifestyle. 

A wardrobe inspired by the Obama family, Hardour is designed to suit the lifestyle of the upper class and their distinctive approach to life.  These particular garments are made for the classic look, being timeless and of the highest quality, the pieces are ones that never go out of style.  Ten to twenty years from now these garments designed for the Hardour Premiere Collection will still make a timeless statement.

With an eye for detail, Anthea is a designer that highly values textile embroidery, stunning print work, and beautifully crafted designs.  Made to compliment the body, Hardour Collection is constructed to depict movement. She is not afraid to take risks, as each garment is seen as a work of art to be perfected. Every particular item that Hardour creates is a one of a kind design that is singular, unique, and individual. 

Hardour Collection photographed by Frankie Ladeyo

The designer has created her series of works to suit the particular tastes of social lights, celebrities, politicians, first ladies, top models, divas, super stars, and members of the royal families.  For these fashion forward individuals whose needs are always that they should stand out from the crowd and make a statement that will last, Anthea’s Hardour Collection asks the question, “Whats in your closet?”

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Juno's Les Noirs

Juno's Photography Les Noirs Campaign

Juno's Photography Les Noirs Campaign

Juno, the name given to the wife of Zeus, was what a close friend affectionately called Jalan Harris for many years before she choose to relay the title as Juno's Photography, capturing the essence of the empowered Roman goddess and Queen of the gods.  The title gives way to the vision of Jalan that she should always find a means to express her true identity fearlessly, and to promote her own image as an inspiration for other black girls to realize that they too can be empowered to embrace their inner goddess.

Juno's Photography Les Noirs Campaign

The Artist makes a political statement through her Les Noirs Campaign, as a celebration of black beauty.  The campaign is an ongoing revelation of portraiture featuring the naturally beautiful black women of the world.  "The black race is complex, exotic and beautiful.  Les Noirs is about the emancipation from the relaxed opression of society."  Juno quotes Markus Garvey saying, "Don't remove the kinks from your hair, remove them from your brain."

In Les Noirs, Juno portrays an emphasis of black women with brown skin and natural hair.  The collection of works makes a statement, taking a stand that the black woman is beautiful and is good enough to be put on a pedastal, without having to compromise the integrity of her valued truth.  "In our society, no one seems to be comfortable with themselves, always hiding who they are."  In resistance to this, Juno praises women who "aren't chemically distorting themselves".    

Juno's Photography Les Noirs Campaign

She strongly feels that her series of works are in response to her concern that black people have lost themselves and sense of identity through the course of slavery; she remarks that most black people are out of touched with their African heritage and see themselves as unrelated to Africa.  In Leiu of Les Noirs political statement, Juno points out that the media dictates how we ought to perceive ourselves in general, and, especially with living in the Bahamas, our culture is so strongly influenced by American media.  "People are lost and dont know the truth anymore".  

Her vision for the future of the Les Noirs Campaign, is that it would become an empowered movement which inspires black women in particular to embrace their own natural beauty, and, in turn, a movement away from hiding and trying to cover up and dilute who we are and where we come from as a people.  "I think that it is sad the way perming hair has become like an initiation ceremony, or right of passage, where we wait until a certain age before having our hair permed.  Are we telling ourselves that we are prettier when our hair is permed, and that straight hair is better?"  

Juno's Photography Les Noirs Campaign

From a deeper perspective, Juno speaks out about the connection that our hair has to our inner being.  She describes hair as being deeply rooted into the core of our being; helping us to branch out and connect with the outter world in true relationship with our inner self.  "Perm weakens the hair, and then it weakens the soul.  Our hair is naturally strong, and so are we."

The dread lock wearing spiritualist tells me that she is now on a journey that is very natural and in touched with the nature of her true self.  She feels connected with mother Earth, and is inspired to live freely.  She claims that since having dreadlocks, she is more aware of other peoples souls. "My locks are the antennas of my soul."  

The Juno Monique

Jalan Harris is rapidly becoming one of the most influential photographers of our generation.  Her body of work speaks for itself, a message that is impactful and dynamic in nature.

Jalan Harris, Self Portrait, by Juno's Photography

The creator of breathtaking images, Jalan is a young artist who excels in capturing the essence of natural beauty all around her.  Her foundation for creating works of photographic art comes from years spent drawing and writing poetry.  The once aspiring cartoonist now prepares to take on the world through the provocative art of photography as her essential niche.  It is her chosen field of focus as she now begins the journey toward the mastery of image making.  

Jalan, affectionately known as Lanni, describes her work as having a 'vintage look', explaining that she creates images based on the use of somewhat odd angles, and edits for the sometimes faded effect, using the additives of unfocused orbs of light, known as bokeh.  In this regard, her work is inspired by photography of the early to mid 20th century, when she believes that images possessed a most strong intense emotion.  Artistically, she says, "I like modern art, but am inspired by the past."

Although many would not agree, Jalan still considers her work to be very amateur, and she says that she still takes every opportunity to learn and grow and evolve as a photographic artist.  It was just a few years ago that she first ventured into the medium of photography as a novice, and under the guidance of a well established friend photographer, who she had modeled for.  She soon earned her own comfort level in being behind the lenses of her camera, by practicing on friends, experimenting, and shooting with what was available to her, namely, using sheets for backdrops, simple walls, and natural lighting.
  

Jalan Harris, Portrait, by Erykah Monique

Inspired by nature and beautiful people, "I am the photographer capturing what you want to show me."  She gravitates toward naturally beautiful models and beautiful natural scenes that have an underlying mystery or depth to them; as she sees it as a challenge to be able to bring it out.  A style of photography that aims to capture something artistically substantial and of relevance, even in its raw value, she looks for a highly valued message to come across in each photograph.  

This artist's fresh perspective is aided by her dynamic assertion of self confidence.  She has an awareness of self that is self assured and ultimately righteous.  Jalan feels that as an image maker, she has no responsibility to anyone but to be true to herself.  "If I inspire anyone to anything it would be to be themselves.  I know myself", she says.  Although shy and somewhat reserved, she is an outspoken character who knows her mind in who she is and what she wants, and believes in.  She says that she is unaware of others perception of her, and doesnt care what people think about how she chooses to live her life or to express herself.  "I do what I do."

The young powerhouse is a force to be reckoned with, and for 19 year old Jalan Harris of Juno's Photography, this is only the beginning.

Jalan Harris, Portrait, by Erykah Monique