Thursday, April 15, 2010

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME - AND THANK YOU TO YOU... YEAR 3 AND GOING STRONG.

Michael Maddox said to me one night… “You have worth, Dallas. Your work is vital to the industry and never let anyone make you think differently. You have talent, you have passion and you have love for the industry. Just keep doing what you’re doing and make them hate you or love you because they ain’t you. You wouldn’t be shooting any of my boys if you weren’t good at what you do. Know your worth.” (http://www.dearmichaelmaddox.com/)

Since I’ve embarked on a career in photography, three things will always happen in April as long as I am alive. Taxes, my birthday and my photographic anniversary (which, to me is really the MOST important day for me).

As I looked at the calendar it didn’t dawn on me my 3rd anniversary was upon me until I looked in my appointment book and was booking a photo shoot. I always sit there in stunned amazement. April 13, 2007 I was sitting in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York with photographer Sean Toussaint. His first words to me was and I will never forget: “I cannot teach you photography, no one can. However, I can teach you how to use your camera.” And that he did.

Each year brought something new and different. Each year was better than the year before. My passion for my craft and artistry is just as strong today as it was the day I learned how to truly operate my camera. Today I’m shooting magazine editorials, clothing campaigns, fitness campaigns, body campaigns, hair campaigns, makeup campaigns. You name it, I may have shot it.

I’ve learned so much about myself in this journey. I’ve learned that photography, though a technical manifestation of lights, angles, distances and so forth, I also know that it is very very organic and there is no wrong way or right way to take a photograph. It is only your way.

I’ve learned how to stand in a middle of a studio with my eyes closed and “feel” the light dance across my body so I will know how I want my lights set up. I’ve learned that if something doesn’t work, don’t force it, move on. I’ve learned how to turn a untrained person into a professional model. When people talk about how “amazing” my lighting is, the only entity I can thank is God.

How? I can’t begin to tell you. I just know that when a model leaves my studio anything that they could’ve possibly picked up will go with them for the rest of their lives. I am eternally grateful for every single model that has ever graced my camera because with each and every photo shoot I’ve walked away with a nugget of information that will carry me over into the next shoot. Because of my skill set, I am building careers one photograph at a time.

Models are flying in from all over the United States to shoot with me, when only a few short months ago, nobody really knew who I was. Am I getting the giant campaigns yet? No, but I know with each image I take, I am getting closer and closer to the prize. It makes me feel good when someone forwards me a picture of a major campaign and says “this looks EXACTLY like something you would shoot..” I smile inside, because they see what I see.

This blog will not be a controversial one. No in your face. No making you take a long look at yourself (but one will be coming soon). This is a simple blog to say thank you to all of you who believed in me, you made me a better photographer. For those of you who didn’t believe in me, because it forced me to prove myself. For those of you who encouraged me, because I know that I’ve made the right choices. For those of you who said I sucked, because of you, I had to get better.

Year 4 will bring lighting seminars, modeling seminars, celebrity photography, major modeling photography, trips abroad, trips around the corner, billboards and magazines. Sean Toussaint, you may not have taught me photography, but you sure taught me how to take a fabulous photograph.

2007 Highlights

Model: Dremmler Desil

GRAND CENTRAL STATION

MY GIRL CUFFY

2008 Highlights

Identities Model: Diane (Close Up and In Person)

Model: Sean Jones

www.dallasjlogan.com

Model: Rumando Kelley

Model: Kortney (Get Focused Campaign)
2009 Highlights

Model: Devone Stephenson

Model: Suzie for JS Dirty Industry

Model: Estella Amara of Red Models

Model: Seven - The Outtakes

Model: Lavante Isaac for Editorial Submission

Model: Bintou

Model: Milan Christopher - I See Red People
SPECIAL THANK YOUS

Sean Toussaint – Without the knowledge that you’ve bestowed on me, I would be entering my years in absolute darkness. Thank you for showing me the light. (http://www.seantoussaint.com/)

Butch Johnson – My best friend, my brother and my partner. When the chips are down, I know where I can always turn for encouragement. Thank you for never allowing me to just be happy with “good enough.” (http://www.styledbybutch.com/)

Cuffy Johnson – Something as simple as saying “I’m not feeling that” will always send me back to the drawing board. I thank you for being in my corner, and I thank you for loving me and my artistry and letting me know that, yeah, I can do this.

Goldin Martinez – When all others told you I my work was garbage, you’ve stood by my side through thick and thin. Because of you I have gotten some of the most amazing images that I have never planned for. Thank you for seeing my greatness even when I couldn’t. (http://www.getfocusedfitness.org/)

Jordan Brown – Thank you for just being my soul mate. No one will ever truly understand the true meaning of “following your dream” unless, of course, they are following their dream. Thank you for being Mother Logan when I need Mother Logan. (http://www.fullcirclecounseling.org/)

Kimberly Montgomery – Through the ups and downs and richer and poorer, you’ve pushed and pushed and pushed me. Without your undying support I would not be the professional, the artist or the person I am today. I thank you.

Amy Dresser – Girl, you know what you’ve done for me. Keep doing it. (http://www.amydresser.com/)

Kam Khan – Thank you for all the late night conversations and teaching me how to understand lighting better. Thank you for showing me all the cool photographers and learning to grow as an artist.

Maya Guez – Girl, you will never know how much you’ve influenced me. When someone even mentions me in the same sentence as you, I get butterflies. What is THAT about? (http://www.mayaguezart.com/)

Tarrice Love – Though we may have never seen eye to eye, you have been one of the most influential photographers in my life. Good, bad or indifferent, you made my game a true A game. You've made me understand the industry for what it is and you've made me want to promote my brothers and sisters to absolute greatness. Thank you, Mr. Love. (http://www.ice-itsocool.com/)

Shae Fontaine – Thank you for always being in my corner and being one of my biggest supporters. I am blessed to have a fellow Aries in my life that understand what it is to say “fuck it” to everything else and following my dream. (http://www.shaefontaine.com/)

Steve Reganato – To the man who has been INCREDIBLY instrumental in my growth as an editorial/fashion photographer. Thank you for showing me not only how to be a better more technical photographer, but how to be a better conceptualizer. (http://www.stevereganato.com/)

Marco Grob – To the man who taught me light and the magic of a beauty dish, because of you my life was forever changed. (http://www.marcogrob.com/)

Steven EastwoodThe Canon Master? I know I am on a looooooooooooooong list of admirers and followers. Thank you for forcing me to think outside the box and at the same time still keeping it simple and still being able to take a wow worthy photo on a shoe string budget. No one can compare. (http://www.stepheneastwood.com/)

Heather Wilson – I will be eternally grateful for all your support when I first started. You saw talent in me when others didn't. You’ve elevated me to heights I never thought I could imagine. What would I do without you. (http://www.makeupbyheatherwilson.com/)

Damion Gerado - We have come so far in such a short period of time.  No one, and I mean NO ONE can beat a face (man or woman) quite like you.  Thank you for being part of the team.

Robert Durant – Without your unwavering support in such a volatile industry, I thank you for your friendship and support. I thank you for bringing me hotness every time you show up to the set and letting me know that I can better every time I shoot. I salute you. (http://www.robertdurant.com/)

Tim Johnson – For opening my eyes to talent outside the triangle of New York, London and Paris. (http://www.timjohnsoninternational.com/)

Alva Page – For being there from the beginning. You have been instrumental in my career in so many ways you may never know.

Romell Duresseau – For your undying support at my craft, my life, my career and my growth. You made me look at the beauty world in a whole new light.

Man Man Nance – For the man that put the word “Man” in ManHandled. Thank you for understanding what true passion is and true work ethics. Thank you for never ever letting me be second best at anything I do. Thank you for teach me all about illegal cable. Some people will never know.

Greg J. Konop - Because you are always hungry for knowledge, you keep me on my toes.  One day we will laugh about it all as we collect our royalty checks from Jed Root. (http://www.gregjkonop.com/)

Laretta Houston – From my early days of Flickr, thank you for the bombardment of some of the hottest photos I have ever seen. I am proud to be in the company of greatness, because, Laretta, you’re great. (http://www.larettahouston.com/)

Michael Maddox – In the third year of my career, I can’t think of anyone at this moment who has been the most influential in my growth not just as an artist or photographer, but as a human being. Thank you for letting me know that I can kick ass with a camera. Thank you for letting me know when I take a good photo, you turn around and say “do it again and make a great photo.” Thank you for having faith in me to send me models from across the United States. Thank you for letting me into your world without ever second guessing. Thank you for removing the 5 degrees of separation that needed to be removed. When God made you, my friend, he knew he had to throw the mold away. (http://www.dearmichaelmaddox.com/)


... And Others... 
Adha Zelma Jewelry
Adolphus Amissah
Adrian Richards
AJ Oliveria
Alexa Banks
Aliza Williams
Amber Rima
APM Model Management
Art&Exile
Ashley Carpenter
B1 Model Management
BASIC Model Management
Bintou
BJ Williams
Black Ice Jewelry
Bleu Magazine
Boss Models
Bradon Espy
Brianna Michelle
Brittany Oldenhoff
Bruce Hawkins
Carline Dargenson
Carlos Arias
Catherine Frances Scott
Celestino
Celestino Couture
Charlotte Berry
Chelsea Irwin
Claudia Unabia
Click Models
Damion Adams
Dansk Magazine
Devon Stephenson
Diana Schmidt
Direct Models
DJ Halston
Don Harris
Donna Taylor
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Double Exxposure
Dremmler Desil
Drew Felton
Drew Milan
Durant by Robert Durant
Eboni Sade
Edwin Perriot
Ema Masters
Emilio Miller
Empire Model Management
Engels Santana
Epic Models
Erik Ford
Ethan James
Felton Group
Ford Models
Full Circle Counseling, LLC
Fusion Models
George Brown
George Favios
Ger
Get Focused, Inc.
Glynn Jackson
Greg J. Konop
Gregory Prescott
Harry Leonard
Hosea Johnson Photography
ID Models
Identities Models
Ikon Models
Itaysha Jordan
Jackie Lui
Jalicia Nightengale
Jamie Charles
Jamie Hilfiger
Jerome Storey
Jerris Madison
Joe Wigfall
Jon Hylton
Jonathan Brodick
JS Dirty
Judith Ashley
Karen Lee
Kenneth Anderson
Kent Edwards
Kenyba Mclean
Lavante Isaac
Lisa Grant
Loa
Makari
Malik Williams
Marcus Randall
Mars Model Management
Marvin
May Satch
Memi Johnson
Messiah McNair
Michael Delao
Michael Stallings
Milan Christopher
MMG Models
Nathan Basset
Neo Anderson
Nicole Archibald
Nick Perkins
Noise Magazine
Numero Magazine
NUOVO Magazine
Obi
Orlane Benau
Patty Tyler
Paula Neilson
Paulo Pascoal
Pearl Chin
Porselene
Q Models
Qudamah Hamilton
Red Model Management
Renee Thompson
Richard Farino
Romell 4 Face
Rumando Kelly
Sailey Williams
Sarah Blessing
Seven Muhammed
Shamar Forte
Sidney Etienne
Silver Model Management
Stanley Kaplan Talent
Stephanie Auguste
Stephanie Garcia
Suzie Chang
Svitlana Glebova
Terell Mason
Third Ward Studios
Tim Harris
Trevor Green
Tyra Banks
Vincent Payne
Wilhemina Models
Will Springfield
Willy Whitfield
Yeikov Bermudez
Yusuf Myers
Zaquan Champ
Zenith Pimental

I know there are a whole lot more people to thank. Forgive me if I have over looked you. Going into year 4, and it’s time to start pushing it to the next level.

16 comments:

  1. Congratulations my love. *dabs tears* Here's to many more years of your beautiful work!

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  2. Dallas, Happy Anniversary to you! For everything you've received you've given so much more -- to me and countless others. You are truly remarkable.

    Congratulations on all your success and all the future holds for you.

    With all my love & blessings,

    Shae

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  3. You have alway inspired me ... keep on keeping on

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  4. My Dear Dallas, Remarkable is not a word for you. Incredible is. And I have a few other words for you as well. Respectful, Intelligent, Graceful, and Grateful. I love you because regardless of how the world may throw a stone at you, you've come to the realization that no one is perfect. And you also have to remember that anyone that throws a stone at you has a bigger stone coming behind them. I love you because you're the bigger person. You're not the bitter person. You're not an angry person. You're not a person that speaks God on Sunday and crucifies someone on Monday. This blog has proven to me and I'm quite sure others, how thankful and appreciative you are of the soldiers that stand behind you. I will always be your #1 fan and your #1 soldier. Can't nobody tell me anything different when it comes to Dallas J. Logan. You are my real friend and anyone that comes in contact with you, you share the same love. You want people to make it. You're not arrogant, you're not rude, and you're definitely not mean. You are truthful and that's what matters to me. Truthful enough to tell it like it is regardless. And at the same time change someone's life. My heart is embracing you from LA and my spirit is truly connecting with you. My boys have never had the opportunities to shoot with someone that truly loves them for them. It's just not a one-night stand, get the hell out of my door, when you're finished. The good Lord has wings for you and they're not white wings, they're golden. I promise you as I work hard in this business, I will be taking you with me on my golden wings. I cherish your spirit. I know you love me, you don't even have to tell me anymore, but it's so good to hear. I will continue to change lives and I want you to continue to do the same. Tears of joy my friend. Congratulations to your hard work. I hear your heartbeat. <3

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  5. DO NOT LET ANYTHING STOP YOU.

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  6. happy, happy, happy anniversary to you, my brotha! still having trouble believing you just started this three years ago. here i thought i was just late to the dallas party when i came across your work. seems like i've been a fan since day one, and i'm glad to say it! i'm sure the next year and the year after and the many years after that will bring only more success, more creative growth and more fulfillment.

    so let it be written, so let it be done....

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  7. Happy Anniversary and I am looking forward to many years of amazing work and great lighting to come!

    And I want to hit up one of your lighting seminars one of these days Thats for sure!!!


    Stephen Eastwood :D

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  8. total *CONGRATS* on the anniversary!

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  9. As a model, I've always aspired to work with the best in the business. And I must say you are at the top of the class. I would have never known you've only been doing this for 3 years. Your work is timeless..And I am inspired by your words and your work to continue in this industry with hopes of making my dreams come true. Thank you Mr. Logan for being such an inspiration to me and many many others. You definitely deserve to be where you are. Happy 3rd Anniversary!

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  10. As a model, I've always aspired to work with the best in the business. And I must say you are at the top of the class. I would have never known you've only been doing this for 3 years. Your work is timeless..And I am inspired by your words and your work to continue in this industry with hopes of making my dreams come true. Thank you Mr. Logan for being such an inspiration to me and many many others. You definitely deserve to be where you are. Happy 3rd Anniversary!

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  11. Congratulations Dallas! You are truly an inspiration!

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  12. Keep on keepin on my friend..

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  13. Dallas: I have personally seen you stop and stand in the middle of time square to admire bill boards of ad campaigns thinking to yourself and out-loud sometimes, "one day that will be my work up there." It's been 3 years D and to be honest what you have done for emerging and aspiring models, make up artist, wardrobe stylist, hair dressers, companies, fellow photographers, myself, and for countless more the very moment you picked up a camera and said "this is my destiny," is WAY MORE meaningful than every bill board in the world combined. Through your devotion, hard work and dedication you have given confidence, grace, beauty, and hope to people who otherwise would be overlooked. That speaks volumes of who Dallas J. Logan really is. He is truly the photographer of The people. By the people. For the people. And no one will ever take that from you because you earned it. In my eyes (and I am confident in the eyes of all the people you have mentioned), you are truly the epitome of the ole cliche "hard work pays off." They say that James Brown is the hardest working man in show business, and they are probably right, but in this game of light, I have never seen a man work harder than the great Dallas J. Logan. In my opinion, he is by far the hardest working man in photography, without a doubt!

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  14. Dallas, I have personally seen you with my own two hazel-green eyes (I just had to say the color, lol) slave away for "hours and hours" in front of a camera, light set up, computer, cell phone, books, and magazines ALL with the overall intention of creating what we ALL like to call "HOTNESS." Now, to be entirely honest, HOTNESS in this case is the ability to say your name "Dallas J. Logan" and have people scream "OMG, I have seen his work. He is so good!" and for people like me (and also for everyone else who you personally mentioned) to be able to smile and know the truth behind that work. I asked you a simple question weeks ago about my organization and why people love it so much...and you told me "Goldin, when others see your organization they love the mission. They love the work you and your team do with the kids. But when I see your organization, I don't only see just that. I see the hours, days, weeks, months, and years...the tears, hard work, and money...the sweat, push ups, and squats...the meetings, phone calls, and proposals...the sleepless nights, the early morning clients, and midafternoon breakdowns...when I see your organization Goldin, I see ALL of what you and your team had to sacrifice and invest in making GET FOCUSED a reality. And, to be completely honest Goldin, that is what I truly admire and love about your organization: being able to witness the truth behind it all." Dallas, when you answered my simple question I realized how NOT SIMPLE the question was. When I look at your photography, I don't just see the photographs of beautiful models with beautiful clothes (who often times wear no clothes at all, lol), I see the craft behind it ALL.

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  15. That is the true beauty behind art, creation, and innovation. The true beauty is to see a piece of art and for the piece of art to be engaging enough for someone to look deep into it for the truth! But not everyone can see the truth, only a few can know the real truth behind art. That is why it is art to begin with. The simplicity of searching for the truth in every single image is what creates real hotness, and you "Chocolate Gigante" do just that with every click of a button. Every single one of your shots sparks something inside of people that is unexplainable. It really is beyond remarkable to view your work! When I view your photography Dallas I see the true essence behind every single click of a button, every single strand of hair, every single beautiful face, every single piece of garment, every single light set up, every single new model, and every precious hour that goes into capturing that timeless moment that everyone says "WOW" for. But I want you to know something very-very important D: "When I see your photography, I don't say wow because of the image D, I say wow because I know how far you have come." Dallas, in 3 years, you have captured what it truly means to be a photographer and one day I promise you we will ALL be looking up saying "HE DID IT!" -Goldin

    LOVE YOU and CONGRATS!

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  16. WOW, WOW, thank you for remembering me on this so, so, so wonderful of anniversaries - thank you for loving me and always being there inspiring me with your brilliance, tough love, crazy "zoomed in" focus and tenacity all in the face of many who did not think you could do it, WELL BABY YOU DONE IT BIG!!!!! - I love you more then you know, oh and by the way I have been practicing my phone answering skills.......I hope I can get a job in the Dallas J. Logan EMPIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ---- "Monty" AKA "GrandMa"

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