Saturday, October 25, 2008

My First Photo Shoote

Can I just say that I absolutely hate taking pictures? I don't know why - it's not that I think I'm an ugly dude - I guess it's just that because the pictures NEVER come out right. Well, I spent about 5 hours today doing a photoshoot for promotional pics to use for the upcoming cooking show.

I worked with a great photographer. We took the pics in my apartment. What was cool was that he was cracking jokes and he encouraged me to put on some music. I started to blast my Smooth Jazz playlist on my itunes.

I think a lot of shots came out great...and there were a lot that were not so great. I'm getting sick - so I kept sneezing and scratching my eyes. If you look close enough you can see the redness in my eyes. My eyes also have this tired look. I think like after the 2nd hour I was DONE! But this dude had just finished on set. And you know what else - my right eye kept shutting all by itself - I don't know why my right eye is so damn retarded. I don't know how celebs and famous folks go through this stuff.

That was my Sunday. Oh - what's funny is that this was my first time meeting dude too - the photographer. How about we were talking about EVERYTHING. I mentioned where I grocery shopped - he mentioned he needed groceries - I told him I shop allll the way on the other side of town because they have great deals. He was down for the trip. So, guess what - not only did I take pics - but I also went grocery shopping - YAY!

That was my Sunday!

Saturday - I played cards all night long. That was only after I went to do a restaurant review. Yes - Inchicity.com sent me on my first restaurant review. My best friend and I had a chance to go to a South Shore Classic - The Parrot Cage. It's a restaurant and a school. All the folks working there are students in one discipline or another relative to culinary arts. Great - right? I have one hell of a review though. I'm going to write it soon - but it'll be posted on inchicity.com - not here. I'll keep you guys posted.

So - what did you do this weekend? Any comments on the photoshoot?


































































45 comments:

Peter M said...

Love the bare-brick walls in your apartment and I'd say your ready for a shoot for Ebony mag!lol

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

I also hate to have my portrait shot for the same reasons as you ;-P...

The last pics with the brick wall are great!

Cheers,

Rosa

rashad said...

I see you pimpin...

Romance said...

Your photos came out great!! You have a lot to choose from - its all about what mood you will convey..

Hey, your balsamic sauce sounds amazing as does the rest of the dish- any ideas if I want to avoid using cream.... what good replacement would be.. I know, chef's hate this kind of question...

The Short (dis)Order Cook said...

I like the early ones posing with you in the kitchen. You look like the master of your domain there.

King's Kid said...

I like the two smiling pics on the couch. #'s 9 and 10 up from the bottom.

I was reading where you said that you live on Kingston, and it seems that I have seen you at the congregation to which I am a member. Have I?

The Israel of God,
Bible Study Class
2515 East 75th Street
Chicago, IL

Oops, I kept reading your posts and I answered my own question. I see that you are not a member of The Israel of God.

However, I shall return--I need some chicken breasts recipes. LOL
Seriously, I'll be back.

Peace

Lisa Turner said...

Looking good :) A mighty handsome man you are. The ones of you at your desk are my favorites, but you do have lots of good ones to choose from.

glamah16 said...

Nice place. I wish mine were as nice. Yhe ones on the couch by the wall look more natural.

She Draws said...

Go ahead Darius looking all chocolate an creamy...lol.! Nice photos very very nice! *clapping*

Go B.

Dragon said...

Well, well, aren't you the handsome fellow. Great pics!

Proud Italian Cook said...

Wow Darius, Nice shots! Love your sleek kitchen and the shots by the wall, and definitly the ones with a smile on your face! Exciting things are happening for you! I lke the new look of your blog too!
Very nice!!!

tavolini said...

I like the first one on the couch, with you smiling. I also like the ones where you're reading the magazine and glaring at the computer :)

Marjie said...

Please tell me someone showed up in your kitchen with a wagon and said, "Dude! We must take all the crap off your counters! Now!" Or else I'll feel like a real horse's behind, since mine are laden with all the stuff I need all the time to feed the hungry horde!

Your brick walls are a great color, but I think they'd make me cold. Hell, anything less than sunny and 72 and I'm cold. Nice pictures.

One Man’s Opinion said...

Great photos......

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Darius!

Wow, I go away a few days and you get a professional new look to your blog and a pro photo shoot! Congrats on all the new things coming your way! Loved the interview you did, and now restaurant reviews, etc! Soon you'll be on The food Network and I'll be able to say I knew you when you were "just a blogger" ;-)

I think the kitchen photos are my favorite --you look relaxed there --amd what a nice place you live in!

Best of luck with it all!

Sylvia said...

I love the bare brick wall in your apartment. And you looks so nice. Nice to meet you too

Anonymous said...

Hi Darius, I'm Paulasoul! This is my first time coming to your blog. I'm JustLisa's sister. Anyway, I liked your pics, too. I'm fascinated that you love to cook, too. I agree with Lisa. The ones at the desk are my favorites, too.

Erin said...

I have to say in those first few desk shots, you look like you could totally kick some a$$.

I think my favorites are the smiling ones on the couch. Tough but approachable.

Awesome that you are getting such great publicity! congrats!

Maria Verivaki said...

bare brick walls have always looked strange to me, something form an american movie - i love your kitchen and office, and i wish you best of luck for the cooking promo

Colleen said...

These look great! How cool you got to do a photo shoot!

Deeba PAB said...

Good for you Darius...what fun to have photo shoot! Love your space!

Jennifer said...

Great place you have! I like all the photo's I think you are very photogenic!

Nikki @ NikSnacks said...

Mr. GQ, son!

Nazarina A said...

Congrats Darius!
Well done, You are a pro

Anonymous said...

I can't stand having my photo taken. But you've got so many good ones here! We're voting, right? hahaha. I like the one where you've got your hands on the desk and you look like you're not going to mess around with anyone. And the brickwork is great! I'd love that in my house.

OhioMom said...

The photos are great! I love your kitchen and that brick wall .. WOW!!

Jeanne said...

Great photos - go with a smiley one, they're great!

Carmen Cooks said...

great shots!! i've never had my photo taken professionally before - not even for my wedding (I just asked a friend who is into photography to snap some shots). I love your kitchen!

Jameil said...

your kitchen and apt. look AWESOME! The desk shots are actually my faves.

NuKiwi said...

Just my two cents here...but the second shot on the couch and the third row up from bottom - far right are the two I like best!

Looks like you have some really tasty looking recipes I need to peruse too!

Cheers, from down under...

NuKiwi said...

P.S. GORGEOUS kitchen too!!! ;o)

Chocolate Shavings said...

That chicken looks delicious - especially for a quick dinner!
And the photo shoot is great - you are quite a photogenic cook!

PG said...

I think I like the pictures where you're smiling the best. It's more approachable. Is that your office? I love the bricks. Of course, I would be a bad foodie to comment on the bricks in your office and not your kitchen. So...yeah - I'll trade you. You take my kitchen and I'll take yours.

deonte' k said...

Food looks great, and u already know I love the pics ;)

Lori Lynn said...

Are we supposed to pick one? I like the one where you are leaning over your desk, with both palms flat on the desk. Looks like something from a TV cop show.

TS of eatingclub vancouver said...

Wow, cool. Must have been fun.

My picks, hmmm.
The one in the kitchen pouring something out of the micing bowl. (An "action" shot!)

The one at the desk reading a magazine with feet up. (Although, not very "friendly" looking.)

And the number 1 pick would be the first picture on the couch with the biggest smile/laugh!

Anonymous said...

ummm, I love basil...

I think I am going to write a posting on you...do you mind?

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Smooth~ Darius T!

I am drooling (from the balsamic chicken and sweet corn puree)Yum!

Alicia Foodycat said...

Wow that first couch shot is a come-to-bed smile! The ones at your desk are nice pictures but they don't say "food" to me - I really like the first one in your kitchen, leaning on the oven.

Freedom In Christ said...

DTW...LOVE THE PICS...YOU GO BOI!

Anonymous said...

You're a natural!! haha. You should get paid for this modeling. They might want you to take off your clothes though. haha.

Love the spontaneous dinner you got there. Quick and tasty! Gotta love it.

M. Akamau said...

Okay, like you need ANOTHER comment!! Your pics came out great, and the photos of the food are stupendous! You're a great photographer and a great chef -- what next!? Keep doing what you do well. Keep those recipes coming!!

Gloria Baker said...

Darius I thinks your pictures are soooo nice! and you look soo well!! come on man!! I love how Peter your department look so nice and comfortable, love it.Gloria

Unknown said...

Your pics came out great! You should be proud. :)

sonya said...

Awwww shucks! No that brother didn't go Donald Trump on me with the leg kicked up on the desk, lol. Go head with your baddd self. I love all of them. Im glad you took the pics. :)