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{{Short description|American photographer (born 1977)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Derek Blanks
| name = Derek Blanks
| image =
| image =
| caption = ''"A Night To Remember"'' Fundraiser <br>Photo by: James Pray
| alt = Derek Blanks
| caption = ''"A Night To Remember"'' Fundraiser <br>Photo by: James Pray
| birth_name = Derek Blanks
| birth_name = Derek Blanks
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1977|11|05}}
| birth_place = [[Jackson, Mississippi]], [[United States]]
| birth_place = [[Jackson, Mississippi]], United States
| occupation = Photographer, Illustrator, Director, Producer, Personality
| occupation = Photographer, illustrator, director, producer
| website = http://dblanks.com
| website = http://dblanks.com
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Derek Blanks''' (born November 5, 1977) is an American [[photographer]], [[illustrator]], director and producer.
'''Derek Blanks''' (born November 5, 1977) is an American photographer, illustrator, creative director, and producer.


==Early Life==
==Early life and education==
Derek Blanks was born in Jackson, Mississippi. He is the middle twin of three siblings.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/print_view/29221|title=[Dish] Derek Blanks: Incorporating Richness|author=Lizzie Wright|publisher=Jackson Free Press|date=April 22, 2009|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
Derek Blanks was born in [[Jackson, Mississippi]], on November 5, 1977.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/22/derek-blanks-incorporating-richness/|title=Derek Blanks: Incorporating Richness|last=Wright|first=Lizzie|date=April 22, 2009|website=Jackson Free Press|language=en|access-date=January 3, 2019}}</ref> His father was a school teacher in [[Pearl, Mississippi|Pearl]], Mississippi.<ref name=":0" /> He is the middle twin of three siblings.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/print_view/29221|title=[Dish] Derek Blanks: Incorporating Richness|first=Lizzie |last=Wright|publisher=Jackson Free Press|date=April 22, 2009|access-date=April 18, 2012|location=USA}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Blanks attended [[Murrah High School]] in Jackson, Mississippi, and enrolled in APAC: The Academic and Performing Arts Complex, which exposed him to art at a young age.<ref name=":0" />


⚫
In 2000, Blanks graduated [[Latin honors|magna cum laude]] from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in [[Baltimore, Maryland]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hasselbladusa.com/user-showcase/derek-blanks.aspx|title=Hasselblad Photographer Derek Blanks|author=|publisher=Hasselbladusa.com|date=February 3, 2008|access-date=April 18, 2012|location=USA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412233542/http://www.hasselbladusa.com/user-showcase/derek-blanks.aspx|archive-date=April 12, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> where he received a [[Bachelor of Fine Arts]] degree in Illustration. Upon graduation, he worked in commercial design, illustration and freelance photography through work with ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' newspaper, and illustrated the children's book ''Up in the Learning Tree'', published by Lee & Low Books.<ref name="leeandlow">{{cite news|url=http://www.leeandlow.com/books/122/pb/up_the_learning_tree?oos=hc&is=pb|title=Up The Learning Tree|publisher=Lee & Low Books|access-date=April 18, 2012|website=LeeandLow.com|year=2006|location=USA}}</ref>
Blanks attended Murrah High School in Jackson, MS enrolled in APAC: The Academic and Performing Arts Complex open to eligible student’s grades 4-12.

⚫
In 2000, Blanks graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hasselbladusa.com/user-showcase/derek-blanks.aspx|title=Hasselblad Photographer Derek Blanks|author=Hasselbladusa|publisher=Hasselbladusa.com|date=February 3, 2008|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref> whereas he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. Upon graduation, Blanks worked in commercial design, illustration and freelance photography through work with The Baltimore Sun<ref name="leeandlow">{{cite news|url=http://www.leeandlow.com/books/122/pb/up_the_learning_tree?oos=hc&is=pb|title=Up The Learning Tree|author=Lee & Low Books|publisher=LeeandLow.com|year=2006|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref> and illustrated children's book, ''“Up in the Learning Tree”'' published by Lee & Low Books.<ref name="leeandlow" />


==Career==
==Career==
Blanks entered into lifestyle and fashion Photography by developing a portfolio with works published by ''[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]'', BET Networks, [[Sony Music Entertainment]], Reach Media Inc. and ''[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]''.
Blanks went into lifestyle and fashion photography by developing a portfolio of work published by ''[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]'' magazine, BET Networks, [[Sony Music Entertainment]], Reach Media Inc. and ''[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]''.


===Alter-Ego Series===
===Alter-Ego photography series===
In 2009, Blanks collaborated with [[NeNe Leakes]] by photographing the cast of ''[[Real Housewives of Atlanta]]'' for his Alter Ego portrait series.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mica.edu/Documents/Career%20Services/CareerTracks/Media%20Arts.pdf|title=Maryland Institute College of Art Careertrack|author=Office of Undergraduate Admissions|publisher=mica.edu|date=September 24, 2009|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref> Blanks photographed several more celebrities for the series including [[Chaka Khan]], [[Taraji P. Henson]], [[Blair Underwood]], [[Snoop Dogg]], [[Janelle Monae]], [[Rockmond Dunbar]], [[Hill Harper]], [[Faith Evans]], [[Tisha Campbell-Martin]], [[Brandy Norwood|Brandy]], [[Boris Kodjoe]], [[Terrell Owens]], [[Angela Bassett]], [[Cover Girl]], [[Nicole Ari Parker]], [[Mike Epps]], [[Eva Marcille]], [[Akon]], [[Cedric The Entertainer]], [[Columbus Short]], and more.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2009/09/24/a-talk-with-derek-blank-atlanta-alter-ego-photographer-for-real-housewives-of-atlanta/|title=A Talk with Derek Blanks, Atlanta alter ego photographer for 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'|author=Rodney Ho|publisher=AJC.com|date=September 24, 2009|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://atlanticrecords.com/news/day26-presents-the-alter-ego-photoshoot-by-derek-blanks/|title=Day26 Presents: The "Alter Ego" Photoshoot by Derek Blanks|author=Atlantic Records|publisher=Atlantic Records|date=November 9, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
In 2009, Blanks collaborated with [[NeNe Leakes]] by photographing the cast of ''[[Real Housewives of Atlanta]]'' for his Alter Ego portrait series.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mica.edu/Documents/Career%20Services/CareerTracks/Media%20Arts.pdf|title=Maryland Institute College of Art Careertrack|author=Office of Undergraduate Admissions|publisher=mica.edu|date=September 24, 2009|access-date=April 18, 2012|location=USA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530031435/http://www.mica.edu/Documents/Career%20Services/CareerTracks/Media%20Arts.pdf|archive-date=May 30, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Blanks photographed several more celebrities for the series including [[Chaka Khan]], [[Taraji P. Henson]], [[Blair Underwood]], [[Snoop Dogg]], [[Janelle Monáe]], [[Rockmond Dunbar]], [[Hill Harper]], [[Faith Evans]], [[Tisha Campbell-Martin]], [[Brandy Norwood|Brandy]], [[Boris Kodjoe]], [[Terrell Owens]], [[Angela Bassett]], [[Cover Girl (singer)|Cover Girl]], [[Nicole Ari Parker]], [[Mike Epps]], [[Eva Marcille]], [[Akon]], [[Cedric The Entertainer]], [[Columbus Short]], and more.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2009/09/24/a-talk-with-derek-blank-atlanta-alter-ego-photographer-for-real-housewives-of-atlanta/|title=A Talk with Derek Blanks, Atlanta alter ego photographer for 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'|first=Rodney |last=Ho|publisher=AJC.com|date=September 24, 2009|access-date=April 18, 2012|location=USA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117053438/http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2009/09/24/a-talk-with-derek-blank-atlanta-alter-ego-photographer-for-real-housewives-of-atlanta/|archive-date=January 17, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://atlanticrecords.com/news/day26-presents-the-alter-ego-photoshoot-by-derek-blanks/|title=Day26 Presents: The "Alter Ego" Photoshoot by Derek Blanks|author=Atlantic Records|publisher=Atlantic Records|date=November 9, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2012|location=USA|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707151143/http://atlanticrecords.com/news/day26-presents-the-alter-ego-photoshoot-by-derek-blanks/|archive-date=July 7, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Print and Advertising===
===Print and advertising===
In October 2011, Blanks became a cover and features photographer for, ''[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]''. Derek Blanks/ESSENCE covers include [[Wendy Williams]]: The Girl Friends Issue, [[Angela Bassett]]: Black Women In Hollywood 2011; features include 2011 Do Right Men featuring [[Amare Stoudemire]], A Few Good Men: The Cast of Red Tails, [[Don Lemon]]: Transparent and Black Women in Hollywood 2011 featuring [[Viola Davis]], [[Loretta Devine]] and [[Amber Riley]] of ''[[Glee (TV series)|Glee]]''. Other Blanks images have graced the covers and pages of ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'', ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'', ''[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]'', ''[[Life & Style]]'', ''[[PEOPLE en Espanol]]'', ''[[Uptown (magazine)|Uptown]]'', ''[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]]'', ''[[The Atlantan|Modern Luxury]]'', ''[[Runway (magazine)|Runway]]'', ''[[Upscale (magazine)|Upscale]]'' and more.
In October 2011, Blanks became a cover and features photographer for, ''[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]''. His covers of ''Essence'' magazine include [[Wendy Williams]]: The Girl Friends Issue, [[Angela Bassett]]: Black Women in Hollywood 2011; features include 2011 Do Right Men featuring [[Amare Stoudemire]], A Few Good Men: The Cast of Red Tails, [[Don Lemon]]: Transparent and Black Women in Hollywood 2011 featuring [[Viola Davis]], [[Loretta Devine]] and [[Amber Riley]] of ''[[Glee (TV series)|Glee]]''. Blanks images have also graced the covers and pages of ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'', ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'', ''[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]'', ''[[Life & Style (magazine)|Life & Style]]'', ''PEOPLE en Espanol'', ''[[Uptown (magazine)|Uptown]]'', ''[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]]'', ''Modern Luxury'', ''Runway'', ''Upscale'' and other publications.


Blanks has photographed print and advertising campaigns for BET Networks including The Mo'Nique Show, The Game (Season 4 and 5), Let’s Stay Together (Season 1 and 2), College Hill: Atlanta and Miami, Baldwin Hills, Reed Between The Lines, Toya: A Family Affair, Family Crews, Monica: Still Standing and Tiny and Toya. Additional print campaigns include WeTv’s [[Braxton Family Values]] and [[Mary Mary]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cocoandcreme.com/2011/04/from-ebony-to-jones-magazine-the-best-of-the-spring-issues/|title= From Ebony to Jones Magazine: The Best of The Spring 2011 Issues|author=Jessica C. Andrews|publisher=Coco and Creme|date=April 11, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
Blanks has photographed print and advertising campaigns for BET Networks including ''The Mo'Nique Show'', ''The Game'' (Season 4 and 5), ''Let's Stay Together'' (Season 1 and 2), ''College Hill: Atlanta and Miami'', ''Baldwin Hills'', ''Reed Between The Lines'', ''Toya: A Family Affair'', ''Family Crews'', ''Monica: Still Standing'' and ''Tiny and Toya''. Additional print campaigns include WeTv's ''[[Braxton Family Values]]'' and [[Mary Mary]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cocoandcreme.com/2011/04/from-ebony-to-jones-magazine-the-best-of-the-spring-issues/|title= From Ebony to Jones Magazine: The Best of The Spring 2011 Issues|first=Jessica C. |last=Andrews|publisher=Coco and Creme|date=April 11, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>


===Directing===
===Directing===
In late 2011, Blanks began transitioning into the world of video with his directorial music video debut featuring ''America's Next Top Model'' contestant Dominique Reighard<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/s68/americas-next-top-model/interviews/a351591/americas-next-top-model-dominique-reighard-on-music-future-qa.html
In late 2011, Blanks began transitioning into the world of video, with his directorial music video debut featuring ''America's Next Top Model'' contestant Dominique Reighard<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/s68/americas-next-top-model/interviews/a351591/americas-next-top-model-dominique-reighard-on-music-future-qa.html
|title='America's Next Top Model' Dominique Reighard on music, future: Q&A|author=Lara Martin|publisher=Digital Spy|date=November 18, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref> and "Charades" by [[Chrisette Michele]] from ''Audrey Hepburn: An Audio Visual Presentation'' and "Party or Go Home" by [[Trina Braxton]]. In 2014, Blanks took on the role of music video directing for [[Faith Evans]]' single, "[[I Deserve It]]", featuring [[Missy Elliott]] and [[Sharaya J]].<ref name="rollingout">{{cite web|last=Pearson|first=Joi|title=Faith Evans' 'I Deserve' BTS Atlanta video shoot|url=http://rollingout.com/photos/entertainment-photos-photos/faith-evans-deserve-bts-atlanta-video-shoot/#_|publisher=rollingout.com|date=8 August 2014|accessdate=31 August 2014}}</ref>
|title='America's Next Top Model' Dominique Reighard on music, future: Q&A|first=Lara |last=Martin|publisher=Digital Spy|date=November 18, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref> and "Charades" by [[Chrisette Michele]] from ''Audrey Hepburn: An Audio Visual Presentation'' and "Party or Go Home" by [[Trina Braxton]]. In 2014, Blanks took on the role of music video directing for [[Faith Evans]]' single, "[[I Deserve It]]", featuring [[Missy Elliott]] and [[Sharaya J]].<ref name="rollingout">{{cite web|last=Pearson|first=Joi|title=Faith Evans' 'I Deserve' BTS Atlanta video shoot|url=http://rollingout.com/photos/entertainment-photos-photos/faith-evans-deserve-bts-atlanta-video-shoot/#_|publisher=rollingout.com|date=August 8, 2014|access-date=August 31, 2014}}</ref>


==Credits==
==Credits==
;Albums and directing
;Albums and directing
*[[Faith Evans]] featuring [[Missy Elliott]] & [[Sharaya J]] - "[[I Deserve It]]" <small>(directing role)</small><ref name="rollingout"/>
*[[Faith Evans]] featuring [[Missy Elliott]] & [[Sharaya J]] – "[[I Deserve It]]" <small>(directing role)</small><ref name="rollingout"/>
*BeBe and CeCe Winans - "Still"
*BeBe and CeCe Winans – "Still"
*[[Brandy Norwood]] – ''[[Baby Mama (Brandy song)|Baby Mama]]'' feat. [[Chance The Rapper]]; alongside [[Frank Gatson Jr.]]
*[[CeCe Winans]] - ''For Always: The Best of CeCe Winans''
*CeCe Winans - ''Songs of Emotional Healing''
*[[CeCe Winans]] – ''For Always: The Best of CeCe Winans''
*CeCe Winans – ''Songs of Emotional Healing''
*Ciara - ''[[Fantasy Ride]]''
*Ciara – ''[[Fantasy Ride]]''
*[[Deitrick Haddon]] - ''Church on the Moon''
*[[Dondria]] - ''[[Dondria vs. Phatfffat]]''
*[[Deitrick Haddon]] – ''Church on the Moon''
*[[Dondria]] – ''[[Dondria vs. Phatfffat]]''
*Donell Jones - "Lyrics"
*Donell Jones – "Lyrics"
*Faith Evans - ''[[Something About Faith]]''
*Faith Evans – ''[[Something About Faith]]''
*Fantasia - ''[[Back to Me (Fantasia album)|Back to Me]]''
*Fantasia – ''[[Back to Me (Fantasia album)|Back to Me]]''
*[[Juanita Bynum]] - ''The Diary of Juanita Bynum''
*[[Juanita Bynum]] – ''The Diary of Juanita Bynum''
*Kelly Price - ''[[Kelly (album)|Kelly]]''
*Kelly Rowland - ''[[Here I Am (Kelly Rowland album)|Here I Am]]''
*Kelly Price – ''[[Kelly (Kelly Price album)|Kelly]]''
*[[Keyshia Cole]] - ''[[Woman to Woman (Keyshia Cole album)|Woman to Woman]]''
*Kelly Rowland – ''[[Here I Am (Kelly Rowland album)|Here I Am]]''
*[[Keyshia Cole]] – ''[[Woman to Woman (Keyshia Cole album)|Woman to Woman]]''
*Lalah Hathaway - ''[[Where It All Begins]]''
*Lalah Hathaway – ''[[Where It All Begins]]''
*LaShun Pace - ''Reborn''
*LaShun Pace – ''Reborn''
*Ledisi - ''[[Pieces of Me]]''
*Ledisi – ''[[Pieces of Me (Ledisi album)|Pieces of Me]]''
*Mary Mary - "[[Go Get It]]"
*Mary Mary – "[[Go Get It]]"
*Monica - ''[[New Life (Monica album)|New Life]]''
*Monica – ''[[New Life (Monica album)|New Life]]''
*[[PJ Morton]] - "Walk Alone"
*[[PJ Morton]] – "Walk Alone"
*[[Richard Smallwood]] - ''With Vision... Promises''
*[[Richard Smallwood (musician)|Richard Smallwood]] – ''With Vision... Promises''
*Ruben Studdard - ''[[Letters from Birmingham]]''
*Ruben Studdard – ''[[Letters from Birmingham]]''
*Sheri Jones-Moffett - "Renewed"
*Sheri Jones-Moffett – "Renewed"
*SWV - ''[[I Missed Us]]''
*T-Pain - ''[[Revolver (T-Pain album)|Revolver]]''
*SWV – ''[[I Missed Us]]''
*T-Pain – ''[[Revolver (T-Pain album)|Revolver]]''
*Tamela Mann - ''The Master Plan''
*Tamela Mann – ''The Master Plan''
*Tedd Winn - ''Balance''
*Tedd Winn – ''Balance''


;Magazine and reality television shoots
;Magazine and reality television shoots
* Alter Ego Portrait Series<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dblanks.com/alterego/|title=Portfolio: Alter Ego|author=DBlanks|publisher=Dblanks.com|year=2009|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
* Alter Ego Portrait Series<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dblanks.com/alterego/|title=Portfolio: Alter Ego|author=DBlanks|publisher=Dblanks.com|year=2009|access-date=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
* [[Real Housewives of Atlanta]] Alter Ego Portraits<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/alter-egos-revealed#image-45785|title=Alter Egos Revealed|author=Bravo|publisher=Bravotv.com|year=2009|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
* [[Real Housewives of Atlanta]] Alter Ego Portraits<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/alter-egos-revealed#image-45785|title=Alter Egos Revealed|author=Bravo|publisher=Bravotv.com|year=2009|access-date=April 18, 2012|location=USA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907140137/http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/alter-egos-revealed#image-45785|archive-date=September 7, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[The Insider (TV series)|The Insider]] Extreme Makeovers<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theinsider.com/thelook/44653_Kevin_Brooke_Channel_Kanye_Lady_Gaga/index.html|title=Kevin & Brooke channel Lady Gaga and Kanye|author=Insider|publisher=Insider.com|date=September 29, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
* [[The Insider (TV series)|The Insider]] Extreme Makeovers<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theinsider.com/thelook/44653_Kevin_Brooke_Channel_Kanye_Lady_Gaga/index.html |title=Kevin & Brooke channel Lady Gaga and Kanye |author=Insider |publisher=Insider.com |date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2012 |location=USA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012013722/http://www.theinsider.com/thelook/44653_Kevin_Brooke_Channel_Kanye_Lady_Gaga/index.html |archive-date=October 12, 2011 }}</ref>
* [[Essence Magazine]] Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.essence.com/2011/05/09/black-women-in-hollywood-2011-photo-booth/|title=ESSENCE 'Black Women in Hollywood' Photo Booth|author=Essence|publisher=Essence.com|year=2009|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
* ''[[Essence Magazine]]'' Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.essence.com/2011/05/09/black-women-in-hollywood-2011-photo-booth/|title=ESSENCE 'Black Women in Hollywood' Photo Booth|author=|publisher=Essence.com|year=2009|access-date=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
* [[Melanie Fiona]] Alter Ego shoot<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.essence.com/2011/03/10/melanie-fiona-derek-blanks-alter-ego-sistory-every-woman-womens-history-month-campaign/|title=Exclusive: Melanie Fiona on 'Every Woman' Campaign|author=Yolanda Sangweni|publisher=Essence.com|year=2009|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
* [[Melanie Fiona]] Alter Ego shoot<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.essence.com/2011/03/10/melanie-fiona-derek-blanks-alter-ego-sistory-every-woman-womens-history-month-campaign/|title=Exclusive: Melanie Fiona on 'Every Woman' Campaign|first=Yolanda |last=Sangweni|publisher=Essence.com|year=2009|access-date=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
* [[Michelle Williams (singer)|Michelle Williams]] Alter Ego shoot
* [[Michelle Williams (singer)|Michelle Williams]] Alter Ego shoot
* [[Amber Riley]] in [[Essence Magazine]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/02/03/amber-riley-essence-chaka-khan/|title='Glee' diva Amber Riley channels Chaka Khan in this month's 'Essence'|author=Hillary Busis|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|date=February 3, 2011|accessdate=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>
* [[Amber Riley]] in ''Essence'' magazine<ref>{{cite news|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/02/03/amber-riley-essence-chaka-khan/|title='Glee' diva Amber Riley channels Chaka Khan in this month's 'Essence'|first=Hillary |last=Busis|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|date=February 3, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2012 | location=USA}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==

* Video: [https://www.voanews.com/a/derek-blanks-master-of-the-camera/4568950.html Derek Blanks: Master of the Camera] from 2018, by [[Voice of America|VOA News]]
{{Authority control}}


{{Persondata
| NAME = Blanks, Derek
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Photographer
| DATE OF BIRTH = November 5, 1977
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Missippi
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blanks, Derek}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blanks, Derek}}
[[Category:American photographers]]
[[Category:American photographers]]
Line 90: Line 89:
[[Category:Maryland Institute College of Art alumni]]
[[Category:Maryland Institute College of Art alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Artists from Atlanta, Georgia]]
[[Category:Artists from Atlanta]]
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:1977 births]]

Latest revision as of 21:37, 20 March 2024

Derek Blanks
Born
Derek Blanks

(1977-11-05) November 5, 1977 (age 47)
Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Occupation(s)Photographer, illustrator, director, producer
Websitehttp://dblanks.com

Derek Blanks (born November 5, 1977) is an American photographer, illustrator, creative director, and producer.

Early life and education

[edit]

Derek Blanks was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on November 5, 1977.[1] His father was a school teacher in Pearl, Mississippi.[1] He is the middle twin of three siblings.[2] Blanks attended Murrah High School in Jackson, Mississippi, and enrolled in APAC: The Academic and Performing Arts Complex, which exposed him to art at a young age.[1]

In 2000, Blanks graduated magna cum laude from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, Maryland,[3] where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration. Upon graduation, he worked in commercial design, illustration and freelance photography through work with The Baltimore Sun newspaper, and illustrated the children's book Up in the Learning Tree, published by Lee & Low Books.[4]

Career

[edit]

Blanks went into lifestyle and fashion photography by developing a portfolio of work published by Essence magazine, BET Networks, Sony Music Entertainment, Reach Media Inc. and Ebony.

Alter-Ego photography series

[edit]

In 2009, Blanks collaborated with NeNe Leakes by photographing the cast of Real Housewives of Atlanta for his Alter Ego portrait series.[5] Blanks photographed several more celebrities for the series including Chaka Khan, Taraji P. Henson, Blair Underwood, Snoop Dogg, Janelle Monáe, Rockmond Dunbar, Hill Harper, Faith Evans, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Brandy, Boris Kodjoe, Terrell Owens, Angela Bassett, Cover Girl, Nicole Ari Parker, Mike Epps, Eva Marcille, Akon, Cedric The Entertainer, Columbus Short, and more.[6][7]

[edit]

In October 2011, Blanks became a cover and features photographer for, Essence. His covers of Essence magazine include Wendy Williams: The Girl Friends Issue, Angela Bassett: Black Women in Hollywood 2011; features include 2011 Do Right Men featuring Amare Stoudemire, A Few Good Men: The Cast of Red Tails, Don Lemon: Transparent and Black Women in Hollywood 2011 featuring Viola Davis, Loretta Devine and Amber Riley of Glee. Blanks images have also graced the covers and pages of Billboard, Maxim, People, Ebony, Life & Style, PEOPLE en Espanol, Uptown, Jet, Modern Luxury, Runway, Upscale and other publications.

Blanks has photographed print and advertising campaigns for BET Networks including The Mo'Nique Show, The Game (Season 4 and 5), Let's Stay Together (Season 1 and 2), College Hill: Atlanta and Miami, Baldwin Hills, Reed Between The Lines, Toya: A Family Affair, Family Crews, Monica: Still Standing and Tiny and Toya. Additional print campaigns include WeTv's Braxton Family Values and Mary Mary.[8]

Directing

[edit]

In late 2011, Blanks began transitioning into the world of video, with his directorial music video debut featuring America's Next Top Model contestant Dominique Reighard[9] and "Charades" by Chrisette Michele from Audrey Hepburn: An Audio Visual Presentation and "Party or Go Home" by Trina Braxton. In 2014, Blanks took on the role of music video directing for Faith Evans' single, "I Deserve It", featuring Missy Elliott and Sharaya J.[10]

Credits

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Albums and directing
Magazine and reality television shoots

References

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  1. ^ a b c Wright, Lizzie (April 22, 2009). "Derek Blanks: Incorporating Richness". Jackson Free Press. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  2. ^ Wright, Lizzie (April 22, 2009). "[Dish] Derek Blanks: Incorporating Richness". USA: Jackson Free Press. Retrieved April 18, 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ "Hasselblad Photographer Derek Blanks". USA: Hasselbladusa.com. February 3, 2008. Archived from the original on April 12, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  4. ^ "Up The Learning Tree". LeeandLow.com. USA: Lee & Low Books. 2006. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  5. ^ Office of Undergraduate Admissions (September 24, 2009). "Maryland Institute College of Art Careertrack" (PDF). USA: mica.edu. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 30, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  6. ^ Ho, Rodney (September 24, 2009). "A Talk with Derek Blanks, Atlanta alter ego photographer for 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'". USA: AJC.com. Archived from the original on January 17, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  7. ^ Atlantic Records (November 9, 2011). "Day26 Presents: The "Alter Ego" Photoshoot by Derek Blanks". USA: Atlantic Records. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  8. ^ Andrews, Jessica C. (April 11, 2011). "From Ebony to Jones Magazine: The Best of The Spring 2011 Issues". USA: Coco and Creme. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  9. ^ Martin, Lara (November 18, 2011). "'America's Next Top Model' Dominique Reighard on music, future: Q&A". USA: Digital Spy. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  10. ^ a b Pearson, Joi (August 8, 2014). "Faith Evans' 'I Deserve' BTS Atlanta video shoot". rollingout.com. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  11. ^ DBlanks (2009). "Portfolio: Alter Ego". USA: Dblanks.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  12. ^ Bravo (2009). "Alter Egos Revealed". USA: Bravotv.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  13. ^ Insider (September 29, 2011). "Kevin & Brooke channel Lady Gaga and Kanye". USA: Insider.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  14. ^ "ESSENCE 'Black Women in Hollywood' Photo Booth". USA: Essence.com. 2009. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  15. ^ Sangweni, Yolanda (2009). "Exclusive: Melanie Fiona on 'Every Woman' Campaign". USA: Essence.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  16. ^ Busis, Hillary (February 3, 2011). "'Glee' diva Amber Riley channels Chaka Khan in this month's 'Essence'". USA: Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
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