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Derek Blanks

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Derek Blanks
Born
Derek Blanks

Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Occupation(s)Photographer, Illustrator, Director, Producer, Personality
Websitehttp://dblanks.com

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

Early life

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Blanks is the middle twin of three siblings. It was at an early age when Blanks interests in fine arts were discovered and nurtured by parents, Nathaniel and Freddie Blanks.[1]

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 successfully graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD[2] whereas he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. Upon graduation, Blanks entered the professional worlds of commercial design, illustration and freelance photography through work with The Baltimore Sun[3] and illustrated children's book, “Up in the Learning Tree” published by Lee & Low Books.[3]

Career

While relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, Blanks entered into the professional sphere of lifestyle and fashion Photography by developing a diverse portfolio with works published by Essence, BET Networks, Sony Music Entertainment, Reach Media Inc. and Ebony, to name a few.

Alter-Ego Series

In 2009, Blanks collaborated with longtime supporter and friend NeNe Leakes by photographing the cast of Real Housewives of Atlanta for his Alter Ego portrait series.[4] 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, Boris Kodjoe, Terrell Owens, Angela Bassett, Cover Girl, Nicole Ari Parker, Mike Epps, Eva Marcille, Akon, Cedric The Entertainer, Columbus Short, and more.[5][6]

In October 2011, Blanks became a cover and features photographer for, 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. Other Blanks images have graced the covers and pages of Billboard, Maxim, People, Ebony, Life & Style, PEOPLE en Espanol, Uptown, Jet, Modern Luxury, Runway, Upscale and more.

Blanks has photographed many 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.[7]

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.[8] Other videos include the eOne Music release “Co-Sign” by noted group, SWV,[9] "Charades" by Chrisette Michele from "Audrey Hepburn: An Audio Visual Presentation", “Party or Go Home” by Trina Braxton.

The Derek Blanks Photographer's Workshop (DBPW)

Blanks created The Derek Blanks Photographer’s Workshop (DBPW). DBPW is geared towards the beginning to advanced photographer providing an alternative to the traditional methods and techniques of digital photographic imaging and retouching, as taught by Derek Blanks. Through lecture based tutorials and a comprehensive competition style photographer challenge, participants receive industry standard assessments, portfolio evaluations, brand development, and one-on-one instruction while being afforded the platform to produce industry standard campaigns and photo spreads by working with celebrity talent, models and glamour professionals.[10]

Album Credits and Examples of Work

References

  1. ^ Lizzie Wright (April 22, 2009). "[Dish] Derek Blanks: Incorporating Richness". USA: Jackson Free Press. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  2. ^ Hasselbladusa (February 3, 2008). "Hasselblad Photographer Derek Blanks". USA: Hasselbladusa.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  3. ^ a b Lee & Low Books (2006). "Up The Learning Tree". USA: LeeandLow.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  4. ^ Office of Undergraduate Admissions (September 24, 2009). "Maryland Institute College of Art Careertrack" (PDF). USA: mica.edu. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  5. ^ Rodney Ho (September 24, 2009). "A Talk with Derek Blanks, Atlanta alter ego photographer for 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'". USA: AJC.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  6. ^ Atlantic Records (November 9, 2011). "Day26 Presents: The "Alter Ego" Photoshoot by Derek Blanks". USA: Atlantic Records. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  7. ^ Jessica C. Andrews (April 11, 2011). "From Ebony to Jones Magazine: The Best of The Spring 2011 Issues". USA: Coco and Creme. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  8. ^ Lara Martin (November 18, 2011). "'America's Next Top Model' Dominique Reighard on music, future: Q&A". USA: Digital Spy. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  9. ^ Vh1 (2009). USA: Vh1.com http://www.vh1.com/video/swv/736105/co-sign.jhtml. Retrieved April 18, 2012. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ DBlanks (2009). USA: Dblanks.com. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  11. ^ DBlanks (2009). "Portfolio: Alter Ego". USA: Dblanks.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  12. ^ Bravo (2009). "Alter Egos Revealed". USA: Bravotv.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  13. ^ Insider (September 29, 2011). "Kevin & Brooke channel Lady Gaga and Kanye". USA: Insider.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  14. ^ Essence (2009). "ESSENCE 'Black Women in Hollywood' Photo Booth". USA: Essence.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  15. ^ Essence (2009). USA: Essence.com http://www.essence.com/2009/12/31/vivica-a-fox-reveals-her-alter-ego-makeo/. Retrieved April 18, 2012. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  16. ^ Yolanda Sangweni (2009). "Exclusive: Melanie Fiona on 'Every Woman' Campaign". USA: Essence.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  17. ^ Essence (2009). "Must-See: Making of Kelly Rowland's 'Here I Am' Album Cover". USA: Essence.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  18. ^ Hillary Busis (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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