BIO

Also known as Jae, I have always been involved in the arts and media in one form or another. It's been a long and fruitful journey with various professional experiences that has rewarded me to this point in life. From the age of 7 when I received my first camera-a Kodak Brownie-I've always taken photographs for personal gratification, recruiting my family & friends as my photo subjects. My father gave me my first 35-mm camera after finishing high school. Interest in the media-particularly television-came to reality when I went to college and majored in Advertising and Business Administration. Transferring after 3-years, I decided I really was interested in writing for television and becoming a camera operator, therefore changing my major to Communications emphasizing Radio & Television. I grew restless after 4-years and left school to pursue working in my field of study. However, I ran into the varying degrees of nepotism and unionism that was prevalent in the media. Not letting that stop me, I did my own thing as an independent contractor while still performing as a musician.

In 1993, I decided to put all my experiences, abilities and knowledge under one roof, forming The THIRD SYSTEM. This was my effort to offer support and resource alternatives for audio, print and visual [film and video]. Unfortunately that same year, family tragedy took place when my father died. Considering what was happening in NY that same year, I moved to Takoma Park, MD. In 1994, I met and started working with Norris Wiggins, a Theatrical Producer and Director based in Washington, DC and Maryland. At first I performed as a pit musician and part-time videographer for some of his productions. I advanced to become Musical Director, then a Stage Manager and finally production photographer/ videographer. This led me to becoming involved as a member of the Board of Directors for the Inner Circle Repertory Company. In 2004, I met my photography mentor Danita Delaney-a photographer for the Afro-American newspaper and freelance photographer. It was through her that I did my first professional apprenticeship by covering an event with Harry Belafonte and Danny Glover. That same year I became a member of the International Freelance Photographer's Organization (IFPO), a professional trade organization.

I left the MD/DC area in 2006 for Georgia, where I found more diverse opportunities in the photography and videography business. It was 2007 that I did my apprenticeship at LIFETOUCH, doing high school senior portraits. Since then, I've expanded my services to include Events, Portraits, Fashion & Style and Weddings. As my experience and work continues, I look forward to new avenues and professional associations to be involved with.

Career highlights include Project and Technical Director for Harlem Talent Associates; Set Designer/Dresser/Construction for the NAACP "SHOW OF SHOWS"; Executive Music Director and Associate Producer for The Children's Experimental Television Network; and Stage Manager for the Norrison Agency and Inner Circle Repertory Company. As a professional drummer, I have performed in numerous studio, live performances and theatrical productions as a pit musician. In 1993, I had the opportunity to perform in a local jazz group during a visit to Cape Town, South Africa. As a Voiceover artist, you've heard my work for Gillette, Chevrolet, Owens Corning and the IN TOUCH: Radio Network for the Blind.

Academically, I attended NY Institute of Technology (Communications), Manhattan Community College (Advertising/Business Administration), and received a Certificate from Cornell University (Industrial & Labor Relations).

My non-media/arts career highlights include NAACP National Union Chapter Chairman for AFSCME 1707/Local 107; South Africa International Program Development Officer for Aurora Associates Int'l.; Chairman/Education Committee in his local Queens Democratic club. I have also been a Credit Analyst and Collections Manager in NY, DC & MD.

Originally from Queens, NY, I now live in Riverdale, GA by way of Takoma Park/Upper Marlboro, MD.