She just happens to be the Fashion Photography Examiner for the Big Ole A.T.L.

We talked at length….about love and life and cheerios, I’m happy with the results,

but find it hard to write about my self…..(?)

if you knew me you’d would wonder how that could be since I can talk about myself ad nauseum.

But please, Click the link for the article or Marys name for ‘The Fashion Cult’ of which I am surely a fan.

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The sound Table is a restaurant in the Edgewood Corridor.

It’s new and lovely…that’s my review, but Ksolo aka Kisha Solomon

delivers a much better set of words to describe this new addition to the area.

Spatchcock Grilled Chicken –

A testament to the fact that simple cooking can be the most exciting.

Cuts of bone-in chicken cooked over open flame with simple flavoring

of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a hint of herbs.
from Executive Chef Shane Devereux.

I photographed it because the scent alone told me this was going to be good.

I ain’t mad I ate the whole thing without sharing either….it’s that good!!!

Please.  Click the photo caption and read the review then go there and eat the good food and drink the good beer.

yes. They have good beer and cheap beer…you’ll love it.

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100% OXOSSI, Protectors of The People

Photo shoots, no matter how bohemian or leisurely they look, are typically not. There’s a makeup artist rearranging the features of model. A photographer tinkering with his camera, moving lights to achieve the perfect shot. It’s a process, and normally the only thing that’s pretty and whimsical is the finished product. But not this sunny Sunday in Atlanta. As gentle and easygoing as the breeze that’s making a home in Leon Dale’s apartment, the models walk in one by one. They’re quintessential “everyday people”. I am pleasantly surprised – not to mention intrigued – to see their bare faces uniquely made up of only their God-given characteristics. I soon learned that this is what the OXOSSI clothing line is all about; accepting and embracing who we are as individuals.

“OXOSSI stands for protector of the people. It’s more or less of an intellectual revolution,” explains designer, Atu Nii-Owoo. His zeal goes beyond gushing over fabrics and cuts. OXOSSI is not just about pretty patterns. It has a point.

“Our shirts are a silent protest. You are what you wear. People can look at your clothing and decide a lot about you. Versus talking about it, you can wear a statement that you feel strongly about. I’m an artist, and I felt like fashion was our best medium to get our expressions out,” he adds on.

The brand currently houses T-shirts and hats, but they’ll soon be expanding their fashion offerings, along with their message. “Our mission is to remedy the glorification of the negative aspects of our world culture,” fellow designer Tai Rotan explains. The OXOSSI collection incites hope and intellect through its display of iconic characters such as Huey P. Newton, Dizzy Gillespie, and Oxossi’s emblem, which showcases words like freedom, peace and love enclosed in Africa’s country outline.

Similar to the unity-embracing aesthetics of the United Colors of Benetton, Atu reaffirms he and his partner’s dedication to “inclusion,” in an industry that looks down on lower economic on-lookers. “We’re trying to merge into the middle tier where we’re not excluding anybody. It’s not just Black, it’s not just White. We tried to make our clothing attainable because we’re trying to merge substance with fashion.”

Like, most of us in a post-Obama era, Tai reveals that long before our charismatic president resurrected change, OXOSSI was already employing the principles that drove his campaign. “We push ourselves and those around us to be better, which is in alignment with Obama’s campaign strategy. Another element would be President Obama’s use of positive affirmations – Yes we can – which is a cornerstone of OXOSSI ‘s ideologies.”

Void of a materialistic motive, one might contend that designers Tai Rotan and Atu Nii-Owoo place more importance in statements, than style. Not true. The collection is impressive to say the least. It’s unmistakably eclectic and slips easily into the uptown girl or skater boy’s closet. Filled with vibrant colors and eye-catching designs, OXOSSI leaves a lingering desire to know more about the intent behind the threads. Mission accomplished.

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Check OXOSSI at: http://www.oxossi-classics.com

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Article By Kimberly Walker

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The_Human_Flag

From the first rudimentary territorial markings to today’s top level Internet domains, humans have always sought to identify with flags.  Flags can claim space, send a warning, celebrate a victory, denote ownership, and become a rallying point. Nations, corporations, schools and churches all have flags, but Leon Dale, an Atlanta photographer and designer, has recently created a special banner called The Human Flag.

“The flag is self-defining. It just is. Much as water just is. There’s no point arguing about it. The human flag has a handprint which is five fingers and a palm. I’m including the people without hands, but it’s a highly recognizable concept, any culture you meet will have people with five fingered hands. And the idea is that the human flag is for all humans.”

Leon had the idea for the human flag three years ago, and has since spent time looking for art to match his vision. When no artist came forward that could match it, Leon took paints in hand and did his own design: a ring of blue for the sky and water, a ring of green for the Earth, and the human symbol of the five-fingered hand.

To Leon, it’s a symbol of peace. “I wouldn’t want to see a human flag on the battlefield. Once it’s accepted, it’s the human flag and the only time it comes into question is if there’s other people who want to tear it down. I can only see it being used for self-defense against perhaps an extraterrestrial threat.”

What if someone raised a human flag in an area of devastation? Leon replies, “That would be dramatically important, if we raise a human flag at the sight of a disaster, don’t forget that they’re humans too, we’re all humans. In that situation, we should raise the flag over all the other flags, including the “money” flag. In Haiti, for instance, we should put aside our political problems and help them. Once you raise the human flag, it would be a powerful rallying point.”

It’s definitely a symbol of inclusiveness. “The human flag would not be welcome at a Ku Klux Klan rally, for example. Halliburton would not be interested in saluting the human flag. For those who hold hatred in their heart, we have to let them exist, leave them alone, and just understand that we’re all human. The symbol is just a symbol, but the idea behind the symbol is more powerful than that. Leon has copyrighted the symbol to protect it, to keep other people from trying to use it with a specific political purpose or bias.

“It’s a reminder that we’re all human. If we started each day with a small allegiance to the human flag, maybe we wouldn’t kill each other as much. We tend to omit our humanity. I think our birth certificates should all list us as human.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Human Flag, check out its Facebook page here. For more information about Leon Dale, check out http://leondale.com

Article written by: Sam Chupp

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Tricked out shades by Paparrazi

So I got a text from an old fashionista friend named Amorette inviting me to a local pizza joint called Slice.

She’d been working with some folks known as ‘Paparrazi’ who were trickin’ out shades and selling them.

I hadn’t had the days beer and slice serve good pizza, so I went along.

I’m not a fan of shooting out and about, but the shades were really cool and the models rocking them

were all pretty hot–as evidenced by the following photographs.

tricked out shades by Paparrazi

PBR was the beer of the evening but the place was too packed to sit and eat…at least for me.

There was such alot going on and the Paparrazi group had all these beautiful models lounging around all chic’d out and pouring champagne!

Not a camera shy soul in the house!

The Shades were well hot.  I can imagine a real cool shoot with these beauties at our beck and call.

The Diva on the right is Tan Everyl, a high energy, tall, well chic stylista and a large percentage of the dopeness that is Paparrazi.

paparrazi tricked out shades

All these photos were taken at the Slice pizza bar, stay tuned as I hope to collect more information and photos of this fabulous group.

I look forward to interacting with these ladies in the future. Only time will tell the level of visual funk we will create.

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Nora_Hill_CrochetSuperStar

So the other day on facebook I came across an event called AfroStitch, a conference for Crochetists.

Knowing of Nora Hill the CrochetSuperStar, I decided to drop her a note about it.

Noras well known in her circle/field so I’m sure if I hadn’t emailed her about it, someone else would have.

I’d been wrapped up in editing some photos of some ladies rockin some modded out shades

and forgot about the whole deal untill I saw Nora in the skreet some days later.

ok, task/note/reminder into blackberry and Saturday morning I find myself actually

taking a shower so’s I can go out at least kinda decent to meet more fashionistas.

It was held at a neighbourhood community center, a real official, government

looking building non too far from the king memorial train station.  After signing

in and going up to the third floor I come to room 316.

Well it was a room FULL of women!  Dark, Beautiful, Earthy women!

I didn’t know wheather to run or prepare for a buffet!

Turns out Nora was already there, so I stayed on my best behavior and took a seat.

They went around the room introducing them selves, talking about their passion for

crocheting, sharing a few stories of success and humour.

When I had the chance to get up and roam about the room,

I asked the nearest person who the other SuperStars were and was told they were all lining the walls….

Afya_Ibomu_of_nattral

Afya Ibomu was the first person I encountered.

Her website bio can tell you better what she’s all about but, as you see here, she is not just a crochet designer but an author too.  In fact she is a Certified Holistic Health counselor, freelance journalist, founder of catering company Healthy Soil and CEO of Nattral Unlimited! whew!

She’s seen here with two of her published titles Get Your Crochet On!: Hip Hats & Cool Caps and Get Your Crochet On!: Fly Tops & Funky Flavas.  And I believe a poster for another one her titles is behinder her: Vegan Soulfood Guide…  wow, now thats a productive Human!

wendi_jones_of_wenwear

Next on the wall of spectacular was Wendi Jones of WenWear.

Wendi learned to Crochet at 28 even though she looks like 21 in the photo above.  Her Grandmother taught her and she says “it will be a skill that I pass on to my children or children that are in my life” Crochet is a skill that can be performed with minimal tools, it seems many folks were talking about crocheting while waiting for buses or in line for something else. One person said that they like to do it while whatching TV….least that’s what I learned today.

Tara_Baker_of_the_crochet_fashion_gallery

This is Tara Baker of ‘The Crochet Fashion Gallery’, theres no link to it because its a good ole fashioned brick and mortar building! It’s located down town at 227-A Mitchell St. Atlanta of course.  But she does have a website: Handscreatetexture and a Youtube channel and a ModelMayhem account…ok, in my book that wins her a thousand cool points.  she’s also on facebook and myspace–but that’s just a given!

And–to add to her uncountable coolness–Tara Baker makes a vow with these prophetic words:

“Before I, Tara Baker, leave this planet, Crochet Fashion WILL be on a higher level.”

we believe you Tara.

Todd_Paschall

The Last man standing was the only man on the wall of excellence.

I was glad to see him there, for a while I was the only guy there.  As you see, he doesn’t make hats or mini skirts.  To quote someone elses very appropriate description: “I couldn’t think of any other description of Todd Paschall’s crocheted pieces than Art”

You see The Duke in all his splendor here, also in crocheted attendance was First Lady Michelle Obama and comedian  Red Fox all excellently rendered in crochet.  I was impressed…very life like depictions.

His website shows more of his work, faces you’ll easily recognize, but theres more!  He teaches you how to do this technique on his website too! it’s some grand mathematical process that allows the works he’s created to be recreated with the same amount of detail.

Teaching Crochet

There were folks about the room who wanted to learn and folks about who wanted to teach the crochet technique.

When you have passion for a craft, you naturally want to teach it, to share the knowledge you’ve gained, perhaps, in a way

give homage and tribute to those who took you from novice to aspiring professional.  I always find it fun to watch

the information sharing process by folks so full of passion and love that they just can’t keep it to themselves,

and then to see the students eagerly drinking it up.  It’s a win/win situation.

Thee appointed superstars took to the panel table at this point during the day.  The crowd were listening and crocheting

at the same time.  I’d learn that this is a common practice amongst crochetists.  They sit and watch T.V and crochet.

They wait for buses and crochet. They drive 18 wheelers….and crochet!

If you look at this photo you will see folks still crocheting–note also if you can see there…there was a group of young kids

crocheting or learning too.  I was in serious danger of being taught how to crochet.  Just what I need, one more vice…

The panels discussion was very interesting.  I thought I would be lost with talk of perl one and hatch three, but it turns out the

conversation was much like the conversations amongst professional artists and alot like the coversations I’ve heard amongst

us photographers.  How do we publish? do we really need an agent? how do you get one? how do you charge?

and the thought that can’t be repeated enough–if you value your self and your work, then you will not undercharge.

short changing yourself due to lack of confidence in what you do seems to be relevant when ever you have the opportunity to

price your own work.  you sell your work for $100 so you don’t seem arrogant or because you think you are just starting out and

then find someone else with work no where near as good selling what they have for $1000.

not a good feeling.

I loved hearing the ‘How’d you get started?’ stories.  Like hearing the origin stories for batman or Judge Dredd.

all in all, I learned alot and had a good time amongst a room full of passionate fashionistas–and it was very cultural too.

Last note, incase you hadn’t guessed, Crochetsuperstar Nora Hills work is what shes wearing.  She’s her own best billboard and cheer leader.

I hope to be introduced to more great stylists and fashionistas in the future and you’ll be able to see them here and on my website LeonDalePhotographer.

Thank You

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Leon_dale_dakota_blue

After listening to an interesting conversation between audience and panelists at ‘The AfroStitch Crochet Conference’ I stopped by Dakota Blue for some breakfast beer and some food.

Nothing special in the beer choices, but they do have all the fav’s and regulars: PBR, SweetWater 420, Fat Tire, etc.

The Music runs the gamut–which reminds me, I really must google the word  ’Gamut’,  sounds like a dumb looking animal like a llama or a donkey….

Well, Wikipedia says a gamut was a range of notes/pitches used in a melody in music but was later adapted to mean a range of colors used in printing.

I guess now it just describes a range that extends from one extreme to another.  in this case,

I use it as a bit of an exaggeration because Dakota Blue music doesn’t go all the way one way or an other….

They have been known, in the world of LeonDalePhotographer, to play wild freakout jazz–which is one of my favorites.

Today the music was in the background, the bar was full, so I took my place in what was literally a hole in the wall lounge.

You can see the hole in the wall behind me in the self portrait above.  And by the way, that really is self…..imagine meeting him here!

Eggs_Benidict_Dakota_blue

I ordered me a PBR to start while I checked out where I was going to go next.

I had heard that the ever chic Avedans would be at the Botanical gardens doing a fairy tale hair and fashion show!

Just what I needed!  I was in the mood for some more eye candy!!

Just by the by, I stopped at Dakota blue, not just for the beer, but because my Ipod detected free wi-fi.

A sure winner.  But, after extensive research I find that I’d missed the show.

I was last Sunday….sigh.

So I finish my PBR and I’m about to leave when I see the waiter carrying two plates of goodness to someone and I decided to stay and eat.

I order the Eggs Benidict.  I remember asking someone the story of benidict arnold thinking he had something to do with this dish.

I don’t remember the answer and I don’t feel like Googling it.  surfice it to say, it was good.

Kindsa sweet and I love the runny eggs on top and how it oozes onto the biscuit below.

The ham slice kinda spoiled it because it would not just cut right, but it all went down well.

Space had opened up at the bar by then, that’s where I sat to eat and finish off the 420 I’d ordered.

I walked off feeling satisfied with a belly full of good food and beer and a camera full of eye candy that I was totally going to edit the shit out of.

The cold outside didn’t attack to muchly and I was happy I could tell my mind that this walk home was exercise…..

if you read this, then stay tuned for the Crochet post.

Thanks my grand and loyal  fans!

Who loves ya babys!

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They are available as prints to frame for you lovely establishment.

food – Images by leon dale

Just click the gallery and create an account in order to purchase prints.
Soon I shall be making the images available for editorial purposes.

Enjoy!

Kitchen ritual

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shoes_for_sale_by_bridget_miller

Shoes – Images by leon dale
These fabulous shoes are available for purchase from Bridget Miller.

If you interested in adorning your precious feet with her wares, just call: 678.458.6009

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