the lensmen [ a little bit about me ] photographer/artist/stylist

tarrice lashun love. (thar-rhuss  la-shun  lhuv) that's my real name. I am a native Memphian currently living in New York who found my true calling as soon as I picked up a camera. Before working in photography, I had aspirations of becoming fashion designer. From the time I was eight years old, I knew I wanted to be apart of the fashion world. I practically live in the public library’s art section and art galleries. I read every book about fashion I could get my hands on, studied the various styles of fashion designers and photographers, and developed an addiction for images that appeared in fashion magazines.  I attended the University of Memphis studying fashion and fine art with a concentration in photography. I am inspired by urban/ city environments like downtown Memphis and New York City, hip-hop culture, and the eclectic style of European designers like Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Gianni Versace, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Combining those influences with my humbling southern surroundings, I manage to developed a strong sense of style and environment.

 I guess you kinda' get the idea of what I look like and I suppose you could always look at my pictures:
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I credit my diverse sense of style to my grandparents. My granny was a seamstress and I use to sit at her feet while she sew, playing with the fabric scraps. My grandpa bought me my first camera, a Pentax K1000. They have always believed in me and supported me to the fullest. My southern/ urban - ghetto-country lifestyle has an extremely influential impact on my work. It heightened my creativity and enhanced my ability to be resourceful and work beyond the limitations of growing up in "tha hood." Visual art has always been my way of escaping from the dysfunctions of growing up in the nation's bible belt and all the restrictions and limits that come with it. With my work, I try to showcase my confidence and my sense of freedom in a way that is thought provoking and inspiring.

My involvement with fashion has taken me all over the world. I have been to New York, Paris, London and various cities in Italy. I have directed fashion shows that featured clothing designs by Todd Oldham, Nicole Miller, Ralph Lauren – Polo, Lauryn Hill, Levi Strauss & Co., Sean Jean, Phat Farm, as well as designs of my own. I also received countless art awards for fashion designs, photography, drawing, and painting. My work has appeared in publications for International travel companies, local and International magazines and galleries and museums.

WHAT AM I LIKE?
I'm a Taurus.  I face challenges head on and I can be a bit stubborn. I am the type of person that isn't afraid to stand up for what I believe in.  Just because I'm from Southern and extend southern kindness don't think I'm  a pushover so don't get it twisted.  I fight a good fight. People I have worked with describe me as a laidback guy who is fun to work with. I try to be as honest and upfront as possible.  I tend to say whatever is on my mind. I think my ” in your face open-ness” can be intimidating. I’m aware of it and that’s something I am working on. Don’t mistake my relaxed attitude as being lazy because I am a perfectionist and a workaholic. I love photography and it consumers most of my days. I am constantly striving to improve on my craft everyday. My work reflects my passion, hard work and dedication to being an influential force in the fashion industry. I am not as good as I want to be, but I am very confident in my abilities as an artist. Some people misinterpret my confidence with being arrogant and having an ego.  If I didn’t believe in myself enough to be able say I can hold my own in this industry, I would not waste my time trying to do this.

CONCLUSION.  I think that I'm a pretty good guy. well-rounded, smarter than most think I am, and honest. I'm trustworthy and loyal. I expect a lot out of people only because I give a lot. I am real. I’m probably one of the realist people you’ll every run across. I hope my work has shaped and redefined the urban culture with compelling beauty, sensuality and ineffable depth of emotion.