I'm honored that Design Bureau Magazine featured some of my work in this month's issue. Surprisingly, they let me share whatever I wanted with only one stipulation: I had to photograph it all within 24 hours. Instead of showing off my typical lifestyle & fashion work, I wanted to share something that challenged my perspective. Something raw. Something that I believe needs our attention. So, I decided to visit and document one of the most overlooked and dangerous neighborhoods in the United States. Englewood.

Well-known for its violence and severe poverty, Englewood is located on the south side of Chicago. More people were killed in South Chicago than Americans in war last year. It's extremely tragic. Littered with liquor stores and vacant churches, you can literally feel a sense of loss and abandonment when you walk the streets. Beautiful historical buildings are hidden behind graffiti. Children are locked indoors, forced to only imagine playing outside. Blood-stained clothes cover the streets. It's hard to understand how someone can live in this environment day to day.

While exploring the neighborhood, I was most surprised by the community's willingness to talk about family. Despite their rough posture, they never hesitated to express their need for each other; keeping friends close and family closer. I expected a group of people disengaged from one other, but what I discovered was a community fighting to stick together as they struggle to survive.

Last week, This American Life released a two-part podcast covering Englewood's Harper High School, the result of sending three reporters into the school for 5 months. The goal was to try to uncover why the area has so much gang violence and killings. The reasons are not what I thought, probably not what you think, and if you care to learn more, take a listen. 

I recently was hired to shoot a lifestyle campaign for Pan Am's new 707 Collection. We decided to take over Chinatown & have some fun with this one. Here are a few images from that day. 

Model: Ben Snare - H&M: Shannon O'Brien 

Model: Alyssa of Factor  -  H&M: Frances Tsalas

I snapped this photo as I was passing through a neighborhood to visit a friend. There was something special about these kids that reminded me of my youth. 

So careless & free.

model - josh clark :: h&m - shelby smith

I was recently contacted by Tasting Table about shooting a few of Chicago's finest for their running Sous Chef Series. Let me tell you friends, you're in for a treat ... a finger licking, lip smacking treat. If you enjoy ribs as much as I do, you'll want to check out the full feature with the recipe here. 

Cedric is a sous chef stirring up trouble at Chicago's Urbanbelly & Belly Shack. This dude knows how to make some killer BBQ. Cedric & I spent a full day shooting and I was lucky enough to have him show me some of his favorite hidden markets. You'll have to sweet talk me into passing those along though. Here are some photos from our day out:

We all know that having a delicious sauce is king. Cedric's homemade BBQ sauce is definitely one for the books. Take notes--this is one you won't want to forget. 

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ginger and onions and cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the curry powder and garlic powder and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the lemongrass and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Mix in the brown sugar; once it has all melted, stir in the ketchup, vinegar, water and soy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce is dark and thick and large, slow bubbles rise to the surface, about 30 minutes. Add some sambal oelek to taste. Cook for 10 minutes, then puree in a blender until smooth. Enjoy. 

Styling: Arlene Matthews + Brandon Frein, H&M: Maggie Kerr, Model: Anna Lewis, Ford Models

LOOKBOOK SHOT FOR: TWENTY THIRTY FORTY

STYLED BY: Arlene Matthews + Brandon Frein of Twenty Thirty Forty

HAIR & MAKE-UP: Danielle Dettore

MODELS: Dana Taylor + Karrington True of Ford Models

A few weeks ago, Kyle & I had a chance to catch up in Texas. It was one of those days where you get caught up in exploring & don't want it to end. I've known Kyle for a little over 10 years now and it's always a treat to spend time with him. By far one of the most truest dudes I know. True to himself, God, his family, friends, work...you name it. He's the real deal.    

Do yourself a favor & check out his work here.

And if you like beautiful pictures, you should follow him on instagram. 

There's nothing quite like an old run down town. It has this aged charm you feel as if your were exploring your grandparent's attic. I'm always fascinated by places that once had so much life and are now on the edge of becoming a thing of the past. Kinda makes you wish you could go back and experience some of the stories that happend there. 

I rarely get the chance to explore when I go home to Texas, but this past month I made the most of it. Here are a few photos from that day.