Love is…..

Photo of me in school learning to use the view camera

I have had a love affair with Photography for over 10 years now.  I knew Photography was one of my true loves; along with RTVF, communication, design, painting, jazz, entrepreneurship and helping people. (I am a multi passionate when it comes to the things I LOVE)

I felt I understood true love until one dreadful night. While staying at a friend’s house North Philadelphia, I was awakened abruptly from studying all night, to 3 unglued faces, with glassy eyes and disorganized gazes. I was confused by the looks on their faces. I rubbed my eyes, and slapped my face to gain visual clarity, and the first words that whispered out of my mouth were, "Is everything ok?”  My friend said No, I need to talk to you about something.  Can you come outside? I begin to feel my heart beating against my rib cage rapidly. We walked to the top of the stairs to head outside. He immediately glanced over to the area where my car had been parked and embraced me. He  proceeded to tell me that my car had been stolen.  What Oh No, I thought, WHAT…They cut through my club on my steering wheel?"  I started thinking it was no big deal; it’s just my car! We will call the cops, the bandits will be caught, and everything will work out….

Then I screamed with every available octave in my vocal chords; MY PHOTO EQUIPMENT!!! I begin to weep. My knees buckled and I dropped to the floor. I started to remember just how hard I had worked to obtain every piece of equipment!  Everything from cameras, lights, soft boxes, umbrellas and even back drops.  My radio equipment was also in the trunk of my car.  All these things I’ve obtained since college, so it was pretty rough to accept. I sacrificed missing tons of parties, traveling, and other things college students did for fun.”  I begin to think to myself, that I was an idiot for not taking my precious photo equipment out of my car after a photo shoot. Why didn’t I get insurance on my equipment? How crazy was I for just having liability insurance on my car?  All these  boggled thoughts went on in  my mind for days.  

As time went by, tthe gray cloud begin to darken.  The police were unable to find my car.  Everything I worked for to fuel that passion inside of me was gone!  At that very second, I thought love couldn’t be real! Whatever this passion or idea that seemed to be harvesting in my brain, was just a bunch of dog poop scooped up and dumped in the trash. It seemed like everything I loved or was passionate about was only a figmente of my imagination!

I felt like every time my life would move forward, I would be forced to take a step back.  I started to feel like with all the time and money I invested that it wasn’t meant for me to pursue anything I loved! Before photography, it was radio television and film, prior to that, it was painting and design. I just knew that the universe was telling me that this vision or love affair I had going inside my head, would never amount to anything. 

My fears kicked in and my love life was truly over.  All the gifts I felt like I possessed, and loved, died.

From there. I started having a plethora of flings with temporary things, just to pass time. I was trapped by fear.  I no longer trusted love.  I felt like I had invested in photography school, equipment, and even went to school for communications to learn multiple ways to merge photography with media. I had hoped that the police would catch the culprits.  Instead they told me that my car was one the top 5 cars to be high jacked and chopped up for spare parts.  “Lucky for me”, Yeah!!!!! (In my extremley sarcastic voice)  

My heart was broken, but it was mended back together by positive thinking, growth, maturity and understanding that with adversity  comes strength, wisdom, perseverence and determination.  These are all great qualities to develop when growing your own business.  Being able to be a Visual Communicator,  breathes from my pores like air to the earth.  Just like in love, things occur and you work to get over them, which in turn creates a relationship full of love and understanding.  Just because you are hurt or discouraged, doesn’t mean you give up on your true love. Put Your Love on TOP!!!!

Photo Project with Students at GW highschool

Super Hero vs Alter Ego Photographic comics

While working on a photo project with stundents at George Washington High School, in North East Philadelphia, myself and the english instructor Marcus, along with  the students and a little inspiration from a super hero comic student program in New York City.  We teamed up together to help each student see the super hero in them.  Each student developed there on super hero, wrote a story about what there realistic super hero powers are and created costumes and photographed scenes for the cover of each comic book.  It was an amazing 8 weeks with the students.  If you watch the video slide show below you can get a snippet of the unedited photos. :)  I love GW Students of Philly!

Love Beauty Joy

A youth educational multi media project, that I had the opportunity to direct and produce.

NOLA Inspiration

While in New Orleans, not only was the culture, and history an inspiration, but a really special friend who is also a photographer and writer L.Kasimu Harris, he was a wonderful tour guide, and took me to all the amazing jazz spots, and explained the true culture of New Orleans to me. check out visions and verbs.com to see some of his work, because his work is pretty amazing. 

Stylist, Make-up artist, hair dresser- wait a minute I thought I was the Photographer

This was a busy day for me, I did hair, make-up and took photographs for Jessie and  Svens wedding.  2 weeks before the wedding, I helped the Hatian bride find her dress.  It was a beautiful day as Sosua La Playa. Congrats Sven and Jessie!

Karise Occupied Wallstreet for a day!

As I turned down wall street looking for what the media said to be this filthy over crowded park with a plethora of individuals protesting, I actually walked into a cozy neighborhood of tents, cardboard boxes, and an eccentric mass of individuals shattering out for equal rights, giving away free tshirts and looking for donations to support the CAUSE. Being on wall street opened my eyes, making me realize, I am only 1% away from being homeless, I am 99% of the population dealing with no jobs, inflation, school debt.

It makes me think of the famous line in the move School dayz by Spike Lee, “WAKE UP, WAKE UP”.  Wake up America!

Enjoy the photos, and donate your time, energy or money to the cause.

Prometheus Radio Project

I was am recently featured on Cheyney Universities Website, for my internship at Prometheus, while I was there, I learned so much about radio waves, community radio projects, and congress, O BOY!!!!!! yes this was a 501c3 I was working for, it was loads of fun and I enjoyed working with everyone to make sure we were able to publish the bi-monthly news letter.

Pintura en La Playa with "The Domincan Dream

This was a beautiful Sunday in the Dominican Republic, where I implemented one of my lesson plans to help a fellow volunteer teacher out, she wanted to find a way to connect with her students so I went out and got the girls gift bags full of colored pencils, markers, stickers, and of course lip gloss. “lol” all little girls love lip gloss. Then I made sure to get lots of drawing paper, and paints so that they could explore their imagination as much as they would like.  It was an excellent day. Charline was pleased because she felt closer to her girls and I felt great because we all explored our thoughts and were able to express ourselves creatively and discuss them afterwards.

Heres a little sneak preview into our day.

The Dominican Dream Project

SO I have be living in the Dominican Republic for some time now, volunteering at "The Dominican Dream Project" teaching art, assisting in the english class and working on a human rights project with Mariah a full time volunteer.  This school was built for children to  have opportunity, to learn and expand there minds.  Once I saw The Dream Site, and these statistics i chose to volunteer part time while finishing up graduate school.

 In a 2008 study of academic achievement for third and sixth grade students, the Dominican Republic came in dead last in the areas of Math, Reading and Science, significantly lower than the other 16 Latin American countries participating (UNESCO, SERCE 2008).
The Dominican Republic’s public investment in education is 2.3% of their Gross Domestic Product, which ranks 122nd out of 132 countries. (UNESCO).
85% of poor Dominican parents have never completed primary education.
In the Dominican Republic, “according to a cohort analysis, of 100 children entering formal education, only 75 complete grade 4; 63 complete grade 6 and only 52 complete the 8-year primary level. This situation is even worse in rural areas where most schools stop at grade 5.” [OECD 2008]
The High School Enrollment Rate is 61%. (UNESCO)
An estimated 40 percent of the population is under 15 years old.
The Dominican Republic was ranked 101 out of 177 countries in terms of literacy.
The HIV/AIDS rate among the adult population in the DR is 1.1%, although it is much higher in batey communities.
The primary school dropout rate in the Dominican Republic is 14%.
Only 12% of low-income students who start high school will complete their studies, compared to 62% of those from higher income brackets in the DR.
As of 2008, the Dominican Republic’s population of over 9 million included (unofficially) more than 800,000 Haitians. Bateys such as Caraballo are experiencing a great increase in Haitian residents since the January 2010 earthquake.

Data from UNICEF, World Bank, United Nations, OECD, Wikipedia, USAID Basic Education and Policy Support and American Association of Fundraising Counsel, UNESCO, Programa de Promoción de la Reforma Educativa de América Latina y el Caribe (PREAL), December 2006; United Nations (UN), 2005; United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 2004; Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2008.

Anyway if you want to know more facts, Go to www.dominicandream.org you can also find out how to volunteer and donate funds to the school.

Pics soonnnnnn!!!!

Caye Caulker Belize City

Belize ( Caye Caulker) the place where there's a cool breeze, long days and short nights, clear blue oceans and where the heat is just right for most of the day, but watch out from 1-3pm, because that is when it is very hot.

Caye Caulker is about a 40 min water taxi ride, outside of Belize City, I had the opportunity to go there to take photos. It is a fun peaceful island, while there you are able to , para sail, fish, scuba dive, and you can even snorkle with the sting rays with the "Rhasta Man", Ross creek who is located near the dock, he will take you on a Rasta cruz right to the coral reef.

There are several little hotels, or Bed in Breakfast spots all over the little island, however if you are working on a budget there's a hostel called "Yuma's House" right near the beach, it is very inexpensive per day.  I stayed at Paridisio, its a 1 bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, and a pull out sofa bed, very adorable clean spot, with great management, and wonderful drinks.  Paridiso sits right near the Ocean, so you can feel the breeze flowing through your windows, and here the currants peaceful lullaby song.

Caye Caulker is just a peaceful, quite island, with sweet people that sale handcrafted trinkets, and delicious home made food.

What an Amazing place to relax!

Good Hair, What does it mean to you?

A few months ago, Chris Rock’s daughter came to him in tears and asked, “Daddy, how come I don’t have good hair?”

This struck a cord with the funnyman and he embarked on a journey to find out where the expression, “Good Hair” came from.

Chris visited beauty salons across America to uncover the truth behind the culture of African American hair and find out what members of the black community have to say about having “Good Hair.”

So myself and Randi were inspired to go around and see what was what with people and hair at the National association of Black journalist conference, just to see what they felt good hair was.

I am going to post more about it so stay tuned and watch out for the documentary its great, and check out the link so you can here the term " Creamy Crack" lol

here is the link to Chris Rocks Film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A68UVn0nMvo&feature=player_embedded

more to come.

Fruits of the Spirit

Fruits of the Spirit is a photographic and narrative project, I worked on with Dr. Gloria Nixon Pone, and her husband Dr. Darrell Pone, the project first started out interviewing seasoned individuals who had a story to tell, and who believed in Faithfulness, Patience, Peace, Love, Joy and Kindness, all the Fruits of the spirit that are portrayed in the biblical verse Galatians 5.

Then it turned into trans-generational testimonies that stimulate readers to contemplate a closer relationship with God and their families. The stories are meant to heighten individuals beliefs and inspire.

It was very exciting exploring the lives of the individuals in the book, they were chosen because they inspired many individuals around them. It was an extreme pleasure  having the opportunity to interview as well as photograph them in their natural enviornment.

The stories were engaging especially because they were everyday people who served in the army, bankers, professors, business owners, and a few couples who were just madly in love.  To hear the wisdom they had to offer was like sweet melodies to my ear, it was a tune that will stick with me for a lifetime, it helped me to realize that no two peoples journey are the same.
Robert and Gertrude Ford met in the sixth grade, I adored interviewing and photographing them, they were like kindred spirits, they have been married going on fifty two years now. They said their love for God and one another kept them going through him serving in the Korean war, and through the civil rights movement, they both endured many things, good and bad. Their love keeps them spunky and youthful as if they were still tweenty years old.

Willam Wheeler whom was a Howard University Graduate, and after graduation a Tuskegee airman pilot, pulled my heart strings with his love for life and his undying passion for his late wife, her legend lives for ever, as you can see in the photo below, a framed photograph with the two of them in their younger years.

James Broach with his Bible in hand, served the New York community as a transit worker for the New York Police Department. He says," that real power is standing up for what you believe in; being strong enough to take whatever comes, and not showing resentment; focusing on the positive; and helping others is the only way to live life".


to purchase the book or to get more information, go to www.poneinspirations.com

me teaching photography

I taught photography during a summer program, my students and I have a blast, we do different assignments each day, and I just wanted to share the pics with you, to share with you the photos, I took of them as they were busy working.

Where the heck have I been?

Ok, so I am going to do better with posting now hopefully, I just graduated with my Bachelors degree in communications and things have slowed down for me quite a bit. I was in the midst of school, and photoshoots and little odd and end jobs to keep things a float and purchase new equipment. Yes, please ask the question, "Karise, why did you have to purchase new equipment?" Well Someone stole my car, and all of my photography equipment was in the car, I know crazy of me right, well, I have learned my lesson and never again will I go without Insurance or a 10min with my photography equipment in the car with out me..:). I am still happy and excited about life. I was unsure if I was going to continue with my photography, but I really feel like the universe keeps calling me back to photography. It is my love and I enjoy it dearly, I just had an unexpected event... :) Life is great

Purchase your book today!!!

Ethiopia: Love.Beauty.Joy


Karise Allen as a Photographer is putting a new face on Ethiopia with bold colors and smiling faces. "There is more to Africa than war, famine and buldging bellies, I want to show the love that people hold in their hearts," said Karise.

Proceeds from the book will go directly to address the needs the advancement of the Jelduh community in Ethiopia for their irrigation system and farming, the students at biftu academy, and teacher training.

Please help me help Ethiopia by purchasing the 72 page full color photo book with quotes.

Click the paypal button below to purchase book now for $35.00 USD plus shipping and handeling.

I am sooooooo Psyched!!!!!!

I entered a photo competition for the hell of it, and I won out of thousands of people, my work will be published in a book "The best photos and photographers of 2007".... YES!!!!!!



below is the letter I received and if you go to photo.com you will see my photo.



Dear Karise,
Over the past year or so, we have been reviewing the thousands of photographs that have been submitted to us, as well as examining various pictures that have been featured by other photography publishers. After an exhaustive examination of this photographic artistry, The International Library of Photography has decided to publish a collection of new photos taken by the best photographers we have encountered.
I am pleased to tell you that you have been selected to appear in this special edition . . .

THE BEST PHOTOS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS OF 2007Library of Congress ISBN 0-7951-5306-6

Ethiopia "LoveBeauty Joy"

Journeying through the beautiful land of Ethiopia, I spent most of my time in Jelduh at the Maranatha church, which is west of Addis Ababa, the capital city. In this area lies the largest tribe of Ethiopia, the Oromo people.

I had the opportunity and pleasure to be welcomed daily by the Oromo people to their religious and spiritual practices; attending church service and worship with them. Even though I could not understand their language and dialects, I felt their immense spirit.

I walked up hills and through villages, ate traditional foods, joined with them in praise and worship and played with their children. As a photographer, it was the best experience ever as I captured moment after moment, song after song, dance after dance, and breath after breath through the lens of my camera.

I met an English-speaking native by the name of yohannes, whom I accompanied on a tour ride around the city and into the countryside. I was relieved to know I could engage with someone who was familiar with the surroundings. He gave me a grand tour of the many historical churches in Addis Ababa, several people-congested markets and shopping areas.

The taxi ride was exhilarating. I took great pleasure in the beautiful weather, the cool breeze and the warm sun. To be able to step outside of my everyday comfort zone and experience the beauty of the people, the love in their hearts and the joy in their spirits, is something I hope my photography has captured much better than I can explain in words.

In the midst of the beauty and profoundness of it all, I immediately became aware of how my work and my love of photography and the joy of capturing their hearts and spirits can help in some small way not only eradicate poverty, but also improve a primitive farming system, poor medical care, inadequate schooling and poor infrastructures.

I. SCHOOL IS THE FIRST GOAL
a. Location is in Jeldu at the Center
b. Total Cost 65,000.00 US Dollars
c. Square Meter 6,000
d. Teachers will be taken out of government schools and paid training for the school in jelduh they must be trained and paid $60.00 USD a month
e. Christian school with Christian teachers
f. Starting will only be Kindergarten

II. LAND LOCATION FOR OWNERSHIP
a. Needs a deposit of 3,000, the government wants to see the net of personal account
(URGENT)
b. Land for Cow Farming

III. WATER DRILLING
a.200 meter depth
b. For drilling and related cost
c. 6,782.00 USD
d. Pipe laying 2 kilometers 6,897.00 USD
e. Generator House 2,758.00USD
f. Generator/ Pump Installation 3,483.00 U
e. Cattle Trough (hold water for the cattle) 2874.00 USD
g. Water Point 1724.00 USD

IV Need PA system
94,134.00 USD

Total Cost will be 1 million Birr

Photographer Today Artist Tommorrow

Art to me is a freedom of expression, it is a way that you are really able to express your emotions, and if one knows you well, they will see tyour character come out in your photos, no matter what the subject may be.

Me in the studio sculpting!

Childrens Hopes

Life is so fulfilling when you are able to give love to someone, or help someone to accomplish their Hopes and dreams in life.

I was mentor for 2 days with Pontiac Buick GMC and Linda Solomon, a world renowned photographer in helping young children find their hopes in life.

The children were taught photography techniques, such as angles, where to stand when taking photos, the difference between a vertical and a horizontal photograph, and the importance of focusing on something and capturing the true essence of what it is they hope for.

You would be amazed to hear some of the things the children hoped for, one child hoped for the world to come together and form a unity among the different races, the child then photographed kids of different complexions holding hands.

“ I hope for my family to be closer”, raven 10 years old said. These children will focus their lenses on what they want their world to be when they grow up.

As I followed the group I mentored around, I could see how the Children were able to express themselves through their lenses, they asked several questions as well as helped one another with creative ideas through the process.

“ It is amazing how intelligent the kids are, the way they were able to arrange their thoughts and express them by going through the Salvation army and finding things that may express there hopes”. Says Mariah

One of the girls I mentored, said I was her role Model which filled my heart with an abundance of joy.

Look how serious he is in writing down his hopes.

Finally!!!!!

YES!!!!!!
I am excited to announce that my website is finally up and running, after 2 years of this person doing it, and that person doing it, I took matters into my own hands, and in just 3 months it is now ready to be viewed. I think the site looks pretty good.

so check out www.kariseallenphotography.com and tell me what you think.

xo

Karise L. Allen