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My Dark Ophelia

For what was supposed to be my submissions for the Damned 13 Exhibition this year (which got cancelled due to Covid-19), I had these images floating around in my head that needed to be photographed.  Having wanted to work with the beautiful Sugar Monroe in some capacity, especially in a way that challenged her physically, I immediately reached out to her.  I cannot express enough how honored I am that she said yes!

The beautiful, dark, emotional results follow.  So even though Damned 13 won’t be taking place this year, I offer you My Dark Ophelia.

My Dark Ophelia
Model: Sugar Monroe
Photographer: Brett J Lawrence
My Dark Ophelia
Model: Sugar Monroe
Photographer: Brett J Lawrence
My Dark Ophelia
Model: Sugar Monroe
Photographer: Brett J Lawrence
My Dark Ophelia
Model: Sugar Monroe
Photographer: Brett J Lawrence
My Dark Ophelia
Model: Sugar Monroe
Photographer: Brett J Lawrence
My Dark Ophelia
Model: Sugar Monroe
Photographer: Brett J Lawrence
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The Vampira Session

An Artist, Burlesque Icon, and most importantly to me, Friend, Natalie May approached me to work with her on her first time back in front of a camera for a Vampira concept.

Be sure to attend ‘Magenta DeMure Presents: Monster Mash! A Virtual Revue‘ on October 25, 2020.

We have never shot together before, aside from when I would steal her pixels on-stage during her high-energy, provocative burlesque performances.

I did not hesitate.  As a matter of fact, I jumped.

I jumped so fast at the opportunity that as a way of saying thank you I insisted that we take advantage of the Full Harvest Moon that would be shining brightly (fingers crossed) on her upcoming Birthday.

To you, Natalie, I thank you.  I thank you for your Passion, your Artistry, and your Friendship all these years.  I hope the portraits we created on that dark, magical, Harvest Moon night, as well as that chilly afternoon, make Maila Nurmi herself honored that you have so beautifully picked up the Vampira mantle.

Vampira Harvest Moon 2020
Model: Natalie May
Image by Brett J Lawrence
Vampira Harvest Moon 2020
Model: Natalie May
Image by Brett J Lawrence
Vampira Harvest Moon 2020
Model: Natalie May
Image by Brett J Lawrence
Vampira by Natalie May
Image by Brett J Lawrence
Vampira by Natalie May
Image by Brett J Lawrence
Vampira by Natalie May
Image by Brett J Lawrence
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The Brooke Session

Welcome to The Brooke Session.

Thank you Katie for entrusting me to photograph Brooke in this transitional time in her, and your Family’s, Life.  Our afternoon spent roaming around Detroit, laughing and exploring, made for a wonderful experience catching up and creating new memories.

Brooke, seriously, thank you for trusting my direction, and for being so energetic. I honestly believe your warm smile and personality shows through in these portraits.  Best wishes on your Senior year and on your new adventures!

Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI
Brooke Donovan Senior Session 2020
Detroit, MI

If you are looking for on-location High School Senior session, one that truly captures your Son or Daughters unique personality, contact me.  Click here for FAQs, contact info and pricing.

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2021 Senior Sessions Booking Now

high school senior photos
Photos by Brett J Lawrence

If you are looking to deviate from the ordinary studio-based photo sessions and really want to have your son or daughter shine in a unique setting, contact me today.  We can discuss location options which are geared specifically to your Senior and will make them feel right at home.  Whether in or around your home or property, in a nearby town, industrial setting or downtown city, I have covered them all.  Let’s make your Senior stand out!

For all your Frequently Asked Questions about my High School Senior Sessions, click HERE!  Thank you for your consideration in documenting this important time in your Seniors life.

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Insomnia Has Its Benefits

What happens when you wake up at 4am and cant get back to sleep?  You redo your website.  New layout, new front page banner imagery, new vibe.

What do you think? I’d love your feedback below.

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My Muse, My Brother, My Friend

In this World we live in, we strive to connect with others to form Friendships. These Friendships are what help define who we are by the experiences we share. In the case of my Life, it was March 7, 2009 that I met a complete stranger and Artist that I am now lucky enough to be able to call my Muse, my Brother, my Friend: Russell Taylor, aka Satori Circus.

Satori Circus 30th Anniversary Show
09/29/2018

Russ, this picture, captured at the end of your last performance on Saturday night, is my absolute favorite. You on stage, the crowd mesmerized; it screams to me in all its silence and simplicity. I shot your entire show with a very specific lens, one that hyper focuses in the middle and blurs around the edges. I did this on purpose because it embodies what I think of when it comes to your artistry: It isn’t always clear what the message is, and you have to do a little bit of soul-searching to figure things out on your own. Thank you for the challenge all these years.

Congratulations on your 30 years, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a small part of it for the past 9 years, and for ALWAYS being a cheerleader for my own creative endeavors. I look forward to what the future holds and what adventures await.
Your Friend, Always, Brett

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Preserve PASSION

Class of 2019 Senior Sessions Now Open!

If you are looking to deviate from the ordinary studio-based photo sessions and really want to have your son or daughter shine in a unique setting, contact me today.  We can discuss location options which are geared specifically to your Senior and will make them feel right at home.  Whether in or around your home or property, in a nearby town, industrial setting or downtown city, I have covered them all.  Let’s make your Senior stand out!

[Click Image for Details]

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Mr. Circus

 
“Let’s shoot a new series of Satori portraits, Brett, different from our typical shoots.  I don’t want to pose, or be acting.  I was to be… serious. Any ideas for locations?” – Russ Taylor

 

“John King Used Books.  Period.” – Me

 

Let the fun begin…
« ‹ 1 of 2 › »
Because this was a different approach to our history of portraits sessions, I was compelled to ask some questions to get into the mind of my good Friend… to understand a little bit more.

 

What was it about John King Used Books that intrigued you for a photo shoot?
i have been going to John King books for a long time. loved the environment and wanted to have fun in it as SC. i don’t do enough serious photography, and also this gave me that chance to show myself, and others that i’m capable of that…hahaha..right! -SC

 

What is different about this shoot from others you typically do?
a lot of pics i do with other photographers are fun, goofy, surreal, slapstick, fetishy, adult. this was exploring a different side to SC. a side that exists all the time. -SC

 

Where do you see SC going from here?
oh, i see sc going everywhere, just like before. i’m not stopping this creation from taking over small plots of land or flesh. i see it constantly evolving. some aspects of course do this quicker than other areas or aspects…but i see it never stopping. even well after i’ve left this plain! -SC

 

Thank you to John King and his staff at one of Detroit’s most iconic businesses.  You’ve always been welcoming to me and my camera lens, and it is always a pleasure roaming your aisles and hearing your stories.  You made this photo shoot all the more memorable.

 

Check out John King Used Books when you have the chance.
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In An Electronic State-of-Mind

Alton Miller, 2007
In An Electronic State-of-Mind
Memorial Day Weekend always equates to a weekend of global electronic music centered in Hart Plaza, Detroit, whether it’s called the DEMF Detroit’s Electronic Music Festival, FUSE-In, or Movement Electronic Music Festival, one thing always remained constant: it is a phenominal weekend filled with music, people of all types, and is a photographers mecca!  It was truly an experience being able to photograph and capture artists like Richie Hawtin, Plastikman, Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May, Carl Craig, Carl Cox, Moby, Deadmau5, Glitch Mob and so many more in their environment!
Since I am not going this year, sadly, and I am feeling quite nostalgic, I am going to post a series of my favorite images from each of the years I took my camera down there, whether for personal use, shooting for MOTORCITYBLOG, or Red Bull Music.
If you are a musician, DJ, or a performance artist of any sort and are looking to have your performances captured for personal, marketing or business use, please do not hesitate in contacting me. 
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To see the complete sets of images from each year, click one of the following:
2007 Images, 2008 Images, 2009 Images, 2010 Images
All images © Brett J Lawrence.  No reproduction permitted.
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Booking Now for Class of 2018 Senior Photo Sessions

high school senior photos

I am now booking for Class of 2018 Senior photo sessions!

If you are looking to deviate from the ordinary studio-lit photo sessions and really want to have your son or daughter shine in a unique setting, contact me today.  We can discuss location options which are geared specifically to your Senior and will make them feel right at home.  Whether in or around your home or property, in a nearby town, industrial setting or downtown city, I have covered them all.  I am looking for some new challenges this year, so bring it!

Scheduled for 3 hours, I focus on creating a casual, stress-free environment.  Consisting of 2-3 outfit changes, the variety of images you will receive in the end will surprise you.

Click Here to Read FAQ About My Sessions<

If your son or daughter attends De La Salle Collegiate High School or Regina High School you will receive a $50 discount.

“It is one thing to photograph people. It is another to make others care about them by revealing the core of their humanness.” -Paul Strand

Here are my Class of 2018 Senior Photo Session options

Package 1: $400.00

  • 3 Hours
  • 3 Locations max. (Add’l travel expenses may apply if extensive.)
  • 2-3 outfit changes
  • 2 USB memory sticks containing ALL images, deliverable within 2 weeks
  • You receive all electronic images, color corrected, both in Hi Res (300 dpi for Print) and Lo Res (72 dpi for social media, email, etc.)
  • You retain ALL copyrights, both print and electronic, to the images.

Package 2: $500.00 (Same as above with the addition of the following prints)

  • 20-wallets (5 images max.)
  • 4-5×7”
  • 4-8×10/8×12”
  • 1-16×20”

Click Here to View Available Sessions <

*Availability is limited to one session per day, usually morning (9-Noon) or afternoon (4-7pm) on the weekends only.  This allows for flexibility when it comes to Michigan’s weather as we may need to switch times.  Special arrangements can be made for other times, if necessary.

> Contact Me to Schedule Your Session <

Feel free to check out some of my session work below.  I look forward to working with you and your Senior this year!