Derek Blanks

Derek Blanks (born November 5, 1977) is an American photographer, illustrator, creative director, and producer.

Derek Blanks
Born
Derek Blanks

(1977-11-05) November 5, 1977
Jackson, Mississippi, United States
OccupationPhotographer, illustrator, director, producer
Websitehttp://dblanks.com

Early life and education

Derek Blanks was born in Jackson, Mississippi on November 5, 1977.[1] His father was a school teacher in Pearl, Mississippi.[1] He is the middle twin of three siblings.[2] Blanks attended Murrah High School in Jackson, Mississippi and enrolled in APAC: The Academic and Performing Arts Complex which exposed him to art at a young age.[1]

In 2000, Blanks graduated Magna cum Laude from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, Maryland[3] where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration. Upon graduation, Blanks worked in commercial design, illustration and freelance photography through work with The Baltimore Sun newspaper and illustrated children's book, "Up in the Learning Tree" published by Lee & Low Books.[4]

Career

Blanks entered into lifestyle and fashion Photography by developing a portfolio with works published by Essence, BET Networks, Sony Music Entertainment, Reach Media Inc. and Ebony.

Alter-Ego photography series

In 2009, Blanks collaborated with NeNe Leakes by photographing the cast of Real Housewives of Atlanta for his Alter Ego portrait series.[5] Blanks photographed several more celebrities for the series including Chaka Khan, Taraji P. Henson, Blair Underwood, Snoop Dogg, Janelle Monáe, Rockmond Dunbar, Hill Harper, Faith Evans, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Brandy, Boris Kodjoe, Terrell Owens, Angela Bassett, Cover Girl, Nicole Ari Parker, Mike Epps, Eva Marcille, Akon, Cedric The Entertainer, Columbus Short, and more.[6][7]

In October 2011, Blanks became a cover and features photographer for, Essence. Derek Blanks/ESSENCE covers include Wendy Williams: The Girl Friends Issue, Angela Bassett: Black Women in Hollywood 2011; features include 2011 Do Right Men featuring Amare Stoudemire, A Few Good Men: The Cast of Red Tails, Don Lemon: Transparent and Black Women in Hollywood 2011 featuring Viola Davis, Loretta Devine and Amber Riley of Glee. Other Blanks images have graced the covers and pages of Billboard, Maxim, People, Ebony, Life & Style, PEOPLE en Espanol, Uptown, Jet, Modern Luxury, Runway, Upscale and more.

Blanks has photographed print and advertising campaigns for BET Networks including The Mo'Nique Show, The Game (Season 4 and 5), Let's Stay Together (Season 1 and 2), College Hill: Atlanta and Miami, Baldwin Hills, Reed Between The Lines, Toya: A Family Affair, Family Crews, Monica: Still Standing and Tiny and Toya. Additional print campaigns include WeTv's Braxton Family Values and Mary Mary.[8]

Directing

In late 2011, Blanks began transitioning into the world of video with his directorial music video debut featuring America's Next Top Model contestant Dominique Reighard[9] and "Charades" by Chrisette Michele from Audrey Hepburn: An Audio Visual Presentation and "Party or Go Home" by Trina Braxton. In 2014, Blanks took on the role of music video directing for Faith Evans' single, "I Deserve It", featuring Missy Elliott and Sharaya J.[10]

Credits
Albums and directing
Magazine and reality television shoots

References
  1. Wright, Lizzie (April 22, 2009). "Derek Blanks: Incorporating Richness". Jackson Free Press. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  2. Lizzie Wright (April 22, 2009). "[Dish] Derek Blanks: Incorporating Richness". USA: Jackson Free Press. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  3. Hasselbladusa (February 3, 2008). "Hasselblad Photographer Derek Blanks". USA: Hasselbladusa.com. Archived from the original on April 12, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  4. Lee & Low Books (2006). "Up The Learning Tree". USA: LeeandLow.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  5. Office of Undergraduate Admissions (September 24, 2009). "Maryland Institute College of Art Careertrack" (PDF). USA: mica.edu. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 30, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  6. Rodney Ho (September 24, 2009). "A Talk with Derek Blanks, Atlanta alter ego photographer for 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'". USA: AJC.com. Archived from the original on January 17, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  7. Atlantic Records (November 9, 2011). "Day26 Presents: The "Alter Ego" Photoshoot by Derek Blanks". USA: Atlantic Records. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  8. Jessica C. Andrews (April 11, 2011). "From Ebony to Jones Magazine: The Best of The Spring 2011 Issues". USA: Coco and Creme. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  9. Lara Martin (November 18, 2011). "'America's Next Top Model' Dominique Reighard on music, future: Q&A". USA: Digital Spy. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  10. Pearson, Joi (August 8, 2014). "Faith Evans' 'I Deserve' BTS Atlanta video shoot". rollingout.com. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  11. DBlanks (2009). "Portfolio: Alter Ego". USA: Dblanks.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  12. Bravo (2009). "Alter Egos Revealed". USA: Bravotv.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  13. Insider (September 29, 2011). "Kevin & Brooke channel Lady Gaga and Kanye". USA: Insider.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  14. Essence (2009). "ESSENCE 'Black Women in Hollywood' Photo Booth". USA: Essence.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  15. Yolanda Sangweni (2009). "Exclusive: Melanie Fiona on 'Every Woman' Campaign". USA: Essence.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  16. Hillary Busis (February 3, 2011). "'Glee' diva Amber Riley channels Chaka Khan in this month's 'Essence'". USA: Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
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