Blast from the Past... The Correa Sessions

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

Here are some old school fotos from the 90's. It was an early attempt to do studio portraits. Here is my friend Jose Correa. We worked at the same restaurant at the time. He was a real eclectic type of dude and really charismatic, but you pissed him off and he could easy turn really violent. I don't know whatever happened to him but here is to him helping me out during those early days.

La Eternidad

PHOTO: FUNAKI

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Check out this portrait I did at the Dia de Los Muertos a few weeks back. Be thankful to be alive!!

The Jazz Album: Recession thinking

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

I did the second half of Bodegas Man's album cover art. The album is going to be called The Jazz Album: Recession Thinking. I have heard the demo version and it sounds great. I am really excited to be part of this. I was asked to have a cameo in the video for one of the songs!! WOW

Los Angeles

PHOTO: FUNAKI

Here is a street scene picture I did a few months ago. I thought the marquee was a perfect time in music history to capture it. The Los Angeles theatre is where I shot the famous "crew" picture 14 years ago

Baile de Mascaras

PHOTO: FUNAKI

Here is a shot I did with my Canon AE-1 camera at The Day of the dead event. When I saw this it looked spooky as if they were all just staring at me so I had to shoot it.

Tech Advance, Young Hype, Baby Hype

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

I did some photos for an article on Starstruck Records recording artist Tech Advance, Young Hype and Baby Hype. Starstruck Records is based out of Long Beach and have a really good diversity of artist. They are also one of the most professional people I have ever met. In 2 months we did 5 photo shoots.

Bodega Man

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

I did some shots for Bodega Man. His hip hip is greatly influenced by Jazz, which I think is great. More young people should be listening to Jazz for inspiration. We went for a darker low light mood for his upcoming CD artwork.

UniteUs

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I shot some promo stuff for hip hop artist UniteUs. This young man has a crazy sounding voice and mixes it up with very cool lyrics. He is total "charisma city" and was an honor to work with him. visit him ay www.myspace.com/uniteus

Blast from the Past.. ZAPATA sessions 1997

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

Here is some early work from the 90's. My friend Luis "ZAPATA" Hernandez was a metal head friend of mine from Cuernavaca, Morelos. We were working together at a restaurant at the time and thought it would be cool to do some photos of him. I lost touch with him as many of the people of that time and place, but wherever he is here is to those memories.

MR$. FUNAKI

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I did a portrait of my wife Gilma a few weeks ago. I wanted to capture her in that raw FUNAKI style of portraiture. I love her "31 de Agosto" shirt she is wearing paying homage to her Salvadorean roots. The "Bolas de Fuego" is a yearly tradition celebrated in her home town of Nejapa, El Salvador.

TAKE IT IN BLOOD

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

My Photos made it on the cover of Legendary underground Hip Hop artist Mykill Miers new album. The album is called "Take it in Blood" and is available for purchase on amazon and itunes. My Fotos are also the theme of his newly designed website. www.mykillmiers.com

Dia de los Muertos

PHOTO: GILMA FUNAKI

My wife and I wanted to shoot some pictures at the Dia de Los Muertos event over in Olvera Street. These fotos were taken by my wife. I thought she did a great job for being a beginner. She captured a very eerie mood. I'm proud of you sweetie

Victory Outreach Compton

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I did a photo shoot for my column of my friend Pastor Hector from Victory Outreach Compton. His story is that of addiction, being lost, hope and salvation. Here is a link to full article I did in the examiner. http://www.examiner.com/x-23635-LA-Life-in-Photos-Examiner~y2009m11d3-Straight-outta-Victory-Outreach-Compton