FUNAKI.... It's just me

PHOTOS: Self Timer

I usually take 2-3 self portraits throughout the year to document my aging. I never had a prime as I have always been on the ugly side so what else is there to do, but listen to good music, eat good food, take pictures and hang out with the only person who never cared what I looked like and that is my amazing wife. Here are some new shots i'll use for the rest of 2010.

Bodega Man x UniteUs x FUNAKI collabo

PHOTO: FUNAKI

wow, today was a crazy shoot with my longtime clients Hip Hop artist Bodega Man and UniteUs. They are doing a collabo album titled "every dollar counts". What a day getting inerrupted by homeless people that kept yelling at us not letting us concentrate. We got stopped by Nigerian security officers and told us to stop shooting because we were on private property, then getting mad dogged by some gangsters in the alley. Its all in a days work and our studio. They don't call us Downright ruthless for nothing!!

Live is the only way to know for sure!!

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

Its been awhile since i've posted some of my live music shots. I don't get to do it as much as i'd like, but live music inspires me soo much. A live show is like no other. I love to see shows in small clubs where the lighting sucks and the access is full. Here are some shots of Born Allah, The Chuck Dukowski Sextet and UniteUs

New article in my online column featuring XP

PHOTO: FUNAKI


I have a new article out at Examiner.com I am featuring an amazing hip hop artist named XP and 1/3 of the L.A. based group the Rhyme Addicts. XP has performed alongside groups like Psycho Realm, Aztlan Underground, Mykill Miers and Dilated Peoples just to ame a few. Thanks for checking out the column and please leave your feedback and support the music.


http://http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-23635-LA-Life-in-Photos-Examiner~y2010m4d21-XPs-Sidewalk-Schematics

Thanks to the homie Eric

PHOTO: FUNAKI

Thanks to the Homie Eric who has lent us his cars for photoshoots. We are a small budget studio so we thank him for always supporting and helping us out.

OnWon x FUNAKI

PHOTO: FUNAKI

Here is one of the shots from OnWons shoot a few months back.

FUNAKI x HEFTY LOC

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I am editing the second half of Hefty Loc's promo images. We went for bold colors all while using icoic religious art and keeping that street vibe.

Rhyme Addicts, XP x Figment

PHOTO: FUNAKI

Some behind the scenes photos of the Homie XP and Figment. We did some shots for XP and a new artist named Hefty Loc out in the 818.

FUNAKI x HEFTY art collabo

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

I got started on Hefty's artwork for his promo images. He wanted it nasty, rugged and ruthless. Our specialty.

METAL ONLY.. It used to be

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I saw this sign on a dumpster and it reminded me of all my metal friends I went to soo many shows with. I have always liked an eclecticmix of music, but live metal is awesome!!

Limited edition prints of "El Conguero"

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I was honored to be a part of the East L.A. center for music's art auction to raise money to keep kids involved in Jazz and Latin music. I submitted 10 limited edition prints of my picture titled "El Conguero". All sold out. Thank you. Keep Jazz Alive!!

Blast from the past!!! Luis Martinez 1998

PHOTO: FUNAKI

Here is an early attempt to use large format cameras. My friend Luis Martinez and I were rocking pretty hard and living hard in those days. We rocked out to Pantera, Maldita Vecindad and alot of awesome bands that left our ears ringing for days. I have not seen him in years as I needed to leave the party lifestyle to focus on my art, but here is to those days.

SSHHH, The tenants are asleep

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I was working on some photos for a clothing line and I noticed the tenants were still asleep. I was yelling at my assistant and directing the model when I noticed this man asleep in his bed. He looked comfortable and warm. Behind him was a TV. I dont know what it was plugged in to.

The REAL Freeway Ricky Ross

PHOTO: FUNAKI


I shot the REAL Freeway Ricky Ross during the Hip Hop summit here in L.A. For those that don't know Ricky Ross was a major druglord in Los Angeles in the 80's.

What do you think of Love?

PHOTO: FUNAKI

This young man's take on Love. Personally I think I like it. To each their own.