Latrenia Bryant Photography

Donna Summer Inspired

admin — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:41:14 +0000

In 1979 I was 7 years old and Donna Summer single ”On the Radio” was also released that year. I clearly remember listening to and LOVING the sounds of the 70′s Still to this day Donna Summer remains my favorite female artist of all time. Her voice was amazing!!!

The one era that I am absolutely in love with is the 70′s!! I love all things 70′s! A few days ago I went to Squaresville which is the coolest and quaint little vintage shop here in Tampa. While I was checking out I was reminded by the clerk after we talked about my cute sequined dress I had just purchased, that one year ago today The Queen of Disco passed away… that’s right, Donna Summer!! RIP.. gone but not forgotten.

I thought I would wear my dress to remember the queen and to show my love for the 70′s. I’m not a night club person by any means BUUUUT if the most famous nightclub of all time still existed I’m thinking I might have had to try my hand at getting in there simply for the fashion that oozed from one corner to the next. Studio 54 was the place to be in the mid-70′s.

My outfit of the day (OOTD) is simply a Donna Summer/70′s INSPIRED style as if I had to bring the 70′s up to date this would be my version:

So there you have it.. short and sweet but before you go you must remember two things:

1) Disco isn’t dead!! LOL and 2) Real women wear Sequins
Thanks guys. By the way, stop by and show some love to Squaresville via their Facebook page or If you’re in Tampa drop by in person.

Peace Love and Soul to the squares for the awesome dress. https://www.facebook.com/pages/SQUARESVILLE-Vintage-Clothing-Retro-Home-Decor/181861450345

Most importantly take a moment to remember the late great queen of disco, Donna Summer! Go listen to her music, play a video .. do something because she was and still is… an icon

The end?

admin — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:47:14 +0000

Feels like the end of an era. I’m feeling kind of sad although I know I shouldn’t be. After 20+ years of moving around and seeing the world with my newly retired military husband I am now officially stationary. I’ve met a lot of people and seen a lot of great things but the hardest part of it all was leaving my friends behind. I hate goodbyes but sometimes moving on is necessary.

Although I’m stationary and will not have to leave the state, unfortunately I do have another move ahead of me. We are moving to another townhouse not far from my current one but after 20+ years of moving, it’s not something I look forward to but this current place is just to small

I’ve become attached to this place mostly because of the good memories held in between these walls.. lots of laughter with my friends. Yes the move is locally and yes my friends are still here, unfortunately life happens and the time they once had to spare is no longer there. They’re busy with work, family and/or new friends and before you know it … multiple calls or texts that once happened several times a day are now almost nonexistent. Moving on is a simple thing, what it leaves behind is hard. Letting go doesn’t mean that you don’t care. It’s just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself….. soooooo with that being said, I’ll still hang with my friends when and if time permits but for now I will get up and get to packing, moving and preparing for our next life

But even with a move you can bring style to your new place by NOT trashing your old outdated pieces of furniture BUT by bring it back it life with a good old can of paint! It’s a cheap an easy way to add some style to any place. My husband is painting a few pieces we’ve had for years. The first photo is a chest we got for our son when he was just a toddler to put his toys in; he’s almost 13 now. In the second photo, you’ll see a small night stand that came as a set with our bedroom furniture we purchased in 1995 when we married. He painted it black and It to will go with us and be used as something else. More painting to come! I can’t wait to see how my dresser will turn out after I have him paint it YELLOW/GOLD with new hardware!!

Although not knowing what awaits us around the corner can be a little uneasy. Just remember change is good and can be an adventure! Just hold on tight! I don’t promise it will be a smooth ride but it will be another chapter in your life to remember.

Later guys! Can’t wait to show off my Interior Decorating skills. They are pretty awesome I must say considering I haven’t had any formal training in that area. I’ll have to take before/after photos of the new place. Maybe interior decorating will be my next career but of course I will always be a photographer. Byeeeeeeee

XoLB

Photo Geek

admin — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 01:01:59 +0000

Recently picked up this Canon EOS graphic tee from my local photography store. I saw it on the mannequin and immediately knew I had to have it. After I looked around for it I approached the store clerk who then went to the back to talk to another store employee. They pulled out a box packed with these shirts. They had not even had time to unpack them when I came along asking for one. They searched through the box until they found my size and yes, the biggest smile came across my face as I told the sales person, “I had to have it because I’m such a photo geek!” we both laughed and he said, “There are worse things to be”

It’s not often I relinquish my cameras to ANYONE especially my Canon 5D Mark II DSLR but this day I did. So as much as I would like to take credit for these particular images, I can’t. Maybe it’s a “photographer” thing but I don’t particularly care to be photographed by someone who’s not a photographer. For years I’ve had control over my images and the final out come. So much, that I feel like no one will be up to making me look the way I know I WOULD lol

Being the person I am I’m always looking for something unique especially when it comes to hanging round my neck. I scored the perfect necklace made for those of us who spend time capturing the moments of everyday life… A tiny camera! Yaaaaay!! So YES, I’ll take the title “Photo geek” and wear it proudly. Armed with my camera key chain hanging off my shorts, a back pack full of film cameras and digital accessories and of course my wonder woman all star shoes, I’m ready to shoot! I believe in subliminal messages
I’ve never been one into the club scene, I don’t hang out in the streets (unless I’m shooting people/street photography) I’ve never cared more about THINGS than people so giving me expensive jewelry and bragging on how much you paid for a name brand item will not impress me. I appreciate the little things such as gift cards to books stores, any item having to do with photography, subscriptions to magazines, text messages and calls from my friends, a hug from my loved ones and lots of laughter with my family are simple things that can bring a smile to face. So on this day I was thrilled to have my $5 tee and my camera in hand. It’s the simple things in life that make me happy! Some may say my cameras cost more than rent and even some mortgages lol but I say that’s OK because I don’t spend that kind of $$ everyday but the things I do choose to buy are simple things that bring me joy

I only regret there isn’t enough hours in the day for me to shoot! Below are a few more images of me and my favorite things in no particular order:

black and white photography

unique accessories/clothing

natural hair

short shorts on hot days

film cameras

odd colored digital images (#1 thing I love about film)

So there you have it, a quick post just to tell the world I am a photo geek and nothing gets me more geeked than being around other photographers/models/artists so we can do our thing So with that being said, I’m aware many of my fellow photographers I connect with live out of town but if you’re ever in my neck of the woods (Tampa, FL) lets collaborate!!

FYI, My loyalty and love is with CANON and I talk a lot of trash about NIKON SHOOTERS.. LOL.. just know it’s all done in fun… you guys will eventually see the LIGHT and come over to our side, the right side!

PEACE

Photographer: Damon Bryant

Model: Latrenia Bryant

Boho Curls

admin — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:20:57 +0000

Today I felt so boho. Instead of wearing my long summer tube top maxi dress as a DRESS I opted to wear it as a long skirt. The elastic bodice made it perfect for wearing it as a skirt coupled with the basic essentials such two simple tank tops, flip flops and of course a few jewelry pieces.

Bohemian fashionistas are dedicated to the comfort and style. I truly believe that wearing a boho-inspired outfit is a simple way to look casual yet alluring. Raise your hand if you loooove the modern day hippie style! I know I dooooooo!!

One should not be rocking a boho style without pairing it up with something vintage inspired with a bold, edgy accessory piece. For me, that piece would be the fringe handbag. Fringe adds that sense of “chic-ness” (lol) to any bohemian inspired look.

So there you have it, short and sweet! At times I’m such a free-spirit so of course boho inspired looks are my favorite. Next time I’ll have to rock one of my floppy hats. I didn’t in this case because I wanted the curls to flow.

OK..until the next time guys.
PEACE!

P.S Today was a good day

Short Hair, Short Shorts, Short Temper

admin — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 02:30:57 +0000

Short hair, Short shorts and a Short temper makes for an interesting post. Unfortunately, I have a very short temper when it comes to certain things and “BS” is at the top of the list. If you want to see me go from 0 to 60 in second try shoveling the “BS” my way. Don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes because you might find yourself somewhere you don’t want to be.
For those who are unaware, I am a nurse and unlike most nurses If you ask me about the profession I’ll tell you no lie..the good, the bad and the ugly. If you’re a nurse and you profess your love and admiration for it GREAT! but those of you who are afraid to say it out loud just come sit by me and I’ll say it for you…..Nursing SUCKS! Has it always sucked? NO, it has not. There was plenty good with it when I first entered it in ’92 and regardless of how I feel I am a professional in every way. My patients/residents love me! I am truly a professional in every sense of the word, providing top quality care with every job! A lot of days are dog days but what makes it better is when a patient gives you the praise and acknowledgement that is well deserved so thank you to those patients. I appreciate you too!

I feel, being a nurse is the equivalent of being a glorified slave. It’s so ironic that many African American’s think that becoming a nurse is a good thing. If you know anything about history, you know that it truly was a job for hundreds of slaves during the American Civil War. They worked for the Union Army. Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth (just to name a few famous slaves) worked as a civil war nurse.

In this post.. Yes, I admit to my frustrations with the management/bureaucratic red tape of nursing as a profession. I feel hate for it because it has forcibly confined me as if I’ve made a deal with the devil….yes, once you become a nurse you have made a deal with the devil himself because it promises you the ability to get any job you apply for, pay rate way above minimum wage and the capability to make as much or as little $$ as you want but he doesn’t tell you once you’re in it there’s no going back. So please excuse me while I target CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS and situations I’ve come across during this 20+ year journey down the halls of medical.

I may use a few metaphors and similes while I narrate my frustrations so please bare with me. In this so-call honorable, respectable, prestigious, occupation of nursing I’ve come across more bad check writing, pill popping, drug addicted, psychotropic medication taking, ex-convict, back-stabbing, adulterous, power seeking liars than in any other positions I’ve held. My eyes turn red when I think of what nursing has become. Coupled with the smoldering heat of hatred that threaten to explode from within when I deal with know-it-all, wanna-be better than you nurses who don’t know their @#! from a hole in the wall.

Well news flash b*^$%#@! Contrary to popular belief, you are not special because you went to school for a year or two. If you haven’t noticed those strip mall Nursing school facilities are like liquor stores and pawn shops in the ghetto, they are on every corner. As long as there are student loans available there will be non-accredited schools waiting to drain you dry while teaching you nothing. I have known several individuals who have graduated from these schools and yet still can’t pass the state board exams.

In conclusion, to hear me speak my views in person have brought some to laughter as if it was comical but I assure you this is no laughing matter. My plan is to put measures in place to exit nursing gracefully soon and to start the next chapter of my life doing something I truly love; a creative/artistic career is what this Capricorn desires.

My discontent with where nursing IS and where it’s going is not as rare as you may think.

Until the next post, Farewell and Peace! Special thanks to Julie K. Berry for the short magic wrap skirt/sari top worn in the photos. I love it. I set my hair on pipe cleaners and wore them for 1 week. It’s a quick and easy way to help bet summer LIKE heat. I love my $5 shades from Big Lots! Earrings from the local flea market and bracelet from a side street vendor in Pakistan

I’ve included a few links for you to be entertained and enlightened by others who simply hate being a nurse.

See links below:

http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Hate-Nursing/212124

http://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nursing-sucks-does-264294.html

http://www.aboutmytalk.com/t69397/s&job.html

http://angelaschoi.blogspot.com/2012/12/i-hate-nursing-school.html

http://predatort.blogspot.com/2007/07/i-hate-nurses.html

http://www.amazon.com/Nursing-Sucks-Reasons-Nurse-ebook/dp/B007MBT2KO

Malcolm

admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:28:47 +0000

Black History month huh? Well, everyday is Black History for me. So from time to time I may go off on rants such as this.

There’s no doubt I am a avid lover of black history, always have been. In everything I do it’s at the forefront of my mind. Contrary to popular beliefs, the most unique aspect of our culture is not our rhythm but our creativity. All individuals are a big bundle of past experiences. Same thing is true of cultures. All Jewish people aren’t good businessmen, all Asians are not good at math and science, and all African Americans don’t naturally have soul but we are amazing people. That’s why is infuriates me to see all the coonery and buffoonery and yes, I am aware it’s not just limited to the Black community but because I’m a proud Black woman I’m only concerned with the way our culture of people are viewed. If our strong black leaders from the past (who are no longer living) were to see the disgusting, demeaning, and socially irresponsible images out there today they would be utterly ashamed and disgusted considering their main goal was to uplift, educate and empower the people. SMH. I’m pretty sure this isn’t why they put their own life on the line. Have self pride and self respect for yourself or no one else will either.

Buuuuuut on a lighter note, I scored these fabulously comfortable jeans from my local Goodwill store for only $12. I was sold when I saw the embroidered flower patterned design on the lower legs. Of course I paired it with a graphic tee, Malcolm X … my most favorite individual from history. I must say, I do love my Black History and Political tees. I get them from http://www.artistictee.com/ladie_s_political_tees

The shoes are from Target and the accessories are from my local flea market. Shades and handbag are from Korea and of course I always do my own hair :)

Click the link to see my Video! http://youtu.be/22aLVr_rgj4

Peace! | XoLB

Dragon Dress

admin — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 15:47:48 +0000

I picked up this amazing dress from a event I went to last weekend titled “Leslie Joy’s Closet” held at The Yellow House Event Venue in St. Pete Florida. I loooove my dragon dress! Chinese dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology and folklore. Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent powers. It’s also a symbol of strength and good luck. In Chinese daily language, excellent and outstanding people are compared to the dragon while incapable people with no achievements are compared with other, disesteemed creatures, such as the worm. All I know is this is one hot, spunky red and fabulous dragon dress!

Asian Fashion has been a stylish accessory for me since I first visited Korea back in 2003. My last visit to Korea was in 2011 and I purchased a beautiful silk dress that hugs my body perfectly so of course when I laid eyes on this Chinese dragon dress, there was no hesitation..I had to have it. Just because you have a traditional garment doesn’t mean you have to wear it in a traditional manner. In the photo above, I paired the dress with a shear white top tied in a knot and a pair of blue and silver polka dot high heel shoes. Normally, I would have my long rope locs flowing in the wind but in this case I was feeling the big hair so I rocked my natural in the form of a Afro wig.

Below are the remaining photos where I rocked flats and a denim jacket:

Hope you enjoyed the photos! See the video here https://vimeo.com/59698752 and http://youtu.be/WFumJIU-Ci4

XoLB

Max the Accessories

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:58:30 +0000

Weakness Is Not Sin, at least in this case it is not lol. Accessories are my weakness! Fashion necklaces,bracelets,hats,scarves,shades,etc. Accessories are a quick and easy way to dress up what could be a very simple dress or outfit. I love them all from vintage-inspired pieces to retro and cute. Anyone who knows me will know I’m all about not spending a lot of $$$$ to look good. So remember you’re never fully dressed without some cool accessories!

Today I packed on a few of my favorite necklaces to add that POC (pop of color) against my striped black and white maxi dress. layering is good as well. Here I added a light weight sweater with yellow stripes. A must have is a wide stretched belt..oh yeaaah. The extra long feathered earrings besides being trendy also say you’re not afraid to be seen. So next time you wear your maxi dress…don’t just wear the dress ..WEAR THE DRESS and maxi it out with some cool accessories

Hope you enjoyed the photos! See the video http://youtu.be/UAD9Y6654gg

Rebel Queen

admin — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:25:23 +0000

My son tells me he interprets the title as me being a rogue photographer that is rebelling against people holding me back because they won’t let me “do me” and express myself. Pushing me into photography for-a-profit by any means necessary. Don’t get me wrong, I expect payment but if it doesn’t keep my interest or say what i’d like it to say I’d rather not do it.

How is it said again?, All hail to the queen … Her majesty the queen has arrived… lol.. Well, I can’t be confused with Queen Elizabeth II or Queen Latifah but I have been told I am the queen of self portrait photography. The past few days I’ve been thinking about what I really want to do in regards to photography. Normally, when I’m asked to photograph others I hesitate because I like to photograph STYLISH people. People who aren’t afraid to wear mixed patterns/textures, pack on the accessories like hats, scarves, gloves, etc. Basically, when you open magazines like Nylon, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and Vogue THOSE are the images I want to shoot. If you can bring style to a shoot when I’m shooting you I feel inspired to continue but If you come to me wearing common everyday wear, asking me to pose you in a way you are describing to me as if they would do at Sears or JC Penny then I’m not inspired and I don’t want those images to represent me. Sorry, I’m better than that. I’d rather never pick up the camera again if I had to be one of those photographers who simple shoot for $$ only. I believe in charging my worth and what my skills allow me to do and I’m not sure if shooting newborns and family portaits will catch the eye of that fashion designer, stylist or magazine editor.

I saw someone advertise a wedding package that starts at $450…REALLY!? I’ve shot weddings before and If you are a serious photographer with some serious editing and design skills you will never go through all that work for $450. Those are the type of photographers who destroy the art of photography. It’s insane. So anyway, my husband sat me down and told me I was looking at this all wrong. I should not count out anyone who come to me for photographs because you never know… If it’s meant for me to be a fashion photographer than I’ll be one but first I must change my way of thinking. Soooooo, from this point on because I know I’m a darn good photographer I’ll accept the title of “Queen”, continue to learn all I can and become more involved in DIRECTING those in front of my camera to give me exactly what I want.

I was thinking about not photographing the public anymore and simply keeping my love for photography as my personal hobby but because I know in my heart this talent comes from above there must be a reason for me having it. With that being said, I’ll continue to share my skills with all those who desire and I won’t turn any one away. I’ve been getting too many signs that I’m suppose to be photographer. I can still photograph you AND submit personal projects (Models and Fashion) to magazines

Thanks for hanging in there with me guys! Enjoy the photos:

Ps.. The shirt says “Rebel” hint the title of the post and as you can see, my son came in to make his cameo appearance.. lol

Happy Birthday!

admin — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 05:46:21 +0000

Someone we all know and love just turn 41!! lol… yep, I’m the big 4-1 but that number doesn’t bother me at all .. I love it! I’m driven by life experiences. I know more now than I did at 20 so yes, I’m wiser! I like the image I see looking back at me in the mirror. I’m thankful for the time I’ve had on this earth and I hope to have many more. My check list is still intact:

I’m rarely sick, take no medications (except vits) …. still healthy
I have the love and support of my family AND TRUE friends
I’m blessed with a fairly stress-free life
Talent… the 1 thing I don’t work hard at. I do love photography

So this is a short and sweet post to say THANK YOOOOOU!!! to all who took time out to send birthday greetings via Facebook, Twitter, Messages, Email and Texts. I read them all and smiled. I appreciate you guys LIKING, SUBSCRIBING and COMMENTING on my images

My BFF gift to me was a very nice gold watch, bracelet and earrings. I wore them with this Striped Maxi Dress

For fun I made a short film in vintage 8mm style of myself modeling the above outfit …lol.. stop by and view!!

On Vimeo http://vimeo.com/57425352 or You Tube http://youtu.be/MiyTdy7OMR8

PEACE | XoLB