Steve Wampler Photography

I recently did a shoot for my friend Akilah James and her sisters from the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority (http://www.aka1908.com/). AKA is celebrating its 110th year of service. As part of the shoot, we made a homage to Miller Mobley's amazing photo of Michelle Obama that graces the cover of her book "Becoming Michelle Obama" (https://www.instagram.com/p/BjKsCFxlR9r/). While attempting to shoot and edit similar images of the ladies of AKA, I was struck by the genius of Miller's image. My impression of Michelle Obama is that she is a kind, thoughtful, confident, and approachable woman, and I think Miller's image of her projects her character in many ways; from the casual off-the-shoulder top, to her "leaning in to listen" pose, to her beautiful smile. It's a great portrait by a great artist of a great woman.

Lighting: A Flashpoint XPLOR600 in a 60" Photex Softlighter camera left. Reflected just out of the frame camera right for fill.

Gabby Catice (https://www.facebook.com/Gabby.MelaninDrip/)

Todd at Drink and Click

Kaleigh Benson (.kbenson on IG)

The amazing make-up of Jessica Timko (.artistries on IG).

I love movie posters, so every once in a while I try my hand at creating one in Photoshop. I shot all of the imagery in this one, except the lighthouse, during an underwater photography class taught by the very creative Josh Baker ( on IG) and sponsored by Precision Camera ( on IG).

Amanda Haddox shot the lighthouse image that I mixed in on the right (www.amandahaddox.com).

The model in this image is Anastacia Sterling ( on IG). She's amazing, and not afraid to get water up her nose to get the shot. Thanks Anastacia. :)

Lighting: Two Einstein flashes on 1/4 power in large reflectors outside the pool opposite each other.

Had the privilege of shooting with Akilah James ( on IG) and her models at Gold Multi-tique ( on IG).

Models: Akilah James ( on IG), (Zakia Johnson ( on IG) and Kasha Davey (.kashadavey on IG)

Styling: Asia Haney ( on IG)