Multitasking Madison

Photographer,Stylist,Entrepreneur

Talented Creative Visionaire-Jerris Madison is a force to be reckoned with, and if you haven't heard of him, Fashion Forward Men is about to tutor you...

Funny how life tends to be a constant winding road, especially when it comes to figuring out what we were placed on this earth to do.  Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jerris Madison originally had plans of becoming a doctor.  It wasn't until later that he found "photography and imagery to be his TRUE passion."  After recognizing his greater love, Madison decided to develop his craft by attending The Creative Circus here in Atlanta.  

Though I'm sure it hasn't been an easy feat, Madison's images have come to be known being very crisp, thought provoking, and alluring to both men and women alike.  

"I like consistency and tell stories with my work, and I want the viewers to be captured," he explains.

  After working as a photographer for 15 years, some simpletons would assume that an artist would have  settled into his or her ways, but not J.M.  One of the primary reasons I love Madison is because he continues to push himself, leaving admirers wanting to know what he will do next.  

In September 2008, the self proclaimed Mogul launched Obvious Magazine, a webzine dedicated to men and women with a passion for fashion, lifestyle and empowerment.  It only made sense for this to happen...Not only was Jerris reaching a larger audience, and branding himself even more, but he was also showcasing the work of other individuals talents.  Some  who may not never have this opportunity.  "We are not gossip based or adhere to rumor mills. We are solely dedicated on FACTS and EMPOWERMENT even in our editorials," explaining the esthetic of the webzine.

Not much of a surprise, but even before the birth of Obvious, Madison has been fortunate enough to work with a number of celebrities and individuals in the public eye.  And although I tried to get the scoop on who were his favorites... and yes... the more tragic ones to work with, Jerris kept a very tight lip. 

"I would have to honestly say I've enjoyed working with all of them, thus far, that I've worked with. They all brought a different emotion and attitude to the set that helped me become a better photographer and a better person."

Does Fashion Forward Men believe this??? NOT AT ALL...  I will say that I personally know Jerris.  He is a smart business man, and delivering this type of information to mass audience such as this would be nuts.  We all can get a little irked at situations, and possibly at people, being professional means knowing when to keep your mouth shut, and with that, I commend him (just know that I wouldn't be doing my job as a writer to ask only sugar coated questions).

The creative multitasking artist is a fan of the works of William Lords, Maya Guez, Laretta Houston, Patrick Demarchelier, Annie Leibovitz, Steven Meisel,and a few others, and rightly so... Their inspirations shine through in some of his own work. 

Although partially discreet, Jerris had no problems at all tell FFM his problems/opinions with the profession that he works in.  

"Gossip and hateration amongst Black photographers. This annoys me more than anything because it is so unnecessary. If you are doing what you are supposed to be doing with your own career, you wouldn't have time to speak bad or gossip about what someone else is doing. Do you!"

(Fashion Forward Men would like to add that this should be the case in ANY profession and not just photographers)

Although I don't see it in any way, Jerris admits that procrastination is one of his bad habits.  Currently preparing to do a shoot with new recording artist Ty Wilson, the humorous yet talented B. Scott, and with 2 books coming out in 2011(one is for models and the other is for wardrobe stylist.), its a wonder how he even has time to rest.   

J.M is currently working on TOP SECRET projects as well, naturally I will keep you informed.  And as Madison's part of informing, he advises those looking to become photographers "to know what type of photographer you want to be. If your passion is dogs, be the best dog photographer there is. Don't shoot things that doesn't give you fulfillment or creative value.