21st Century Hustle

Stanley Lumax is definitely the “X” Generation’s Clark Kent: Advertising Executive by day and Photographer by night. I am sure you are familiar with most of his work including AND1, Nike’s “The City is Watching” campaigns and most recently Converse’s “Running” Print campaign. Does this Jersey-bred, Temple University educated and Brooklyn- rooted Ghanaian warrior have what it takes to carry to the torch of Gordan Parks and keep it burning?(Interview after jump)

TT: Why the name “STONEFACE” Photography? Is it because you never smile in any of your own photographs?

SL: The name was given to me in college because of my serious demeanor. People were sometimes intimidated and assumed I was arrogant, until they spoke to me and I smiled. I applied it to my photography because I felt like photos are the same way. They are not always what they seem. It was my way of injecting myself into my work.

TT: Where and when did you decide to pursue photography?

SL: Photography has always been a part of my life. I have a very beautiful mother, and I remember she loved to be photographed. I was the kid on school trips with a camera, wanting to capture every moment for a photo album. My father bought me a little 110 point and shoot. When I went to college, I took a course with Dr. Edward Trayes and my step dad who was a photographer in Vietnam and shot events gave me my first SLR. Photography has sort of been a part of my life in every stage.

Converse product campaign that is running in Latin America. To see more go to myspace.com/converserunning

TT: What age were you when you received the camera from your father?

SL: I was 7 years old.

TT: That seems to be an age where most young men would receive footballs or basketballs for presents. You seem to have a passion for sports, especially basketball. How has your love of sports aided your work?

SL: I was shy and my mom was overprotective. I played sports and was naturally athletic so it wasn’t a big thing for me to do both. My love of sports helped me transition from a basketball player to a basketball photographer. I mean I knew I wasn’t going to the NBA, but I still wanted to be around the best players and having a camera has helped me do that, and still enjoy the culture of the game. I like soccer more for its cultural relevance then anything else; its huge in Ghana, and its what my uncles watched growing up.

TT: You mentioned in your bio “Taking a class that forced me to use a manual camera with no flash, not only meant that I had to buy a new camera, but it also meant I had to learn to use it.” How did that change the direction of your craft?

SL: It didn’t change direction, it just evolved.

TT: How so?

SL: There comes a time when boys have to put a way boyish things and become a man; using an SLR was part of that transition. Not just shooting, but learning what lighting and what not did to the shot; looking at things beyond just what I saw but what it communicated.

TT: Your professional career and your photography seem to intertwine with each other i.e. AND1, NIKE and Converse. Could this be considered a blessing or a curse?

SL: It’s a blessing. It requires me to work my ass off though because I’m being paid to be an account director so I have to make sure I’m doing my job. When I was younger it was cool to run around with my camera, because no one was paying attention to me but as an account executive I now have to be a lot more on point with my duties and responsibilities, which I have more of. But its a blessing I’ve been around award winning creative folks and companies that believed in me enough to take a chance

TT: Could you give me an account of earning a living doing what you love?

SL: Photography has always been my love. I did it for fun, and passion. Now that I’m older I realize that it can be a living. I’m a student and you can see my passion on a very elementary level. Also, because I work in advertising, I understand the business needs of clients and can have a conversation on that level as opposed to just a emotional creative that just wants to create great work at any cost. Of course I do, but I understand challenges from a timing, budget and brand perspective

From the Sankofa Series, Ghana 2007

TT: You’re the child of Ghanaian immigrants and re-visited the country in 2007 after a 24 year exile and the exhibition “Sankofa Series” was birthed. Explain the experience, the impact and the outcome of that journey.

SL: Well, it was amazing because it made me realize I have been away from my home for so long. It made me realize I had a lot of work to do in terms of reconnecting with not only family but the people of the country. It gave me a new pride in being not only Ghanaian, but Ewe’ and Gnah, which are the two ethnic groups my parents are from (Father is Ewe’ and Mother is Gnah).

TT: Who is your ultimate inspiration?

SL: Family

TT: Your photography reminds me of Jamel Shabazz in the sense of capturing the human spirit in its purest and natural form but I actually read that you’re a huge fan of Gordan Parks. How important is it for you capture a subject just being “human?”

SL: I’m inspired by everyday life. More than anything I’m inspired by a desire to leave work that is uplifting to all people, but especially those who come from environments where they are not taught to think big. I visit Ghana a lot and I always try to leave the children I speak with a message about thinking outside of their village, city or town.

TT: You’ve shot a variety of subject matter and media campaigns. Which do you prefer and what have been your favorites thus far?

SL: The Ghana work is my favorite especially because when I take the images back, the people appreciate it beyond imagination
Photography is a luxury.

TT: So whats next for you? Any exhibits? Any far away journeys?

SL: Well Ghana is a place I plan on visiting annually. I had the opportunity to shoot a campaign in Argentina for Converse. It was my first time there, which was amazing. I’d like to make it to Eritrea as well. World Cub 2010 is on my wish list as well

TT: I am thinking of attending the World Cup in South Africa. Will I see you there documenting?

SL: I plan on making that happen, so don’t be shocked to see me somewhere with a Ghana Black Stars jersey on.

TT: (laughing) That should be an amazing event as it will be first time visiting Africa. I am visualizing an amazing exhibit to come out of that event.

SL: Or a Ghana National Team jersey better yet

TT: lol..gotcha

Stanley’s work can be found at www.stonefacephotography.com.

Related posts:

1. [Interview]Gee Lock: Brooklyn Celebrated & Emmy Nominated
2. I’m at Work
3. The Work Before Work

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.