Photography

I’ve realized, I’m not burning out, I’m having days when I wake up and say, “I just don’t want to do anything today”. August 15th, 2017, I received an email from the editor of PositiveLite asking if I had something for publication, that it’s been a while since my last submission. I haven’t responded to the email yet, deciding I would write something to explain why instead. I sat here most of the day and tried to think of a place to start, and it honestly became a struggle. I

Sia’s gorgeous new song, “Free Me”, and the even more gorgeous video that goes with it both aim to spread awareness for the #endHIV campaign and benefit the Abzyme Research Foundation (all proceeds of the song will be used to advance a new potential HIV/AIDS cure).  The video, starring Zoe Saldana and narrated by Julianne Moore, details the story of an expectant mother who has just learned that she is HIV-positive and that without treatment the virus will enter her child. Zoe Saldana

Stripes are big this season! And not just as a trend. Forget about the typical Spring Nautical influence as well as the Finding Waldo look. For Spring/Summer 2017 designers have opened up a Pandora’s Box of stripes guaranteed to suit your esthetic and lifestyle needs.   Vertical, diagonal or horizontal, subdued to vibrant, solid or patterned and even crafty to techno the options are endless. And the idea of mixing and matching also has been reworked to create a standout look that de

I’m sitting down to write this post, because on those rare occasions when escaping with my camera for a photography excursion doesn’t seem to work, I then try to relax, calm and center myself by writing. As a backup, I have my candle burning, I really love a nicely scented candle. Damn, if I had some sage this would be perfect. I’m sipping my hot tea and my little Daisy has pulled her blanket off the sofa, placing it right next to my work space. She’s the dog that loves to be close to

As I sit down to write this entry I do so with a heavy heart, but a spirit that is encouraged. I say this because my Great Aunt is still not doing well and last night I received word that one of her daughters, my cousin, has suffered a stroke. They both are recovering in separate hospitals. Your good thoughts, affirmations and prayers are greatly appreciated. I’m encouraged and even comforted because I know God, my creator, will provide what is best for them both. So, I guess I should say H

One of the things that delights me most in my work with PositiveLite.com is the window it allows me onto a worldwide community that affords me boundless uplift and inspiration. Recently I was privileged to make contact online with William Matovu, a young HIV activist working at Love to Love Organization, which supports orphans and children living with HIV in Uganda.  "We provide and advocate for the rights of the innocent children who are orphaned and vulnerable and youth who we believe des

While in Durban at the International AIDS Conference this past summer. I stopped at a booth in the Global Village. A series of stunning black and white images caught my eye. The booth was the work of The Graying of AIDS http://www.grayingofaids.org/ the photos by Katja Heinemann the Project Co-Director (above)  and a visual journalist. Later I sat down with the project’s Naomi Schegloff for an hour-long interview. I came back later and my portrait, seen here, was part of the exhibit.. Won

PositiveLite.com has published many articles to share the news and discuss the facts around the Undetectable = Uninfectious campaign: that people living with HIV who are on successful treatment and undetectable for six months cannot transmit HIV. PositiveLite.com is a community partner with the Prevention Access Campaign and has endorsed the Consensus Statement given the wealth of scientific support for these facts. France’s oldest HIV/AIDS organisation, AIDES, has just launched a publicity

I know it’s been a while since my last blog. I have shared my story, all of it, I think. My health has been good but I have a total physical to pass next week so that I can keep my bragging rights. I wanted to write about attending the first part of the Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) End Game conference last month but I’m still trying to digest the new research findings for aging with HIV. I used to look at aging from the side of possibly going into the healthcare system, in a facil

"In my mind, one of the worst things that anyone could have done was to say that AIDS is a manageable disease. In my life it’s never been quite manageable."  Bob Leahy: Thanks for talking with us Sean. Let’s talk first about the photos you posted on Facebook – photos of a man dying. Tell me what you know about them. Sean McKenna: Well, my neighbour’s husband a year ago was built like a brick shit house, one of those people that would sit by the pool and everyone would stare at. In t

As I sit down to type this article I’m smiling, listening to ‘Higher Than This’ by Ledisi, while sitting inside my gallery. Yeah, I know right? My gallery. I still giggle every single time I say it. As many of you know my life has always been filled with music, art and photography and as I’ve said many times before, photography has been and still is my therapy. During homelessness photography was my voice. It spoke loud and clear for me, allowing me to raise awareness for many issues

As someone living with HIV, I’m always drawn to personal stories from people I can relate to, but those stories are very hard to find in mainstream HIV media. I’m not interested in reading stories that have more to do with fundraising efforts or advertisements. I love real life stories from the person who has experienced it. So I spend a lot of time reading personal blogs, watching YouTube or speaking to people I meet on the street.  As a photographer I’m always drawn to and interested

I have a wonderful group of peers who really know me – from the things I like (bacon) to my hobby (photography). Last December one peer was sitting on a committee with another organization that had organized an art show/contest called ‘Hope and Help: Overcoming Trauma’ and he suggested that I enter. I asked him to email me the entry information and I would take a look at it.  I downloaded the flyer, familiarized myself with the requirements and decided I would enter the contest. I coul

In December I started a typological photography project exploring the process that drag queens go through when transforming themselves from "man on the street" into the epic glamazons we see performing in bars and on TV.  My first participant was the lovely Jade Elektra, I couldn't have asked for a better model to start the project with, Jade even did a write up about mental shift that takes place as Jade comes to be through each layer of makeup. Becoming Jade The process of becoming Jade

I guess I should start off by wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. I know we’re well into February, but as the saying goes, better later than never. I trust and hope the New Year is treating you well and that you’re in amazing health and spirits. So far the New Year is off to a great start for me. Once again I was selected by FORD Motor Company to be their official photographer for the 11th Annual NAACP Image Awards Symposium. This is the second year that they’ve reached out to me t