Mel D. Cole
Mel D. Cole (born August 2, 1976) is an American documentary photographer known for his intimate black and white photography of hip hop. Early life and education. Cole was born and raised in Syracuse, New York and now resides Jersey City, New Jersey. He graduated with a A.A in Liberal Arts from SUNY Morrisville B.A in Multi-disciplinary Studies (concentration in film and African American Studies). In 2015, he married Australian photographer Averie Cole (Harvey) Career. Cole started is self-taught and started shooting with a disposable camera in 2002. His work has been published in "Respect  Magazine", "Rollingstone.com", "iD Magazine", "Okayplayer.com", Jay Z's lifeandtimes.com lifestyle site and "URB Magazine". Cole gained reputation as The Roots personal photographer and for his collaborations with street wear brands Etnies and Flud Watches. Cole has been the personal photographer for RnB artist Trey Songz since 2015. In 2016 Cole shot his first official cover photo for Trey Songz new album ""Tremaine"" In 2012, Cole was picked by "Complex Magazine" and Levi's to star in their first shoppable online video. Also in 2012 he was picked by Complex Magazine as #4 of 10 on their top 10 list of  the best nightlife photographers. Complex Magazine also named him number 14 of 50 greatest music photos right now later on in the year. Cole had his first international solo exhibition "Big Black and Bold" in Sydney, Australia at Good Space in 2015. Commercial clients. In 2001, Cole photographed Common and Erykah Badu in concert at NYC performance venue SOB's with a disposable camera. He credits photos from that night as inspiration for his career. Cole started a blog that showcases his latest work where it is said that he "seems to also shoot in just black and white, with  pics that are straightforward and grainy. This detail adds to his candid way of shooting." He has snapped pictures at the performances of Kid Cudi, Jay Z, 50 Cent, Rick Ross, Mos Def, Dr. Dre, Odd Future, Jay Z, Kanye West and more. Cole was paid by Etnies for his work related to a tee shirt and a pair of sneakers. Cole was paid by Heineken to photograph Questlove, Bryan Greenberg and Android Homme shoes.