Melvin Freeman Instagram / Facebook / Email
I am a visually impaired “photogrartist” and a father of an awesome 11 year old son. I was born and raised in the Central District of Seattle, Wa. I come from a single parent household; where my hardworking mother raised my older brother (who is 9 years my senior) and myself. Growing up as a kid in the 1980’s & 90’s I was heavily influence by the hip hop culture as well as what i seen and started to emulate as a youth in my neighborhood. I developed a passion for art, creativity and self expression at an early age. So I began to express that by tagging on walls, then through fashion and now through a camera lens!
Music, culture and lifestyle is my influence. I listen to alot of music, take alot of walks and just indulge in the rawness of life and that is what fuels my creativity. In some pictures u may see bandanas and guns or they may be shot pretty dark and eerie- those were some of the elements of my environment and I use those elements in some of my photos to provide a feeling to the viewer. They are natural to me. I recognize beauty in the things that society doesn’t consider beautiful. Im fueled by rawness and imperfection.
I began making photographs in 2004 when I got a Nikon DSLR on a come up. I began to take photography seriously around 2007 and enrolled in a basic photography course. It was in that class that i noticed that I was not able to see out of my left eye anymore. Days later after seeing a specialist, I was diagnosed with optic nerve damage and later lost complete vision out of that eye. There were no answers or treatment as well. I continued to make photographs for a short period of time thereafter, but I felt so discouraged that I put my camera on the shelf to collect dust for almost 4 years. In the summer of 2011, I was diagnosed with Auto Immune Retinopathy and Optic Neuropathy Syndrome, an antibody malfunction that is so rare that the treatments are deemed experimental and may not be effective. This photo story that was shot by me, shows photo by photo detail of my most recent chemotherapy infusion through IV. I decided to shoot and share this story as a way to cope with my struggle and also uplift other individuals out there with medical ailments.
I started taking mobile photography serious around January of 2013, when I enrolled on the iphone photograph class at Seattle Central Community College. I shot with my iPhone but I wasn’t serious about making photographs with it until then! My iPhone is always with me and Dslr is always home, so I figured that I might as well make use of it!
“Out Of Fokus”
“Sharing Needles”
“The Hands That Life Dealt”
“Benadryl, The Appetizer”
“The Injection- Now Im Tipsy”
“Chemotherapy, The Entree”
“Guinea Piggin”
“Done Deal, Itz A Wrap”
“A Day In The Life. Peace, Im Outta Here”
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Melvin’s 1st mobile shot entitled, “Doin’ 90 Under The Bridge” (Shot w/ an Android)
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Omg this is wonderful! How very proud I am to be a witness of this greatness my friend. Keep up the great work!
Thank you!! I appreciate you 🙂
I am so amazed with my nephew….He is such a wonderful human being. Melvin, I have loved you since the day you were born. Your work is awesome, your words are beautiful and deep and your strength…I can’t explain.
I love you very much and I want to be like you when I grow up.
Thank You Dia!! I love you and appreciate you!!
Babe, I am very proud of you. Words cannot express the pride that I feel from you dreaming and living that! You are very much on your way. Remember YOU ARE WORTH IT. Keep God first and keep looking up. The kids are going to be too pumped. I can hear all of them “My Dads a celebrity now, lol”
Jeremiah 9:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
LOVE YOU
See you tonight, let’s celebrate.
Thank You for everything honey! I AM WORTH IT! <3
Amazing!!…keep sharing your story, it will give others hope-
Thank You Denise!!
Great work of art..
Thanks Fam!! We still gonna do a Collab!
Thank you for sharing this very personal account of your journey. And I second Jeremiah 9:11. There’s a lot more to be written in your story. Peace.
Thank you Jennifer! I really appreciate you taking the time to check out and read the story!
Hey Mel, it’s Ttee. Aunt Denise and I just checked out your work. We love it! She said to tell you – you’re amazing and good job! We love you and you are always in our prayers. So very proud of you!
Thank You T! I love yall too! Always 😀
love this brother…its an awesome journey that only few could walk
Thank you for reading! Werd Up!
Hey Cuz, your story is so inspiring to me. It reminds me how blessed we are to know you and how we should share your story of persistence and determination through the most difficult of circumstances. Definitely keep God in your life because all blessings really come from Him. I love you a Lisa.
I love you cuz! and Thank you for checkin it out! This is a crazy journey and I have to keep pushin’. . My art are creativity keeps me sane! I love you 😀 AND I will keep God in the mix!
Beautiful story… so very proud of and happy for you. Wishing you continued blessings.
Thank you !
MY ROCK, MY LOVE, MY SILENT PARTNER…LOL!!! I’ve been literally waiting for this moment ever since you shared your ideas with me. I’m in tears because I know this means the world to you. I am extremely proud of you love and Your dreams are coming to reality right now and it’s only the beginning. GOD IS GOOD ALWAYS!!! STAY TUNED WORLD!!!
Thank You!
Blessings and Love my brother! Ever since I can remember U have always had an (U)nique concept of Art! U are the epitome of I am different. I am so proud of U! Ur humbleness is so powerful and Ur expressions are so phenomenal. Bravo! Thank U 4 exposing Ur view because some may not be able to visualize what U see with 2 that U do wit one! U are GREAT and I love U for that! This was an opticmal experience 4 me!
Applause!!!
Thank You Jeana! i really appreciate you. . Before I had or even thought about a camera you was shootin with one AND taking pic of ME for class! You witnessed my hunger for creativity early on and I thank you for always encouraging it, when I was goin hard against the grain! I love you sis!
very well done, nice work, curtis
Thanks UNC
What a wonderful way to share your life through the lens in which you view art. Your pictures & stories will ignite & inspire many. Continue to allow God to use you, it benefits many, even when you don’t know it. Best regards, LaShaun
Thank You for taking the time to check me out Shaun! I appreciate you!
look at my twin! so proud of you. keep expressin.. xo
Thank you twin! 😀 xoxo
So proud. I remember a conversation we had at my dining room table, when you told me all I need to do is take care of my girls. At that moment I knew your mind was wired to see truth. When I saw the first pair of shoes you created, I knew you were an artist. Your pictures capture both of those aspects of you. I am proud to call you my brother
I thank you for encouraging my creativity as welll, we was youngsters goin in! The truth is the only thing that one can stand on at the end of the day, so that I can share! I thank you and Love you. . Keep Pushin and thank you for havin my back!
Life imitates art and art imitates life. When you are a true artist, it is hard to know where the line is.
Congratulations, I look forward to seeing more from you .
TRUE! Thank You!! You showed me a whole ‘nother meaning of “NOT GIVIN’ A FUCK” and I really appreciate that! I will be presenting more! Please stay tuned! #WerdUp
Melvin, this is dope. beyond amazing and very encouraging. glad to have met you and shared the experience of the SCCC iphonepgraphy’s class. I’m a fan of your work yo…. get it! “Im fueled by rawness and imperfection.” <3
MaryB!!! Thank you and I am glad to have met you as well!! I really appreciate you wrork and hope to see you this summer! Glad you dug it!! 😀 #MuchLove
Melvin,
What an accomplishment that you have demonstrated. Words can’t describe how Proud I am for you. Keep up the positive vibe as you do know you will always be Blessed along this journey……hugs
Hugs Back!! Thank you for being there for me and checkin out the story! Love ya!
This is amazing!!! You’re talented beyond words and destined for greatness. Continue making fresh art, this is jus the beginning of what the world will experience from you illafreemz!!!
Blessings
TAM!! Thank you for all of yo support and prayers. . Im pushin!
Hey Mel, you are truly a blessed soul to want to share your journey with everyone through your photos, you are such a awesome friend even though we may not speak on a regular I know it’s nothing but love when we see each other, mad love to you Mel god is going to keep blessing you!!!!
Thank you for checkin it out and reading!! Much Love
Humbling. And brilliant. Easter Blessings 🙂
Thank You 😀
Melvin thank you for sharing your story and your pictures. You are so creative and an inspiration to all of us. You have a special inner strength and gift that I truly admire. I hope you continue to share your pictures. I always enjoyed working with you..take care my friend. KathyO
Thank You for reading Kathy! I appreciate it. Thank you for EVERYTHING!
So much love in these comments!
You have inspired me… thank you for sharing.
Hope to shoot with you one day. You must make it to one of our meetups so that we can edit and Decim8 ; ]
Bridgette, Thank you for taking the time to read, and im glad that this story has reached you! YES! I hope to shoot with you as well one day! I will try to get on track and make it to a few of the meet ups! Id like that!
Melvin, thank you for sharing in such a unique way. Such imagination!! I especially like the bridge shot.
Thank You Auntie!
An amazing article..by such an Amazing individual…
You have a gift lil bro…
Your story is a blessing.
I am so encouraged to begin some things that till now..ive only dreamed of…
GOD has an abundance of blessings in store for you..
….just wait n see…
#HIStory #WORD↑
#sistahBIGbonez
I am proud to know you, the Central area is very happy to have a talented artist as yourself
Fantastic story and I’m so proud of the artist and of We Are Juxt for featuring this. As someone who has a disability (type 1 diabetic) I know how much strength it takes to try and live life with determination.
Thank you for reading!! And im glad you feel me! “We” have to keep pushing and fighting for the things we love. . Ive let this disability rob me of time, that I cant get back. . No more of that! Thank you again. Stay healthy and Bless you!
My dude…awesome and truly inspiring. Congrats and Godspeed…
Thanks bro! I appreciate it! Peace!
Very nice! I had never thought of a bandana as artwork until I saw your close-up shot.
Thank You for reading! I love the “look” of bandanas and the mystery they give off! 😀 Thank You
Melvin, Your Mom told me about this thanks for sharing your story. I think it will help others. good luck to you. and keep up the arts.
Thank You Mike! appreciate it!
From one vision impaired artist to another … massive respect!
I have severe keratoconus and have had three cornea transplants (two left, one right) and am on the waiting list for the second for my right eye (8 years on the list so far). I have currently have 20/400 vision in my right eye (non-correctable).
My journey into iPhoneography has had a profound effect on my life as I find it impossible to use a DSLR.
Stay strong and keep shooting!!!
And again I must say how much respect I have for you.
Thank you for reading and I wish you the best. Your comment is inspiring. More often than not I feel like im alone in these shoes- visually impaired with a passion for the camera. . We have to keep fightin and living even though we have these ailments. keep shooting. . And I hope everything works out for you! Much Respect and blessings to you as well. We are gonna be alright! Peace
With amazing work like this your vision will never be impaired. Keep expressing your art through this beautiful form of talent that God has given you, the world is yours.
Thank you family! I appreciate you for taking the moment to read and leave a comment! Im still pushin forward!
What do you say when your breath has been taken away? You are a piece of work. Although I am very much awed by this I am not surprised. You have always had a love,thirst and hunger for art and now your love is being reciprocated, your thirst is being quenched and your hunger is being fed. I will forever be a number 1 fan. Congrats love!
Young man you are a very special person in the eyes of alot of people, that speaks volumes about your character. Just know that God is watching over you and has great things in store for you………. Just keep looking up.
Hey Melvin. I’m late to comment here, but I really loved this story. I appreciate you sharing your vision with the world and you have a great eye, no matter what the doctors say. 🙂 I dig the tones in your black and white photos and the simple use of the frame to tell a clear story. Great work!
Inspired and inspiring. Thanks for sharing.