Derek Blanks

Derek Blanks
Born	Derek Blanks Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Occupation	Photographer, Illustrator, Director, Producer, Personality
Website	http://dblanks.com

Derek Blanks (born November 5, 1977) is an American photographer, illustrator, director and producer.

Derek Blanks was born in Jackson, Mississippi. He is the middle twin of three siblings.

Blanks attended Murrah High School in Jackson, MS enrolled in APAC: The Academic and Performing Arts Complex open to eligible student’s grades 4-12.

In 2000, Blanks graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD whereas he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. Upon graduation, Blanks worked in commercial design, illustration and freelance photography through work with The Baltimore Sun and illustrated children's book, “Up in the Learning Tree” published by Lee & Low Books.

Blanks entered into lifestyle and fashion Photography by developing a portfolio with works published by Essence, BET Networks, Sony Music Entertainment, Reach Media Inc. and Ebony.

In 2009, Blanks collaborated with NeNe Leakes by photographing the cast of Real Housewives of Atlanta for his Alter Ego portrait series. Blanks photographed several more celebrities for the series including Chaka Khan, Taraji P. Henson, Blair Underwood, Snoop Dogg, Janelle Monáe, Rockmond Dunbar, Hill Harper, Faith Evans, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Brandy, Boris Kodjoe, Terrell Owens, Angela Bassett, Cover Girl, Nicole Ari Parker, Mike Epps, Eva Marcille, Akon, Cedric The Entertainer, Columbus Short, and more.

...
Wikipedia