Dominican photographer, Felix Augustine, received a major career boost when he was chosen to be the personal photographer of former American Idol winner, Fantasia Barino, during the promotional tour of her latest album, Side Effects of You.
Augustine has been able to capture some remarkable shots of the singer which have won the hearts of many and have sealed his name in the archives of celebrity photography.
Augustine told online entertainment site Caribbeanceleb.com that his association with Fantasia goes back some years when as a Production Manager at BET he was working on a show called “Leading Women” in North Carolina.
There he met the singer’s manager and they stayed connected. He said after he left BET to pursue a career in photography, their paths crossed again. “When I heard she was releasing her latest record, I connected with her manager and after looking at my work, he immediately wanted me to shadow her during her trip to NYC,” he expained. “I accompanied her to her Album Release party, behind the scenes of her various performances, accompanied her to live performances at NBC New York Live, Sirius Radio and her sold out concert at Beacon Theatre.”
He explained that the job was an excellent opportunity for for his career. “Photographing Fantasia was an excellent opportunity for me because she has such a huge fan base. It is also important that the client loves your work, and she loves the way that I was able to capture her,” he remarked.
Fantasia is actually not the first celebrity to be captured in the lens of the former Dominica Grammar School student. He told Caribbeanceleb.com he has photographed famous names ranging from Sanaa Lathan, Los Angeles Clipper Matt Barnes, Basket Ball House Wives of LA Stars Gloria and Laura Govan, India Arie, Pittsburgh Steelers player Will Allen, Usher, Trey Songz, Kanye West, Kem, New Edition and a host of others.
He has also been commissioned by the family of Nelson Mandela to photograph the iconic figure. “I am due to visit South Africa again later this year to do a shoot with Nelson Mandela to commemorate his birthday,” Augustine revealed.
Augustine is a partner in NuMusicZone.com, an online source for Caribbean music especially from Dominica and the rest of the Eastern Caribbean. He is said to be a natural photographer who knows when is the exact moment to take the right shot.
Visit http://500px.com/faugustinejnr for a look at some of Augustine’s photos.
These are some great shots. I need to contact you, what is your business contact info?
[email protected]
Thanks so much. Will be emailing you some time. I live in New Jersey, will provide more info when I send you the email. Thanks again and much blessings.
Yeah!!!!!!!! Continue to walk in Jah light brother. Peace and love
Seriously is the important -this person takes photographs why all this fuss.
Congratulation…..well deserved…keep doing what you do best and may God continue to bless you….you are an Augustine…..
Papamet! is like you must leave Dominica to be recognized or to succeed period!congratulations to those who do in our lovely Dominica but Lord maybe i need to go too. congrats my boy.
Felix, congratulations!!! You are a true professional. I admire your relentless tenacity for perfection. I became familiar with your work since you accompanied my friend Ilyasah Shabazz to Africa to capture the essence of her trip. I admired your total professionalism and skill when you create the video for my book launch last year. I continue to see the great things you are doing and I wish you all the best. You take pride in what you do and it shows. Good luck!
FYI the website is CaribbeanCelebs.com you can see the original interview here: http://caribbeancelebs.com/2013/05/09/cool-gig-dominican-hired-to-shadow-fantasia-as-personal-photog/
thats it bro do it big for all of us bless up
Congratulations!
Nice work. Wishing you even more fame and fortune in your chosen career path.
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER EVER…….DONE
i doubt you have seen much.
Crabs.
It appears that there’s not much a Dominican can do here, regionally or internationally that would meet with the approval of some people, no matter how successful. Ever since I’ve known him he’s always been behind the lens. From his early days with the ‘Chronical’ newspaper, he’s been at the forefront of Dominican photography. If it were a “Mug Shot’ of Felix people would crucify him…now he’s excelling in his field…Persons still want to vilify the guy? You cannot get blood from stone..! Cut the man some slack..!
Go for it Bro! You’re an Augustine!
good work do the best with what God give to u
I keep hearing Dominican this and that and am happy that those persons are doing well and making names for themselves but these are persons who don’t live in da and have been out of da for ages so its better to say Dominican born instead of Dominican, when u make reference to Dominican I expect it to be one living in da who has moved just for an assignment because of there work but that person is based in da
you should be BANNED drom DNO
No no. It is fine to call him Dominican. He lives overseas, yes but is Dominican, and furthermore, touches base with his country. I’ve seen him on the ground here.
You are an idiot!!
This is very interesting Felix ! And I congratulate you on all your achievements.
Keep your head high and I wish you all the best.
You go Bro!!
The ones that I know are the ones you are standing besides
I’m a Dominican and I’m currently the personal stylist for a very famous rap artist. When I speak about Dominica I feel so proud..BUT I keep what I say to a certain level and to my family and close friends because I know there are some people who can’t seem to come to terms with the success of others, not sure why, I figured maybe its because they have a sh life or they just evil..but all those who have these negative comments saying..this guy, ME and a few other successful Dominicans out there who work in this industry are making LOADS OF MONEY so BOO YAH!
Congrats my friend. Don’t worry with us. There are those among us who love to hate anything good about Dominica. They did not make you and so they cannot take away from you what you love doing. Who pays you for your talent anyway?
congrats felix!!! Some dominicans they complain about everything.For those of u that’s posting these negative comments/remarks can u all go out there and do the same?NO NO NO best allu shut up and do something to rep ur country.HE’S MOVING FORWARD ARE U?
Hahahaha. Some of these comments are hilarious. Thanks to those who have been blessed by my work. To those I have not yet impressed, I will work harder. For the records, I have been shooting celebrities for quite a while now. My latest project with Fantasia seemed to have awaken an awareness in media circles and so an interview was sought. I am thankful that they took the time to notice. I understand that photography like many careers, not everybody will like every piece or your representation of your idea. I hold nothing against you if you don’t like. It is what it is and we keep moving. As for shooting people with their clothes off….paying clients have their preference for how they would like to be photographed. If somebody is comfortable enough with their body and would love for me to bring that out for them, I take pleasure in doing that. At the end of the day folks, as long as you are doing what you love to do, as long as the people you are doing it for appreciates it, then your mission is accomplished. I am not mad at anybody who does not get it. Nothing but love to all. Be blessed folks.
my friend they are just making u stronger in what ur doing reach for the stars.JAH GUIDE
Hey Felix do not sorry about these negative comments these people makes.
Criticism makes one stronger.
Ask them to do it , would they do it? Such us life. Our own people brings us down.
I am very happy for you! Do what makes you happy, do what makes you smile! What your client may see as excellent another person may see it as just being “ok”. As long as you please your client with the work you have done for them that’s all that matters!
EVERYTHING HAS BEAUTY BUT NOT EVERYONE SEES IT!
Just yesterday I was gloating about your work to my sister. Especially when I saw your photo of Marcia Baptiste….let me tell you – awesome. Those who are negative are way below your level in excellence and spirit. They do not realise that you are taking other Dominicans with you on your way up. Like you said “Picture a Dominican model on a billboard…” Now isn’t this unselfish. Keep going. I for one am proud of you.
Mr Augustine, I dont know you, but I would like to congratulate you. Keep reaching for higher goals.
Ignore the haters, they are green with envy. They dislike anyone who has achieved/made something of themselves.
Well Felix I love your work no matter what people say. You did a shoot for my 5 yr old niece and the pics were amazing. Never strive to please Dominicans because you will never succeed in life doing that.You are talented, something most of your haters lack. Keep you head up, keep doing what makes you happy. Half of these fools don’t have anything on you.
So well said Felix!! You go for it and defend your skill, as only God knows how hard you must have worked and how many doors were closed to you initially before you hit the big time!! & that’s something that no one can take away from you. Those that comment negatively, simply don’t get that it’s caled “survival of the fittest!!”
@ Felix Augustine
Commendations to you sir!. Way to go! I am not only impressed with your consistent strides towards excellence, but above all I am even more impressed with the mature manner in which you responded to the ‘belchers’ and naysayers. There was no animosity nor arrogance in your delivery. This response showed that you are above the fray of pettiness. If only our politicians, preachers and other social leaders dealt with matters in this calm and responsible way , Dominica would be a much better place.
The ironic thing is the same folks who will jealously pounce at you for your achievements, are the very ones who will embrace, protect and defend every foreign criminal who come here and violate Dominica’s laws and welfare.
Felix in this world nothing is perfect, all educated people know that, however we use the corrective criticism to learn, however the spiteful just ignore… i commend you sir in what you have done and what you will achieve in the future, i feel your pain towards the promotion/recognition and international acceptance of Dominica Our Home Land. During this journey the most hurtful fact is not the “struggle to get to a position acceptable by our peers” But that fact is “THE MOST CRUCIAL/DOUBTFUL/SPITEFUL JUDGES ::: OUR PEOPLE,” Go for your stars sir……………. lol
Congratulations Felix. I’m excited about your success. I admire your work and professionalism! Cheers
You see is people like thiny- that name suits you- thiny for small brain- that does make people say Dominicans are crabs in a barrel. Give Lixy a break! I commend him on his continuous pursuit to strive and keep being successful. Lixy worked at BET before. I’m sure tiny doesn’t even know what BET stands for farless to understand how major that is. I know Lixy is laughing at all the haterz because he knows you guys will never be able to walk a mile in his shoes. My Brother and close friend I just have to say keep doing you and keep blowing your nose when the haterz- like tiny- send their bad odor by you. One luv
Lastly, I commend DNO for recognizing a good Dominican for making something off himself and still making Dominica proud.
So what? You sound like one of the Dominicans stuck in hopelessness. So you hate. This is a massive achievement, hope he never forgets his roots, secondly this is the type of thing that inspires the youth of tomorrow. Go on, get yours…
i’m very impressed proves my point dream big and go out there.
whether he is from Delices or Paix=Bouche Congratulations he is Dominican.
well done Faustin, keep climbing.
Whatever, whenever; If I ever do anything good for humanity that may make it to the news and also when I die. Please Do not let Dominicans know.
I remember this guy from Grammar School days and I am very happy that he is suceeding in his career and wish all the best.
Congratulations! Keep at it and most of all, enjoy what you do. Best wishes!
Congratulations! Felix. Please use any opportunity to tell people where you are from. i tell them ‘Dominica, not Dominican Republic.. please google it…”. i don’t want them to think that I am from Jamaica or Haiti or Dominican Replublic, these are the only countries most foreigners know off.
He is also from piax-bouche not only delices
who cares?
Now allu know him?
and btw, this is NOT news worthy. Again he is only
seeking publicity. Taking pics of Fantasia, big deal. Am I the only one who can see through this person.
SAD. Allu just bad mind… so what the man gets some publicity to further himself… How does this news affect you so negatively that you have to hate on this simple piece of news.
You want him to stay DA and do what? work for Depex LOL.
just be positive and get on your hustle, stop breaking down people’s endeavors.
Nuff Respect Felix. Bless.
All you Dominican people too jealous and hating. If it means nothing to you then just shut up and move on already.
DONT HATE, CONGRATULATE…SMH
Hater Alert!!!!
DAM HATER!!! GET A LIFE!!! WA U MEAN IT’S NOT NEWS WORTHY!! IF HE HAD ROB A BANK IT WOULD BE NEWS WORTHY RIGHT? Felix is not my friend personally, but I love when Dominicans excel, whenever they leave DA.. We should wish good for everyone..
I am not hating but whats the big deal? I live in a very big city and big players don’t need publicity, Bro tell me when you work for a big fish then I will tell you doing something. Thanks.
POINT TAKEN!
And so what if he’s looking for publicity. If he doesn’t look for it no one will find it for him. People have to know that he is out there. What’s wrong with that. That’s what TV commercials are about. Sheesh….Isn’t that what most celebs do and people enjoy it. Why don’t you look at it like “His country is going to profit from this”. I smell pure hate coming from you….go get yours.
Congrats Felix and he is from the community of Delices
Congratulations Felix! Best wishes in your endeavours.
way to go felix
keep it up to achive good goals
keep it up to achive good goal
Congrats Felix i’m so proud of u reach for the stars bro. don’t mind the haters they will keep hating we love u.
Delices Man in the house!!!
ok i just checked out some of his pics on Facebook…..ummmmm…..please understand i am not bringing the man down but….but but…….any amateur can take these pics what is so creative and great about his photo shoots…
again why is it news worthy?????
you people need to come and interview me at my job as a cashier…..i should be on the news too
Hell no you sound like an idiot
Congratulations on your success. I am extremely proud of you. Continue to represent. May God’s blessings be with you always.
this comment is for the others who i know is going to respond to my comment stating that this isn’t news worthy……
hey so what if I’m just a cashier at a grocery store…what matters is that i follow the golden rule and i do my best that i can…i may fail and fail and fail and fail i never give up….
why is this news worthy????????????
first i don’t boast to even if i was a Harvard graduate i would not announce it…secondly why is this news worthy??????? why???????????
oops do the best that i can…..talk to you guys soon ok
Becuase he’s DOminican. Isn’t that good enough?
No its not furthermore not impressed with the bling bling factor.
@ thiny why do you insist on making a fool of yourself ma friend
WHY ARE YOU HATING? WHY?
…newsworthy because It’s bringing another Dominican up. Whether it’s YOU or not. Whether you think it’s good or not. Wouldn’t you be happy if it was your family member who was getting that recognition? Then again maybe not cause judging by what you say – you may not be since it’s not you personally.
Job well done.Am proud that u represent Dominica.keep up the good work n don’t stop.
He is not representing g dominica he is a citizen of the United States of america
Even if he is a citizen of USA he represents Dominica. You guys should follow this dude on the social networks or maybe get to know him before you talk shit about him.
Missy it is the truth -this man lives in United States he is sn American with a green card etc. He represents America. Unless he chooses to denounce e his citizenship then he will be Dominican representing dominica.I hope that is not to diffulct to you to understand.
Missy you lack.of education is evident -I was stating a fact at no time was I disrespectful to you or the above mentioned photographer
Impressive. congratulations sir.
Continued best wishes for success in the entertainment biz in north america… continue reaching for the stars bro.
This is great but why now? He’s been shooting celebs for a while according to the article. I personally would prefer to see this article highlight his Nelson Mandela shoot. Not that I have anything against Fantasia,but still….
why does this comment have dislikes ? what’s more of an accomplishment , taking photos of another celebrity or taking a photo of a man who was responsible for a great change in the world ? Just wondering.
Photography is a career. The White House hires photographers and so does every celeb. It’s his job. What is your stress? Even if he gets hire to take pics of trees, or dogs, or low-minded people, it is still a job. And you know what, best of it all, he looks like he enjoys it. Life is good, when your hobby can also be a career.
Some of us are only now just getting to know of his accomplishments. maybe it’s just timing.
Fantasia is just as human as Mandela, learn to give jack his jacket….
Congrats hun
OUTSTANDING!!
I love felix pics but I have a ‘but’. This is more constructive criticism than anything else. Felix really needs to focus more on showing women with their clothes on. I wish he would refuse to take photos of women who are too eager to show ugly tattoos or so quick to undress. They’re so tacky, which diminishes his level of work. Also, if they’re going to pose in bikini or lingerie why don’t they do it with the appropriate background like the pool, beach etc. Set the scene or something. The pics he took of Fantasia are really good and I’ve never seen her portayed that well in photographs, but these other women from the bronx or where ever they from need to have some class.
wow! Really??? not true. I suggest you look again.
I have looked -mediocre at best
YU are a bit narrow in your thinking my friend.would you tell a calypsonian dont sing about a subject because of the negatives associated with it, poverty, deprivation, etc. would you tell a lawyer do not represent a client because the client seems guilty or in the wrong social class? would you tell a doctor dont assist a patient having a life-threatening abortion because ‘its her fault’ and she is a ‘no good’.
Felix is building a brand. These ghetto looking women with no class will destroy his brand. Why do you think brands like abercombie, saks fifth avenue etc don’t have build boards in some neighborhoods? They don’t want to attract certain types of consumers. It’s the same for photography. Go check out Mario Testino known best in the fashion industry for taking high quality pics of women. Do you see any ghetto girls posing infront of his lens? Felix has already taken great pics for some celebrities but with anything you want to attract the top in the industry beyond the z-list celebrities. I love his pictures, my point is he needs to keep his brand at the highest level possible. These ratchet women won’t help him get to the top. But that’s just my thoughts. What do I know about building a brand?
so bwa kwaib in your high intellegence you did not realise that fifth ave et al do not put ads in poor neighborhoods cuz they peeps dont have money to shop at fifth and sax? hmmmm very bright you are eh, check you head and forget Felix he is on his way.
Reach for the stars!
Keep repping Dominica hard. You always bubbling with talent. The Sky is limitless for you
Great news Bro Keep up the good work
Congrats! D/A we rock
good going, keep up the good work
Congratulations to my former neighbour and work mate. I am so glad you’ve made it. Reach for the stars with your feet on the ground.
you never know how far you can go in life congratulations that is just the beginning keep up the good work
Yea Yea, I think you would be better of not showing off, its just your first, celeb!
yea and I think you would be better off learning to READ! Poor you! How does that haterade taste?
boy people jealousy. well well does it hurt to say congrates, human beings thats how they are thats why I love dogs
Wow!! Jealous much? So it’s his first celeb. SO WHAT?? Even God Himself started from nothing. Give the young man a break already!!!! SMH.
The fact is, it is NOT his first celeb. His FB page is full of the evidence. Gosh!
…….negative comments cannot bring you anywhere.
Dude was asked too photograph MANDELA….twice. i think he has all rights to show off hunty!
Congratulations on your success Felix! Watch out my boy, lest you end up becoming Fantasia’s next baby daddy! She moves fast!
Low minded!
Congrats my brother….love you always
Impressive. i do so love to see my people succeed. Congrats
Congratulations!! I admire you for keeping your dream alive. Some of us need some schooling on how to do that. You inspire me.
Great news – best wishes from your neighbours as you continue your good work
Well done Felix. Keep reaching and best wishes!
Positive Vibez, keep at it. Hard work pays off…….
Great job my friend….keep making DA and your family proud!!
Wow. Dreams do come true.
yayyyy that is so big
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!VERY PROUD OF YOU.MR. AGUSTINE.
Yes! Way to go Felix! Keep on doing you! God bless!
Well done Felix!
Congrats! Very proud of you!
you gooooo boy!!!!! luv yah
WOw this is BiG, good thing u left Dominica it was stifling your talent, keep it up Felix!
Way to go, Felix!
Let’s hear it for the boys (men)…Good news for you and for the country….
Congrats bro…. Great news when a brethren you know well(???) excels in the wider world… hope that translates in many$$$$$$$ for you……
big things happening..keep up the good work!
You go “Faustin”
lol…that have to be a close personal friend/family that would know his nickname…”faustin”…Greens Lane/Delices/Potters Street massive, I see you!!
give me a break…this is not newsworthy…
I’m betting this comment came from someone who has never accomplished anything in his/her life…
I support this comments. people are just to jealousy in this world
….. … for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
or his acomplishments
WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM,…HATER!!!!
congrats that a good one buddy! keep it up!
wow! Ilove the good news and proud moments, of our people’s ahcievements. Continue the good work, and be guided by the Creator who gives good gifts. All the best as you continue to sail.
Big moves, positive vibes…young people, this is the pattern to success: by getting off our butts and do something worthy of recognition. Not the other way around! Keep on progressing, Augustine
Well OK den…nice nice nice!
:)wow that’s impressive, Congraulations to you Mr Augustine, keep reacing for the star.
Well done my brother!! Continue the good work and God’s blessings all the time.
Congratulations Felix!!
Well done Felix. Another Dominican soaring high once out of Dominica. If you are like me you would be one of those people whose work was never recognised, never good enough and who was pressed, found fault with etc etc. We will continue to soar whilst the world appreciates our ability and our work instead of looking at who we are, where we grow up, or pulling friend strings to put square pins in round holes. (Who laughs last laughs the best)
Congrats Felix. I hope this is, indeed, good for your career. Fantasia is Worries!!!! Be careful and all the best.
Are you her friend or family? What right do you have to make that statement? Is the tabloids your source or just pure gossip!
WOW WONDERFUL
Congrats Felix!!!! Continue doing what you love
Do your thing, may God continue to bless you and remember, in the midst of the fame and fortune, dont forget to give God the glory
Amazing! Hats off to you Felix for such great accomplishments! I hope you’ll be an inspiration to our younger brothers and sisters at home in DA so they can just follow their dreams and be passionate about what they do! All the best
Congratulations to Felix. Keep doing your thing & stay grounded because we know that bigger & better things are coming.
yea felix good stuff man….you going places
Congrats Lixx!