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ATX Digital Photography

I have been an award-winning Photojournalist and Media Photographer in Austin since 1987. Welcome.

Photography stands alone as it allows us to capture a moment in time, and to bring a piece of that moment home with us forever. If you're looking for professional digital photography service and media news, you've come to the right place. At ATX Digital Photography, we are committed to giving you the attention and personal service you'll come to expect and enjoy. Look for some of my news and media stories in the Nokoa The Observer newspaper and at ATX Digital Photography web site.

03/09/2025

SXSW had a Conversation with Issa Rae on March 8, 2025.
Jacqueline Coley of Rotten Tomatoes was the moderator.

With her unique flare and infectious humor, Rae first received attention for her award-winning web series and the accompanying New York Times best-seller, “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” She created and starred in the Peabody-award-winning HBO series, INSECURE, which garnered her multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominations. Rae has also made her mark on the big screen, co-starring in Greta Gerwig’s BARBIE, which dominated theaters as the biggest box-office hit of 2023, SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, Sony’s highest-grossing animated release in history and the award-winning AMERICAN FICTION.
Check out the documentary film exec produced by Issa Rae, "Seen and Heard"

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

03/02/2025

Austin’s downtown skyline changes every year. Frost Bank Tower used to be the tallest building in downtown Austin before the skyscraper construction boom started in 2007. This is what downtown Austin Ladybird Lake looks like as of March 2025.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

02/24/2025

CELEBRATING OUR BLACK 2025

The 5th Edition of Celebrating Our Black, an epic community photoshoot was held at the Texas State Capitol on Sunday, February 23. This tradition is about showing up, showing out, celebrating culture, and letting everyone know that WE'RE OUT HERE. Celebrating Our Black was back bigger and better this year thanks to the ATX in Color Collective.

This year's vibe was urban western, in honor of Black Cowboy Culture. The entire city of Austin came together for this event.

Celebrating Our Black started in 2018.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

02/15/2025

Commemorating Black History in Austin Texas

Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison marked the 150th anniversaries of Huston-Tillotson University and Ebenezer Baptist Church with a Proclamation and a Certificate of Congratulations on February 13, 2025, at Austin City Hall.

The Austin City Council passed a Resolution to honor these significant milestones and accelerate developments within the African American Cultural Heritage District. The resolution voted upon during the Austin Council Meeting, aims to enhance key corridors in the district, focusing on initiatives like lighting improvements, custom signage, and way-finding signage to connect visitors to cultural landmarks better.

This initiative underscores the lasting impact of Huston-Tillotson University and Ebenezer Baptist Church, highlighting their contributions to the community. It sets a clear path for strategic planning efforts to elevate the district's cultural significance and accessibility.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

02/14/2025

Remembering Natalie Cole.

On Friday, February 10, 2012, the Austin Symphony presented Natalie Cole.

Natalie Cole, a nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist performed with the Austin Symphony to a packed house at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

It was a magical night with Natalie Cole singing the music from her multimillion-selling albums. She even performed a song with her father, even though Nat King Cole was only on a black-and-white screen. Believe me, it was truly “Unforgettable.”

Natalie Marie Cole would have been 75 on February 6, 2025. Cole passed away nine years ago on December 31, 2015, at 65 in Los Angeles.

Natalie Cole will remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever.

These are some images I captured during Natalie Cole’s performance in Austin on February 10, 2012, at the Long Center.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

02/03/2025

Happy Black History Month 2025!

Black history is our history! It is American history. It is world-wide history.
Let’s Celebrate, Reflect, and Push Forward Together!

Black History Month started Saturday, February 1, and Austin had a few celebrations planned for Saturday.

The postponed 32nd MLK Community Festival was held at Huston-Tillotson University on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event was scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but due to inclement weather conditions the festival was postponed and the MLK march was cancelled.

The festival featured performances from five local musical acts: Blue Vinyl Crates, The Levites, Distinguished Soundz, Noella Gray and the Imaginary Band, and Wave Rowanne. There were plenty of vendors set up at the festival which included Target, AAA, and many local businesses. The festival also included a playscape for the kids. The HT campus had over 200 people at one time listening and dancing to the music, ordering food from the food trucks, visiting the vendors, and enjoying the playscape. We had great weather for this event and the people came out to celebrate.
The festival was hosted by the Austin Area Heritage Council with support from the Austin Center for Events.

George Washington Carver Museum held its celebration from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Solar Saturday: Black History Month Kick-Off Block Party! The event featured live music, a social dance, a DJ spinning 45s and 33 rpm records, hands-on art activities, exercise activities, movies, and vendors, and the gallery was open! The museum’s calendar currently has plenty of events during Black History Month.

This is brought to you from your award-winning photographer in Austin for over 40 years.!

For additional beautiful Black History Month images, please go to: to be announced soon.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved
Black History is American History

01/30/2025

A United States Army Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60 helicopter (3 military personnel on board) collided midair into a PSA American Airlines Jet in DC over the Potomac River Wednesday at 8:48 pm eastern time. An American Airlines jet CRJ700 had 64 people (60 passengers, 2 pilots, 2 flight attendants) on board. The American Airlines flight number 5342 plane was a direct flight from Wichita, Kansas. This is so sad. The plane was seconds from landing on runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). As of 2 a.m. in Washington DC, there have not been any survivors rescued yet. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall stated, "I did not see any ambulances leaving the scene". The Washington DC mayor stated the American Airlines pilots did not do anything wrong. The American Airlines pilots followed their routine landing path.
I am hoping for a miracle.

These photos appear to show a plane wing and part of the fuselage in the Potomac River.

Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

01/29/2025

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael J Lewis

This is Charlie Wilson (71) performing in concert on January 17, 2025, in the Houston area. The last time Wilson performed at the Smart Financial Centre, he stated his doctor told him to stay off his feet, so he decided to stay behind the piano most of the time to perform instead of dancing. Well, this year, Uncle Charlie was back on stage dancing. Wilson did a great job! Uncle Charlie only used the piano seat to rest while the 6 band members, 5 dancers, and 3 singers performed. Wilson gave the audience all he had and even came back out for an encore. After Wilson finished the encore bending on his knees and sweating, his team came to help him up and he slowly walked backstage. Thank you, Charlie Wilson! You are blessed as your song stated.

Happy birthday, Charlie Wilson! Uncle Charlie is 72!

Uncle Charlie also received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on his 71st birthday, January 29, 2024.
© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

The special guests that performed were the Whispers. Permission was not granted to capture images of the Whispers.

01/14/2025

Hailed as Austin’s wildest party, CARNAVAL BRASILEIRO is the city’s annual Brazilian style Mardi Gras celebration. The flamboyant sometimes risqué, costumes, the driving Brazilian samba, and the uninhibited, spirited atmosphere have earned CARNAVAL its reputation as one of the best and biggest such festivities outside Brazil.
Two live Brazilian bands provide non-stop dance music…come in comfortable shoes, and be ready to dance for 5 hours straight!

Saturday, February 22, 2025
Doors open at 8pm, music starts at 9pm.

Live body painter available.
Table Reservations available. Check the ticket section for placement information.

Speakeasy's newest room, The Ballroom, which matches the 140 year old historic feel you have always enjoyed at Speakeasy, gives you a lot more room to dance and roam. This space includes two bars , a stage, and limited reserved seating options. Visit SpeakeasyAustin.com for more information on The Ballroom at Speakeasy.

© 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

12/08/2024

AN EVENING WITH FANTASIA
With Special Guest K Michelle
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Smart Financial Centre

Fantasia Monique Barrino-Taylor, known simply as Fantasia, is a Grammy Award-winning American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as the winner of the third season of *American Idol* in 2004. Renowned for her powerful, soulful voice and electrifying stage presence, Fantasia has released several successful albums, including her platinum-selling debut *Free Yourself*. She has also starred on Broadway, most notably in *The Color Purple*, earning critical acclaim for her performance. Fantasia's journey from reality TV star to celebrated artist highlights her resilience, talent, and enduring impact on contemporary R&B and soul music.

11/19/2024

Michele Norris was in Discussion about Our Hidden Conversations.

Michele Norris discussed her new book, “Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think about Race and Identity” with Dr. Peniel Joseph, a UT Austin professor, at the Texas Book Festival on Sunday, November 17 at the State Theatre in Austin.

“Race. Your Thoughts. Six Words. Please Send.” Over 500 thousand Americans answered this six-word prompt on award-winning journalist Michele Norris’ “The Race Card Project” website. These responses inspired Norris’ newest book, Our Hidden Conversations, a collection of thoughtful, sometimes humorous, and unflinchingly honest stories. Norris stated that the number of responses has recently reached over 700 thousand on the website.

Norris and Joseph took turns reading some of the responses received directly from the book during the 45-minute presentation.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

11/17/2024

Malcolm Gladwell spoke with Michele Norris about the book Revenge of the Tipping Point and other relevant subjects.

Malcolm Gladwell is speaking about his dad in the video.

Seven-time New York Times bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell discussed his new book Revenge of the Tipping Point, which revisits his groundbreaking first book a quarter century after publication. In conversation with award-winning journalist and author Michele Norris, Gladwell discussed reframing The Tipping Point for the rapidly changing modern world with his combination of storytelling and social science.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

11/17/2024

Malcolm Gladwell spoke with Michele Norris about the book Revenge of the Tipping Point and other relevant subjects.

Seven-time New York Times bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell discussed his new book Revenge of the Tipping Point, which revisits his groundbreaking first book a quarter century after publication. In conversation with award-winning journalist and author Michele Norris, Gladwell discussed reframing The Tipping Point for the rapidly changing modern world with his characteristic combination of storytelling and social science.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

10/29/2024

Gladys Knight is performing at the Smart Financial Centre on October 30, 2024.

The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last sixty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time GRAMMY Award winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B, and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance.

All told, Knight has recorded more than 38 albums over the years, including four solo albums: “Good Woman” (1991); “Just for You” (1994); the inspirational “Many Different Roads” (1999); and “At Last” (2001). “At Last” showed the world that she still has what it takes to record a hit album, employing the talents of contemporary producers like Randy Jackson.
Knight has continued to spread her acting wings, making a guest star appearance in the FOX hit show “Star” and appearing in the film “Almost Christmas” in 2016, both of which were produced and directed by Lee Daniels. She appeared on ABC’s 14th season of “Dancing With The Stars” in 2012. In 2019, she competed in the inaugural season of “The Masked Singer” and sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta. Knight sang the National Anthem on yet another major sports stage at the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. This past 2022 holiday season she starred in “I’m Glad It’s Christmas” on Great American Family and received the 45th Kennedy Center Honors for Lifetime Artistic Achievements along with George Clooney, Amy Grant, Tania Leone, and U2 in December. In addition, this past March she received the National Medal of Arts along with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bruce Springsteen, Jose Feliciano, and Mindy Kaling. This year she will be honored as a 2024 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree.

Her involvement in other creative undertakings, business ventures, and humanitarian activities has been extensive and has brought her honors from industry and community alike. In 2015, A portion of Atlanta’s State Route 9 from Peachtree Street to 14th Street was officially named Gladys Knight Highway.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

09/24/2024

Anthony Hamilton and the Isley Brothers performed at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugarland on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
The Isley Brothers, Ronald and Ernie, performed their hit songs from the past 60-plus years including “That Lady” and they also included a few songs from Frankie Beverley and Maze as a tribute to the passing of Frankie Beverly. The Isley Brothers performed on the same stage with Frankie Beverley and Maze last year.

Anthony Hamilton came on stage after a short delay and did his thing, dancing and singing and having fun on stage. Hamilton performed many of the hits the audience was anticipating to hear which included a few songs to show he started in the church. The audience enjoyed his performance and at the end of the show, Anthony Hamilton took a few selfies with some people standing in front of the stage and shook hands with as many people that were close to him as he walked down the stage.

About Anthony Hamilton

Anthony Hamilton is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his rich, soulful voice and deeply emotional performances. Born on January 28, 1971, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hamilton began singing in his church choir at a young age, laying the foundation for his future in music.
Hamilton's big break came when he signed with Uptown Records in 1993, but it wasn't until the early 2000s that he gained widespread recognition. His second studio album, "Comin' from Where I'm From" (2003), featuring the hit single of the same name and "Charlene," earned him critical acclaim and solidified his place in the R&B genre. The album's success led to multiple Grammy nominations, including Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Album.
Throughout his career, Hamilton has released several successful albums, such as "Ain't Nobody Worryin'" (2005) and "The Point of It All" (2008), showcasing his ability to blend traditional soul with contemporary R&B. His music often explores themes of love, heartache, and resilience, resonating deeply with his audience.
Hamilton also made his debut in the movie “American Gangster” and has recently starred as Kyle Kirby in the feature film “Influence” by Carl Weber. Hamilton’s soulful voice has also been featured in the Academy Award-nominated film “Django Unchained” for his song “Freedom.”

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About The Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers are an iconic American musical group known for their influential contributions to R&B, soul, funk, and rock music. Originating from Cincinnati, Ohio, the group was formed in the early 1950s by brothers O'Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley, Ronald Isley, and Vernon Isley. After Vernon’s tragic death in a car accident in 1955, the remaining brothers continued to pursue their musical dreams.
Their breakthrough came in 1959 with the release of the single "Shout," a high-energy anthem that became a cultural touchstone. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, The Isley Brothers evolved their sound, blending soulful ballads with funky, rock-infused tracks. Hits like "Twist and Shout" (1962), later famously covered by The Beatles, and "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)" (1966) solidified their place in the music industry.
The addition of younger brothers Ernie and Marvin Isley, as well as brother-in-law Chris Jasper, in the early 1970s, marked a new era for the group. This lineup shift resulted in a series of successful albums, including "3 + 3" (1973), which featured the hit singles "That Lady" and "Summer Breeze." Their music during this period showcased their versatility, seamlessly blending rock, funk, and soul

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© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved
Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

09/24/2024

Barry Manilow performed recently in the Houston area for the first time since 2018 and it was his second visit since 1975, 49 years ago as Manilow stated on stage. Manilow said “I still look great” to the audience and then looked out and said everyone looked great too. Manilow not only looks good but he sounded good too. Manilow is calling these recent concerts his last because he said he is tired of traveling. Next year, Manilow will start performing just in Vegas.

Barry Manilow (81), born on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, is an iconic American singer-songwriter, musician, and producer renowned for his captivating voice and timeless melodies. From an early age, Manilow showed a prodigious talent for music, learning to play the accordion and piano as a child. His passion for music led him to study at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music while also working in the mailroom at CBS to support himself.

Manilow's breakthrough came in the early 1970s when he began working as a pianist, arranger, and musical director for Bette Midler. His collaboration with Midler catapulted him into the spotlight, and he soon embarked on a solo career. In 1973, Manilow released his debut album, self-titled "Barry Manilow," which included the hit single "Mandy." The song topped the charts and marked the beginning of Manilow's meteoric rise to fame. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Manilow dominated the music scene with a string of chart-topping hits, including "Copacabana (At the Copa)," "Can't Smile Without You," and "Looks Like We Made It." His distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics, and lush orchestrations endeared him to millions of fans worldwide, earning him the title of "The King of Soft Rock" and cementing his status as a pop music icon. In addition to his success as a recording artist, Manilow is also a prolific songwriter and producer, having penned numerous songs for himself and other artists. He has received countless awards and accolades throughout his career, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Emmy Awards. Furthermore, Manilow's philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact, particularly through his work with organizations like the American Heart Association and the National Music Council.

Today, Barry Manilow continues to captivate audiences with his unforgettable performances and timeless music. With a career spanning over five decades, he remains one of the most beloved and enduring figures in the history of popular music, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers around the world.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved
Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

09/15/2024

Look for Anthony Hamilton, Isley Brothers, and Barry Manilow images soon.

09/12/2024

Opal Lee, the longtime civil rights leader and grandmother of Juneteenth spoke at the Harriet Tubman sculpture farewell ceremony on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Kerr Community Center in Bastrop at 5:30 pm. Wesley Wolford, the sculpture's artist has exhibited it in many prominent locations, but this is the first time it will have been hosted in Texas.

The 2,400-pound "Harriet Tubman: Journey to Freedom” powerful sculpture will leave Bastrop Texas and continue on its nationwide tour following the farewell ceremony and presentation from Opal Lee, who will celebrate her 98th birthday on October 7.

© 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

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Hailed as Austin’s wildest party, CARNAVAL BRASILEIRO is the city’s annual Brazilian style Mardi Gras celebration. The flamboyant sometimes risqué, costumes, the driving Brazilian samba, and the uninhibited, spirited atmosphere have earned CARNAVAL its reputation as one of the best and biggest such festivities outside Brazil. Two live Brazilian bands provide non-stop dance music…come in comfortable shoes, and be ready to dance for 5 hours straight! Saturday, February 22, 2025 Doors open at 8pm, music starts at 9pm. Live body painter available. Table Reservations available. Check the ticket section for placement information. Speakeasy's newest room, The Ballroom, which matches the 140 year old historic feel you have always enjoyed at Speakeasy, gives you a lot more room to dance and roam. This space includes two bars , a stage, and limited reserved seating options. Visit SpeakeasyAustin.com for more information on The Ballroom at Speakeasy. © 2025 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Malcolm Gladwell spoke with Michele Norris about the book Revenge of the Tipping Point and other relevant subjects. Malcolm Gladwell is speaking about his dad in the video. Seven-time New York Times bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell discussed his new book Revenge of the Tipping Point, which revisits his groundbreaking first book a quarter century after publication. In conversation with award-winning journalist and author Michele Norris, Gladwell discussed reframing The Tipping Point for the rapidly changing modern world with his combination of storytelling and social science. © 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nikki Giovanni (born June 7, 1943) headlined the 18th Annual Austin African American Book Festival on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center located at 1165 Angelina Street in Austin, Texas, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Giovanni spoke at 11:00 am. Giovanni will discuss her life and work with Texas Poet Laureate Amanda Johnston. In this video, Nikki Giovanni speaks about Black Women in Space. Giovanni has won numerous awards, including the NAACP Image Award. She has been nominated for a Grammy Award for her poetry album, The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection. Giovanni was also named as one of Oprah Winfrey's 25 "Living Legends". Happy belated birthday to Nikki Giovanni! This year’s festival, Under the theme “Black Feeling, Black Talk: Activism in Poetry and Prose,” the festival highlighted the transformative power of the arts to foster growth and connection in our community. © 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Austin Civic Wind Ensemble Spring Performance at Bates Recital Hall

The Austin Civic Wind Ensemble presented Johan De Meu’s Symphony No. 1, “The Lord of The Rings” at the University of Texas Bates Recital Hall on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Robert Laguna is the Conductor and Musical Director. Thomas E. Stowers II is the Assistant Director. It was an awesome performance and Austin Civic Wind Ensemble had a huge round of applause. © 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Dr. Cornel West was at the George Washington Carver Museum on April 16, 2024. In an event poised to resonate through the heart of Austin's vibrant music scene, Dr. Cornel West, Independent Presidential Candidate, extended a warm invitation to the local community for an afternoon of critical dialogue and cultural celebration. Set against the backdrop of the George Washington Carver Museum, a beacon of culture and history in East Austin, this roundtable discussion, titled 'The State of the Music Industry,' will address the pressing issues facing Austin's music community. As Brother Cornel West has profoundly stated, “Music is the language of the soul, the sound of the collective heart beating together.”' This roundtable is a testament to the campaign’s belief in the transformative power of art, music, and the collective vote in bringing about systemic change. Brother Cornel mentioned many musical artists from the 60’s and 70’s. Cornel West led the panel discussion with a City Councilmember representative, musician Ray Price, musician Courtney Santana, and venue owner Pedro Carvalho, as they delved into the unique challenges of affordability, labor concerns, and the broader implications for music industry workers in Austin. George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center © 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

This is Kristen Currie and Jim Spencer, KXAN Weather Team, announcing the Kite winners on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the 96th ABC Kite Fest at Zilker Park. © 2024 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved KXAN News

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