Published on May 28th, 2024 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Legendary Lens: Mr. Blake Martin

Mr. Blake Martin is a versatile professional in the fashion and entertainment industry. With nearly two decades of experience, he has made a notable impact as a fashion show producer, model coach, stage play writer, director, and bestselling author. His primary focus is high-end fashion and editorial photography.

Mr. Blake Martin – Photo Credit Caleb Schaftlein | Chicago Photography

Blake Martin’s work came to my wider attention through Ta’Rhonda Jones when one of his images was provided for use by the Oprah Winfrey Network as the featured image in an interview article for her relationship series on OWN called “The Never Ever Mets.” We also featured the dynamic photo as the inset image of The Hype Magazine Digital Cover Issue #141.

Ta’Rhonda Jones (Host of The Never Ever Mets on OWN) – Photo by @MrBlakeMartin

The Hype Magazine Digital Issue Cover #141 – Cover Design by @HypeJustJay

Early Career and Fashion Show Production

Blake’s career in fashion show production began in 2006 with an internship at Baby Phat Fashions. In 2007, he founded his own production company, FROW Media Group (formerly Blake Martin Productions), marking the start of a prolific career. Blake has produced and curated over 300 fashion shows in major fashion hubs such as Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Paris, and he completed a 40-city tour in China. His portfolio includes collaborations with brands like Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland, Adidas, and Nike. In 2018, his work earned him the Fashion Producer of the Year award in New York City.

Mr. Blake Martin – Photo Credit Roshawn Lyles

Transition to Photography

In 2021, Blake expanded his creative work to include high-end fashion and editorial photography. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, he quickly gained prominence. Blake became the first photographer from Chicago to have his work featured on a billboard in Times Square. His visuals have appeared in American Vogue twice and on the cover of Vogue Japan. His portfolio includes high-profile clients such as media legend Rickey Smiley, rap icon Shawnna, Latavia Roberson of Destiny’s Child, members of B2K, Grammy-winning gospel artist Donald Lawrence, OWN’s TaRhonda Jay, the cast of Showtime’s “The Chi,” and rapper DaBaby.

Achievements and Influence

Blake’s influence extends beyond photography and fashion production. In 2023, he published his memoir, “Baggage Claim,” which became an Amazon bestseller, reaching #7 in the Self-Help genre. The memoir details his experiences as a child of incarcerated parents, surviving rape and sex trafficking, overcoming addiction, and ultimately building a successful production company in Chicago.

Blake’s early career also included work as a backup dancer, opening the fashion industry doors. He appeared in commercials for major brands like Gap and Gatorade before turning 18. His educational background includes studies at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, and a one-year entrepreneurial program at Harvard University, where he is an alumnus.

Personal Journey and Future Goals

As Blake embarks on a new round of press tours, his goal is to expand his brand and inspire Black men to overcome mental illness. His story of resilience and triumph continues to motivate and influence those within and beyond the fashion industry.

Mr. Blake Martin – Photo Credit Tatsu Bland

Beyond the Lens

Blake Martin’s journey from intern to celebrated photographer and producer demonstrates his talent, determination, and resilience. His work captures stunning visuals and tells a powerful story of overcoming adversity. As he continues innovating in the fashion and entertainment industry, Blake Martin inspires aspiring creatives and those facing personal challenges. You can find multiple clips of him teaching classes full of models the ins and outs of developing their portfolios, booking photographers, and what they should expect. Blake goes beyond what they need to look like, to teach them business basics, protecting their images and brand, and the nuances of working with photographers from various angles.

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A post shared by Mr. Blake Martin, Photographer (@mrblakemartin)

Blake Martin’s contributions to fashion and photography are significant. His work continues to impact the industry, from producing major fashion shows to capturing high-profile clients. Stay tuned as Blake continues to inspire and push the boundaries of creativity and resilience.

Website: FrowMediaGroup.com Instagram: @MrBlakeMartin

Blake’s IG is always jumping so if you like, bookmark this page to catch his updates as they happen below!

Featured Image: Mr. Blake Martin – Photo Credit Mike Jue

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Tags: Fashion, Mr. Blake Martin, photography, Style

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.