tarphoto.net | terrence.a.reese | @reese_terrence
TAR, born Terrence Alan Reese in Chicago, IL, developed an appreciation for architecture drafting and design at an early age. He would later receive a full scholarship to study architecture at Southern Illinois University (SIU-C). However, it was his interest in photography that led to receiving his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from SIU-C.
TAR opened a photo studio in New York City in 1991 and continues to do commercial and portrait photography for over 20 years. Some of his clients include, BMG Music, Coca-Cola, Motown, Warner Bros., Universal Music Group, Pepsi, Sears, Sony, Virgin Records, and McDonalds. His images have graced the pages and covers of various publications including, Esquire Magazine, Vibe Magazine, Newsweek, Wallpaper, Entertainment Weekly, Detail and Harper’s Bazaar.
Marked by his congenial character and gifted ability to illuminate his subject’s persona and soul, TAR has shot well-known musical artists, such as Lisa Stansfield, Tupac Shakur, Alliyah, Billy Joel, Savage Garden, Brand New Heavies, R. Kelly, Dionne Warwick, Jay Z, Lauren Hill, Mary Ann Faithful, Mary J Blige, Russell Simmons, Brian McKnight, Notorious Big, Sean P. Diddy Combs… and many more.
In 1997, the Smithsonian Institution selected from tar’s personal library, several hip-hop images to be a part of their permanent collection.
His experience with other cultures and communities has given him a unique ability to capture the soul of a person. His style and personality allow him to develop a kinship with his subject which brings out their innermost qualities and attributes. He instinctively freezes a moment … creates a mood … captures a vision.
In 1994, TAR began creating Intimate portraits of Icons, known as ‘Reflections.’ He created images of Herbert Gentry, Lionel Hampton, Julian Bond, Ed Clark, Dr. Selma H. Burke, Dr. Dorothy Height, The Nicholas Bros, General Colin Powell, Richard Hunt and 65 other Iconic figures.
