Georgio Sabino III (GS3) is a self-taught photographer who has captured some of the most memorable moments of Jill Scott’s concerts and tours. He has followed her from the rooftops of New York to the stages of Radio City Music Hall, Chastain Park Atlanta, Cleveland Ohio and many other places. He has also photographed other stars like Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan, Tyler Perry and Roberta Flack.
GS3 was discovered by Jill Scott’s management team in Cleveland Ohio, where he had just won a juried competition to live in one of the 20 lofts that were part of a $2 million investment by Mayor Michael White to revive the arts community. GS3’s love of art gave him an understanding of composition, which he applied to his photography skills. He learned how to use a camera by himself, experimenting with aperture, shutter speed and light.
He was hired to take photos of the setup and breakdown of the concert as well as the marketing of Alize company, which sponsored the tour. He also got access to backstage scenes and after parties where he mingled with celebrities and enjoyed drinks and toast. GS3 said working for Jill Scott was like a dream come true.
“I was amazed by her voice,” he said. “She has a four-octave range that can go from C3 to C71. She can sing soulful ballads, funky grooves and hip-hop anthems with ease. She is also a poet, an actress and a model23. She is an inspiration to me.”
GS3 also credited Bill Brown from Consider It Done Management for being an amazing person to work for. He said Brown gave him opportunities to photograph other clients like Floetry in NYC at Sounds of Brazil (SOB’s). He also learned from John Isaac, a former chief photographer for UNICEF who came to Cleveland and spoke about photography.
“He told me it’s not about keeping up with technology but about getting the composition right,” GS3 said.
Since then, GS3 has gone on to photograph five presidents: Obama, Clinton, Biden, Peña Nieto (the last Mexican president) and Trump. He has also exhibited his work in galleries and museums across the country.
GS3 said he is grateful for his journey as a photographer and hopes to continue capturing moments that matter.
“I love what I do,” he said. “I feel blessed.”
Interviewing by Baiden Sabino