Tickets: ACPinfo.org/tickets

Atlanta-based photographer Derek Blanks is a true hometown hero. His client roster boasts some of the biggest names on the planet including respected media brands like CoverGirl, ESSENCE, BET Networks, and Sony Music Entertainment as well as Oscar Award-Winning Actors Mo'Nique, Viola Davis, Jennifer Hudson and Cuba Gooding Jr.; Olympian's Gabby Douglas and Carmelita Jeter; and celebrities Nicki Minaj, Wendy Williams, Steve Harvey, Janelle Monae, Chaka Khan, Kelly Rowland and Nick Cannon. His is also known for the Alter Ego series, as made popular by NeNe Leakes of Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Blanks went on to successfully graduate Magna Cum Laude from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. In 2013, Blanks received the Alumni Award from the Board of Trustees for outstanding achievements and contributions to the arts.

Partnerships: MAILCHIMP, Westside Cultural Arts Center