Frequently Asked Questions about OnRec

  • OnRec is the visual journal of IAMOMEEZ — a Bay Area based creative studio rooted in Oakland street culture, lifestyle photography, and documentary storytelling. Founded by Omar Lockhart Jones, IAMOMEEZ bridges culture and commercial execution blending urban authenticity with global brand standards. With experience collaborating on projects involving major brands such as Apple and Nike, Meez operates at the intersection of culture, commerce, and creative direction.

  • The Bay Area has long shaped the visual language of urban and lifestyle photography. From Oakland’s street culture to San Francisco’s architecture and Berkeley’s layered textures, the region demands authenticity.

    OnRec documents that world.

    IAMOMEEZ specializes in:

    • Urban photography

    • Lifestyle campaigns

    • Documentary-style storytelling

    • Commercial brand shoots

    • Creative direction for cultural brands

    This is not trend-based work. It’s rooted perspective.

  • Brands today are searching for photographers who understand both:

    • Street culture
    • Documentary realism
    • Commercial execution

    IAMOMEEZ brings cultural fluency with production discipline the kind required to work with global brands while staying grounded in local authenticity.

    From on-location Oakland shoots to controlled studio campaigns, the approach stays consistent:

    Story first. Culture always.

  • Finding a creative director for a brand campaign in Oakland requires more than aesthetics.

    It requires:

    • Cultural awareness

    • Production understanding

    • Strategic vision

    • Community connection

    OnRec showcases the creative process not just finished results. It documents how ideas form, how campaigns are shaped, and how storytelling becomes scalable brand language.

    IAMOMEEZ operates as both photographer and creative director aligning visual execution with brand narrative.

  • The Bay Area offers diverse commercial production spaces from Oakland studios to San Francisco production warehouses.

    IAMOMEEZ works fluidly between:

    • Studio environments

    • On-location documentary shoots

    • Hybrid commercial campaigns

    Every environment is treated as a storytelling space.

  • OnRec is more than behind-the-scenes content.

    It’s:

    • A visual archive

    • A study in creative discipline

    • A look at how urban storytelling evolves

    • A blueprint for culturally rooted brand building

    For brands searching for urban and lifestyle photographers in the Bay Area…
    For teams looking for a creative director in Oakland…
    For campaigns that need authenticity with execution…

    OnRec is the process behind the product.


OnRec - Adventures in The Bay Area with Meez

Join Meez as he takes you on a journey through the heart of the Bay Area San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley capturing real moments, authentic vibes, and stunning views along the way. OnRec isn’t just a vlog; it’s a window into the culture, energy, and stories that make these cities unique. From hidden street corners to bustling events, Meez brings you along for a day full of exploration, laughter, and creativity.

Dive in, feel the vibe, and discover the Bay through the lens of someone who’s living it. Like, comment, and subscribe to catch every OnRec adventure because the city never sleeps, and neither does the energy.


OnRec - Red Bull Showrun With Meez

OnRec pulled up to the Red Bull Showrun at Marina Green and yeah… it was PACKED. Wall-to-wall people, engines screaming, energy through the roof but I still mobbed through the crowd to catch the action up close. This one’s all raw moments, fast cars, and pure Bay Area vibes in San Francisco. If you’ve ever tried to move through a crazy crowd at a big event, you already know the struggle OnRec Red Bull Showrun – SF Meez Like, comment, and subscribe for more event coverage & city adventures!


OnRec - BlackJoyParade With Meez Feat. Gas Dreandre Forks & Dre Wick

Pulled up to the Black Joy Parade in Oakland and the energy was unmatched ,Caught live moments with Gas Dreandre Forks & Dre Wick music, culture, smiles everywhere. Only problem? I left my memory card at home… pain. Still had to capture the vibes the best I could. This one’s all about community, joy, and showing love to the city. OnRec With Meez Like, comment, and subscribe for more Bay Area moments!

OnRec – Redwoods Oakland With Meez

Step into one of Oakland’s most underrated natural treasures as Meez explores the regional redwoods of Oakland, California. In this episode of OnRec, we dive into the surprising history of the redwood forests in the East Bay how they once covered the hills, how they were logged during the Gold Rush era, and how protected parks like Redwood Regional Park helped preserve what remains today.

These towering coast redwoods are living history. Long before Oakland became a city, these forests shaped the landscape, the economy, and the culture of the Bay Area. From early logging to now we just mobbin!


OnRec - Canon PRO-4100 Printing Video with Meez

This episode showcased a full print on the Canon PRO-4100, bringing a Bay Area landscape piece to life big print, rich colors, sharp details, that gallery-style feel. Watching the print come through hits different when you see the textures, the gradients, and the way the image breathes on paper. It’s one of those moments where digital finally becomes physical. The studio vibe stays intimate and unfiltered natural reactions, side convos, and those small moments that make OnRec feel real. It’s less about being perfect and more about showing the craft in motion: the choices, the process, and the finished piece coming out clean. If you’re into photography, printing, or just love seeing creative work go from screen to real life, this one’s for you. Tap in, catch the energy, and watch the Bay Area come to life on paper.

OnRec -Berkeley Hills With Meez

OnRec in the Berkeley Hills with Meez, sitting by the waterfall and surrounded by green a reminder to slow down and stay grounded. Today’s focus was balance: putting real intention into the craft without losing yourself in the process. Learning when to push, when to breathe, and how to protect your peace while still staying disciplined. The environment was a reset nature as a reminder that growth takes patience, flow, and consistency. Can’t be out here slipping balance in all areas, or everything starts to feel off.


OnRec - Bando Mission With Meez

Made a quick stop at a massive burned down bando in Berkeley. This one had layers the kind of spot you want to peel apart and really see for yourself. These are the roots where I learned street photography: being outside, exploring, observing spaces most people walk past without a second look. Seeing places like this always brings me back to where it started for me creatively. That said, I’m not teaching or encouraging this, or telling anyone to trespass. This was just me going off old habits and roots for a moment. Respect the law, respect spaces, and stay safe out there.Had to get this little mission off for y’all. - You’re welcome.

OnRec - How a Creative Operates With Meez

In this OnRec segment, Jordan Peterson breaks down how creative people actually operate. Creativity isn’t random inspiration it’s the ability to move intentionally between structure and uncertainty. Creative people put themselves in unfamiliar territory, let ideas collide, and then use discipline and routine to shape chaos into something real. The creative process lives in the balance where experimentation meets responsibility, and ideas turn into execution. Key takeaway: Great creatives don’t wait for motivation. They build systems that let creativity show up consistently.


OnRec - Personal Style With Meez

In this episode of OnRec, I take it personal. Having my life documented since birth gave me a different relationship with photography moments always meant more. I dive back into my first two-year photobook, reflecting on the early shots, the raw experiments, and the imperfect frames that helped shape my personal style. This one’s about nostalgia, growth, and understanding that your style isn’t found it’s built over time through lived experience and consistency. From early street captures to finding my creative voice, this episode is a reminder that every moment documented plays a role in becoming who you are behind the lens.

OnRec – Photography & Meez Stunts | Treasure Island

In this episode of OnRec, Meez takes a trip out to Treasure Island with the camera in hand. What started as a simple photo run turned into a small route situation just to navigate the space but that’s part of the reality of shooting in the Bay.

This episode dives into something deeper than photography the effort behind becoming a successful creative. There’s a misconception that creatives are always chasing the next dollar or the next gig. In reality, longevity comes from skill, discipline, and years of practice.

Talent isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s something you build through repetition, curiosity, and putting yourself in situations where you have to figure it out on the fly. From location scouting to moving through spaces respectfully (and remembering not to trespass), this episode highlights the mindset behind the work not just the photos.

Because being a creative isn’t just about the shot…it’s about how you move.

OnRec - The Peaceful Walk With Meez

In this episode of OnRec, Meez steps away from the city for a peaceful hike about 30 minutes outside the Bay. With summer around the corner and California showing off, this one slows things down to check in on mental health, creativity, and finding moments of peace in the chaos.

Along the trail, Meez shares a little backstory on the California poppy the state flower and how it inspired the insider nickname “California Popi.”

Sometimes the best ideas don’t come in studios or offices… they come when you step outside, breathe, and move.

Ending the episode with a little Mob Shxt energy, featuring “Yogi Calhoon” & Stoopsessionlive rocking on the outro.

OnRec – Night Time Mission on the Bike With Meez

In this episode of OnRec, Meez heads out on a late-night bike mission through the city with the camera rolling. Sometimes the soundtrack tells the whole story and this time the music carries the message. There’s a voice memo playing in the background, but it’s really just notes to self… part of the creative process and the mindset behind the ride. A reminder that sometimes the plan really does work. Shout out to Cinelli for the ride smooth missions only. Soundtrack: The Plan Worked — Nick Hustles


OnRec - Ride: Brands vs Clients insight

Took a ride around Lafayette Reservoir and had a thought about the difference between working with brands vs. clients. Clients are usually still trying to find their lane and strategy. Brands already have the ethos set and marketing budgets that can reach into the millions. I’ve seen all types of budgets. One thing that stays true though: consistency and professionalism. Getting on LinkedIn, showing your work, and communicating the right way has opened doors I never imagined. Sometimes the best strategy meeting is just a ride and a clear mind.

OnRec - Too Hard With Meez | Millennials vs Gen Z

Too Hard With Meez | Millennials vs Gen Z (Let’s Dead the Argument)

The internet loves a good generational debate. Gen Z vs Millennials is one of the loudest ones right now but Meez is here to dead that conversation real quick. As a 90s baby, Meez breaks down why Millennials came up in a completely different era. We saw the shift from analog to digital, the birth of social media, the early internet, and the grind of building careers in spaces that didn’t even exist yet.

This episode of OnRec isn’t about arguing generations it’s about perspective, experience, and understanding the timeline that shaped creatives today Sometimes the internet forgets: a lot of us already walked through the chaos so the next wave could move faster No hate. Just context.

Outro soundtrack inspiration: Mac Dre — “Too Hard”

OnRec - Bay Area Photography & Hiking Tour


WEEK 1 — REDWOOD FOREST
Redwood Regional Park
Trail: Tres Sendas → French Trail
Date: Sunday, April 5th
Time: 10:00am - Start: 11:30am - 2:00pm

Meetup Location:
Canyon Meadow Staging Area
7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland

Group Size: 25 people max
Distance: ~2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~450 ft
Difficulty: Easy → Moderate


OnRec – The $10K Budget Talk With Meez

Everybody on the internet loves throwing around that “$10K budget” like it’s the finish line… it’s not. In this episode of OnRec, Meez breaks down the real economics of being a creative in today’s landscape especially operating out of California. What looks like a solid $10K deal on paper can shrink fast between taxes, 1099 structure, production costs, gear, time, and the cost of simply sustaining yourself as an independent creative. But this conversation goes deeper than just numbers. This is about value, ownership, and understanding Intellectual Property (IP). Coming up in the creative space, Meez has done everything from free projects for exposure, to working with major brands, to building things from the ground up with no blueprint. That journey is what led to the creation of Iamomeez and Stash House Co not just as brands, but as systems of ownership. Because at a certain point, you realize: If you’re only chasing budgets… you’re playing someone else’s game. If you’re building IP… you’re creating your own. The importance of owning your content, your ideas, and your vision And why building your own platforms (like OnRec, Iamomeez, and Stash House Co) changes everything long-term. Meez speaks on shifting from just being hired talent… to becoming a creator with equity in their work. Real growth isn’t about hitting a number. It’s about building something that continues to pay you, represent you, and open doors long after the project is done. This isn’t guru talk. If you’re valuable, the budget doesn’t stop at $10K… it starts there.


OnRec — Essentials: Go Bag with Meez

Tap in and see how I move in real time, from pull-up shoots to full client days. This isn’t a flex, it’s a system. Built for speed, reliability, and execution when brands are counting on you. One Bag. One Setup. No Excuses. Inside the Go Bag: If it’s not in the bag, it’s not part of the system. Keep it Simple.

On Rec - Meez Hot Take:"Have We Lost The Plot"

The episode talks about how rappers, celebrities, and podcasters have shifted away from their original purpose, focusing more on clout, controversy, and attention instead of talent or meaningful content. It questions whether the culture has lost its direction due to social media influence and the need to stay relevant online.

OnRec - Visiting the VSCO San Francisco Office

Grateful to VSCO® for the invite to Documenting The Everyday Creator Conversation & Photo Critique with Reggie Ballesteros, Lead Curator. What stood out most is how intentional VSCO is about building real community. Not just a platform, but a space where creatives can actually connect, share, and grow without the noise. Being in the room, tapping in with both new and familiar faces, reminded me how important it is to keep showing up in real life. The conversations felt genuine from creative direction to CEO-level perspective with plenty of laughs in between. (And yeah… I definitely dropped my camera 😅 but we move) Appreciate the invite looking forward to the next one and great catching up as well!


OnRec - Free Will

Listing to Tennessee by Arrested Development..Free Will don't mean you can just say anything. Read the room ALWAYS, Stay professional, Protect your peace.

Upcoming Tour Events

Saturday April 25th

Week 5 — Mount Tamalpais

Saturday & Sunday April 18th & 19th

Week 3 — Briones Regional Park

Week 4 — Tilden Regional Park

Sunday April 26th

Finale — Point Reyes National Seashore