Hiatus....

It's been a minute since I blogged about anything I've done photographically. I that time I haven't been shooting anything, also I had gotten malware trying to do something for the summit I was helping out with. 

Speaking of summits, the summit I was helping out with was at the Camera Artist Summit (CAS) here in Detroit. Even though it was more so held in Livonia. This was an event that was by likes of Shawn Lee, Keith B. Dixon and George DeLoache with the help of many PhotoWalk members George Mitchel, Kris Greenfield, and DeAndre Elliot. They all were able to pull this off in four months as a free event. As a first of it's kind free event for photographers ever, so there were a ton of sponsors that help with the event.

There were many things happening during that weekend. On Sunday, There were photowalks and Photo bays that were set for the attendees to learn and practice on. I participated on one of the bays.

All the Photo bays were supplied by Westcott products as they were one of the major sponsors. The bay I participated in was leaded by former PPA President Ralph Romaguera, Sr. The lights were all continuous lights so no one would have any misfires. What Ralph taught was lighting, posing and directing the model. I learned a lot from Ralph and this bay. 

The entire weekend was a great success as there were new photog friends made and a lot of great knowledge that was passed ago for everyone there at the conference. I can't wait for next years conference.

Nina Bradlin Photoshoot with Alex

Photo Courtesy of Nina Bradlin Facebook page - Photo by Pierre Pallez 

This past weekend a few members of  PhotoWalk:Michigan accompanied Alex Alexander on his shoot with international singer Nina Bradlin. We were able to see Alex work first hand and take notes on how to direct and model and shoot them. 

The shoot took a little longer to prepare as the time kept getting pushed back. There were little difficulties with waiting on the makeup artist. Once they arrived, The crew met them at the River walk Downtown Detroit between the nature preserve and Chene Park. From there we all met Nina and Alex on top of the hill. From there, some of us assisted Alex with what ever he needed help with to get the shot. After about 20 minutes or so we changed locations to just up the street to an abandon business building with graffiti on it. The spot was a heavy traffic location, cars and people were in consent rotation. Alex was able to get the shots we was looking for, and after he was finish we allowed us to take a few shots of our own. There was a bit of confusion as there was a third location that concluded near the Tigers stadium.

I was able to few behind the scene shots (BTS) from the shoot itself that shows Alex at work. This Wednesday (8-5-15) Nina will be performing at the Motor City Wine and some of us will be there to show our support.

Nina and Maurice

"The Firing Squad" - Left to Right - Alex, Maurice, George and Dedan

Nina taking a picture with a random kid

Dino adjusting Nina's dress

Dino helping out again

Dedan holding the reflector

Alex at work

Alex and Nina

Nina and the GM building 

Hubcaps and Tail Lights: A Motor City Burlesque Review

Recently Sinnator Charlotte put on a production outside of her IBBC productions, and give people something different with Hubcaps and Tail Lights: A Motor City Burlesque Review. This production was showcased at the Huma Room at the HopCat in Midtown Detroit. The Huma Room's stage was a nice size for each of the performers to properly perform each of their sets. The lightning for the stage was some of the best that I've seen around, I was able to photograph  the entire show without the use of a flash. As using a speedlight would take away from the mood that was displayed from each set. 

From my busy day I was having, I was a few minutes late to the show. I ended up messing a few acts before the intermission of the show. When I entered, Sinnator Charlotte was introducing Luna Legare. Luna first set was that of 1960's (I'm pretty bad with eras) style of clothing. It was here where Luna showcased a very fun playful side. Her second performance with a blue dress that revealed a split dress underneath showed her sensual side still with a bit of playfulness. Next to the stage was Holly Hock, her first performance was that of 1920's. After the intermission, her second performance was fiery hot. Holly came out as a lady to entice the crowd to embrace their dirty sides. 

After a brief intermission, more performers were up next. We given a brief history of jitting from Sinnator Charlotte before she introduced Hardcore Detroit's The Jitterbugs. Each member of The Jitterbugs showcase each of their individual skills in the art of jitting. Within the group were three males and one female who held her own with fellas. Next was Magenta Demure, unfortunately I missed her first performance. Her second performance was something of straight seduction from beginning to end. Her look, her attitude, and movement was all to seduce and entice the audience. Rose Chocolat is another who I missed in the beginning due to my tardiness. Rose performed a set that was taught to her by Sinnator. With anything that is taught to someone, they will add their own twist to it. Rose gives off a bit of sass and a lot attitude that this routine truly became her own. The show closer was the host herself Sinnator Charlotte. Just like any performance she leaves the audience wanting more. With a style that shows her why she lives up to the name of Sinnator.

From the point of when I arrived to the very end, I enjoyed each and every performer. I loved everything about it, Sinnator brings sassy, sexiness, attitude, and silliness. Luna has fun, silliness and sexiness to her performances, Rose adds sass, attitude, and confidence. Magenta brings seductiveness, enticement, and a classic beauty that is not seen by most in today's era. I can't wait to see more each performer.