NBA All-Star Weekend
Stacy aka Bratz visiting Los Angeles Art District
Over the course of NBA All Star weekend, people are swarming to Los Angeles (LA). Celebrities, models and everyday people ordinary people. In those group of ordinarty people are people who are looking to hit it big with a ball player or celeb. I knew models would be arriving soon, so I was kind of wondering about on Instagram and stumble across a post that an insta-model was looking to shoot while in town. So, I threww a "bone in the dark" and waited. Low and behold she responded. I was shocked!!!
We messaged each other with me giving details, and trying to find a location that would best suit both of us. We settled on the art district area. Of course, like majoity of my shoots they always take place after work. As soon as I got off, I showered made sure everything was packed and charged. Called an Uber early because I know how LA tracffic can be. I arrived at Urth Caffe extra early to scout and get a bite to eat. The session was agreed for four in the afternoon, but she was 45 minutes late. I was going to give her until five to cancel the session. She finally arrived purple hair and all.
So, we met chatted for a bit then started shooting. Her first outfit was an all black tube topand skirt with sparkle style heels. With this look, we shot around the graffiti in the area then over to the parking garage one blick away. While walking there, I asked if she had another outfit in which she replied yes. A few more shots in the first outfit then we switched to the second look.
Eyes
If looks could kill
Now, this outfit is what we should have started with. This fit the lifestyle look I was going for originally. It was more of a fun lifestyle shoot now. The outfit was something she would wear on a regular day. We stayed at the parking garage. Utiziling the area. Alot of the shots turned out like a fashion magizine. No flash was used but natural and available light.
I enjoyed this shoot then when I visit MIami again, I'll definitly connect with Stacy in her neck of the woods.
Noir Night At Tangent Gallery/Hastings Ballroom
One whole year has passed since last years Noir Night. For those who don't know Noir Night is an art and history lesson for those willing to learn something different about the city of Detroit. Not many know about the rich history of Detroit that had many jazz musicians that started or came through the city.
This was brought about that the founder of International Black Burlesque Company (IBBC) Rachel McCollough a.k.a. Sinnator Charlotte. She wanted to give people a history lesson of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. Not to bore you with all the details here's the link for you to read.
What Sinnator Charlotte also does is also give info to those who would never believe coexisted together, and that's burlesque and jazz. Sinnator Charlotte states is that during that time of Paradise Valley during the 1920's two styles worked extremely well together.
As many people don't really understand burlesque, as many see burlesque as only stripping. As it is stripping but it's more than that it's an art form. It can tell a story to go along with that music that they are dancing to. When most think of burlesque they think of the movie Burlesque but it's much more that. The movie on glorify one type of female body type, but it's women of all shape and sizes that participate in burlesque shows.
By introducing Detroiters to this particular art form not only does this opens their minds but also truly inform everyone like hey she can do than maybe I can do it. All the ladies who performed are beautiful, talented, and showed so much confidence that you can not tell I they were nervous at all. The all the ladies performed extremely well, and the audience showed love and participation with every performer. As with any event of this caliber there is always one heckler in the audience that gets a little too drunk for themselves.
For all those who missed out, you missed a wonderful show. I was happy I was able be bring family and friends to this, and introduce them to the things I love to enjoy. I can't wait til the next show and I hope to bring more people with me. I will continue to support IBBC with all that they do. Well enough talking time for some pictures.
Stage Kitten: Simone Winter
Candy Mac-N-Toosh
Bianca Coal
Rose Chocolat
Akynos
Essence Revealed
Zaniah Amirah
Sinnator Charlotte
If you wish to find out more about these ladies find on Facebook and Instgram.
Candy Mac-N-Toosh https://www.facebook.com/candy.macntoosh?fref=ts
Biance Coal - https://www.facebook.com/BiancaCoalburlesque
Akynos - https://www.facebook.com/theincredibleedibleakynos
Essence Revealed - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Essence-Revealed/202323189809975
Zaniah Amirah - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zaniah-Amirah/115492175145151
Simone Winter - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Simone-Winter/317231925066801
Sinnator Charlotte - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sinnator-Charlotte/1520548118227833
“There are things which nobody would see unless I photographed them.”
“I see little of more importance to the future of our country and of civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”