Saturday, January 31, 2009

I Just Want To Be An Ugly Model!!

UGLYny.com is a modeling agency based out of Europe that opened a branch in NY back in 2007. They representing what they call, "striking and nontraditional models." It was started by Simon Rogers, who based the NYC branch off his 30 year old, London's Ugly Models agency. The agency represents everything from sumos, midgets, old people, all the way to us tattooed folk. Not to mention some "traditional" gorgeous models too! They have scored models high-profile jobs from ad campaigns with Levi's jeans, to Nike, Nokia, VH1 etc. (So yes Mom, they're legit :) I sent in an application on Jan 26th, and am waiting to hear back from them... After asking around, and doing a little research, it seems to be the only legit agency that would take someone like me (i.e. not 5'9, tattooed, but not goth). So cross your fingers for me and stay posted to hear their response!

You can also read more about this agency in a New York Times article, New York Post article here, even on my favorite show, the Today show (here)!

A note to end this post on, an Ugly NY talent scout was quoted saying, and I highly agree with:
"We really think this is a new concept in America. It reflects a recent shift in the advertising world toward 'real guy' mode, to people with character."
:)

Asher Roth


Fat beats of the day-Asher Roth. I bet he'll be big this year, just watch! But first, listen to one of his catchy beats with... enlightening lyrics. :) You'll love it as much as I do. Promise.

Friday, January 30, 2009

PHOTO SHOOT: Bo Zhang





I MEAN BUSINESS!
Hahaha that's what I call this look. I look like a sassy accountant. Bo thinks it looks like an H & M add... I have been looking to working with Bo for a super long time. I saw his work on on the wonderful makeup artist, Warren's Model Mayhem page, and instantly fell in love with his work! So different and edgy (kinda like me. :). His just moved back from the UK, and you can see it in his work, it's fresh. Well, that being said, I begged him to shoot me, and thankfully he agreed. Initially we had planned to use Warren again, but he has started a job at a salon where he works 6 days a week. :( But some how Bo found Chontae. (I don't know, maybe she fell from heaven?!?) She was an absolute pleasure to work with. Native DC'er we hit it off from the start! And she even doubled as a stylist- helping pin dresses etc, and tripled as a photographer's assistant holding the fan on me (those pictures later). That being said, I've got to work with her again.
This shoot was the most fun! First off it was three blocks away, awesome. And it was a studio apartment studio, meaning it had HEAT. That's the first shoot I've done with actual heat, not a portable heater. I.e. we were all comfortable, didn't have to wear coats, I wasn't shaking between shots or turning purple. So that was nice. What else was nice was Bo bringing breakfast. How awesome is that?! He brought donuts, bagels, juices, it was soo nice! He also played techno music... what more could you ask for?
The first look was more natural makeup, in a gown, with more emphasis on hair movement, (fan blowing in my hair). We didn't spend too much time on this look. The second set was outside. Yes, I said outside, in 20 degree weather. But Bo is a gangster. I was in this super thin leopard print gown, so Bo shot in a tee shirt (just to be fair)! That's gangster. Chontae and I took the opportunity outside to take a cigarette break, smoking between snaps of the camera. I'm really excited about these shots. Bo is a master at shots on location. Really, master. And I was doing fun stuff in a dirty alley with snow on the ground. :) You'll see.
The third shot was the above pictures. When I first knew we were going to work together, we had to do something edgy, so I put together the 'suit' above. I was hoping Bo would like it, and he said he loved it! This was a fun set because I could really move around. And earlier I had dragged this huge mirror so I could see myself as we shot (which is always helpful, for both parties) so I think we got some strong shots. Bo's funny, he seemed almost surprised and my ability to maneuver in such high heels. Little does he know I wear heels everyday. :) I really admired how, while we were shooting, he periodically referenced pictures he had, just to keep ideas and concepts in mind. I think that's a great idea as a photographer. Especially if you're trying something new, or have a specific idea in mind.
Well, all in all, super fun shoot with great people. I hope we can do it again! You can read Bo's side of the shoot on his blog here. And stay posted for pics of the other two looks. :)

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Baltimore Tattoo Convention

LOOK WHO ELSE WAS THERE:

SOME OF MY FAVORITE TATS I SAW:
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice!!

Best dragon tat there (beside ours:)

Spot on, and my favorite of the day!
CHRIS GETTING WORK DONE:


About a $1,000 more until finish....

Went to the Baltimore tattoo convention on Saturday, it was a total blast!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Headshots, Bridal & Babydoll Pics







First pictures back from Li at Estate Scenery: the wedding dress images, and head shots! He's going to send me the third set of me in my bridesmaid dress a little later. AND the last shot from Jon of baby doll katelin :). I absolutely love all of them, do you?

Gran Torino Movie Review


SO mad this movie didn't get an Oscar nod. Nonetheless you need to go see it. Now. Directed, produced, song by and starring the complete gangster, the OG himself, Clint Eastwood. Best moving I've seen in a minute and with a quote like this, 'nough said.

Barber Martin: There. You finally look like a human being again. You shouldn't wait so long between hair cuts, you cheap son of a bitch.
Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood.): Yeah. I'm surprised you're still around. I was always hoping you'd die off and they got someone in here that knew what the hell they were doing. Instead, you just hanging around like the duop dego you are.
Barber Martin: That'll be ten bucks, Walt.
Walt Kowalski: Ten bucks? Jesus Christ, Walt. What are you half Jew or somethin'? You keep raising the prices all the time.
Barber Martin: It's been ten bucks for the last five years you hard-nosed, pollock son of a bitch.
Walt Kowalski: Yeah, well keep the change.
Barber Martin: See you in three weeks, prick.
Walt Kowalski: Not if I see you first, dipshit.

Read more wonderful quotes here.

Extreme Underwater Ironing


Originally pioneered by a group of Germans, Extreme Underwater Ironing it's the act of taking an ironing board and electric iron (minus the electricity) setting it all up, and taking photos to prove it. Though don't think you're going to just go snap some pics and call it a day. Oh no, be sure to abide by the Official Guidelines. And I've heard a bit of cross dressing has made the attempt more entertaining.... The Official Oceania Extreme Underwater Ironing record now stands at 70 ironers and was set by a Victorian Dive club in a pool.... Really? Really? Come on.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

2009 Detroit Auto Show Recap

Inauguration? Anyways, today is the last day, day three of the oh so important Detroit auto show, and I thought it only imperative that I recap the important details of the show. Below are my favorite four cars:



Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss

Top speed of 217.5-mph, only 75 will be built, and a price tag of 750,000 euros (that’s over a million bucks) it's a car to demand attention. But don't go running out to your local Benz dealer, because a. it won’t be available in the United States, and b. only current SLR owners will be considered. So if you get one, call me.

Fisker Karma S

All you tree huggers will be happy with this pick, eco friendly, and aptly named- Karma. When the Karma goes on sale in November for $87,900, it will be the first mass-produced plug-in electric vehicle sold in the United States. It will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and have a top speed of 125 mph.

Bentley GTC
The sexy ass Bentley GTC goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Plus, it has a top speed of 200 mph with the top up and 195 mph with the top down. Might want to wear a scarf with that one.






And my lover, I mean favorite car, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. 'Nough said.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

RELAPS: Kfc

Ok, so I'm not perfect. It's the first meat meal I've had since... I don't know it's been a while. And I feel terrible.... But I'm not going to lie, it was sooo good. :) I honestly feel like a drug addict, or like I cheated on a test. But I'm not perfect, and I work at being a vegetarian every day. I wonder if people go vegetarian, and don't have a problem, never think of it, never relapse.. not me. I don't go to confession, but writing about it does make me feel a little better. Don't judge me, you know you think about that extra crispy too. :) And no I didn't make that chicken death scene above, just found it online. But I hope you think of it the next time you order up.

Monday, January 12, 2009

More New Pics!!




Love these shots! They were from the shoot I did in Orlando over Christmas break with the wildly talented Jon Cancelino. He is the features photographer for Sheridan Road Magazine, has been published by numerous magazines, and just shot the winner, McKey, from last years America's Next Top Model! It was an honor working with him.
(And check out my kicks in the last pic! See the original post on them here :)

New Pics!





Here are some pics from a photo shoot I did back in December with Rahim. I'm still looking forward to the shots we did in the laundry room :) Stay tuned!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Song Of The Week


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Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Photoshot Photoshot Photoshot



Three photo shoots in five days. It's been a busy week. :) But oohh so much fun. The first photo shoot I did was on Saturday with Li (his work). We did a wedding dress, and some head shots. I had a makeup artist scheduled for two weeks, and the night before she called out. Ugh. So I had to do the makeup, we'll see how that turns out... I'm excited to see them, they will be great to diversify my portfolio. It was a somewhat fun photo shoot. It's interesting because all three photographers had completely different styles. Li was very hands on. He would come and physically move me in a pose and he wasn't just a quick shooter. He would have me hit a pose then he would tweek it until it was just right, have his assistant comb my hair, or fix the dress, then he would take the picture. Every image is completely thought out. I look forward to seeing the pictures.
The second shoot, the photos above, on Tuesday was with Renee, (examples of work here) and make up artist and hair master, Warren (examples). This was one of my favorite shoots! Renee does amazing work and is a master with lighting. She is quiet and an INTJ like me, so I feel like we clicked. It was an interesting shoot because most of the time was spend in the make up chair. I really liked her photography style, she would shoot for maybe ten minutes just snapping away letting you move however, and when she felt she got the shot she was looking for, we we're were done, next look. Awesome. But if you're good, you get the shot, and that's that, and she is that good. Then after the shoot I asked her how long before the the pics would be ready, and she looked at her computer and said, "Three minutes." :) Fucking awesome. Fuck waiting a month, three minutes is where it's at!! She burnt me a CD right then and there of all the pictures we just did. Amazing. Warren was really nice too. Very professional, on time, clean, not obnoxious, used all wonderful MAC makeup. And when he pulled out this tuff of hair and molded it into the piece of work on my head seen above, I knew he was a true artist. He was great. And I really feel like the pictures show the collaboration between the three of us, it was a true team effort and a really enjoyable experience!
The third photo shoot was yesterday with the super versatile, Kendal Carr (his work). If you look at his portfolio you'll see advertising, glamour, high fashion, art etc. When I saw his work I e-mailed him to say I'd really like to work with him. A few days later I got an e-mail from makeup artist and hairstylist Michael Reyes (his work) saying he saw me on someones profile and he really wanted to work with me on his portfolio for an agency submission. I said sure, who's the photographer, and for what agency. Low and behold Kendal was going to be the photographer, and he was submitting to T.H.E agency in Georgetown! That's really exciting, the agency is going to see pictures of me, taken by an amazing photographer, before they ever meet me! They better love it, and hunt me down. :) So the shoot went well. We only did one look, baby doll, which I just did in Orlando, but it was great to make the connection with Kendal. I hope we can shoot again. Michael said he'd send the pics in a week or two, so we'll see. Stay posted for the pics!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Joke Of The Day


That Bitch Better Not Be Wearing My Dress To The Inaugural Ball!


Don't want to show up to one of this years Inaugural Balls wearing the same thing as your boss? (God forbid she looks better in it that you!). Yes, well thanks to the web site, DressRegistry.com, you can register your dress to insure no one is wearing your Chanel couture deep neck gold floor length dress... Or whatever you're going to wear. You can post it down to the detail! Not attending a ball? It's still a fun sight to check out for dress ideas!