fierce magazine :: february 2011

0211

v.2 i .1 FIERCEPUBLICATIONS.COM

MODELSAMY DELACROUX

PHOTOGRAPHERSKRISTY LEIBOWITZ

VIKTORIJA PASHUTA MIKE NGUYEN

AL RODRIGUEZ

IN T

HIS ISSU

E...

editorShannon Dwyer

model: Amy DeLaCroux

photographer: Out let Photography

content

KRISTY LEIBOWITZVIKTORIJA PASHUTA MIKE NGUYEN AL RODRIGUEZ

AMY DELACROUX

cover

art directorShannon Dwyer

hair : Morgan Panter

W W W . F I E R C E P U B L I C AT I O N S . C O M - 3 -

mua: Morgan Panter

sty l is t : Black Lotus Designs

MAGAZINEWe are FierceWelcome to Fierce Magazine. By now I am sure you get the idea...

we love this industry and the artists that take the ordinary and make

it extraordinary... the simple and make it complex... that turn vision

and imagination into emotion, into something tangibly beautiful.

If you are just a passer-bye, welcome... We invite you to surrender

your eyes to the beauty within... And, if you find yourself here with a

purpose, in need of the special talents of our artists, this magazine

will help to guide you through your selection process and put you in

contact with the right artists to realize your vision.

READYSETGOW W W . F I E R C E P U B L I C AT I O N S . C O M - 7 -For advertising opportunities, please send an email to: [email protected]

Rock n Roll...

models

W W W . F I E R C E P U B L I C AT I O N S . C O M - 1 5 -For advertising opportunities, please send an email to: [email protected]

Amy DeLaCroux

Height: 5’ 8”Weight: 150lbs.Bust: 41Waist: 28Hips: 38Cup: GDress: 8Shoe: 9Hair color: BlondeHair length: Shoulder LengthEye color: BlueSkin color: LightExperience: 2 Years

www.modelmayhem.com/1220685

PHOTOGRAPHER: OUTLET PHOTOGRAPHYHAIR / MUA: MORGAN PANTERSTYLIST: BLACK LOTUS DESIGNS

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM SHOOT? LOCATION, PHOTOGRAPHER, ETC?I ’d love love love to shoot wi th Shannon Brooke. Her photos are to die for.


Amy

PHOTOGRAPHER: NO REGRETS PHOTOGRAPHYHAIR / MUA: MORGAN PANTERSTYLIST: JESSICA HUERTAPHOTOGRAPHER: OUDAME

PREFERENCES - Smokey Eye Or Natural Tones- Black & White Or Color Photo- Male Or Female Photographer- Male Or Female MUA- Heels Or Sneakers- Headshot Or Full Body- Chanel Or Dolce & Gabbana - New York Or LA Fashion Week- Morning Or Night Photoshoot- Salad Or Burger

IF YOU COULD USE ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE?Underestimated. Because people always assume the kind of person I am based on what I look like, my demeanor, and what other people have to say about me.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD TO YOU, AND WHY?My health. I watched my mother deteriorate and die from cancer, and she was not able to do the things she loved most towards the end of her life. If you don’t have your health you can’t fully enjoy life and others around you. If you’re not feeling 100% how can you live life 100% to it’s fullest?

DOES YOUR CAREER AS A MODEL REQUIRE YOU TO TRAVEL A LOT? IF SO, WHERE IS THE MOST FASCINATING PLACE ITS TAKEN YOU?I live in San Diego, so most of my traveling is up to LA. The farthest I’ve traveled for a shoot was to Napa, Ca. It was an 8 hour drive both ways in the worst rain storm I’ve ever seen!! But it was for a magazine cover, so it was worth the trip. :-)

WHEN YOU’RE NOT MODELING, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?My full time job I am a dental assistant, so I do that Monday through Friday. Weekends are dedicated to photo shoots, watching UFC fights, going to dog beach with my boyfriend and our dog, and getting tattoos.

HOW DOES YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE WHEN YOU ARE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?

I’m a pretty goofy and silly person at the core, so I joke around a lot. In front of the camera though you have to be a little more sexy and have a bad ass attitude. In my real life I don’t typically ooze sex appeal, haha. But it’s fun, because you get to be a different person in front of the camera, someone you’re necessarily not in real life.

DO YOU EVER WORRY IF THE MAKE-UP ARTISTS IS USING CLEAN BRUSHES?YES! I once got a really bad eye infection from a make up artist. It was so bad that couldn’t wear eye makeup or my contacts for one week, and I had to cancel a photo shoot because of it. I generally do my own makeup.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FORMAL TRAINING IN MODELING?No I don’t. It just comes natural to me. I’ve had a lot of photographers ask if I pose in front of the mirror or if I practice at home, and when I say no they seem surprised.

DEFINE THE WORD “BEAUTY.”Being comfortable with who you are on the inside and out. Not changing yourself to fit a cookie cutter mold. Standing up for yourself and your morals. Being a good person with honest intentions.

WHAT WAS YOUR FUNNIEST, SCARIEST, MOST BIZARRE, MOST TOUCHING STORY FROM A PHOTO SHOOT?I blew a tire! I was driving from the makeup artist’s house to go pick up the photographer. I was about to miss my freeway exit so I quickly switched lanes to get off. Little did I know there was a small concrete medium. I hit that, and it wasn’t until half hour later or so that my tire got flat. I heard “clunk clunk clunk”. I had picked up the photographer by that time and thank God he was willing to change my tire and put the spare on! And we still shot after that!

TELL A LITTLE SECRET ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NO-ONE KNOWS...I have cerebral palsy. I have a really mild case, but it affects my speech and causes my muscles to be really tight. I’m not flexible because of it so doing certain poses are really hard for me to do.

DO YOU THINK OF YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST AND WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE WORD ARTIST?No I don’t. I think I’m creative at times, but not an artist by any means.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING MODELS?Be critical about who you are shooting with. Don’t do a photo shoot just to do a photo shoot. Take a look at the photographer’s portfolio and see how they do their lighting and post editing. Think if the photos are going to portray you in the best way possible. Also, don’t pose with a guitar. That’s just cliche! Hahaha.

www.modelmayhem.com/1220685To contact Amy, please visit:

PHOTOGRAPHER: IMAGETHEIMAGEHAIR: KIMBERLY CARLSON

PHOTOGRAPHER: JUSTIN L’HEUREUXSTYLIST: TRULY FALLEN DESIGNSPHOTOGRAPHER: OUDAME

PHOTOGRAPHER: IMAGETHEIMAGEHAIR: KIMBERLY CARLSON

PHOTOGRAPHER: DANGER NINJA PRODUCTIONSHAIR / MUA: MORGAN PANTERCOLLAR: BLACK LOTUS DESIGNSPASTIES/HAIR PIECE: GOTHFOX DESIGNS

PHOTOGRAPHER: DANGER NINJA PRODUCTIONSHAIR / MUA: MORGAN PANTERCOLLAR: BLACK LOTUS DESIGNSPASTIES/HAIR PIECE: GOTHFOX DESIGNS

PHOTOGRAPHER: OUDAME

PHOTOGSPHOTOGSphotographers


MODEL: IVY TIMLIN FROM MAJOR MODEL MGMTMUA: LYSE JARVISHAIR: JOEY OSOSTYLIST: CALLIE ROTHERMELDESIGNER: ALEX LONDONRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ATTENTION SPAN?I’m always focused on the task at hand, but at the same time, I have a million ideas swarming through my head..


Kristy Leibowitzwww.kristyleibowitz.com

Kristy

MODEL: ASHLEY CHONTOS FROM Q MODEL MGMTMUA: D. NICOLE FOR MACRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: STACEYHAIR / MUA: MIHODESIGNER: JEAN PIERRE RAMOSRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN


PREFERENCES - White Or Colored Back Drop- Outdoor Or Indoor Shoot- Monster Truck Or Lamborghini As A Prop- New York City Or Miami Photoshoot- Shoot For Nike Or Christian Louboutin Shoes- Male Or Female Model - Visualize Then Shoot Or Shoot Then Visualize- Better Lighting Or Background- Shoot Project Runway Or America’s Next Top Model

IF YOU COULD USE ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE?Driven. I have always been able to set my goals and work towards them. I have so much passion and I never give up, no matter what troubles I go through.

DIGITAL OR FILM?I use various cameras and formats depending on what I am shooting. Film has such a beautiful quality that I love, but digital is what I primarily shoot. It has a faster turn around time, and I love being guaranteed to know I got the shot.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AND WORK?I find inspiration from the weirdest little things, objects I find on the street, or sound bits I hear from a passerby. Living in New York City, there is never a dull moment.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FORMAL PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING?I first took photography classes in high school, and then continued my education at Parson’s School of Design in New York City.

HOW TECHNICAL IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?Although I was technically trained, I am not a very technical person in general. I know what I like, and I know how to achieve the look that I want. I tend totrust my gut and like to experiment with things that I find just laying around me.

TELL A LITTLE SECRET ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NO-ONE KNOWS...I used to be a cheerleader. Which is probably surprising to most, because it is slightly out of character for me.

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE YOU ATTRACTED MOST?I am attracted to projects that involve photographing other artists. When I photograph them its like both of our energies combine into one great kick ass photo. I like when things grow organically on set and we just stumble upon something and try it out and it becomes magical.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST PHOTO YOU TOOK THAT MADE YOU REALIZE THIS WAS WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO?It wasn’t one specific image that did it for me, but I realized I wanted to be a photographer when I started to receive so much positive feedback. It felt really good to hear, and kept me driven to constantly improve my work.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT SHOOTING, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?When I am not shooting, I am either catching up on post production work, or experimenting with new techniques. I also try to stay involved in the art world and work on my own personal projects for exhibitions.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR JOB?The hardest part of my job would be the pre production. I spend so much time organizing and making sure everyone is prepared and knows what they need to do on set. I usually get very anxious about everything running smoothly.

AND THE EASIEST PART OF YOUR JOB?Just taking the photo. There is so much time spent getting ready for the shoot, creating props, setting up lights. I get so excited when it’s time to actually grab the camera and start the shooting.

WHAT TYPE OF CAMERAS DO YOU SHOOT WITH?I mostly shoot with the Nikon D 3, but I love shooting with old film cameras for fun. I don’t get to shoot with them as much as I would like to, but it is very nostalgic for me.

WHERE DO YOU SEE GROWTH IN YOUR CAREER IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?In the next five years I see myself working on a larger scale of creative projects for a variety of fashion and art productions.

HOW DO YOU INSPIRE MODELS IF THE SHOOT IS NOT GOING WELL?I tend to be a relaxed type of person. Usually people feel comfortable around me, but if they do start to tense up, I try to get them to relax and breath.

Sometimes people are not even aware that they are making a certain face or sitting in an unflattering way. I like to show them a frame or two so they can understand what needs to be adjusted.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS?My advice to any aspiring photographer is to keep shooting all the time and stay focused on your goals. Be persistent! Try to learn something from every situation.

www.kristyleibowitz.comTo contact Kristy, please visit:

MODEL: KELSEY CLOSE FROM MAJOR MODEL MGMTMUA: LYSE JARVISHAIR: JOEY OSOSTYLIST: CALLIE ROTHERMELDESIGNER: ALEX LONDONRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: COURTNEY ERICSON (LEFT) AND ASHLEY CHONTOS (RIGHT) FROM Q MODEL MGMTMUA: D. NICOLE FOR MACHAIR: MAURICIO CIFUENTESSTYLIST: LUCY SUTHERLAND KNAUSRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN


MODEL: KELSEY CLOSE FROM MAJOR MODEL MGMTMUA: LYSE JARVISHAIR: JOEY OSOSTYLIST: CALLIE ROTHERMELDESIGNER: ALEX LONDONRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: COURTNEY ERICSON FROM Q MODEL MGMTMUA: D. NICOLE FOR MACHAIR: MAURICIO CIFUENTESSTYLIST: LUCY SUTHERLAND KNAUSRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: ASHLEY CHONTOS (LEFT) AND COURTNEY ERICSON (RIGHT) FROM Q MODEL MGMTMUA: D. NICOLE FOR MACHAIR: MAURICIO CIFUENTESSTYLIST: LUCY SUTHERLAND KNAUSRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: LINDSAY WORSHAMHAIR / MUA: D. NICOLE FOR MACSTYLIST: CALLIE ROTHERMELRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN


MODEL: CANDICE FROM BASIC MODEL MGMTHAIR / MUA: D. NICOLE FOR MACSTYLIST: LIZ TEITCHRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: ANNA FROM MAJOR MODEL MGMTHAIR / MUA: D. NICOLE FOR MACSTYLIST: LIZ TEITCHRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: ANNA FROM MAJOR MODEL MGMTMUA: D. NICOLE FOR MACRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: SAM MAEHAIR / MUA: MARI SHTENDESIGNER: VIKTOR LUNARETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: SAM MAEHAIR / MUA: MARI SHTENDESIGNER: VIKTOR LUNARETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: SHINAE YOUN FROM Q MODEL MGMTMUA: LYSE JARVIS FOR MACHAIR: KRISTIN JACKSONSTYLIST: CALLIE ROTHERMELRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: CANDICE FROM BASIC MODEL MGMTHAIR / MUA: D. NICOLE FOR MACSTYLIST: LIZ TEITCHRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

MODEL: ANNA FROM MAJOR MODEL MGMTHAIR / MUA: D. NICOLE FOR MACSTYLIST: LIZ TEITCHRETOUCHER: AARON CHIN

Viktorija Pashuta

MODEL: REMINGTON NELSONMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINASTYLIST: VIKTORIJA PASHUTA

IF YOU COULD USE ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE?Surprising, you never know what I’m going to do next.

www.pashutaphotography.com


Viktorija

MODEL: ADA YANHAIR / MUA: VIKTORIJA PASHUTASTYLIST: VIKTORIJA PASHUTA




HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?Professionally about a year.

DIGITAL OR FILM, AND WHY?Digital, of course. I guess, I’m too young to shoot film. Don’t even remember the way it looks. Hahaha.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AND WORK?Well, where is my Oscar ‘thank you’ list? My sister Anuta is my muse. She inspired me to do photography from the very beginning, when I was 12 and take my first shot of her with a Polaroid camera. My family always supported my crazy hobbies, which is a true inspiration that feeds my ego.

DOES YOUR CAREER AS A PHOTOGRAPHER REQUIRE YOU TO TRAVEL A LOT? IF SO, WHERE IS THE MOST FASCINATING PLACE ITS TAKEN YOU?Oh yeah! I have a rule, never shoot in the same location twice, so every new discovery is a blast for me. As an ancient anthropologist I hunt for new locations and always in search for some unique places with my iPhone to take some snapshots. As I’m new to this place, California is a fascinating background itself. I can dig on the most famous beaches and find some spots that nobody even heard about.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT TECHNIQUE YOU HAD TO LEARN IN PHOTOGRAPHY?As I’m a self-taught photographer, the lighting was the most complicated. It took me a few thousand of shots to figure it out. But then again, there are no

rules in photography. If the picture looks good, who cares what the lighting is.

HOW DO YOU INSPIRE MODELS IF THE SHOOT IS NOT GOING WELL?Even before the shoot I talk to my models. Usually I tell them a lot about myself, some funny stories, you know.. And they relax, laugh and start trusting me, which is very important. Acting stupid? I’m not afraid of being extra funny. I never actually had any bad shoots, so far. All my models were super cool and had great personalities. It’s all about being honest and respecting each other.

WHAT TYPE OF CAMERAS DO YOU SHOOT WITH?My baby, my Canon 7D

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR JOB?Waking up early.

AND THE EASIEST PART OF YOUR JOB?Charging the batteries. I like the way it clicks.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHY ACCESSORY, OTHER THAN YOUR CAMERA?Let’s see what is in my bag....Actually, I love my reflector. I tend to do a lot of outdoor shoots and my 5” x 1” gold & silver reflector always adds that special glow to the model’s face.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT SHOOTING, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?I’m constantly moving. I never stay still. Jumping in the water, crawling, lying on the floor, all kind of Cirque du Soleil stuff.

HOW DOES YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE WHEN YOU ARE BEHIND THE CAMERA?Very focused. I’m very serious about it. Sometimes actually too much. Maybe with time, I’ll be more laid back, hopefully.

DO YOU THINK OF YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST AND WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE WORD ARTIST?Maybe I am an artist as it’s very subjective. I never take pictures with no personal involvement. In 90% of the shoots I do all the styling and concept development. It is very important to have a team with the same values and devotion.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS?If you have it, you will know. And if you are good, you will succeed.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOUR FIERCE FANS?Photography is like a zebra, has black and white stripes. One day can be good, another one can be awful. It is normal, so stay positive and keep trying. Never give up.

www.pashutaphotography.comTo contact Viktorija, please visit:

MODEL: TARAMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINA

MODEL: MARI AGORYMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINADESIGNER: JAMI LARINHAIR ACCESSORY: CLAUDIA CUSTOM DESIGN

MODEL: MARI AGORYMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINADESIGNER: JAMI LARINHAIR ACCESSORY: CLAUDIA CUSTOM DESIGNMODEL: NICKY & ZANE (HANDSOME PUP)

MODEL: MELISSA LESLIEMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINAHAIR: SARAH PARSONS

MODEL: MELISSA LESLIEMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINAHAIR: SARAH PARSONS

MODEL: ROBYNN RENEEMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINAHAIR: SIERRA CHAMBERLAINSTYLIST: VIKTORIJA PASHUTA

MODEL: SARAMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINASTYLIST: VIKTORIJA PASHUTA

MODEL: ALEXANDRA KIMBERLYMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINASTYLIST: VIKTORIJA PASHUTA

MODEL: SARAMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINASTYLIST: VIKTORIJA PASHUTA

MODEL: ANNA PASHUTAHAIR / MUA: VIKTORIJA PASHUTASTYLIST: VIKTORIJA PASHUTA

MODEL: ANNA PASHUTAHAIR / MUA: VIKTORIJA PASHUTASTYLIST: VIKTORIJA PASHUTA

MODEL: REMINGTON NELSONMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINAPROPS: IT’S ABOUT TIME ANTIQUES

MODEL: REMINGTON NELSONMUA: TATYANA SEREDKINA

Mike Nguyenwww.fotomn.com www.miken.carbonmade.com

MODEL: SHAYN JEPPESENHAIR / MUA: GORDON BANHSTYLIST: NIC KREBS

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AND WORK?My girlfriend Kristen the most, shes been there pushing me all the way and inspires my art.



HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?4 years in total.

IF YOU COULD USE ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE?Versatile I am a self taught photographer & Photoshop wizard, he is a versatile artist that is able to use all kinds of media. My work plays in many different styles, I don’t necessarily want to be label.

DIGITAL OR FILM?Digital, because of the time it takes for me to edit and process the work I do, I need all the time I can get. It just takes to long to work with film, even though I love film.

DOES YOUR CAREER AS A PHOTOGRAPHER REQUIRE YOU TO TRAVEL A LOT?My career as a photographer is still blossoming, I have not yet traveled out of California for it. I would have to say being a photographer you keep a treasure chest of locations and one of my favorite is a insane asylum.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT TECHNIQUE YOU HAD TO LEARN IN PHOTOGRAPHY?I would have to say night time full light. It takes a lot of gear and time to setup.

HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED?Yes, tremendously. I am always growing and learning.

In your opinion, How long does it take to become a successful photographer?I am not to sure how long it takes for anyone person. It all depends on there skill and drive. When it does happen you will finally know and everything will fall in to place.

HOW DO YOU INSPIRE MODELS IF THE SHOOT IS NOT GOING WELL?I stop the shoot tell them to take a moment to imagine whatever it is that I am trying to project. There is plenty of ways to get them inspired, that would even include getting them pissed off but I hold that card if all fails.

WHERE DO YOU SEE GROWTH IN YOUR CAREER IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?I see myself a famous photographer or a unknown artist bum. “To the top or bust”

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR JOB?Dealing with diva’s in the field and there’s never enough time for anything.

AND THE EASIEST PART OF YOUR JOB?Haha, I cant think of anything easy about photography.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHY ACCESSORY, OTHER THAN YOUR CAMERA?The lighting equipment. I love what it can do at the right moment. Its like painting you need to practice and the right tools to create your masterpiece.

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM SHOOT? LOCATION, MODEL, ETC?Yes, Any location that photographers cant usually shoot is a dream location for me. Models that are unusually captivating. All the gear and equipment that is in my mental list. All the teams members I need to make the shoot perfect.

HOW DOES YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE WHEN YOU ARE BEHIND THE CAMERA?I am all work, very serious, and concentrated. But I am good at making the models and team comfortable.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST PHOTO YOU TOOK THAT MADE YOU REALIZE THIS WAS WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO?Yes my first serious set. It was the first time I had gotten a model, team, gear, location together for the shoot. It was planned well and everything came out perfect.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS?Be ready to fork over a lot of blood, sweat, and money.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOUR FIERCE FANS?Save the plant, GO GREEN!

Mike

MODEL: ALEXANDRA MATHEWSHAIR / MUA: BARBARA YNIGUEZPRODUCTION: PHILIP FIGUEROA

MODEL: AMANDA PADILLAMUA: GORDON BANHHAIR: NNEKA CHINELLOSTYLIST: NIC KREBS

www.fotomn.com www.miken.carbonmade.com

To contact Mike, please visit:

MODEL: JILLMUA: GENEVIEVE NICOLEASSISTANT: KRISTEN M STUART

MODEL: SHAYN JEPPESENHAIR / MUA: GORDON BANHSTYLIST: NIC KREBS

MODEL: AMANDA PADILLAMUA: GORDON BANHHAIR: NNEKA CHINELLOSTYLIST: NIC KREBS

MODEL: ALEXANDRA MATHEWSHAIR / MUA: BARBARA YNIGUEZPRODUCTION: PHILIP FIGUEROAHAND CRAFTED SHOES: MIKE NGUYEN

MODEL: ERYNN JOIMUA: MAKEUP BY EVE

DEFINE THE WORD “BEAUTY.”Beauty is something that evokes positive emotion from within upon sight.


Al Rodriguezwww.alrodriguezphotography.com


HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?Professionally for about 2 Years.

DIGITAL OR FILM?Digital. Never learned film. Everything is easy once you know how.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AND WORK?My inspiration comes from my goals. My goals come from my dreams. So I guess you can say that my dreams inspire or fuel my personal and professional life.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT TECHNIQUE YOU HAD TO LEARN IN PHOTOGRAPHY?Post production, aka Photoshop. You can do so much with it. I continue to learn everyday.

HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED?Fundamentally, no. Technically, yes.

IN YOUR OPINION, HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHER?In my opinion, there is no set time to become a successful photographer. Everyone comes with different skill sets and experiences. Once someone gets a good grasp on the technicalities of photography and develops their style, if they commit to continue to learn, grow and promote their work, they can pretty much take control of the timing of their success in photography.

WHAT TYPE OF CAMERAS DO YOU SHOOT WITH?I shoot with Nikon cameras and lens.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT SHOOTING, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?Review pictures, editing pictures, looking for inspiration. Promoting my work. Spending time with my family.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST PHOTO YOU TOOK THAT MADE YOU REALIZE THIS WAS WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO?Yes, it was the first time I picked up a SLR. I took a shot of my wife who was modeling some of her makeup work. I would up shooting her all night long. After that day, I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue feverishly, and did.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MISSED SHOTS WHICH CANNOT BE RECREATED?Missed shots are learning experiences. They make me cognizant of what I need to do or not do next time to NOT miss a shot.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FORMAL PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING?No. Self-taught. Internet and Youtube helped a lot.

WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES?My wife. She is a professional and celebrity makeup artist and makes my job easy. She influences me daily. Also, creative people I collaborate with. We seem to merge creatively to produce beautiful images.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGES YOU FACE ON A DAILY BASIS?Not settling with my level of work or creatively.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD TO YOU?My family

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE YOU ATTRACTED MOST?High fashion creative edgy projects that still maintain their attractiveness.

DO YOU THINK OF YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST AND WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE WORD ARTIST?No. I think of myself more as “capturer” of art.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS?I believe I have a great eye. I know what looks good. I know the types of images I want to represent my work. I can sort through images and almost instinctively pick the top images.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT DIGITAL MANIPULATION AND TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU UTILIZE IT?I feel it is necessary but over manipulation sort of defeats the purpose of true photography. I use digital manipulation moderately.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS?Never “arrive”. keep growing and learning.

Al

MODEL: RICKY HUMUA: MAKEUP BY EVEHAIR : GUSLENE BUBAKSTYLIST: FRED BERMUDEZ

MODEL: E TAYLOR & LYRIC WILLSHAIR: TREMMEL CHRISTEMUA: DENISE MOJICADESIGNER: SAMMY B & VIOLA RICCI STYLIST: CHRISTINA ROMAN

MODEL: CAILEIGH CORINEMAKEUP: MAKEUP BY EVEHAIR / STYLING: FELIPE G

www.alrodriguezphotography.comTo contact Al, please visit:

DESIGNER: FASHION TWINS DESIGNS SPRING 2010DESIGNER: FASHION TWINS DESIGNS SPRING 2010

MODELS: MONICA OZAREK, KATE BOYER, EVE RODRIGUEZ, ANGELIQUE VELEZMUA: MAKEUP BY EVE & JULIO RIOSHAIR: SABRINA ADABA & FELIPE GSTYLIST: FRANCES URRUTIA

MODEL: JUSTINE TAYLORMUA: MAKEUP BY EVEHAIR : SASHA DARRENDESIGN / STYLE: KAMALA COLLECTION

MODEL: BRIE ROCHAMUA: TIFFANY SIZSE HAIR: JENNIFER ZIEGELMEIER

MODEL: E TAYLORMUA: MAKEUP BY EVEHAIR / STYLE: FELIPE G DESIGNS: CARMELITA COUTURE

MODEL: KAT ANN NELSONMUA: MAKEUP BY EVEHAIR: SABRINA ADABADESIGN / STYLE: MASSA CULTURE

MODEL: NICOLE ALICIA MUA: MAKEUP BY EVEHAIR: FELIPE GDESIGN / STYLE: MASSA CULTURE

MODEL: NICOLE ALICIA MUA: MAKEUP BY EVEHAIR: FELIPE GDESIGN / STYLE: MASSA CULTURE

MODEL: LYRIC WILLSMUA: DENISE MOJICASTYLIST: CHRISTINA ROMANDESIGNER: SAMMY

MODEL: RICKY HUMUA: MAKEUP BY EVEHAIR: GUSLENE BUBAK

MODEL: MELANIE IGLESIASMUA: MAKEUP BY EVESTYLE / DESIGN: KAMALA COLLECTION

MAGAZINEWe are FierceThank you for taking a look at our fourth issue. Fierce Magazine

features the most talented and creative artists around. Be sure

to become a fan on facebook and issuu to see the latest and

greatest talent that we bring direct to you.

If you, or someone you know, should or would like to be

featured, please send us an e-mail with a portfolio link to

[email protected].

Thanks for reading!

W W W . F I E R C E P U B L I C AT I O N S . C O M - 1 1 5 -For advertising opportunities, please send an email to: [email protected]

magazine

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...a beautiful prodigy

fierce magazine :: february 2011

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