An exceptionally mild aromatic.

Gallery Showing - August.

2009-06-11T17:00:00.002-04:00

Just got into a show at the Hibbleton Gallery group show "Instant Gratification," which also will be featured in ISM Magazine. Artist reception and opening August 07, 2009 at 7pm.

Limited Edition book, too.

New Product Launch.

2009-06-11T16:57:00.000-04:00

B: The Product.

White Shoot Continued.

2009-06-10T14:44:00.006-04:00

More retouches from the white shoot; I'm about a month behind in retouching.

"21C Imagination" - Process

2009-06-04T12:54:00.002-04:00

Here's a step by step of how I do mixed media.

Old Work.

2009-06-04T03:17:00.005-04:00

Since I was setting up to take photos of the newest series, I figured I would photograph some old paintings.

This is a satiric series that I did for a gallery in LA. Under the pseudonym "Mary Campbell," an artist from Sweden that made religious artwork that matches home decor.

Click to check out the set.

Imagination Preview.

2009-06-04T00:27:00.004-04:00

Just got the prints back today (20x30) -- so I've started my mixed media project "21C IMAGINATION."

Starting on "forensic scientist" first.

Projection.

Painted.

Shoot for Perez Hilton.

2009-05-31T22:02:00.002-04:00

Worked with Marco Morante (Marco Marco Couture) and created 5 looks for Perez. Taking off of classic reporter cliches.
>> Clark Kent
>> War-Time Reporter

etc etc

Went very smoothly; finished early. Delight to work with.

Wardrobe - Marco Morante
Makeup - Ashleigh Louer
Hair - Traci Barrett
Art Direction - Jimmy Vogel

Crew Shot:

Clark Kent.

Marco and Ashleigh.

Polish Party.

2009-05-28T19:11:00.000-04:00

Finally some clean geometric shots.
Magazine shot for July.

Toxic Fun Part II.

2009-05-28T14:23:00.002-04:00

Today we used lead-toxic powder paints to recreate a Indian Holi Festival look.
Scary stuff.
I'm looking for a nontoxic alternative for a model shoot. Suggestions?

Tooling Around.

2009-05-27T19:41:00.002-04:00

Experimenting with clear caulk and food coloring for an upcoming project.
With Penelope and proper protection.

Fruit Salad.

2009-05-26T15:30:00.002-04:00

Slices for a medical magazine on veins.
The onion was not pleasant.

Memorial Day BBQ.

2009-05-25T15:40:00.000-04:00

Hosted a BBQ with all the usual suspects.

Kidz.

2009-05-24T23:26:00.002-04:00

Worked with some kids for an upcoming fine art project on children's imagination.
They were darlings, every last one.

Behind the Scenes-

Playing with Makeup.

2009-05-21T19:38:00.002-04:00

Magazine shot from today.
Art directed by Penelope Merriman.
In need of updating this blog-- been too busy; check back tomorrow.

Product Bits.

2009-05-14T19:05:00.000-04:00

All product nonsense today.
In need of some sunshine.

White Shoot.

2009-05-11T19:07:00.001-04:00

Great full day of shooting; helped out with makeup by Ashleigh Louer, and wardrobe by Marco Morante.
This boy Marco is phenom; really remarkable vision.

And models; the agenda was for 21; and the cancellations just came rolling - each one topping the next.
> Car overheated
> Picked up coworker's shift
> 2 Flus (how topical).
> Grandma died

Then one model calls me 5x the following day; standing outside the studio, wondering why no one in answering a day after the shoot's schedule.

It was very cool to work with a range of models; to decide for future projects. Great day.
More edits to come.

Summer Feature.

2009-04-29T17:44:00.000-04:00

For Launchpad.

Playing with Milk.

2009-04-28T17:28:00.001-04:00

Built a mini-rig for the milk troft. Shot for Dayspa.

Art Director Dannie plays in the milk.

Intercoiffure.

2009-04-20T17:56:00.000-04:00

Went to Vegas for the Intercoiffure show, and managed some decent shots.

Technology Detox 5-0.

2009-04-01T12:39:00.002-04:00

Spent a few days in Oahu and abstained from emails or cell phones.

View from the plane.

Shrimp Shack garlic shrimp from the North Shore.

The apartment complex I stayed at.

Makeup Story.

2009-03-17T15:40:00.000-04:00

For Launchpad Magazine, simple makeup products.
Happy Saint Patrick's day.

Friend of the Studio.

2009-03-16T18:11:00.002-04:00

Found this guy crawling around.
Caterpillar or leech?

Photos on Perez.

2009-03-15T13:50:00.001-04:00

My photo of the band LMFAO featured on Perez.

LA's Fall 09 Fashion Week.

2009-03-14T14:30:00.003-04:00

Kickoff at the Los Angeles Theatre, downtown, for the GenArt show.
Typically, Fashion week is held in Culver City at Smashbox - but they finally managed to bring it back to LA.

Event with afterparty downstairs.
Poor models with clydesdale walks - and all the designer's work looked the same.
Not impressed.
But the venue and people were fun.

Sands of Time.

2009-03-13T13:45:00.002-04:00

For an anti-aging hair product set, I think.

Product Shot.

2009-03-09T15:44:00.001-04:00

Typical stuff for Launchpad.
No wax necessary - and no adjustments with the lighting in post.

Found Photo.

2009-03-04T13:36:00.003-05:00

In looking for travel photos for a magazine submission; I came across a photo of me from my backpacking Europe trip. Featuring authentic Austrian hats in the wardrobe.

Located in Santorini, Greece.
Photo by Ben Piper.

Blue Moon Commercial.

2009-03-04T03:57:00.001-05:00

Helped out and my apartment hosted the filming of a Blue Moon commercial.
I took some stills.

Hiatus.

2009-03-03T15:50:00.000-05:00

April magazines are wrapping; so it's in between April and May.
Not much work to do, a nice few days break.

Product.

2009-03-03T15:01:00.001-05:00

Model Shoot.

2009-03-01T13:05:00.003-05:00

With the Dayspa cover model, Lauren Celinski and makeup artist Ashleigh Louer.
8 Looks, long day.

Ashleigh takes a break.

Green Pt 2.

2009-02-27T17:05:00.001-05:00

More set shots for the Green Series.

Fountainhead.

2009-02-26T19:50:00.003-05:00

I started The Fountainhead upon referral.
Here are some quotes that I enjoy-

"I have, let's say, sixty years to live. Most of that time will be spent working. I've chosen the work I want to do. If I find no joy in it, then I'm only condemning myself to sixty years of torture. And I can find the joy only if I do my work in the best way possible to me. But the best is a matter of standards-- and I set my own standards." - Roark

"Men hate passion, any great passion."

"...dogmatic discipline is the only thing which makes true originality possible..." - Toohey

"He did not know why her presence made him confess things unconfessed in his own mind."

"The substance of them is hatred for any man who loves his work. That's the only kind they fear."

"...there was no such thing as free will, since men's creative impulses were determined, as all else, by the economic structure of the epoch in which they lived."

"...he looked like the picture of a successful young man in advertisements for high-priced razors or medium-priced cars."

"He wondered why ineptitude should exist and have its say."

Set Shot.

2009-02-26T15:34:00.002-05:00

I love making elaborate setups.
Here we had a mud-masque story; and created a faux-nature scene.
I have a thing for problem solving.
But, I hate ugly product packaging; like the gasoline-bottle.

Products.

2009-02-23T17:26:00.000-05:00

Typical stuff for Launchpad.

New Spread.

2009-02-23T03:26:00.003-05:00

LA Direct Magazine.

And some other recent publications from this shoot:

--LA Direct Magazine
--Village Voice
--MTV UK
--NME
--Prive Event in Vegas
--"Suicide on the Runway," Perez's New Book
--National Post
--Martha Stewart TV

Product Problems.

2009-02-20T14:40:00.003-05:00

Today was very strange.
We had a lime green backdrop that was showing up as grey/white.

Then I added a gel to the backlight to try a change; and the color presented in the foreground.

Then, the art director discovered green metal-- and it was salvaged successfully.

Lara Miller.

2009-02-18T17:52:00.000-05:00

Lara Miller Tiered Sparky Vest, for a magazine.

Product Set Shot.

2009-02-17T17:57:00.005-05:00

For Launchpad Magazine; we tried 3 setups; and had sync issues with the lights.
Shot on the studio floor, how lovely.
Story is on men's body washes; contrasted by the filthy floor.

Polish Story.

2009-02-13T15:31:00.001-05:00

I enjoy making blobs.

Makeups.

2009-02-12T19:37:00.003-05:00

For Lauchpad Magazine.

Product Photos.

2009-02-11T15:56:00.003-05:00

Typical stuff; for a few magazines.

Instuctional for Nailpro.

2009-02-10T17:43:00.002-05:00

Some instructional shots for Nailpro Magazine.

Makeup Story.

2009-02-06T19:05:00.003-05:00

For a magazine; on mineral makeup.

Cover Shoot.

2009-02-05T20:03:00.006-05:00

For Dayspa Magazine's Cover, March 09.
Makeup by Ashleigh Louer.
Modeled by Lauren Celinski.

New Product Tear.

2009-02-01T17:37:00.001-05:00

From Dayspa Magazine, February 09 "Must Haves"

Product Shoot.

2009-01-29T16:58:00.004-05:00

Went to a sod farm to get some grass for the shoot.

Final Image, they were going for a "pushing daisies" style:

Spring Makeup Story.

2009-01-29T14:40:00.001-05:00

For 2 magazines.

Product Shoot.

2009-01-28T19:04:00.002-05:00

I love product on metal.
I like it better before.

Final Image:

New me.

2009-01-28T18:57:00.004-05:00

Couldn't sleep last night so I took a new self-portrait; other was was about 6 months dated.

Tear: Psychology Today.

2009-01-27T12:41:00.003-05:00

From Psychology Today Magazine, Jan/Feb 09 "Personality"

Issue Cover:

Spread:

Boomertown.

2009-01-26T17:50:00.000-05:00

Another Makeup Story today.

Meet and Greet.

2009-01-26T12:52:00.002-05:00

Met up for some guidance with photographer Patrick Hoelck. He gave me some direction on how to get some more soul.

Image by Patrick:

Meet and Greet.

2009-01-25T19:44:00.002-05:00

Met for iced tea and a bagel with photographer Rodelio Astudillo.
He's shot just about everyone; really cool guy.

Photo by Rudy.

Burnsdall Art Park Show.

2009-01-24T21:00:00.001-05:00

Charity Gallery Show at the Barnsdall Art Park.
I showed three pieces from my Big Sky series.
Very earthy location; a spot of green in the city.

Today, a Polish Story.

2009-01-23T19:17:00.004-05:00

For three magazines; 50 polishes.
Looks like a sexier allergy test.

Final Image:

Someone's gotta do it.

2009-01-21T17:26:00.002-05:00

This is a typical production day at work.
I create splotches of various substances; today it was hand & foot masques.
Someone's gotta do it.

Final Image:

Congrats, you got Gallery.

2009-01-17T17:29:00.003-05:00

Usually, galleries inform you when your work is accepted to a show.
In this case, I got a passive message:

"Artists arrange for delivery of the artwork on the morning of the event, Saturday, January 24th between 8am-12noon, to the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Art Park. "

Turns out I was accepted.
And, I'm showing next weekend.
Neat.

Roof Top Espionage, Bondish.

2009-01-11T17:49:00.006-05:00

Pulled together a magazine submission test shoot.
Location was a close friend's roof.
Night-time was tricky; in that exterior outlets were few and far.
But we made it work.

Working with a fantastic team- Jimmy Vogel (Art Director), Eleanor Sabaduquia (mua), Tracy Richards (Hair Stylist), Erlinda Denise (Wardrobe Stylist), Jesus Esquivel (First Assistant). Models - Jessica Farrow & Amanda Smith

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

From cocaine capital to big apple.

2009-01-03T17:52:00.003-05:00

One day only in NY.
Bus up, Train down.
Hit up my favorite spots.
Met back up with old friends.

Passed some of my Old Apartments:
[7th+3rd ave]

[9th+3rd ave]

[25th+lex]

New Product Tears.

2009-01-01T17:29:00.001-05:00

From Beauty Launchpad Magazine, January 09 "Only Hue"

From Dayspa Magazine, January 09 "In The Clear"

From Dayspa Magazine, January 09 "Must Haves"

Reset Couture.

2008-12-21T18:01:00.005-05:00

Kafka says my neighborhood reminds her of Croatia.
I assume it's fact, and will tell others.

Interesting crew, some creative differences.
Tests versus hiring can be frustrating.

Worked with Joslyn from the last cycle of ANTM.
Really cool girl; great energy.

Reset Couture (Wardrobe Designer / Stylist), Christina Guerra (mua), Christopher Sato (Hair Stylist). Models - Josyln Pennywell & Julia.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Marco Marco Couture.

2008-12-14T17:39:00.006-05:00

Pulled a shoot together for Christopher Sato, hairstylist on the tv show "Blush."

The rest of the cast- Marco Morante (Wardrobe Designer / Stylist), Ashleigh Louer (mua), Christopher Sato (hair), Paul Wallace (art director). Models - Hannah Crowley and Samantha Robertson.

Before-
[Christoper makes clouds via a mailing tube to the head.]

After-

Before-

After-

Blush - Episode 5.

2008-12-09T14:22:00.003-05:00

Shooting on the penthouse suite of the Roosevelt Hotel, doing classic hollywood looks.
Amazing location.
I persuaded them to let me shoot an editorial.
Score.

Jimmy's Lighting Test.

It got much darker by the time we shot. Making the colors of the test moot.
Outlets were overloaded for the video lights- so it was fussy in getting power.

Blush - Episode 4.

2008-12-02T13:59:00.003-05:00

VEGAS, baby.
Went for the day out of Burbank.
Stayed in Paris; working with the Jubilee Girls.

I don't really care for Vegas.
Unless I had a wealth of expendable income.
Then it could be decent.

Celinski backstage.

Before the cast reveal.

My favorite Showgirl.

New Product Tear.

2008-12-01T17:25:00.002-05:00

From Dayspa, December 08 "Must Haves"

From Dayspa, December 08 "Editor's Choice"

New Toy.

2008-11-22T19:53:00.001-05:00

I got myself a gift.
Note the tacky hollywood sign in the backdrop.

Blush - Episode 2.

2008-11-18T13:49:00.002-05:00

Animals!
Episode theme - body paint like an animal.

The Zebra had a Camel BFF that he wouldn't dare separate from.
The guru, Charlie, with a zebra.

I had to shoot reference images of the animals used in the episode prior to taping.

Good day, London.

2008-11-15T13:40:00.000-05:00

Back to the States.
I guess I'll have to get back to 80 degree weather.
Difficulties.

Wigs.

2008-11-15T02:38:00.002-05:00

Cancer wig shoot for Beauty Launchpad Magazine.

Makeup - Ashleigh Louer
Model - Nazim
Art Director - Penelope Merriman

Blush - Show Premiere

2008-11-11T14:39:00.002-05:00

I was emailed this screenshot with my name in the credits.
Thanks pops.

I couldn't post photos until the show aired; so they'll come as it goes.

Paris wasn't traveled in a day.

2008-11-10T03:25:00.001-05:00

Or was it.

4AM train to Paris; taking it back that evening.
We nearly missed boarding due to customs.
Whoops.

We ate.
We shopped.
We barely observed culture.
Paris is great.

Paris-bound.

They don't do it right in the states.

Xanex Coma.

2008-11-07T03:22:00.000-05:00

First time taking my gear in a plane.
Heard horror stories about poor Heathrow luggage handling.
I slept for 8 hours.
Ate.
Slept for another 3 hours.
Touched down in fog.

Met with Ryan and Joe- colleagues from DC.
Let the journey begin.

I condense.

Blush Launch Party

2008-11-06T14:41:00.001-05:00

Launch party at Foxtail.
I was invited by the show's creator.
Should be cool to see everyone again.

New Product Tear.

2008-10-01T17:43:00.000-04:00

For Dayspa Magazine, October 08, "Must Haves"

Birthday Capture.

2008-09-12T13:55:00.001-04:00

For Patrick's birthday, I made him a Polaroid.

New Product Tear.

2008-09-01T17:28:00.000-04:00

From Beauty Launchpad Magazine, September 08 "First Look: Nails"

More junk in the trunk than a honda.

2008-08-22T18:17:00.002-04:00

Shoot with singer Mickey Avalon.
Really chill guy; we shot at his house.
Kind of anxious prior because I hadn't seen the location.
But there were plenty of options.

Did 3 sets until it was dark.

ON SET:

AFTER:

Zoe.

2008-08-17T03:36:00.002-04:00

Test shoot with Zoe.
Makeup by Ashleigh Louer.
Shot in my studio & house.

Cherie.

2008-08-16T02:35:00.001-04:00

Test shoot with Cherie; makeup by Ashleigh Louer.
I had a wardrobe stylist that pulled some vintage clothing.

New Product Tear.

2008-08-01T17:27:00.003-04:00

For Dayspa Magazine, August 08 "Must Haves"

For Nailpro Magazine, August 08 "Boys of Summer"

I got you babe.

2008-07-22T13:28:00.002-04:00

Sonny and Cher inspired shoot for UCE Magazine.
They're doing a musician themed issue.

Cary's mustache kept moving when he laughed.
I should have been less hilarious.

Retouched Images:

Home Sweet Hollywood Hills.

2008-07-13T03:44:00.001-04:00

Got a new apartment in the Hollywood Hills.
My move was due to a little attempted murder.
Great place, though.

Two bedroom.
1500 sq feet.
Private yard.
Hunter Lodge-feel.
Jet tub.

Just Lovely.

Big Sky, my home away from home away from home.

2008-07-07T01:20:00.003-04:00

Took four days in Montana for Independence Day.
I love that place.

Our Ranch:

Baby colts are like puppies; taking a nap.

An 8 hour colt.

4th of July.

Memorable Pool Party.

2008-05-26T02:21:00.001-04:00

Memorial day pool party launch for some clothing line.
At the Roosevelt Hotel.
I went with Marcos Luevanos, style editor of Metromix and NYU alum.

Whisper Lounge.

2008-05-21T01:15:00.002-04:00

Shoot for Metromix (LA Times) on drinking after shopping, starring my friends: Mara, Gary, Margaux.

Celebrity Juice.

2008-05-11T18:21:00.002-04:00

Shoot with celeb gossip, Perez Hilton.
He was on a tight schedule due to Mother's Day.
We shot at the ambassador suite of the Sofitel in Beverly Hills.
Thank you Steve Valentine.

This was coordinated about two months prior; and it just happened to be the same weekend that Perez was shooting a cover for Metromix.
They ended up liking my shoot better than theirs.
Sweet.

Perez was a dear; even sent me a fruit basket after the shoot.

ON SET:

AFTER:

Overflow.

2008-04-26T13:14:00.003-04:00

Reinvention of Alan Kaprov's "Fluids," at the Getty Center as "Overflow" by the LA Art Girls.
My friend Sydney Croskery was one of the creators.
I think I arrived a bit late.

Photo op with some ice.

There she blows.

2008-04-23T13:12:00.001-04:00

The cover came out to happy gay Angelenos.

Amanda Lepore.

2008-04-17T13:09:00.002-04:00

Shoot with Amanda for Metromix, a cover and spread.
Shot at the Whiskey Blue Lounge at the W Hotel in Westwood.

Me and Amanda

Front Street Fashion.

2008-04-16T12:42:00.000-04:00

Shoot for Metromix with the founders of Front Street Menswear.
They offered me a beer.

David.

Cole.

I'm in Miami, Bitch.

2008-04-13T12:38:00.004-04:00

Photo shoot with the band LMFAO (signed with Interscope).
Really cool guys.
I went on a Coors Light run during makeup.

BEFORE:

Downtown Art Walk.

2008-04-10T12:35:00.003-04:00

Some work at the Regent Gallery in Downtown LA.
With the artist group "Possum Saloon."

Bamboozle Left.

2008-04-06T03:49:00.003-04:00

Through Mr.Kress, I nabbed an all-access "artist" pass to photograph backstage at the concert series, Bamboozle Left.

On stage with Hawthorne Heights.

On stage with Jeffree Star.

LA has a zoo?

2008-03-25T02:11:00.002-04:00

Unnecessarily kitsch spider exhibit.

Great sign.

Better sign.

Ghetto Gloss.

2008-03-23T01:55:00.002-04:00

At the opening of Ghetto Gloss' show "Permanence," author and Margaret Cho.
Shot for Metromix.

Beverly Hills.

2008-03-09T01:48:00.002-05:00

Palm tree search for Metromix story on party texts.
Great strett in Bev Hills.
Take some tests.
Meet the house's architect outside the house.
Green light for a shoot that evening.
Score.

Starring Josh and Joanna.

First Solo Show.

2008-03-01T03:00:00.001-05:00

Pretty exciting stuff.
Solo show in DC.

Tammy Tomahawk

2008-02-29T02:27:00.000-05:00

PR Shoot for singer Tammy Tamahawk at a Los Feliz bar.

Palmdale.

2008-02-22T01:45:00.005-05:00

Took my model friends Josh and Joanna for a roadtrip to Palmdale for a test shoot.
Picked up doritos, lunchables, and starbucks doubleshots.
It was a good time and we all got burned.