As an avid user of Nik’s amazing software plug-ins made specifically for photographers, I was honored when they asked if I would interview for the weekly Nik Radio Podcast. Without hesitating, I jumped at the opportunity and we covered everything from my photography gear/lighting preferences to how I got started in the biz. I also expressed some of my opinions on working with models and how-to (as well as how-not-to) approach new clients. If you’ve got half an hour to spare, click on the above image which will take you to the Nik Radio Website or click here to listen to the interview in iTunes. Lastly, be sure to jump over to Nik’s website where you can download free demos of their entire software line-up: www.niksoftware.com

When Leticia Cline first contacted me to help update her book, I have to admit feeling slightly intimidated by the assignment. This was simply due to the fact that her long list of accomplishments (which you can find here) has paired her with a surplus of great photographers whose images were soon to be joined by mine. Lucky for me, Leticia turned out to be one of the most easygoing models that I’ve had the pleasure to work with. She was also, by far, the most fearless when it came to posing in unpolished conditions… and by ‘unpolished’, I mean full of critters and bird shit. In fact, she texted me the next day letting me know that a hitchhiking spider had just crawled out of her bag. **Note to self: Require all models to sign wavers from this point forward.**

In the end, the most difficult part of the shoot turned out to be picking which images would make the cut… because there were so many great ones to choose from! Check out the keepers below and feel free to leave any comments or questions after the break. A special thanks to Anamary Valdes for doing such a great job with hair and makeup.

Click on any image for a larger view.

Continue reading…

While visiting L.A. back in December, I was fortunate in having the opportunity to take an afternoon road trip with two former Miss USA winners: Tara Conner and Rima Fakih.  El Matador Beach was our final destination as we showed up with only an hour of daylight to spare.  It was just enough time to pull off a quick shoot while soaking in the amazing scenery.  Although I love the beaches we have here in Florida, they simply don’t offer the breathtaking views found along the cliff-lined coast of Malibu.  To see what I mean, check out the images of Tara below and keep posted for Rima’s set which is soon to come.

Click on any image for a larger view.

Continue reading…

As I began to prepare for next week’s trip to San Diego and LA, I realized that I had yet to post any images from my previous visit in December.  With that said, I present you with Julie from Elite Models.  Julie hired me to help her with a quick update to her book and within a couple hours, we knocked out the following shoot in the clubhouse of her condo building.  I would love to have seen the facial expression on the security guard watching the surveillance monitors that day.

Click on any image for a larger view.

Continue reading…

In mid-December, I was back in the sand to shoot Jenni Farley, A.K.A. – J-Woww (from the MTV show, ‘Jersey Shore’) in her new bikini line on the beautiful beaches of Key Biscayne, FL.  J-Woww by Perfect Tan Bikini is a truly one-of-a-kind design which allows you to achieve the ‘Perfect Tan’ (hence the name) by removing the bikini straps while your top stays securely in place.  “How does it work,” you ask?  Simple, the top is lined with a special Velcro which clings to your chest-fro… totally kidding.  The bikinis are actually lined with a water-resistant double-sided silicone adhesive.  Pretty clever, huh?

Scroll below to check out a handful of photos from my shoot along with some press links and a video from Inside Edition.  A special thanks goes out to The South Florida Glam Squad for doing another great job with hair & makeup!

Click on any image for a larger view.

Continue reading…

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! As we get ready to enter a new year, I’d like to give you a sneak peak at the Tropic Beauty 2012 Calendar which I shot back in August. It’s now available for purchase so if you happen to be in Las Vegas and sober enough to remember, look for a copy on store shelves in The Mirage, The MGM Grand or The Monte Carlo.  You can also order a copy directly from the Tropic Beauty website.

The cover features Trashell Thompson followed by Miss January–Janet Layug and Miss February–Dessie Mitcheson who was recently introduced as the new face of Playboy Intimates. This is just a sample of the 20 girls featured in the full calendar.

Click on any image for a larger view.

Continue reading…

Here’s another set from my last Miami trip featuring Ella Mashkautzen – Elite Miami. After checking out the photos, scroll to the bottom of the post to find my fun-filled schedule from that weekend in South Florida. It’s probably not as glamorous as you might have imagined…

Click on any image for a larger view.

Continue reading…

Light It: The How-To Magazine for Studio Lighting and Off-Camera Flash is the first digital photography lighting magazine made exclusively for the Apple iPad. The first issue was a huge hit and I’m proud to have authored the feature article in Issue #2! My article, titled: “Choosing the Right Tools”, discusses the topic of gear selection as a means of problem solving while going into detail about my 3 favorite light shaping tools. The digital-only format will allow you to magnify text and tap any image for a full screen view. Continue reading…

Meet Christina from Mega Model Management in Miami. I recently shot her (‘snap, snap’ not ‘bang, bang’) with the help of Yen Ryder (hair stylist). We were all set with plans to shoot in Key Biscayne but after taking a peek at the garden surrounding her condo, I knew we needed to travel no further. As I would only have access to this beautiful and unique setting while working with Christina, staying put was a no-brainer. That’s one of the things I love most about photography… there are no holds barred and every shoot comes with its own set of opportunities which you can choose to resist, ignore or embrace. I always go for the latter of the three.

Click on any image for a larger view.

Continue reading…

Here’s another set from my last visit to Miami featuring Viktoria Makrianis. Once again, Yen (the great hair stylist) and I dodged some nasty weather as we were greeted with clear skies that morning. It’s a good thing we took advantage of it because I was shooting in 35mph winds the following day. I’ll post the images from the tropical storm shoot in a week from now. In the meantime, enjoy Viki from Israel!

Click on any image for a larger view.

Continue reading…