Directions USA

Directions USA

I had the privilege of working with talent from Directions USA for the NIka ad in Seventeen Magazine. 

The model for this shoot was Kelsey Childers and the makeup artist was Jami Svay. The professionalism from 

the talent of Directions USA and my contact was outstanding. 

The exciting news for me is they mentioned me in a blog post and a couple of tweets in early January. I have to confess this is amazing news. Directions USA provides talent to the largest fashion events/designers/publications in the world and I’m simply flattered my name made the list of credits with them. 

Many thanks to the talent Kelsey & Jami including my contact with Directions USA.

Amazing shoot team

The amazing shoot team for the Nika ad page #107 in Seventeen Magazine. Visit my tumblr to see more
http://erinlhubbsphotography.tumblr.com/

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Seventeen Magazine & ME !!!!!!!!!!!

Seventeen Magazine Print Ad for Nika 

Seventeen Magazine & ME !!!!!!!!!!!

Seventeen Magazine & me .... Yes three images were chosen to run in the Special Edition of Seventeen Magazine for Nika. Considering I rode into a national fashion ad with this gown I have to admit it has taken over the #4 spot on my Gown Crush list and that we have a brief sorted past. This Nika gown and I like magazine covers too so its a winner! What the interesting part is this gown just works well. It seems to fit its subject like a glove, has fun movement, great weight and the textures are pleasing to the touch. It also comes in a shorter version and is just as playful (see outtakes below). 

I confess I'm excited to be in Seventeen Magazine and not just one photo but three it's just so unexpected. We did it ......yes we I'm all about team members. Many thanks to everyone (see below, insert laugh) who worked hard & had fun creating the final image set. Being able to work closely with a client the designer of the gown to achieve a visual goal is a dream. Then throw in a team of artists to bring the beauty side to life... its simply a creative comfort something very special.... I prefer to make photo shoots look like magic to skip discussing the planning, setup, hurry up & wait, tear out, processing and deadlines. Truthfully the magic while working and having the final product make the work of photography vanish its funny how that works. 

Anyway let me keep this amazing news short and that's only because it has a shelf life of "display until 4/13/12" so I'm going to have fun with it.... yes and why not so stay tuned and laugh with me as I turn my blog and tumbler into a more visual journey with this as a kick off. Yes in 2012 less words more visual facts in blog posts and a move to just tumbler... Lucky you!

Thank you to the team listed below for allowing me to use your talents to achieve one of my goals.... 

Designer: Nika / Niki Kapoor

Model: Ms. Kelsey Directions USA

Makeup Artist: Jami Svay Directions USA

Hair: Larry D. Webb 

Publication: Seventeen Magazine 

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Happy New Year

Here she is again gown crush #3 - Holiday Card

Here she is again gown crush #3 - Holiday Card 

I'm excited to see my gown crush #3 again and thrilled this image is being used for the Charlotte Style Magazine holiday card. I have to keep this short because I promised myself I would not have a full top 5 Gown Crush list in 2012 so I need to move forward. 

Happy Holidays 

Happy Holidays and thank you for taking the time to view my blog this year....

Erin L. Hubbs

Adventures in slowing things down with iphone-photography

Adventures in slowing things down with iPhone-photography

The business of just snapping a photo with your cellphone can be a bit more than just snapping and forwarding or posting to social media. Cellphone photography comes with its own language, apps, groups, purists. People take the business of cellphone photography very serious and if you are into it I can see why. Its sort of punk rock photography and often 'gifts' you visual treats.... the art of not achieving the final shot but its cool. My goal is to document life when my working camera is MIA plus the ease of use including the quality is  amazing. I do question the printing but that's were the 'art' could come into play working with what it gifts.....  

The beauty of using the iPhone is I have to slow down. The idea of counting while pushing the button has come to mind because its very slow for me.. but has forced the 'wait for it' so its been a treat. I almost have a visual memory of the 9 seconds it takes for one shot and that's interesting. Basically I drank the iphone photography aka 'iphoneography' kool-aid and its a blast... ..  if you have a chance explore your phone you maybe surprised with the simple visuals in life. 

Thanks

Supporting the Arts - Packed House

Supporting the Arts - Packed House

It was a packed house for The Light Factory Annual Art Auction. Such great work on the block for the cause. I was on the block for a shoot with a diamond necklace, that was mentally entertaining... all night long I wanted to snatch that beautiful thing off the stunning models neck and run but had a feeling they could identify me.... next year I will plan in advance maybe wear a wig or some platforms to hide in public because it and the Dali photo would have been on the run with me..... so I had that part worked out (haha).

More important what a great turn out for The Light Factory 30th Annual Art Auction. The message is support the arts or your favorite non-profit. Be like the cool people in these photos and embrace giving.... just give back and remember social media is free so "Share the Love Share a Link" to your favorite nonprofit you never know how it can grow. 

*TLF thank you for the flowers you guys crack me up. 

* Yes I shot these with a cellphone and I'm ok with that :)

Promo Video - The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film 30th Annual Auction

Promo Video - The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film  30th Annual Auction 

Being asked to join a donation from Diamonds Direct Southpark for the 30th Annual Auction is really amazing and the photo shoot fashion twist is stunning. Stunning.... I guess it shows I shoot fashion and admire pretty things and people notice. What the final images do not show is the fast pace of the world I have dipped into. The running to score a spot in one of the worlds largest photo pits, photographers fighting over equipment preference, hours of setup and tear out, sleepless nights working, coffee addiction, working relationships with media outlets/talent/designers basically its a crazy dance I hope never ends. Yeah I can actually use the line of 'would not change it for the world' and 'damn I'm lucky' and truly mean it. 

The video above will be on display during The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film 30th Annual Art Auction. All the visual content was shot by me including the actual video. I often tell people to document your life and this is a sample of mine. The actual editing idea is to keep viewers attention even from across the room as it will be played on a loop so enjoy (insert laugh). 

Many thanks to The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film for inviting me to be part of this unique package........ I'm flattered you all thought of me and have noticed my fashion work.  

** my package link**

Stephanie Rauch, Ph.D. - really cool client Sept/Oct print

Stephanie Rauch, Ph. D.   -  really cool client Sept/Oct print

After my last blog post I thought about the comment of me not caring about being in print for few mins. I think the statement should be I care about a happy client more than I care about being in print. How photo shoots work for me its always based on enjoying the shoot first because if everyone is not happy it will not go well.. Then the next part of the shoot for me is... a happy client and most of them are private... meaning most images I shoot never hit this blog because its for the client use and really it would bore you if you actually read and follow this blog. How many people do people need to see before its a total happy fest..... so when the client is happy I'm happy. 

I remember Stephanie requesting images for publication from her business shoot... So we did that and she even mentioned the time frame they would hit and to be honest I believe they hit some national big time "smart people" magazine(s)..... remember she is a Ph. D. with a really cool job, maybe a few months ago.. Anyway after my last post I thought you are in print somewhere...... think Erin think where is this stuff you need to work on this.. So after dinner this evening I pulled a few magazines from racks and the one I was looking for was not in site but I found cool Stephanie. So with that said it hit September so not to bad only a monthish out. So my goal is to backtrack on publications ok so that sounds good today but don't hold me to it... remember I had a Americas top model and cover girl Keenya Hill including a cover and I totally space this when it hit... I still have MBNYFW to brag about but its all so over.... 

Above is a photo of the actual magazine and my photo is the happy cool chick on the left. I Also pulled two from the series. We shot several backgrounds to work with her over all look. I had to post the chair with dog photo.. I'm a dog fan so if you know me this is expected and the other is Stephanie working a facet of her magic.. I'm sort of laughing as I remember this shoot because it was casual & easy going. Thank you Stephanie for a cool casual business shoot. 

National Magazine Fashion Editorial for...... its a secret of sorts....

National Magazine Fashion Editorial for...... its a secret of sorts....

It a secret because I never believe anything until I see it... Actually the images you see above were shot with my phone because its funny and these were tweaked for added enjoyment. BUT these looks never stood a chance are were cut so its fun to share cellphone 'garbage'. Believe me the final look is a show stopper and I would never give that up before the powers that be release. 

I believe the national magazine hits at the end of December for January 2012. To be honest I don't care when it hits I scored some amazing shots and worked with a fun team of people so all and all thats all I need. Sure I will show more when it hits but for now this is fun to show garbage. The process was fun... phone rings, I say yes and few days later here we are in the warehouse shooting. You will notice it was a long shoot. We start when its light out and then the final gown (cut cut cut) is shown being adjusted and its dark outside... but just when everyone goes home my real work begins.. the proofing and whirl wind of text and emails... BUT its done and three images made the cut.. Wow not one but three are slated for use but again until I see it then I will say with confidence I have three images in '## magazine' so stop by a newsstand or take a look when you are buying groceries anywhere in the US... pretty cool

Being on Display During Fashion Coterie - September 18.19.20 2011 NYC So Hush Hush I Forgot

Being on Display During Fashion Coterie - September 18.19.20 2011 NYC So Hush Hush I Forgot

The images above were selected to be on display during Fashion Coterie this past September in New York City. To be honest I forgot. I sort of live in the now and to me this is old news just like a handful of things pending once they hit its old to me, the thought is old, believe me I like seeing it but I'm done with it... So not being able to talk about Fashion Coterie was hard at the time

The images were shot for magazine publication and with publisher approval they hit the Fashion Scene in New York first so it was top secret on the open market. I must admit I thought about it being on display before it arrived, during Fashion Coterie and once it was over. I just forgot to say anything BUT being on display felt pretty cool. 

The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film - Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film - Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

A beautiful diamond necklace from Diamonds Direct Southpark and a Photo Shoot with me are up for grabs during The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film 30th Annual Art Auction. Its exciting for several reasons but most important to bring attention to the arts is key... So buy a ticket, show some love for the arts, bid now or later just bid/buy/support, I'm counting on you readers to show some love for the arts.... if you can't buy share the auction info in your social media let's all work together to show support, links below.

The exciting thing for me was being asked to accompany a diamond necklace due to my fashion photography background. To know I hold a value with the arts for shooting portraiture &  fashion is really amazing. Again to be asked is key for me... I have been a volunteer for a long time so when they call I say yes even before a finished sentence. To know I'm on this auction ticket & I could keep the lights on for 1/2 a day is worth it to me to just say yes when I answer the phone. 

I also have to laugh knowing after the stunts I have pulled of bringing in custom sets to christen, live plants even trees and processing all my photos after the shoots (I'm a control freak, thanks) these people really must be crazy like me.. Just crazy about the arts! It makes me think back to my first volunteer position for TLF I was a shy props girl and now look I'm on the ticket with a diamond necklace. I blogged about it last month when I was asked so again no matter what I recommend to all photographers just dig in and support the arts and NEVER think what do I get in return... because you should know supporting the arts is fashionable... and maybe one day you can be on the block with a diamond necklace.. I never dreamed this would happen and truly flattered The Light Factory thought of me... Many thanks to The Light Factory!

direct link to auction info

http://www.auction.lightfactory.org

direct link Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

http://www.auction.lightfactory.org/artist-directory/-diamonds-are-a-girls-best-friend

Courtney Peterson - Hair Hair & Oh my give me Hair

Courtney Peterson - Hair Hair & Oh my give me Hair

At the end of the shoot Ms. Courtney embraced her amazing hair. Sure she arrived model ready with her beautiful hair ready for the stylist to work and really all the proper model stuff, proper shoes, undergarments, nails perfect for any look but it was the hair and her eye pop that had me on the edge of my seat with excitement. 

The weather this day was rain and very humid but have no fear we have a hair professional on set. What he actually did was amazing he took her outside to prep her hair. I was shocked to see this as most people run from weather not Larry Webb he was ready for this look. They went outside embraced the weather worked some magic and boom you have this type of beautiful hair. I was shocked it was everything I had in mind and so much more.. I feel in love with this look and mood. Then you have Ms. Courtney who worked this look with a fresh lip color and a dash of makeup touch ups and simply rocked it out so we all jumped in and just had fun... 

It was fun to brighten things up, to get a little funky with the lighting and really just play. After all if you can't have fun while working then whats the point.... Thanks to the shoot team. 

model - Courtney Peterson 

mua - Adrian D. Howe

hair - Larry D. Webb

Escaping into Fur, Fashion, Laughter and Teamwork

Escaping into Fur, Fashion, Laughter and Teamwork 

I find escaping into work and creating a world a nice treat. The day of this shoot was wild on my personal side of life. Meaning this was the day to tell Erin everything that happened over the past month and that was the good, the bad and some really ugly news..... It makes me really love my people for understanding my ride has been crazy and chances are good I'm lost in the photo world so if the house is not falling down let's save the news. 

What I think this did was when it was my time to work with this fur look, shooting free range......it shows.  I have a bit of dramatic lighting, she is slightly draped in fur and I tossed her in a corner. Looking at the images now I can see a lot of scandal, suprise and hiding behind the shadows & sunglasses. I'm not much for reading into things but this fur look is SO much in my face I have to talk about it... I also have to thank my people for their time of news delivery.... because I would place bets on the idea of not having this news I would have stuck to the master plan of shooting and now thinking about that plan ..... it would have served a purpose of nice clean commercial shots but this allowed me to shoot the way I really wanted to once my mood shifted.... . I find that when its come to being my turn in the models station I want what I want when I want it and I'm greatful people I work with understand my madness even when they had no clue of  news... they just go with it even when they know I'm straying from the plan..... thanks Adrian & Larry for giving me this freedom without calling me out when you knew my plan was well not this look. 

You will see other images/look we shot this day in short blog posts but this one I needed to write a little bit more once I figured out my personal life filtered into a shoot when I had the chance to free range shoot...

MUA - Adrian D. Howe

Hair - Larry D. Webb

Model - Courtney Peterson

** a special thanks to Ms. Courtney for the complement of "Cracktastic" because I agree you three are cracktastic and thank you for having me as your photographer this day.**

Olivia Pires - Nika Designs Charlotte Style Magazine

Olivia Pires - Nika Designs Charlotte Style Magazine

I'm a Cover Girl is what I like to shout but really it's just a photo I shot but hey it sounds good! The name of this cover girl is Olivia Pires and I'm pretty lucky to work with this model. Lucky for several reasons and one is her mother and NY/NC agent have her on lock down. Yes she is famous in Japan and does not talk about it, she shot the American Eagle campaign does not brag about it and I'm sure that's the tip of the iceberg... actually I know she is slated for a few national/international things so this could be the last shoot I'm allowed to have with her... YES I said allowed remember she is on lock down and her 'handlers' are very mindful of who she works with.. So thanks for the approval and knowing I/We also take good care of her image... NO Beauty School for the model it's simply not allowed.

Knowing her image is on lock down  and understand the value of being able to work with Olivia... I as the director of photography for Charlotte Style Magazine almost did not use her. I know national photography fashion trends and sorry Calvin & D. Furstenberg your winter line having to be shot in color incl. a mix of designers was not going to work for one of our three editorials, sorry I love local fashion designers but no not going to happen.... Then the Niki/Nika story hit (see below) and I knew this was the one... Sure it will be in color but its a collection of a national/international designer. Yes the clothes have been worn by a lot of famous people (read the article) this should fit and keep your fingers crossed Ms. Olivia is in Charlotte when it's time. So yes it worked because as much as I don't want to allow my personal life to filter in the work life... I know the Pires family and I believe Susan would 'jack' me and pull Olivia out of a shoot in a second so I had to do this right. The shoot team had to be right, the location if any had to be right..... oh the things I have to think about... So it was all perfect thanks to my friend Leigh Jones she just sealed the deal on the location.... (see Niki below). 

Basically what happened that this became a cover too was this entire story took on a life of its own. I cant thank my publisher enough for quietly taking a risk on this being a editorial as it was slated to be one shot in one article but really I wonder what her face looked like when she reviewed the previews... Mine was like Oh No one photo out of the day.... good luck to her for making the final selection... glad that's not my job... but she is smart she knows the value of this type of model and designer and is always on her toes with being ahead of the game... I'm just lucky she found me and asks me to play in her sandbox.

I found out in NY that this was going to be the cover and that actually it was going to be a double cover... I was stunned and had to keep my mouth shut for weeks. It was painful to not tell the team and Susan Pires the good news but the reward came when at the magazine release party , hearing Ms. Olivia say "It's Me" it was so sweet to hear the surprise in her voice and then to see the designer Niki Kapoor just smiling at both covers and approval on the model moms face, what a relief.... remember it's a lot of pressure of 'will they like it' do they like it' and I pretend to not care but I do... Its so important that people like the final portrait I shoot. Plus I always when working shoot for more than what its slated for and it seems to pay off.. The no sleep, stress and the just keep shooting until your hand is broken (it happens)..... remember photographers actually have long days, live with the photos after the shoot, submit and resubmit corrections it really is a long process from the word go... When the shoot is over for the team my work has basically just begun.... sure assistants are nice but I look at every single image, process individually if it holds merit because I have real darkroom habits and basically stop and think about the set of images as a collection. This type of obsession takes time and sure I torture myself with it but I'm ok with that.... its my process.

Many thanks to the following people and a special thank you to the handlers of Ms. Olivia for saying yes to a shoot with me.... And Ms. Olivia don't forget our conversations of your retirement plan, your mom is always right (sigh), education is key, and never forget you are one amazing model for simply being yourself at all times. 

Shoot Team :

Olivia Pires - Clark/NYC via Evolution/NC

Leigh Jones - Location Coordinator

K.D. - Location 

Adrian D. Howe - MUA

Larry D. Webb - Hairstylist

Charlotte Style - Media

Bridgett West - Publisher

Niki Kapoor - Nika Designs

Custom Shop - Jeweler

KK Bloom - Accessories

Ellen & Tom ... I'm so glad photographers are 'unique/special' & I was invited to shoot.

Ellen & Tom ... I'm so glad photographers are 'unique/special' & I was invited to shoot

No way in the world would I have missed someone who I consider one of my brothers wedding. It was funny how this shoot took place and how I was feeling understanding they wanted me to shoot it but was more important for them to have me enjoy the day and not work the day. To be honest I was crushed but totally understood this was going to be a family/friends party and I wanted to enjoy this too... what I figured out was I enjoy documenting lives much more than taking part in the party. Its sort of my private party, being able to capture the milestone.

So when the planning started they called me for a heart to heart about their photographer shopping experience.. I coached them... they went back out, came back for coaching, went back out and came back disappointed.... With what I find a lot of couples tell me.... money is not the issue its what I term attitude or photographer self importance.... So when they broke down and asked I was delighted. I was so happy because really it would have been painful to take a seat this day... it was so painful so I was secretly delighted the shopping experience went south and I was hired to be the photographer pending location approval.... this was a new issue but we worked it out. I think I even told them at this point how happy it made me... I could finally come clean it was really funny... because I knew who ever the photographer was going to be that day would have hated me.. Sure I would have respected them but knowing a couple and being a photographer its hard to not know the couples next move and grab the shot... but me when I shoot weddings I embrace this type of shooting and often ask if the "family photographer" got the shot they needed... yes kills print sales but its about the couple remembering the day and I really don't care about print sales (gasp, gasp, gasp).

This day was so exciting for me. I mentioned 'brother' and yes Tom is not my blood brother but knowing him for more than twenty years and events that take place can make you close like family. So I claim two extra brothers in my life and Tom is one. Just knowing he found someone to share his life with and to see his beautiful wife and family then to capture this day was exciting. I flew in and was running on four hours of sleep out of thirty six hours. When I arrived I hit the coffee hard, recharged my batteries, cleared cards, repacked, showered and was ready for this amazing event. Many thanks to Ellen she is just so cool. We had a blast because she is so chill and let me do my thing and even allowed me to shoot a few photos of her in a bathroom YES she just welcome me as a photographer and family member. She had no problems of me crashing their first private meal together. I stayed for a little bit but basically if she thought I wanted a bite to eat she would have shared her plate... this is just how chill she is.. So it makes me so happy to know my brother found someone like Ellen to share his life with.

So if anyone asks me if I shoot weddings YES I sure do they are fashionable and full of emotion you just can't fake.... I just keep them private and I shoot mostly referral because you need to be as chill as Ellen and Tom. Meaning just ready to enjoy your day and not flinch when I say I need you for some private photos at the end of the night or hey could you in your million dollar gown stand on that bathtub. Also to the forty five "Greeks" in one shot You Guys Rocked it out, just thinking about this roundup makes me laugh!

So.......Ellen and Tom your wedding photographer shopping experience was 'unique/special' but I'm so glad it was because it means the world to me that you asked me to document your beautiful day. Love you both!

Embracing Out Takes While Landing in Comfort

1

Embracing Out Takes While Landing in Comfort

My mind keeps thinking about this set of out takes (handful shown above). The photos I decided to cut and why did I do this. This takes me to the first set of images labeled 1. These were fun just playing shots but if you notice she is falling... she stops, slowly tips, arms open, then lands so relaxed this is exactly what a shoot like this feels like... breath, arms out, fall in and relax. 

Believe it a lot of pressure rides on the photographer well chances are good it's self imposed but... say a shoot like this.. On set I had the actual designer, a magazine publisher, model, hair stylist, makeup artist, location owner, recommendation for location, custom jewelry included boutique jewelry and the designers two assistants oh video being shot. So knowing my job is to please everyone with my finals, location backdrop, lighting and well with a model like this she knows what to do but still I have to get the angle on what she gives. With I believe a total of 5 gowns to shoot so that means fun downtime watching them work or well that's what I do while setting up the next shot. Sometimes I find out that what I want for the background is not going to work so it's changing time during this gown... So people are relaying on the final product is really what I should say and I'm at the end of the models line when she jumps from station to station.... remember she hits every department, crazy right.

After hitting every station its my turn. What I quickly figured out is without a proactive shoot team and I mean all of the people listed above you never have outtakes like these examples shown here. What you will see here are some processed images and some half processed or none at all but the point is without team work my outtakes would never look so pretty. Also I think it has to do with the organic manor that most of the people I work with come with. One thing I do have to take pride in is working closely with my subjects. Really some of the out takes are just hilarious... what this tells me is this subject enjoyed the experience from station to station.... and that's where the soft landing in the first set of images leaves me... it leaves me with the thought of how lucky I feel to be surrounded with such talented happy people. 

Sure this shoot team has names and that's a whole new blog post. The point is a lot rides on photographers but when I work with great people I can open your arms to embrace them and land comfortably knowing they would understand the explanation of what got cut because after all its their art too...... 

breath, arms out, fall in and relax.   

Niki Kapoor Nika Designs Cover 1 of 2 - Charlotte Style Magazine

Niki Kapoor Nika Designs Cover 1 of  2 - Charlotte Style Magazine

It's one thing to shoot a designers work and its another when you shoot a designer and her work all in one day... meaning oh wow the designer is on set. I arrived nervous and left feeling like this was the best shoot I ever. Meaning this shoot was rewarding for many reasons.... 

This shoot took on a life of its own. The first thing out of the gate was one of the beauty editors of Charlotte Style mentioned Niki Kapoor, her work but most important he stressed her charity. So when the green light was given by our publisher my thought was where, I know the perfect model but where. Then comes my friend of many years Leigh Jones. She stopped by one day and asked 'so what ya got going on'... So I did one of those "Pssstttt its secret but" then Leigh said I think I have something for you. These friends of mine have this amazing private home and get this they are builders from India... Leigh delivered this strange cosmic connections of sorts. We visited the location and the owner of the home KD was so nice. I thought this must be a dream but again this was a baby step to the cosmic connection. We really had a blast visiting KD as she just made you feel at ease in her beautiful home. I wanted to move in I felt so welcome. Many thanks to KD and her husband for hosting this shoot. 

The day of the shoot I arrived with a slight plan but knew it was best to be organic. Meaning allow the artists to be artists. The shoot team that day was Larry D. Webb on hair and Adrian D. Howe as the mua and Ms. Olivia as our model. This team is always a treat to work with... but then the actual designer portraits for the artical. The publisher ordered up a softer background for the cover photograph or what could be the cover... So once this was shot the publisher and subject approved we moved forward to the other images in this artical. Keep in mind my goal was to use as many different backgrounds in the beautiful home as possible to give each shot a new look. We nailed it ok so this home is so georgus we basically worked in the main entry and formal living room and were done. I could not believe how stunning this home is.... so many shots every turn you make... it was a dream location. 

The important information I'm leaving out is the cosmic connection that was made with Niki her mother and KD the home owner... So catch this they are all from the same home town in India... What are the chances of this happening.. Then the next is Niki is building a home for children in India and the home owner and her husband are builders from India building communities in the US... How did my friend Leigh peg this, how did she make this cosmic connection without knowing it was. So wild. 

Then the entire story took on a life of its own when Niki was interviewed during the gown shoot. The writer and Niki disappeared for a long while during the model/gown shoot. I knew once the writer came up for air with the look on her face she was bitten by the bug of SEED. Basically I would love to tell you the entire story of SEED but feel its something best left to the writer... BUT basically its to assist children all over the world. For the children who have been written off by socitey (yes it happens) to give them education and stabality to ensure a full life as a child to adult... Really the concept is amazing and Niki has been setting the ground work for five years in India and will take her mission to other countries. The reason for India first is because this is her home and has a group of professionals working on the ground right now.... really this story is so much bigger than I could ever express in a blog... so check out www.charlottestylemag.com to read the story. 

What this shoot taught me was to think global, never be nervous and some subjects really prefer to be behind the scenes shedding light on a bigger issue most people never see. So thank you Niki for putting me at ease by being yourself. I suggest everyone take a look S.E.E.D. and see how you may assits with this global crisis, believe me I'm on the volunteer list... see I already forgot she is a international designer with work in no less than 13 countries and I was lucky enough to photograph her...  This cover video for Niki is short and sweet because really I have a feeling Niki would prefer less attention on her and more attention to the information at the end of the video. 

Thank you to the enitre shoot team this day and to Leigh for creating this cosmic connection. 

Kelly Thomas - Charlotte Style Magazine

Kelly Thomas - Charlotte Style Magazine

Just writing about my experience photographing Kelly Thomas makes me laugh. Kelly is so much fun. She should walk around with a spotlight trained on her because her personality should be on stage... BUT not in one of those 'who is this girl' type of moods... she is just fun and loves her work. Kelly is also happy in her own skin. As a photographer you quickly learn who is comfortable and who is not... When I asked Kelly do you have a side or look you prefer she basically said "This is what you get" my thought was YES she is going to be fun. Kelly is simply one of those people who is just happy and willing to go with the flow so for me she was a dream to photograph. I added the actual image as a overlays to the side as her smile makes me smile so why not share.

Many thanks to Kelly Thomas for having fun and for wearing that killer dress.... I loved the sparkle it complements your personality. 

Women of Crave - Charlotte Style Magazine

Women of Crave - Charlotte Style Magazine

This was a funny shoot for me for many reasons but one was the term Crave.... Just what do people crave is what I thought during the entire shoot. I knew a few things I craved and random thoughts that morning were , I just got in from New York & need sleep, hope my light does not fly away, here I sit in one of my favorite places sipping coffee, waiting. So I basically had a few things I craved like coffee and being in one of my favorite places but what do these women crave, should I ask; no Erin dont open that door they may not be one of those literal people like you. So when they arrived I would chat up and figure out in a few mins who they were but never had the nerve to ask what they crave. I had a feeling it may not translate well... but what you don't see are the out takes of lots of laughter, separate groupings and really a group of like minded people simple having fun on a beautiful morning. Many thanks to the ladies in the image and to my "pretty princess" sitting posture perfect in the middle of the shot you rocked it front and center so many thanks to everyone for a fun morning. 

ps - the image with the X is not mine.... hence the X 

Fresh boutique window at night shoot

Fresh boutique Ad shoot

I wanted to post a few images from this shoot because I do like them and was reminded of this shoot when I posted the ads (see below).. My hopeful pick was the bottom right if you have ever worked with me you know why... a few notes about this shoot I did use one studio light, the black around the window is true, and her shirt color reminds me of my grandmothers old car.... 

Thanks for viewing!

Model - Paige Allen/Evolution