Behind the Scenes

I told you about the shoot a couple of days ago. But I didn't tell you about all the technical stuff that was going on in the background. My photographer par excellence, Rebecca, who also happens to be my sister-in-law needed to block each shot before the models took their place on set. A table and chairs were removed from their well-appointed spot in the livingroom and placed closer to the kitchen. And since lighting, composition, and positioning are key components for a beautiful photo, it was my best friend, Donelle, and I who played stunt doubles as we stepped into the role of supermodel. I guess you could say that we are twisted versions of Tyra Banks & Naomi Campbell because what resulted is a pictorial that is absolutely HILARIOUS. And those flaws that you thought only you noticed are all captured on film. Let's just say that I need to look up Valerie Bertinelli so I can get Jenny's number. Security detail, my brother N'Gai and his ace Spencer, even got in on the stunt double action later on when Rebecca asked them to be model stand-ins. All I can say is that I have tremendous respect for models because it is so not easy posing in front of the lens.

Last night, Rebecca and I poured over the footage from Saturday's shoot. The pictures are amazing! And as soon as they are fine tuned, I will share them with you. But I've got a special treat. I have included selections from the portfolio of all of us wannabes so you can howl as much as we did. Enjoy. . .

Peace & Fashion!

America's Next Top Model?

My life with fashion models has always been bittersweet. Usually, I love working with women. I have found them nurturing, incredibly forthcoming, hardworking, intelligent, and easy to talk to. But with models I have noticed that the dynamic sometimes transforms into something weird and unfortunate. My experience has varied from the sublime (I can call one model in particular a very dear friend) to the nightmarish (the kind who have given me diva 'tude or not shown up to photo shoots). Anyone who has watched "America's Next Top Model" knows that it takes more than beauty to become the next Kate Moss. You have got to connect both in front of the lens and on the runway. And models are subjected to scrutiny (nose too wide, hips too narrow, lips too thin) that us mere mortals rarely have to suffer through. So it begs the question, "Why do so many young women foster dreams of becoming supermodels of the world?" Does it validate their existence to know that they are considered beautiful? Does the lifestyle seem uber glamorous? Maybe most do not understand that models suffer from low self-esteem because their physical shortcomings are constantly underscored by industry monsters? Or perhaps they have not realized that models are often treated as if they have no brain capacity? And then there is the thing about the level of success - most women do not reach supermodel status so there is a constant struggle to make ends meet.

This weekend past thousands of women lined up for the New York audition of Tyra Banks' next cycle of America's Next Top Model after Ms. Tyra herself announced that the producers would only be accepting applications for hopefuls who are 5'7" and under. Chaos ensued, several were stampeded, and dreams were crushed. Now don't get me wrong, I am the last one who wants to quash anybody's dreams. I'm just sayin'! Beautiful young women should really consider their options before they leap into such a ruthless world populated by sharks. Know that you are fabulously beautiful in your own unique way and work with people who support that truth.

Peace & Fashion!