CS Studio Closed (for now)

Last month, after 10 years, we closed our beloved photography rental studio. It was kinda of hard to finally walk away, I loved having my own studio to work out of, but it was time to make a change. I remember when we (my 2 friends Mirenda and Nathan) first came to Los Angeles 10 years ago, I had a vague idea of having a photo rental studio, but knew nothing about what it would entail. I have always been a learn as you go kind of person and after lots of trial and error, it wasn't long before we (Mirenda helped me manage the studio) had a great space. In the first 5 years we did lots of parties, art gallery shows, small movies, documentaries, castings....you name it. It was a blast and everyone loved using and working in our space.

In the second 5 years, I concentrated more on providing a space for photography photo shoots. It went by fast and before I new it the lease was up. I decided that I would like to own my next space so we decided to close and take a break. I can say that it is a relief but I am really missing my own space to work in. Luckily, there are a lot of good rental spaces available so now I can be a customer.......

Here are a few images that show our studio memories from the last 10 years.......


CS Studio Lobby after the 2006 remodel



CS Studio Lobby after the 2006 remodel


CS Studio A


Val and Model Julie in hair/make-up room


Photographer Alan Mercer, Singer Leah Sadler and Val in Studio B after Leah's photoshoot


Evil Genius Viewing Party in Studio A


Model: Krista in back alley behind the studio...Photographed by DimitryL.com



Val, DimitryL., Carrie Keagan and stylist Nikkie during photoshoot


Art show for Dan Wooster in studio A


Original CS Studio Lobby circa 1999-2006



Artist Dover Abrams and Mirenda in front of CS Studio during a sidewalk art show back in the day!!

Ya'll stay tuned......We'll be Back!!!

Big Hair

Anyone who knows me as a hairstylist, knows that I love big hair. I learned to do big elaborate hairdos, as a teen and even though they are not in style much anymore, I still love to create these looks. So about 2 months ago, DimitryL. and I shot our fave model, Courtney. And I made the hair big!! So I was thrilled to see that my vision is right on track with the new W Magazine cover out this month with Anne Hathaway and a similar hairstyle.



October W Magazine


Anne Hathaway, October W Magazine


Anne Hathaway, October W Magazine


Now, here are the pictures that DimitryL. and I came up with 2 months ago. I'll let you decided which series you like better.... hee hee Courtney did an amazing job and her stylist friend, Victoria pulled some amazing vintage outfits.


Model: Courtney


Model: Courtney


Model: Courtney

Big Thanks to my buddy, Stylist Chris M. for the W Magazine pictures.......

Glam God with Vivica A. Fox

My friend, Stylist Chris Mannor, has jumped in with both feet into the world of reality TV. He is one of the stylists vying for the top prize on Vivica Fox's new VH1 show, Glam God. We had a chance to view the first episode and it was filled with lots of action as Chris' group wound up in the bottom 2. He narrowly escaped being sent home......so I have to watch next week to see how he redeems himself. In the meantime- check out his hilarious blog.


Chris M and Dimitry L at the Glam God viewing party



Dimitry L and Valerie at the Glam God viewing party


The Literary Fashionista, Kanani, Chris M., Valerie and Dimitry L. at the Glam God viewing party

Krista's Alter Ego

Krista and her stylist, Rachel Zimmerman, came up with this fabulous look for her to try......The results, with photography by DimirtryL., were amazing. Check out more images on my website under doubles.


Model: Krista

Valeriya's Photo Shoot

My Russian namesake, model, Valeriya and I during our beauty photo shoot. We had a fabulous time as you can see from our smiles.


Valeriya and Valerie

Here is the beauty shot......



©DimitryL.com

Behind the Scenes with Actress Scout-Taylor Compton

DimitryL. and I along with Stylist Toni Ferrara, did this editorial shoot for up-and-coming Actress Scout Taylor-Compton.


Valerie and Scout

Dimitry gives Scout a few pointers on how to pose for this shot.


Scout and DimitryL.

This is the final shot.....you can see the rest of the spread on my website under doubles. Scout did her thing......

Hollywood Black Film Festival

DimitryL. and I had a amazing week last week at the Hollywood Black Film Festival. This was the 9th year of an incredible line-up of films, panels, networking and of course, parties. Dubbed the "Black Sundance" this festival is a visionary beam of light for independent black filmmakers, giving them opportunity and access to directly interact and meet with other key industry professionals. They're motto "Access. Opportunity. Deals." speaks to the atmosphere fostered to make a filmmakers' dream come to life.

Dimitry and I were invited by Blue Entertainment PR, to participate by setting up the first HBFF Celebrity Portrait Studio. We were able to take some fantastic pictures of a cross-section of talented celebrities. I also had a chance to work with the Founder and Executive Director of the HBFF, Tanya Kersey, doing her make-up. She is a really amazing woman who I admire for her tireless work and vision in helping the independent filmmaker community by creating such an exciting and innovative festival.

We look forward to participating again next year. As it will be the HBFF 10 year Anniversary, it will be a festival not to be missed. I will keep you posted.



DimitryL and I at the HBFF Whtie Party


Writer/Director of the film, Deadmeat, Q and I at the HBFF White Party



Tanya Kersey and I at the HBFF Celebrity Portrait Studio



Bleu Entertainment PR owner, Cecy Galvan and I at the HBFF closing party



DimitryL. and Cecy Galvan at HBFF White Party



First time Filmmaker, Mo Hines and I at the HBFF closing party.

Mo's film "Choices" showcased his writing, producing and acting talents.

Our Photo Shoot with America's Next Top Model Winner, Saleisha Stowers

If you are not a teenage girl, you probably don't know how popular the TV show, America's Next Top Model is. I happened to catch a few episodes early from last cycle and got hooked, watching it every week. I really liked the photo shoot portions (since I do a lot of photo shoots) and at the end they did a couple of cool shoots in China. Saleisha Stowers beat out everyone to become the winner! So a few months later when we had a chance to do a photo shoot with her, I was really excited. The shoot location was the Los Angeles Zoo (Big shout out to Jason Jacobs, Director of PR, who made our shoot a breeze) What a beautiful location......here is a sample of one of the shots.....the rest of the shoot along with a small interview from Saleisha, can be seen at BET.com. Thanks to DimitryL., photographer; ToniFerrara.com, Stylist; Eileen K, Styling Assistant.


America's Next Top Model Winner, Cycle 9: Saleisha Stowers



(L-R): Publicist: Drew, Stylist: Toni, Model: Saleisha, Photographer: Dimitry, Hair/Make-up: Me

One Model 2 looks

This was a fun shoot Dimitry and I did with model, Julie Pham. I love the black outfit and she added this little hat that made the look. Dimitry always comes up with great locations and found this cool sign to shoot next to.


Dimitry and Julie


The final Look.


Model: Julie, Hair/Make-up: valerienoble.com
©DimitryL.com

Here I am with Julie again and by using a wig we changed her look, totally. If you see the pictures side by side, you can barely tell it's the same girl. I love doing quick changes like that.


Me and Julie in hair/make-up.

This is such a cool look!



Model: Julie, Hair/Make-up: valerienoble.com
©DimitryL.com