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

Dimitry L., Chris M and I at LA Direct Magazine Feburary Issue Party

I'm starting to get out more, Hurray!! ....Here are some pictures with Dimitry L. and Stylist Christopher M. at the LA Direct Magazine February Issue party held at the new hot "it" club, Goa in Hollywood. I have to say that I've been to a few of the top Hollywood clubs, lately, but Goa is probably the most beautifully designed one I've seen. The Indian theme is breathtaking. I had a blast people watching and even spotted a few celebs.



Dimitry L. and I at the LA Direct Feb. Issue Party


Chritopher M. and I at the LA Direct Feb. Issue Party

LA Direct Spread for February with Brittny Gastineau

Here is the opener for the LA Direct Magazine fashion spread we (Photographer Dimitry L. and I) did with reality star, Brittny Gastineau. We did the shoot at the upscale Parc resturaunt and lounge in Hollywood. Christopher M. did a wonderful job styling Miss Brittny. We did the whole shoot in a little under 5 hours for 5 looks. And that was with time taken by Brittny for an interview and behind the scenes shoot with a camera crew. For the complete spread, check out my site.



me and Brittny after the shoot




Photographer: Dimitry L. and Brittny ater the shoot.

LA Direct Magazine Fashion Spread for December

Here is the opener for the December issue of the LA Direct Magazine fashion spread I did with photographer Dimitry L. We shot this in downtown LA and the model, Xian, was amazing. For the complete spread, check out my site.

The Olly Girls

I had a chance to work with The Olly girls from E! television's #1 show, Sunset Tan, on a 6 page fashion spread for LA Direct Magazine. We actually met a while ago when they came to visit Sam Sarpong when we (DimitryL. and I) were doing a shoot with Sam at my studio. We shot the LA Direct spread at Seven in Hollywood and had a blast. The girls are really funny and are enjoying their popularity as Sunset Tan's dynamic duo.....stay tuned to see if they get re-hired.



(L-R): Molly, Valerie, Holly

Marlena Shaw and Me

A few months ago, my friend, photographer Alan Mercer and I had a chance to work with the legendary singer, Marlena Shaw!! She was performing in San Diego at this great supper club called Anthology.

We met with Miss Shaw before her gig and had breakfast with her and then did a quick photo shoot. What an amazing woman.....she was warm and funny, and captivated us with stories about some of her great adventures through the years in the music industry. Check out her site for more info on her available music. Many thanks to Alan for thinking of me for the shoot. It was a fantastic experience I will never forget.

©Alan Mercer, Make-up: Valerie


Me and Miss Shaw at the end of the shoot!


Valerie and Miss Marlena Shaw