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.

A Photo Shoot

My favorite Photographer, Dimitry L. and I are always doing shoots in between our regular projects. This gives us a chance to try new concepts and work with some of our favorite models. We did this amazing shoot with soon to be (in my opinion) Top Model, Krista, and models Sydney and Zee. The results were amazing......



Models: Zee, Krista, Sydney, Photo: DimitryL.com




Krista and Valerie during Hair and Make-up

Looking at this picture.....I think we could both sign up for Colgate commercials.....


Valerie and Sydney after the shoot

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.