Through the Lens: Frank aka Hot Sauce

For this edition of Through the Lens I’m beyond excited to introduce you to Frank aka Hot Sauce aka my “baby daddy”

In 2009 I was blessed with the opportunity to be one of the founding members & Editor In-Chief of DreamCurves Magazine, along with a few other partners including two of my “idols” Del Anthony & Frank Hot Sauce.

Del Anthony used to say that the magazine was like my baby because I loved it so much, so I coined them my “baby daddies”.  During the time that we worked on the magazine I was blessed with the chance to work with and bond with two of the photographers I look up to the most.  Not only is Frank an AMAZING photographer, but he is also a very strong & intelligent business man, and a great friend.

Frank was kind enough to answer some of my favorite questions, so I leave you with them and some pictures from his amazing portfolio. Enjoy…

"i love smoke" - Feat. A N I A

What inspired you to pick up the camera and begin your journey as a photographer?

I got inspired by a photographer named Treagen from Detroit while I was working as the A&R for a NY based magazine. His images crushed the competition in the mag. He shot great looking models and he shot concepts. I wanted to try and see if I could create art with a camera….and the journey begins.

"Sha doing her thing" - Feat. Sha Carmel

What inspires you to keep picking it up?

I’m inspired by other great photographers. My passion to create something that will stay in your mind. I love the pressure that I put on myself to think of something different.

"Jossie"

Who do you look up to in terms of their photography?

I look up to photographers that create original concepts.  My list is short…Del Anthony, Category 6, House of Ego and Rankin.  These are artists.  They put soul into their work.  Not many people do that nowadays.  Glamour shouldn’t just be going to a cheap hotel and shooting on the bed… we’ve all been there and done that.

"Eka Samone"

Describe  your favorite kind of model to work with (attitude, ability, etc)

I don’t have a favorite model or type of model.  All models should be passionate, creative, confident, etc…  I could go on for days.  Lol.  Its very rare you find that perfect model but sometimes you build chemistry and it shows in the images.

"Lia Cha"

What is the next level you hope to grow your photography/art into?

I want to improve.  There’s still tons of info that I don’t know.  Knowledge is Power.  If I continue to learn and study my craft I’ll be able to create images that are “outside the box”.

Beauty and fashion are on my list in the near future.  If things go as planned I’d like to have my work published so that I can show how I view photography.

"Heather Feather"

To see more of Frank’s work check out his Model Mayhem, or Follow him on Twitter @Frank_HotSauce

Mz April

MeMe’s Cherries – “I see your hands, with hands I see…”

I got to hang out with one of my roomies this weekend and we got to chatting about art and interpretation…  His artistic vision seems to keep him coming back towards two things: hands and eyes.  After chatting for a bit I jumped and grabbed my camera and had an impromptu photo shoot.  Shout out to my roomie for being an awesome “Dolce” to my “Gabbana”     Enjoy…

Pic by MeMeCherry

Pic by MeMeCherry

Pic by MeMeCherry

Pic by MeMeCherry

Pic by MeMeCherry

Pic by MeMeCherry

Pic by MeMeCherry

“MeMe-isms”

I’m fascinated and inspired by many people, images, places, songs, books, etc….  I’m blessed with the ability to capture images and inspiration with my camera, and every once in a while I’m blessed with the ability to play with these little amazing things called words…  Here are some “meme-isms” fresh from the kitchen… 

• After willingly taking a ride on a roller coaster, I’m left wondering, where is the thin line between Insanity and Genius?
• Is Pandora’s box still Pandora’s box if it’s left unopened?

should I... or shouldn't I....?

• Where is the fork in the road between temptation leading you in a direction of enlightenment vs. imprisonment… Do we care?  Eh… Maybe I’m just a genius, maybe I’m just delirious… Maybe the genius comes out when I’m most delirious…  Maybe I just need to crawl back into bed and go back to dreaming… But who’s to say that all of “awake” moments aren’t the actual dream…
• Why do I continue to present myself with temptation…? Maybe because I can’t understand how sweet the fruit is until I reach over and take a bite..??

• Supposedly Everyone and Everything has a place in this world.. I wonder how many times we miss, avoid or just circle around our “place”…. Is it till we fall in?   Or pushed?

• Why is it so often that we ultimately fall into place but it’s so unexpected our instinct is to jump right back out? Are we never ready?
• How many of these “places” do we have to fall into/jump out of, only to attempt to crawl back in when we realize how good it really was?

• Such fickle creatures we are.. Wanting what we don’t have, not wanting it when we have it, and then wanting nothing else when its gone….

Through the Lens: Ice Box Studio

Through surfing the net I’ve come across many amazing photographers, some I found on Twitter!  One of these photographers is Dee Harris of ICE BOX Studio.

I had a chance to chat with him and he was gracious enough to share some of his portfolio with us…  Enjoy! 

Tatu Baby

What inspired you to pick up the camera and begin your journey as a photographer?

I was kind of forced into my current situation lol.   I have been a business owner for the past 15 years or so running an  entertainment company with 2 other partners and we wanted to put together a promotional calendar with some of South Florida’s best looking models.   To make a long story short the Photographer that we hired wanted to change his rates the day of the actual shoot, So that same day I went out and purchase my first professional grade camera and went to work.   Never Looked Back!

Tatu Baby

What inspires you to keep picking it up?

The end result.  What I see before I shoot and what I see after I’ve taken that first shot.  I’m hard on myself so when I see a dope image that I’ve created and others see it how I wanted them to see it makes me happy.  I have such a strong passion for this, that I won’t let anything or anyone stop me from getting where I want to be.  No one can stop PASSION!  I love creating something that came from nothing, just an idea that you had in your head.

Keyshia Dior

Who do you look up to in terms of their photography?

Hmm good question I have so many to mention.  But when it comes to the sector of the industry that I shoot for I would have to say Nick from SLICK FORCE and also the “LATE GREAT” ONYX I like a few others but in terms of BEST in the GAME those 2 are my favorites.

Valeria Orsini

Describe your favorite kind of model to work with (attitude, ability, etc)

NO DIVAS PLEASE because I can show you a few ways why you are not all that lol…

One that can keep up with me.  She has to be comfortable in her own skin. Modeling is not for everyone but everyone wants to model.  I want the person that doesn’t want to model but should actually model, as if modeling was his or her calling.

What is the next level you hope to grow your photography/art into?
Not to sound arrogant  or obnoxious but I don’t “HOPE” I plan and proceed and make it happen.  I have a steady course that I’m on and I won’t deviate from that until I feel it’s necessary.   But as far as my direction for now I just want to be known as one of the hottest photographers in the game.

Ellie

If you want to see more of Miami, FL. Based Photographer Dee Harris check out his site www.IceBoxPhotography.com ; model mayhem or follow him on
www.twitter.com/Mr_IceBoxStudio

Tatu Baby

ilkNHoneys.com “Through the Lens” Inbox X Mariana Grajales Hey Hun, Thanks for helping me with these few questions for my post about you… 10:03 AM (7 hours ago) Reply | Mr_IceBoxStudio to me show details 1:34 PM (4 hours ago) What inspired you to pick up the camera and begin your journey as a photographer? I was kind of forced into my current situation lol. I have been a business owner for the past 15 years or so, I ran an entertainment company with 2 other partners and we wanted to put together a promotional calendar with some of South Florida’s best looking models. Well to make a long story short the Photographer that we hired wanted to change his rates the day of the actual shoot like 30mins before we were suppose to show up on set. So that same day I went out and purchase my first professional grade camera and went to work. Never Looked Back! What inspires you to keep picking it up? The end result. What I see before I shoot and what I see after I taken that first shot. I’m hard on myself so when I see a dope image that I created and others see it how I wanted them to see it makes me happy. I have such a strong passion for this, that I won’t let anything or anyone stop me from getting where I want to be. No one can stop PASSION! I love creating something that came from nothing, just an idea that you had in your head. Who do you look up to in terms of their photography? Hmm good question I have so many to mention. But when it comes to the sector of the industry that I shoot for I would have to say Nick from SLICK FORCE and also the “LATE GREAT” ONYX I like a few others but in terms of BEST in the GAME those 2 are my favorites. Describe your favorite kind of model to work with (attitude, ability, etc) NO DIVAS PLEASE because I can show you a few ways why you are not all that lol… One that can keep up with me. She has to be comfortable in her own skin. Modeling is not for everyonem but everyone wants to model. I want the person that doesn’t want to model but should actually model, as if modeling was his or her calling. What is the next level you hope to grow your photography/art into? Not to sound arrogant  or obnoxious but I don’t “HOPE” I plan and proceed and make it happen. I have a steady course that I’m on and I won’t deviate from that until I feel it’s necessary. But as far as my direction for now I just want to be known as one of the hottest photographers in the game. What sites do you want linked back (web site, model mayhem, twitter, etc) My name is Dee Harris Miami, FL. Based Photographer www.IceBoxPhotography.com www.twitter.com/Mr_IceBoxStudio http://www.modelmayhem.com/IBSTUDIO Reply Forward Invite Mr_IceBoxStudio to chat

Model Spotlight: Kristal Solis

Kristal Solis is a gorgeous model I have been lucky enough to get to know and I can tell you that this girl is a SWEET as they come!! 

She hails from Ft Worth, TX and if you haven’t seen her yet, get ready to because this girl is about to blow up!!  With an amazing feature on Dynasty Series courtesy of Del Anthony, a cover of Lowrider Girls and a feature in SHOW magazine in the works Kristal is geared up to be your next “favorite model”.  She’s definitely “ACES 10″ for me! 

"WHAT IS SEXY" - @TheRealDBrown

What are your goals within the industry and beyond?

“I want to brand my name. I would love to have my own perfume or makeup line. I want to get into acting and some day have my own modeling agency!”

Pic courtesy of MJ Flix

What are 3 facts about you most people don’t know?

“I like to put ice in my cereal.. I love cold milk! ~I don’t drink alcohol. I have my own natural high.  ~I went to dental school.”

Picture Courtesy of @DelAnthonyPhoto

Tell me about your tattoos:

“They are Hibiscus flowers. They represent my 5 brothers.. I’m the only girl! “

Picture Courtesy of ShowGirlsExclusive.com

What is your definition of sexy?

“Being confident with yourself regardless of how you look especially w/out being made up.”

"WHAT IS SEXY" by @TheRealDBrown

What makes you stand out against other models in the industry?

“My look has a wide appeal while still being very unique”

Picture courtesy of @MJFLIX

“KristalSolis.com coming soon! Check me out on Twitter (@KristalSolis) Facebook & Myspace!

Picture courtesy of @DelAnthonyPhoto

Through the Lens: Del Anthony Photography

If you have read my previous posts you will notice a recurring theme: Inspiration.

The subject of this post is someone that I am not only lucky enough to call my friend, but he is also a HUGE inspiration to me as a photographer, Del Anthony.  He has a great eye for iconic images, and he knows how to make a woman not only feel comfortable in front of his camera, but also look AMAZING!!  He was gracious enough to allow me to share some of his portfolio with you all and to answer a few questions for me.  Enjoy…

Model: Rosa Acosta / Concept Dedicated to Del's Friend Jeo

What inspired you to pick up the camera and begin your journey as a photographer?

I decided to start Photography as a way of capturing memories.  When my Sister died I realized I didn’t have enough photos of her so I bought a camera to as a way to capture memories of Friends and Love Ones.

What inspires you to keep picking it up?

The smile and appreciation I see on a models/clients face when I show them their photos.

Model: Karen Tysin

Who do you look up to in terms of their photography?

- Dave Hill - 

- David LaChappelle –

- Johnny Crosslin -

Model: Liz C

Describe your favorite kind of model to work with (attitude, ability, etc)

I love working with a model that Fully participates in a shoot. That includes Facial expressions and Posing.  During a shoot my Role is to be the Director and the model plays the Actress.  I like a model that tries to understand what you are trying to accomplish and fully participate to help deliver on that concept.

Model: IDay

What is the next level you hope to grow your photography/art into?

I want to create more Story board concepts that are a more a collection of Mini Stories rather than just stand alone shots.

"BMX Ruff Rider..." / Model: Annie Thao

To see more of Del’s work you can check out his Model Mayhem or follow him on Twitter (@DelAnthonyPhoto)

Model Spotlight: Xio

One of the amazing things about fashion photography is having the chance to be exposed to beauty in many shapes & forms…  Including amazing models…  I’m drawn to beauty in many of it’s forms from the classic pin up model, to the big booty girl on the cover of SHOW Magazine.  I’m excited to present my first “Model Spotlight” the amazing “Chameleon” Xio.

This Ponce, Puerto Rico native (my old neck of the woods, whoop whoop! ) loves being in front of the camera, and the camera definitely loves her!!  This girl can give you fierce, high fashion, edgy & sexy all in one sexy & sweet little package!!

I had the chance to ask her a few questions, not only is she gorgeous, but she’s also very smart and sweet…  Enjoy!!

What are your goals within the industry? I want to be known as a chameleon, I want everyone to know that I can do it all.   I’m a career woman during the day and I have been blessed in the modeling industry.   I have worked with many famous people and I have been featured in amazing magazines!

What are 3 facts about you that most people don’t know? I’m a career woman, I work everyday… I’m a sucker for for romance…and I’m single!! lol

Pic courtesy of @DelAnthonyPhoto

If you could be a superhero or super-villain, which one would you be & why? I would be Rogue from X-men because if you think about it she could technically have every super ability in the world.  Whenever she touches someone she temporarily absorbs their power.  So she can be invisible, super strong, fly and do pretty much whatever she wants!!!

What is the one thing that you couldn’t live without? My phone & my computer!!!!

What are your passions? I work very very hard, I’m a go getter..  Currently I work in the fashion industry as a buyer for a very well known company, but my passion is in fashion, I’m developing my own line.

Who is your Hero? my mother

What makes you stand out against other models in the industry? I’m not like every other model,  I consider myself a chameleon.  I never wanted to be “the sexy model”,  I came into this industry doing commercial modeling, you couldnt pay me to get into a bikini!!  hahahaha!!  But i thinks its time to show that I can also be sexy

What is your definition of sexy? confidence… sexy is not about what you wear or how much you show,  I can wear a turtleneck and still be sexy trust me

What do you like to wear when you want to feel sexy? hmm i like to switch it up… lets just leave it at that *lol* I’m single, but if I had a boyfriend lets just say… he would always have a smile on his face

Pic by @DelAnthonyPhoto

Any site or upcoming projects you would like to promote? www.twitter.com/xiosworld, www.facebook.com/missxio and I’m currently working on my own clothing line so make sure you keep a look out

Inspiration Corner: Frank Hotsauce Presents the Honey Series

As a life long lover of photography I can say I draw inspiration from many images, photographers, locations, models, magic, nature, instinct, etc…

One of the many photographers that inspires me is the amazing Frank HotSauce.

I thought it would be fitting that my first “Inspiration Corner” be a presentation of Frank HotSauce’s “Honey Series” feat Lia Cha…

Enjoy the sticky sweetness… 

Frank HotSauce Presents The Honey Series feat. Lia Cha

For more pics from Lia Cha’s Honey Series, check out Dynasty Series

Behind the Scenes – April and Monica

Here are a few behind the scenes pics from my awesome shoot at the Kink Studios.  I shared the models for the day with another amazing Photographer, Monica C., had lighting assistance from the amazing Burton, and my gorgeous Arpa helped us with Hair and Makeup… 

Monica C. works her magic

Sharing the models

The Fabulous Monica C.

Nom nom nom!

Feel the love…

The lovely April

Glam Squad!!

The squad!!!

meme’s cherries: April and Monica

I had the joy of spending the day at the Kink Studios in San Francisco with my dear friends Burton, April & Monica.  What came out of the afternoon was a lot of fun, crazyness and amazing images..  I’m honored to share them with you all…

April breaks free

Miss April

Little girl Lost

Lost in a haze

The chase

The standoff

“I’ll show you who’s boss!”

Ohh la la

Old Hollywood Glam

“No Pictures Please!”

Mysterious Miss

Strike a Pose

“Ooh baby you want me?”