Tuesday, November 26, 2013

The 'Un-Boxed Mind" of Visionary Photographer Jose Pagan

 
Taking what is seen by the eye... capturing those moments of physical mastery and seamless design...  transferring perception into timeless art is what I most admire and respect about Photographers. Back when I first started on my journey as a model, research was a huge part of the deal, not only to protect myself but to understand the caliber of work I wished to accomplish. In this instance my research lead me to find a most amazing visionary photographer, Jose Pagan of Pagan Photography. Similarly, how us writers view and feel the intensity of the world, using descriptive and comparative language to draw the reader into our experience, Photographers are mused in the same way expressing their vision by what motivates and moves them; whether through the model, the clothing, the scenery, the lighting.. Photographers  begin to shape our perspective through their most treasured of the 5 senses.... Vision
 
 Pagan Photography Studio is located in what is known as The Heights of NYC. On a frigid cold November afternoon I headed out to meet with the Lens Master so I could observe his creative process as well as discuss his experiences in the profession. Since 2005 Jose Pagan has offered his photographic viewpoint to the world, having received a Meritorious Accolade for the short film thriller 'Madness' from his production company kwolfmedia, as well as having contributed his works to several magazines which include Designer Original Magazine, Bronze Magazine, Alize' La Vie, PopImpresska, Millennium Magazine and The uncompromisable Volup 2 magazine from Legendary Plus Model/Photographer Velvet D' Amour.

"I like to take it to the top"... I decided to become a photographer cause there is more control over the creative process." Jose Pagan, Pagan Photography

Jose's Studio is like walking into the Surrealism of Picasso's mind. Every different piece having a function, not seeming to fit yet working together brilliantly. There is a brick wall to the right which Jose created himself. There are crates, butterfly wings, a jewelry section, horns, hair, bras... all a designer or model could ask for. In the event you don't have it Jose is sure to craft up just the right prop to make it all work together. This is a working photographers studio.

Jose in his Masterful Studio

 Jose with his Assistants (Rt-Lt Anthony Diaz, Jose Pagan and Justin Ortiz)

On set that blistery cold day, Jose informed me I would be observing a shoot with him and Curvy Supermodel, Blogger of 'Happy Curvy You', Face of Ann Nahari Lingerie and Qristyl Frazier Designs as well as Autism Activist Christina Mendez. This shoot styled by Nailah Lymus will be featured in the Jan 2014 issue of Designer Original Magazine which Jose is the current Staff Photographer. Nailah Lymus, one of my favorite creative stylist/ designers and business mind behind the first Modest Model agency The Underwraps Modeling Agency, representing both secular and religious models. She is also the Owner of Amirah Collection, having worked as the Creative Director/ Producer behind the 2013 Spring/ Summer Ann Nahari  New York Fashion Week Runway Show, of which both Christina and I were fortunate enough to walk in.

Dynamic Duo Nailah Lymus and Jose Pagan

With all this commanding creative and professional energy swarming about the shoot was destined for success. MUA Alicia Smith of the Carol Monet Studio and Hairstylist Lloyd Teddy Coward worked together systematically to fabulized Christina and once done everyone walked to the back to get the shoot underway. Christina did what any notarized Super Plus Model would do and Slayed the shoot with many of the photos taken looking ready for print.. no Photoshop needed. Now, because of the exclusiveness of this blog and the fact the photos will not officially debut until January, I am respecting Jose's wishes to have all Behind The Scenes photos shown here in Black and White.. Here is a sneak peak of what you can look forward to in the January Designer Original Magazine

 Did I mention Jose Has a Fog Machine too?!!

Taking Direction!!

Christina Mendez with MUA Alicia Smith of the Carol Monet Studio

Jose Pagan and Christina Mendez.. Can you feel the love?!!

 Christina with Hairstylist Lloyd Teddy Coward

BTS Jose at Work




 

Nailah Lymus Styled this whole look and designed all Jewlery and headpiece Photo'd

WERKing


Jose also works on what is known as the Black Light Workshop which has been featured in Volup 2 Nude Issue of Summer 2013. Jose does not shy away from the full figure and believes there is beauty in everyone no matter their size. Since 2010, Jose has captured full and standard size models for his Black Light Photography Series priding himself on developing an innovative technique where he can stretch the bounds of both the technical and creative sides to photography.

"With my new technique, I was able to push the technological boundaries of my equipment and bring out colors and detail mostly unwanted by other artists.  Through these colors I decided to use nude models, so I can meld the art of the human body with the visible light spectrum we see.  With UV lights I was able to bend what is invisible to our eye and bring to you my audience visual candy.  My work is not about the body but a collaboration of body and sight.  Go forth and "Let your Eyes be the Judge" - Jose Pagan

Jose shows a lot of influence lending itself from the native spirit with vibrancy and vigor captured in every image. He attacks his photoshoots with a type of warrior spirit led by the wisdom that we as an industry and people not be afraid to transcend imposed beauty ideals as it relates to what society has conditioned many to believe is beautiful. BRILLIANTLY Jose Pagan captures curves and femininity of plus size women in the Black Light Photo Series. I leave you with these captivating images graciously offered from Jose Pagan as a "creative outlet for my UN-boxed mind" to yours.

Model Jen Catalano
Model Anonymous

Madam Trixie

Angelique Soden
 

Daisy Moore

Belizean Flame


Madam Trixie

Sunny Styles

Sunny Styles

 Tuwana Leonard

Madam Trixie

Tuwana Leonard

 Daisy Moore, Angelique Soden and Alexis


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