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


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Evolution Of Curves To a Revolution of the Haitian Spirit

 


The Multi City Tour Evolution of Curves (EOC) has for the past 4 years showcased the latest trends in Plus Fashion while featuring the crème de la crème in Full Figured Fashion Designers, Models and Celebrities all coming together in solidarity with a focused goal to help alleviate the homelessness crisis faced by Haitians, after the catastrophic 2010 7.0 magnitude earthquake left 1.5 million Haiti residents displace. As of 2013 about 360,000 Haitians still remain without adequate shelter, scarce food, deplorable sewage and are now subject to a Cholera outbreak. Considering the 1.4 Billion raised in aid toward relief, many are left to wonder where the funds have truly been allocated. Its no wonder many in the Grassroots NGO's (non governmental organizations) and philanthropic communities have decided to take matters into their own hands. 

Enter Evolution of Curves Producer Sandy Jean Phillipe, CEO of One Chance Entertainment, who has partnered with the Haiti Cherie Heritage Foundation, as well as other grassroots organizations to assist in alleviating Haiti's already strained and rising socio-economic issues, which seem to have magnified since the earthquake struck. What's truly amazing is how the proceeds from the EOC  tour  of 2012 have already purchased Haitian land for development. With the land acquired, proceeds raised from this years 2013 Evolution of Curves show will be used to start the first of housing development which can be sure to bring some solace to the families currently awaiting placement.
(Left) Sandy Jean Phillipe with Curvy Chick Fitness' Charity Lynette (Right)

This Dynamic event was held at the Dimena Center in New York City, and I got to conduct interviews on behalf of Full Blossom TV via Full Blossom Magazine in association with Celebrity Publicist Ernest Jackson of MNS Media/ Strickly for the Promo, working the Red Carpet and bringing you all the Celebrities and great fashions in attendance, which were in no short supply.

 First up to the Mic was Curvy Chick Fitness CEO Charity Lynette who was there to rip the EOC Runway. We got to talk about her recent trip to Boston and the women whom she got to work with as part of moves to help them build healthier lifestyle for themselves. Charity is dedicated to bringing health consciousness to curvy women and will be taking her mission on the road so make sure you stay tuned to the Curvy Chick Fitness Movement to know when she will be in your area!  We also got to chat it up a bit about a pending exercise video that will be going into production in the very near future so please be on the lookout for that!! I've been on the health grind myself so when you're casting that video Charity CALL ME!! *wink*

Curvy Chick Fitness Showing her Curves off during the EOC Runway
 
 Thanks to Ernest Jackson, Super Celebrity Publicist and Co-Executive producer of Fashion in the Fast Lane; Full Blossom TV got to speak with the cast of the next in Fashion Reality TV. Fashion in the Fast Lane stars were at the EOC charity event in full support for the cause. and while they couldn't divulge too much info about the pending TV hit they did mention fashion fans will find something really dynamic about the collaborations FITFL will bring. And those collaborations include  Host Delvon Johnson, Brazilian Model/ Executive Producer and Featured Designer Sonjja Baram, Executive Producer and CEO of LaBalleLaDiva Enterprises Yvonne Forbes and PopImpressKA Journal Art Magazine publisher Olga Popovich with the show also featuring the Amazing Designer Marco Hall, Supermodel Coco Mitchell, Series Writer Nathan James with Guest Judge Andrew Jocovou. All this Star Power and Fashion industry royalty leaves me to believe Fashion in the Fast Lane will be bringing us the best in innovative designs and Ferocity. I can't wait for the premiere guys!! Check the website www.fashioninthefastlane.com for more info

FBM TV Interviewing Host of Fashion in the Fast Lane Host Delvon Johnson
 
The Cast


 Gwendolyn Devoe, CEO and Creative Director of Full Figure Fashion Week also stopped to talk with me on the red carpet, telling Full Blossom TV(FBM TV) about her shift from being the driving force behind the most revered Plus Size Fashion Event of the year, to TV Mogul with her up coming show entitled 'Mogul Moments' ready to hit the airwaves. Gwen imparted some words of wisdom regarding Forward Motion, stating sometimes letting go can assist in allowing future, greater moments to manifest within our lives.  Really exciting news... and considering Ms. Devoe's Midas Touch I'm more than sure her latest ambition will be a huge success.



Roxanne Raiola, Star of VH1's Miami Monkey and host of the Evolution of Curves NYC Finale Show, spoke with FBM TV about running the Miami Monkey Bar with her Aunt, Star of VH1's 'Mob Wives,' Big Ang detailing how they brought Staten Island Sass and their already hardcore party lifestyle to one of the biggest party towns in the country. Wanna know how these cherry bombs fared the Miami Heat in and outside their Ocean Drive Hot Spot?? Tune into VH1 Thursday nights at 10pm ET

EOC Producer Sandy Jean Phillipe with Host of the evening and Star of VH1's Miami Monkey Roxanne Raiola
 

DMX estranged wife Tashera Simmons was also in the building, talking about her Up coming Book "You think You Know but You Have No Idea'. Tashera's book, which can be found on amazon, details the highs and lows of a marriage filled with drug binges, infidelity and how going full circle was filled with some great and hard life lessons. The road wasn't always tumultuous however Tashera expressed how being married to her childhood sweetheart of 25 years changed her life significantly and she hopes this book will inspire people to make better decisions and live healthier lives.

 
Tashera Simmons and Myself Discussing her book for FBM TV


All this and the show hasn't even started yet!! The assortment of  Evolution of Curves designers to grace the Runway included Ashley Stewart, One Chance Entertainments Jean Phillipe Collection, Igigi, T Simone, Royal Apparel by Geri Brooks, Juul Couture, Touchy Tatum presented by Ronail Hopkins and Traci Lynn Jewelry by Toy Leslie.. Here are just some of the looks of the evening both on the Red Carpet and On the Runway!!

 

The Models!!!

 Charity Lynette and Ask Mocha

Runway Strut!!

 Curvy Chick Fitness and Runway Model Charity Lynette
 

Werk!!

Love this whole Look!!

 Yum Yum!!

 Emilie Alpert (Purple Dress) Yum Yum (Front Right)
 Gorgeous Evolution of Curves, Curvy Model

The Beautiful Michele Hilton Face of Full Blossom Magazine

 More Stellar Fashions and Full Figured Divas

Yum Yum Doin' the thing!!

 

The Ladies of Evolution of Curves Including designer Juul Couture, Sandy Jean Phillip and Roxanne Raiola


 
MNSMedia Public Relations Rep and CEO of Nibble on this Caterers Belizean Flame Heating Up the Red Carpet
Model Emilie Alpert Backstage EOC NYC

 Andrene 'LadyDoves' Williams CEO of Unique Blend Models Backstage at EOC NYC
 

 Ask Mocha getting even more Beautified Backstage EOC NYC
Juul Couture Designer Rhonda Jones Carter with her collection Backstage at EOC NYC


I got to get in on the runway action as I was only supposed to correspond!!! Thank you so much Rhonda Jones Carter of Juul Couture who let me rock this most fab Plaid Midriff and Pencil skirt!!  I'm all about Sex appeal and this is Just my style What do you think??

Yours Truly Xponential Curve wearing Juul Cutoure Backstage EOC NYC

 Its always such a great blessing to do what you love and in turn help people who are often forgotten once the sensationalism of the media dies down. The fact remains, Haiti is still in need. Even with meager means we are all in a position to contribute whether vocally or financially or  through donating previously used goods. Please take a moment to contribute in whatever capacity whether food, clothing, blankets toys and of course financially as you will offer a way for someone to feed their family, a safe space and perhaps some peace of mind. It will be a great moment once the hard work set by the Ladies of Evolution of Curves turns into a Revolution of the Haitian Spirit through Comradery. I implore you... Head over to www.evolutionofcurves.com and donate in whatever capacity you can.

To wrap it up here is the Juul Couture Runway portion of the show just so you can see how truly amazing all the models and fashion were that evening. Much Love to dancer Avery who opened up the Holy Grail Portion of the evening with her stellar interpretive dance.