Beauty Shoot with MU Artist Jennifer Siqueiros & Photographer Xue Vue

Yesterday, I had a awesome opportunity to style hair for, Make-up Artist, Jennifer Siqueiros's Beauty Portfolio, photographed by another personal friend Xue Vue.  What probably started off as a rough morning, not having a good healthy amount of Red Bull, ended up with a chance to work with good friends, and new Artist and Models, I haven't gotten the opportunity to work with.  Jennifer Siqueiros, studied make-up application at Smashbox Academy.  I have gotten a chance to view her portfolio prior to working with her, and I must say, I was really impressed! 

The shoot took place at the Home/Studio of, Jay Lensch (another well established photographer in Sacramento, CA).  Haven't gotten the chance to open my can of Red Bull, I was introduced to the Jennifer Siqueiros for the first time, and from there we both started working on the beautiful models ( Tanya Fomina, Allison Nopel and Brooke Parker) casted for the shoot.  The day ended with lots of laugh and meeting such beautiful and lively people!  I will be posting photo's soon...  

Fairy Tale Tea Party Wedding By "Kissed byTammynize"

Tammy Nguyen Le, has been shooting photos for some time now.  Aside from shooting fashion, commerical and maternity (to name a few), Tammy, is better known for her Wedding Photography.  There's something different about Tammy's Wedding Photography, that draws your attention.  When going through her portfolio, you get a sense of something magical, as if you have been drawn into a fairy tale story.  Not only does Tammy capture the moment, but, she also captures the princess in every bride through her looking glass...

Tammy approached me about a conceptual tea party shoot.  She described the shoot to be whimsical, with a splash of pastel colors, a set that makes you scream "Alice in Wonderland".  For the record, she had me at whimsical.  Without hesitation, I committed to her shoot for hair, along with my good friend Jasmine Cardenas, for make-up.  I was even more excited when she told me that Heather Doss and her hot boyfriend, Brad Harmon, would be modeling.

I have to admit, when we arrive on location, I had my doubts. The Old Sugar Mill, appeared to be an old abandoned warehouse, so, pastel colorings was kind of hard for me to visualized.  Yet, somehow, Tammy was able to fused the old industrial with Alice in Wonderland...  I've never been more excited about any shoot than this...  Check out Tammy's magic below and her website at, www.tammynize.com.

Photo - Kissed by Tammynize
Models - Heather Doss and Brad Harmon
Make-Up - Jasmine Cardenas
Hair - seanALIAN
Location - The Old Sugar Mill

Unedited Sneak Peaks From My NOH8 Photoshoot

It was only a matter of time that I would do my own NOH8 Campaign Photoshoot.  I just didn't know when.  Well, I couldn't just sit there and avoid the unavoidable.  Around this time last month, I asked my good friend who happens to be an amazing photographer, Kevin Chan, if he would be interested in shooting this campaign for me, without hesitation, he was happy to shoot!  I figured since, I had such an awesome photographer shooting, I wanted to enjoy this moment with good supporting friends.  Jasmine Cardenas and Sarin Sieng was happy to shoot with me. 

Through the course of getting ready for such a big shoot, the Baby Gods, stepped in and my Bestie, Jasmine Cardenas, fell into labor with little baby, and delivered Tyler James Fricker, the same day of our shoot!  Yay! Now a new Mom, Jasmine Cardenas, was not able to be with us today, as she was needed home bonding with a beautiful baby boy!  So help me congrat new parents, Jasmine Cardenas and Kiel Fricker!  Let me know if you need a babysitter!

With one friend out, Sarin and I had to make due.  Frankly, I really felt bad for Kevin; Sarin and I didn't really make it easy for him shooting us.

1. We're no models
2. I threw a diva moment over the infamous Sacramento heat
3. There was a lot of joking around between Sarin and I
4. I could not stop sweating
5. Did I mention what a diva I was? LOL

So, after all the sweat and joking around, we finished the shoot satisfied with the results!  I promise, I won't take my shirt off again, LOL. 

Please support Gay Marriage.  We're people too....  For information about the, NOH8 Campaign and it's founders, Celebrity Photographer, Adam Bouska and his partner, Jeff Parshley, please visit, www.NOH8Campaign.com

From Hair and Make-up... To Amateur Designer

You would think that I woke up one day, wanting to pursue a career in Fashion Designing.  The truth of the matter is, I didn't really wanted to go out and spend money on a couple of dresses that would have no significant value to me in the longer run.  Having said that, I have no experience background in designing, sewing, pattern making and any knowledge in fabric.  But, I knew what I like and knew what I wanted to see.  Thus, began my days of amateur designing.

With some encouragement from my dear friends, Brandi Shawnell, of Shawnell O'Shea Designs, Jasmine Cardenas, my go to Make-up Artist/Consultant and Amiee Douillard, of Vavavoom Couture, I drove on over to the nearest fabric store and sewwed together my first three piece collection... 

Oh, and if your thinking of pursuing your dream of designing, let me tell you this, you better have a lot of patience, have a sailor's mouth, maybe think about taking up smoking (optional), have an assistant so you can fire on a daily basis and rehire the next day, just to do it all over again (non-pay of course!).  It wasn't all easy putting the collection together, yet, somehow in the end, it was satisfying!

And yes, I fed the models!  We had pizzas, buffalo wings and sodas!  That was in case you were wondering... Just saying...

Photographer: Kevin Chan

Model: Victoria Melshaw

Make-Up Artist: Apryl Strayhand

Hair: seanALIAN

Designer: seanALIAN

Model: Angela Sutherland

Make-Up Artist: Apryl Strayhand

Hair: seanALIAN

Designer: seanALIAN

Photographer: Xue Vue

Model: Lea Gregorakis

Make-Up Artist: Jasmine Cardenas

Hair: seanALIAN

Designer: seanALIAN

Back From Hiatus...

Often times, we wonder whether we're good enough for society, at least I have.  I like to think of myself a modest person, when it comes to my work and profession.  As many of you know, I have taken some time off to re-evaluate myself and my work.  Contemplating on what I'm going to do next.  What can I do better? And what tricks I'm ready to share.  Never the less, I'm back and ready for whatever the Fashion Jungle has prepared for me! 

Having been in the industry for some time, I have learned, seen and HEARD a lot.  Yes, I am stressing the word HEARD.  I mean seriously, all the trash talks that goes on in this industry, behind the scene, is ridiculous. I myself am guilty of smack talking too.  Hell, I figured if I'm going to dish it, I'm definitely going to take it.  But there are some artists, models and even photographers, that act like big babies, whining and crying, when they hear all the negative talk about their work...  Get over it!  The fact that someone is taking the time to talk about you, should be gratifying enough.  So, with that said, lets all be humble and civil with each other, after all, in the end, making a beautiful picture is what we are all after.  I'm just saying...