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She’s headed to the Atlantic City this weekend and then will trek out to Vegas for the Figure Olympia… Jenn Gates is today’s photo of the day. Yes, I know I’ve been slacking on the photo of the day features. This one should make up for a couple days though. 
Jenn is definitely one of the top figure competitors in the IFBB today. She’s also proof that mom’s can compete (she’s a mother of two) and do well.
I first met Dawn Hinz at the 2006 West Palm Beach show where she was chilling with her friend Ms. Fitness Olympia, Adela Garcia. She had very little muscle at the time but was determined to compete in figure. Fast-forward to 2008 and she’s completely transformed her physique. True to her word, Dawn competed and placed second at a figure competition earlier this month.
We met up for a photo-shoot on Sunday morning and despite my still being 1/2 asleep we managed to get some solid shots. Here’s one of the photos from our morning.
Last year’s Europa Super show had a number of high flying fitness athletes. One of the highest was Canada’s own Sandra “air” Wickham. Her routine has more leaps and bounds than Superman. Routines like this are hella fun to photograph. It’s a bit of a contest amongst photographers in the pit to see who can capture these images at the right time without cropping their heads or legs off. Sandra took some time off from the stage and it should serve her well this weekend.
At last year’s Europa Super show we saw the emergence of a bright new star, Oksana Grishina. Her routine was unlike anything the IFBB had ever seen before. Will there be a new standout this year? Could a fitness competitor come out of no where and challenge Tracey Greenwood and Shannon Meteraud for the one/two spots? We’ll see in a few short days.
She’s gone from out of the top ten at the NPC JR USA in April to an IFBB Pro in July. It’s a reminder that anything can happen over the course of a few months. I interviewed Kristin back in May after seeing her at the JR USA, if you missed our profile check it out here. She put in the hard work and was rewarded at last month’s USA Figure competition.
I had a chance to shoot with Kristin in Las Vegas after her win. Pressed for time before she boarded a plane back to Florida we shot for about 30 minutes and captured a few solid images. Laurie St. Michael did an awesome job on her make up and hair for this shoot. Looking at the photos I’m reminded of the importance of good hair and makeup for a photo shoot. Here’s one of our shots from the day.
Desha Rodriquez won the NPC USA figure A class in 2007 but has yet to make her pro debut. Will we see her on stage this year? Maybe. When I caught up with lil’ D she told me she’s been super busy with family and work. She has a degree in teaching children with special needs and currently works with young children at a university. Despite her busy schedule of work and being a mom, she assured me that she has still been training and feels great. You can usually catch Desha working the GNC booth at the big shows or at local Florida events.
I first met Monique “momo” Minton at the 2008 Jr. Nationals and had to do a triple take. I thought this striking brunette was IFBB Figure Pro Mary Lado, turned out out it wasn’t. Nope, Monique is a 23 yrs old model and figure competitor currently living in Texas. Originally from Florida, she has an exotic compliments of her polish and filipino parents. Monique is a great model and has a ton of potential to succeed. She placed third in her first national NPC show behind two of the most beautiful women in the show, Rachel Cammon and Alicia Marie. Watch out for her in the F class next month at the Team Universe contest.
Despite only shooting for about 15 minutes this is one of the many photos from the shoot.
Elissa “aka Dr. Barbie” Schlichter was showing off some of her fitness moves while on a beach shoot a couple months ago. Elissa won the 45+ and over, overall figure title at the master’s nationals. How many 48 year old women do you know can look like she does AND stand on their heads? Not too many. Elissa will be competing in the figure competition at the 2008 North Americans later this month.
Happy belated birthday to the lovely Sonia Adcock. Sonia celebrated her birthday on August 1st in sunny California. I checked in with Ms. Sonia and she tells me everything is great as she prepares to compete next month. This is a shot from Memorial Day weekend on the beach. Keep your eye on this beauty as she takes the stage again in September.
Krissy Chin was making quarter turns as an amateur one year ago. Now she’s an IFBB Pro, sponsored by ALRi, featured in their ads and battling it out for an Olympia spot this weekend in Jacksonville. I checked in with Krissy late last night and she tells me she felt great and hopes to make the top five. Early reports online didn’t mention Krissy in the call outs, however she was in the second call-out for the first round and was in the top call out for the second round. She has a great chance at cracking the top five in this show which would be a great accomplishment for anyone.
This photo was taken last weekend in Las Vegas where Krissy was one week out from the show and a bit carb depleted. It was only 100+ degrees out and in that kinda heat it’s hard to get any decent shots without the model’s hair sticking to the their neck or their makeup melting off. My pal Clayton aka “The Chuck” lent a hand as the “reflector dude” on the shoot.
We’ll find out tonight where Krissy finished and look for her new web site KrissyChin.com to be launched in the coming days.
This weekend IFBB Figure Pro, Kristal Richardson will take the stage for the second time in 2008. Her first outing was at the Figure International where she was 10th. Kristal continues to refine and streamline her physique with hopes of nabbing an Olympia birth. She tells me she is feeling good and is ready to take the stage. Best Wishes Kristal!
Julie Ann Kulla joined the ranks of the IFBB by winning the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals overall figure title. She hails out of Minnesooooooota. Yes you have to do your worst FARGO impersonation when you say Minnesota. This little china doll works as a graphic designer and you’ll probably see some of her work at the Olympia. Julie Ann works with one of the biggest trade show booth companies. I had the chance to chat with her after her win at Jr. Nationals and she is a pleasure to be around. We spoke a bit more at the NPC USAs where we did a quick shoot. Despite the stupid hot temperatures, we were able to get a few good shots. Julie Ann is a a natural in front of the camera, takes direction well and isn’t afraid to turn on “the look”. She’ll be making her pro debut at this year’s NY PRO Figure contest, which is held in conjunction with the Team Universe. Don’t be surprised if you see her qualifying for the Olympia her first time out.
The young Janet Jackson look-alike, aka Smiley, Alicia Harris is today’s photo of the day. Alicia was an awesome model and when she smiles it lights up the camera. I caught up with Alicia on the UNLV track for a photo shoot. She’ll be making the trip to The Big Apple in September for the Team Univers/Figure Nationals and hopes to leave with a pro card. Keep your eye on her, she has the potential to do well on and off stage with her look.
There’s no more looking back for Smiley, it’s on to New York.
IFBB Pro Kristi Tauti is today’s photo of the day. This pint size cutie is on her way to Florida this weekend looking to shake things up at the Jacksonville Pro. She’s already qualified for the Olympia and after seeing her at the NPC USA contest, I know why. Kristi has never looked better and her physique has really come into its own.
I had a chance to shoot with two of the hottest competitors to rock the NPC USA stage, Monique Minton and Jamie Costa. Monique finished third in the F Class and Jamie won the A Class. Monique will be competing at the Team Universe/Figure Nationals in September. Jamie is now an IFBB pro and where she’ll make her pro debut we’ll have to wait and see. Don’t be surprised if you see her on a pro stage this year.
Around this time last year, one competitor was checking in as an amateur for the last time. That lovely young lady was Florida momma, Desha Rodriquez. I’d seen Desha working the GNC booth numerous times at shows and her striking green eyes always makes you do a double take. Her fellow GNC booth-mate IFBB Figure Pro, Christine Wan has always been one of her biggest supporters. When she told anyone who would listen to watch out for Desha, she was right. Desha won the Figure A Class in 2007 and achieved IFBB pro status. I snapped this little photo of “D” at last year’s check-in.
Who will be checking for the last time as an amateur this year? We’ll find out this weekend at the 2008 NPC USA Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tonight the women will check in at around 8pm, at the host hotel Embassy Suites.
One of the best photographers in the biz proves why he is on top with his latest set of images. Terry Goodlad is able to bring out the best in every model and he’s proving it again this month. The newest issue of FLEX features fitness icon Monica Brant in some of the best photos of seen of her in recent years. Check out the gallery on bodysport.com with IFBB pro Melissa Pearo, hands down the best photos I’ve seen of her. This is proof that shooting with a talented photographer does nothing but up your stock in the fitness industry.
Dina Al-Sabah has long been a fan favorite in the fitness industry. She’s graced multiple magazine covers and has a striking look that will stop you in your tracks. I caught up with Dina while I was in Las Vegas for a shoot at Red Rocks. We managed to make it up there at the buttcrack of dawn and get a few shots. If you haven’t made the trip out to Red Rocks, I’d encourage you to do so. Go early in the morning or you may melt away.
IFBB Figure star and fitness model Christine Pomponio-Pate showed up with her lil’ guy at the NPC Colorado State show. Christine was looking better than ever and you’d swear she was getting ready to compete. She tells me she has lost some muscle (it didn’t show) and that she weighs the same now as when she competed. Will she step on stage again? Never say never but she’s happy being a mom to her baby boy.
Can you identify who this competitor is? A hint she was in Chicago last month at the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals.
IFBB Fitness Pro Julie Lohre made waves on the Arnold stage this year. Will we see her compete at the Europa or perhaps the Atlantic City show? Hmmm… time will tells fitness fans but for now she’s the photo of the day. Taken at last year’s West Palm Beach show.
She nabbed the second IFBB pro card at the 2008 NPC Jr. USAs and will soon be making her professional figure debut. Jessica Lyons has decided to try her hand on the next level at the Jacksonville Pro Classic. She had originally intended on the New York Pro for her debut however decided she was ready to get in the mix a bit sooner than expected. We’ll see how she fairs next month. This is one of our photos from the day after her victory.
As a reminder to all of you who are competing in the NPC USA contest in a couple of weeks. If you win your class and qualify for pro status you should plan on attending the photo shoot with J.M. Manion on Sunday, the day after the show. I’ve seen many competitors miss out on the opportunity to be on the cover of NPC NEWS and in the magazine. Many times competitors want to complain about prior commitments with other photographers or having flights out too early to make the shoot, or simply just don’t show up. It’s always at the host hotel pool (Embassy Suites) and a lot fun despite the 300 degree temperatures. This is a behind the scenes shot with last year’s figure winners.
IFBB Figure Pro Teresa Gillian has decided to ride the current wave of success by making her debut this year. Teresa has decided on the Europa Super show as her figure debut, which will take place next month. She’s today’s Photo Of The Day. Those of you in the Denver area can meet Teresa at this weekend’s NPC Colorado State show.
This shot of the day was snapped after the California Pro Show. I caught up with Meriza for our first shoot which took place on a nice sandy beach near Los Angeles. I’m still sorting through the shots but here is one of the many we took that day. Look for Meriza (and did you know a proud mother) back on stage later this year.
