Yesterday, I had the opportunity to shoot with Fitness Icon Monica Brant and rising star, Erin Stern. Monica finished third in the Orlando Pro while Erin took home fifth. They were both a pleasure to work with and we had a great time shooting. Make-up & Stylist Laurie St. Michael took great care of Monica and if you’re looking for someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to make-up, Laurie is your girl. Erin was demonstrating her leaping abilities and holy gazel this woman can jump.
Monica Brant & Erin Stern pose for a candid shoot.
A quick shot of NPC Figure Competitor, Jenny Lewis. Jenny will be back on stage in Chicago at the NPC Jr. Nationals. She’s in Orlando supporting her husband who is competing in the Strongman competition.
I caught up with Nicole for a quick photo shoot tonight in Orlando. While we didn’t have much time or light to work with we managed to have some fun and get some good shots. Nicole is becoming one of the top fitness models in the industry and you will be seeing a lot more of her this year. Nicole is able to provide a number of different looks which is an added bonus for any aspiring model. She’s definitely one of the Fresh Faces of Fitness.
Here’s a sneak peak at some of the shots from tonight.
An extended look at the FLEX magazine shoot with Sonia Gonzalez. Check out the newest issue to see the final shots. Props again for everyone involved. Good stuff.
The newest FLEX Magazine (with Moe El Moussawi on the cover) features IFBB Figure Pro Sonia Gonzalez. The beautiful Sonia is the focus of this issue’s “Women are Back” section. The section has been huge hit with readers and props to the staff at FLEX for continuing to feature the women. Weider Staff Photographer, Pavel Ythjall and the folks at FLEX provide this look behind the scenes. Look’n good people
Check back tomorrow for Part II of the Behind The Scenes. Good stuff!
Thirty five women, well 38 if you count the three who came later, made the trip to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park today. The women were dressed in workout attire and had their game faces on. Why? They were hoping to make the team of 12 for the new Lingerie Football League. While the producers tell me they usually get hundreds of women for this event they were very pleased with the quality of women who came out. If you think this is some powder puff event, you are mistaken. These women were running, jumping, tackling and kicking the crap out of each other during the tryouts. A number of NPC and IFBB competitors came out. Seventh place finisher at the Figure International, Heather Mae French was representing in full strength. IFBB Fitness Pro, Jesse Palmer made a strong showing just weeks out from the Orlando Pro Fitness event. Kristal Marshall who placed second in her class at the inagural NPC Bikini contest busted a few heads, literally. Lindsey Svetits who you saw on here months ago turned a few heads with her passing abilities.
Tomorrow I will be shooting the chosen few in the studio. While the names haven’t officially been released I can tell you the NPC & IFBB has a strong chance of having representation in the league. The local media was on hand to capture all the action. If you’re in Denver make sure you tune in to Channel 7, ABC affiliate for an amusing feature. There will be some behind the scenes footage from tomorrow’s shoot up in the coming days as well.
Happy Birthday to IFBB Pro and NPC National Figure Champ, Erin Stern. Erin tells me she is on track for her pro debut and only a couple pounds from where she wants to be. The birthday celebration has been put on hold until the Arnold weekend. She’s hoping to be celebrating more than a belated birthday in Columbus. Look for her to make an immediate impact in the pro ranks and be a threat for the top 6 spot in her pro debut.
I had the chance to shoot with Erin the day after her overall victory at the NPC Nationals. Erin was a great model and fun to work with during the shoot. One of our photos is featured in the newest FLEX magazine along with a short interview. Keep your eye on this woman, she’ll be blowing up the figure scene this year and look for her to be published a number of times in ‘09.
This probably isn’t a shot you’ll see show up in print but I like it because it shows Erin laughing. Who knows what joke was cracked during this shot.
Erin Stern chuckling during our shoot.
Erin is spending her birthday moving and training. Help me wish this rising star a Happy Hardbody Birthday!
I caught up with Russian superstar Oksana Grishina last weekend in Las Vegas as she prepares for her return to the Arnold stage. Oksana made her Arnold debut last year but placed out of the top six. Known for her incredible routine, she is back and ready to redeem herself. Some people think that because her routine is slower paced it isn’t as difficult. I disagree on that sentiment and would challenge anyone to perform the routine she does. Her moves are precise and the years of gymnastic training is obvious. She assures me she will have a different routine at the Arnold and has worked on improving her physique. Oksana’s English has greatly improved and she’s able to communicate very well now. Here are a couple photos from Saturday’s shoot.
Oksana is on track for a strong Arnold showing.
Oksana shows off her current conditioning.
Check back in a few days for the video interview I did with Oksana along with more info on what she has been up to, what she’s been eating and what she has in store for the year.
Check out the behind the scenes photos on FLEXonline.com. The winners of the Bikini Model Search contest are featured in the current issue of FLEX magazine. You can catch a glimpse of the shoot and more on the FLEX web site.
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A new year and new beginnings. I’m happy to announce that my company, LIFT Studios has joined Broadway Studios East in Denver, Colorado. The 2,500 sq. ft studio space has amazing natural light at a convenient location. If you’re interested in building your portfolio, feel free to give me a jingle. Check back to see some of the new studio work.
Check out the Behind The Scenes video with Pavell and Pauline. A closer look at a couple of Pauline’s photos are on her blog. As she asked, can you believe it is the same woman in the FLEX magazine Black and Whites? Pretty cool that she can have a hardcore ripped look as well as a softer side. Look for Pauline in the newest Muscle & Fitness magazine, on shelves now.
Props to FLEXonline.com and photographer Pavell Ythjall for this behind the scenes look at “The Girls Are Back” photo shoot. This shoot was done shortly after Jennifer Gates won the Figure Olympia title this year. The photos are featured in the newest FLEX magazine, in stores this Monday.
Here’s a sneak peak at a couple of the shots you won’t see in the magazine. This is a look at a Figure Olympia champ like you’ve never seen before. Great work on all who were involved and props to FLEX magazine for featuring the best in the Figure world. Check back Monday as we’ll be posting more Behind The Scenes images as well as a look at the new issue of FLEX magazine.
Jenn Gates during the FLEX photo shoot.
A look Behind The Scenes on a Flex magazine shoot.
IFBB Figure Pro Huong Arcinas ended the 2008 competitive season with a win. In my opinion, she has one of the most complete physiques in the IFBB. Here she demonstrates a push-up from a ridiculously heavy ball. She definitely got a workout in during out shoot.
Now that there is a little down time in the competitive season, I’m getting a chance to sort through thousands of photos from the year. One of my favorite shoots of the year was with Dina Al-Sabah at Red Rocks. Dina is a top model and a natural in front of the camera. Dina is today’s photo of the day.
Jodie Minear is one tall Texan to keep your eye on. Once you’ve seen her it’s hard not to keep your eyes on her. She has striking good looks and potential to do well in the figure ranks. I had a chance to shoot with Jodie on Sunday and she’s a natural in front of the camera. Don’t be surprised if you see her showing up in a number of magazines in the months ahead.
Jodie Minear has a look that will take her places.
This is a very special post for me. Why? I am pleased to say it is my first cover. No, it’s not me on the cover, which I’m sure we’re all thankful for, but rather a photo I took. I’ve had many other photos published over the years but to have your photo make the cover is a huge honor. Like many other things, you always remember your first.
It was also an honor to be part of this cover because it showcases UFC heavyweights, Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar. Their November 15th fight is being billed as the “Biggest fight in mixed martial arts history“. Pavell Ythjall photographed Randy and I photographed Brock for the cover as well as their training. It is with that, I’m ecstatic to provide a first look at the December 2008 issue of FLEX Magazine.
Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar square off in Vegas next week!
Those of you wondering what any of this has to do with fitness or figure, don’t fret. This isn’t a post just to toot my horn. FLEX magazine continues to feature the women and in this issue the featured profile is Mary Elizabeth Lado. Pavell Ythjall and FLEX were kind enough to provide “behind the scenes” photos from the shoot.
A look behind the scenes from the shoot.
Make up artist Rachel Hoke lends a hand on the shoot.
Mary Lado takes a break on the shoot.
Props to FLEX magazine for their continued support of the women in the industry. FLEX subscribers may have already received their copy of the magazine. Those looking for it on the newsstand should be able to find it next week.
Competitor, model and gym owner Janelle Haney is the subject of today’s photo of the day. I had a chance to shoot with Janelle last weekend at her Powerhouse Gym. She was a joy to work with and also helped with a couple of my other shoots. Janelle competed in the NPC Sacramento Figure contest and you might also spot her working a booth for Met-Rx.
Huong Arcinas proved that persistence pays off. This year she competed in seven shows, found her way to the Olympia stage and ended it with her first pro win. I shot with Huong over a year ago and she’s not only progressed as a competitor but also a model. Here’s a sample of the shoot we did after her victory. She’s a certified CrossFit trainer and the shoot revolved around some of those exercises.
Sandra Augustin has more energy than that little pink bunny pimping batteries. That would be the Energizer Bunny for those of you not following my hipster dufus comparison. If she looks familiar you may have seen her working a Met-Rx booth and if you were in attendance at the Sacramento show, you saw her take top honors in the Master’s Figure class. Sandra and I had a quick shoot at the Sacramento Powerhouse Gym the day after her win. She was a joy to work with and as you can see has a rock’n body for any age. Congrats Sandra.
One of the top photographers in the fitness business today, Pavel Ythjall, provided us with these exclusive photos. Take a look Behind the Scenes with Flexonline at the Pauline Nordin “The Girls Are Back” photo shoot. The photos are a new feature in the current issue of FLEX Magazine, October 2008.
A look at the shoot setup.
Pauline gets her makeup touched up.
Check out more behind the scene photos from Pavel’s shoots on his website.
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.
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.
Krissy chin has her sights set on an Olympia qualification.
We’ll find out tonight where Krissy finished and look for her new web site KrissyChin.com to be launched in the coming days.
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.
Julie Ann Kulla has her sights set on her pro debut.
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.
Alicia Harris was all smiles in Las Vegas.
There’s no more looking back for Smiley, it’s on to New York.
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.
Monique Minton and Jamie Costa cool off in Las Vegas.
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.
Okay so maybe she isn’t but I am. Jamie Costa won the NPC figure A Class at the NPC Jr. USAs earlier this year and looked great. It was the first time I had met Jamie but had seen her compete at the USAs last year. I’ve seen Jamie streamline her physique in one year and it’s nothing short of amazing. She’s not only an attractive up-and-coming model but also fits the bill for doing well on stage.
Jamie Costa gets ready, one week out for the NPC USAs.
I caught up with Jamie last night for a shoot one week out from the NPC USAs and she’s definitely bringing her A game. She’s streamlined her physique even more since Charleston with her legs coming down in size. At 5′0″ and currently weighing 98lbs, you will see a whole new Jamie next week.
A new feature I’m starting will be the “Photo of The Day”. I take thousands of photos at each show both on stage and off. Many times I don’t sort through a shoot for weeks, as those who have shot with me can attest to and still patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for their photos. I’m still getting caught up on shows from last year but this isn’t about hey look at how busy Isaac is (yes third person references are a sign of delusion) but a chance to feature images from various events and shoots that may or may not be seen elsewhere.
Today’s image was shot last Sunday near the NPC Jr Naitonals’ host hotel. I found a super cool spot in a parking garage that had some great natural lighting and worked perfectly. Two new IFBB Figure Pros, Teresa Gillian and Catherine Holland were my models for this shoot. My awesome make up artist Laurie St. Michael helped me out at the end of this shoot in styling their windblown hair. Laurie was busy with 8 million other things and when you see the work she does you know why she is in such high demand. Any whoo – this was Teresa’s first time shooting and she did a great job for her first time out. I haven’t sorted through the shoot yet but this is one of the photos we captured.
Catherine Holland & Teresa Gillian all smiles after reaching IFBB Pro status.
