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EMJ Fashion Styling Glamour Giveaway

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EMJ Fashion Styling Glamour Giveaway – Before & After

A few weeks ago Elsie Jaime of EMJ Fashion Styling told me she was doing a glamour giveaway and asked if I could take a couple of “After” photos. She’d snap a quick pic at the start of the day, and then after the team has done their magic, they’d stop by my studio for a  portrait. Linda Portillo underwent the transformation, and was more than pleased with the results 🙂

EMJ Fashion Styling Glamour Giveaway –  Linda

And here’s the team:

Stylist: Elsie Jaime (EMJ Fashion Styling)
Hair: A. LaQuin
MUA: Summer Johnson
Dress and accessories: Chandelier Boutique
Photographer: Chris Willson

 

EMJ Fashion Styling Glamour Giveaway –  Linda

ASIMO

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ASIMO

ASIMO

While up in Tokyo I met up with my old friend ASIMO.

ASIMO

ASIMO

We had a falling out a few years ago when I bought a Suzuki Swift rather than the Honda S2000, but we’re back to talking again. At least I’m talking and he’s staring vacantly in my direction.

ASIMO

ASIMO

ASIMO showed me his new dance moves, and he seemed to be able to run a little faster than last time we met.

ASIMO

ASIMO

I asked if he’d been programmed with Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics. He nodded, but for a brief moment I’m sure one of his eyes glowed red.

Miss International Beauty Pageant in Okinawa 2012

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Miss Japan

Miss International Beauty Pageant in Okinawa 2012 took place on October 21st.

Miss New Zealand

As the audience arrived they wandered between photographs of the girls in swimsuits and heels.

Ryukyu Dancers and Eisa Drummers

The ceremony opened with some traditional Ryukyu dancing and drumming, a nice Okinawan touch.

National Costumes

The first event was national costumes,

Swimsuit

followed by the swimsuits, and then the evening gowns. (Which was amusing titled as the Night Gown Competition)

The Top 15 finalists

The announcement of the top 15 finalists was met with cheers as most of the favorites made the cut.

Tida Dance Studio in Chatan

Each of the finalists gave a short speech before hip hop dancers from the Tida Dance Studio in Chatan performed. The kids were fantastic and the highlight of the evening.

The winners are announced

After quite a wait, the winner was announced, Miss Japan.

2nd Runner Up (Sri Lanka),Winner (Japan), 1st Runner Up (Finland)

Huge cheers from the majority of the crowd, but quite a few raised eyebrows from the non Japanese members of the audience.

Miss International 2012 Ikumi Yoshimatsu of Japan

After the audience had left, the press got to take some photographs of the top 5. I held a speed light at arm’s length in my left hand and took a few quick shots. Would have preferred to use a softbox or an entire studio, but you work with what you’ve got.

1st Runner Up – Miss Finland

4th Runner Up – Miss Paraguay

Overall, an interesting evening. Originally I’d guessed Miss Columbia would take the title, then after the speeches I was sure it was going to be Miss Philippines or Miss Haiti. The event was a good showcase for Okinawa. The contestants got to experience the culture and beauty of the Ryukyu Islands along with a few of its other charms like typhoons and flexible timekeeping.

Special Award Winner – Miss Haiti

Ginza 4-chome (part 1)

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Ginza 4-chome, Tokyo

Ginza 4-chome, Tokyo

Ginza 4-chome, the crossroads at the heart of Tokyo’s notoriously expensive shopping and entertainment district. I took a photograph here  several years ago when I was shooting with the Pentax 67II and Vodafone was still in Japan. I returned  on my latest trip to Tokyo,  and met up with model Marino to create some visions of nightlife in Ginza.

Ginza 4-chome, Tokyo

Ginza 4-chome, Tokyo

Ginza 4-chome, Tokyo

USO Kadena Far East Bazaar

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USO Kadena Far East Bazaar Oct 27/28

This fall, I’ll be  selling my prints of Japan at the USO Kadena Far East Bazaar and the two winter Community Carnivals. Please stop by, say hello, and maybe even get something for your wall.

USO Far East Bazaar

October 27/28

USO Community Carnival at Kinser Elementary School

November 17/18

USO Community Carnival at Zukeran Elementary School

December 8/9

The Anger Management Consultant

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Darryl The Anger Management Consultant

Darryl helps people work through their anger issues. He lets them get all of their aggression out by punching him, and then when they’re exhausted he hits them back…

Summer Johnson working her magic

Colonel Hannibal Smith attributes everything he knows about makeup, disguises, and even smoking cigars to Summer Johnson

The iPhone 5 Release (and working security for Gaga)

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iPhone 5 release Japan Ginza Apple Store 21/9/2012

The iPhone 5 had its global release while I was up in Tokyo. I headed over to the Apple store in Ginza and shot a few images of the Mac-fans as they lined up and then purchased their new phones.

iPhone 5 release Japan Ginza Apple Store 21/9/2012

There were numerous Japanese press photographers and camera crews, but I was able to get the shots I wanted and then head back to Shinjuku for my exhibition.

iPhone 5 release Japan Ginza Apple Store 21/9/2012

A couple of weeks later, someone in Okinawa asked me if I’d been working security for Lady Gaga during the summer. They showed me the following photo published in the Nikkei Weekly.

iPhone 5 release Japan Ginza Apple Store 21/9/2012 – Working security for Gaga

The Psychic

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The Psychic

At the age of three, Airi was able to bend spoons with her mind. By the time she was five should could read the thoughts of dogs, cats, her classmates and teachers. She scored full marks on every test. Her family switched from dried pet food to an a la carte menu on the advice of Fido and Whiskers.

Model – Airi
Makeup Artist – Summer Johnson