Tuesday, 20 December 2011

Prime Minister Of Photography Mr Charlie


1) For those who are not familiar with you, who are you? and what do you do?
 
My name is Riccardo J my facebook character is Charlie Hustle and I am a photographer, I am also trained in acupuncture and massage.
 
2) There are so many photographers out there what makes you different from the rest?
 
My passion for photography is intense, I aim to shoot, capture and deliver an experience in every frame. I always aim to do better than my last shoot.
 
3 )Whats your number one cologne you wear and why?
 
Jean Paul Gaultier! Its my favour this month!
 
4) How can someone who lives on the other side of the world view your work?
 
My website will be up in the new year www.riccardo-j-images.com but in the mean time find me on facebook Charlie Hustle imagehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlie-Hustle-images/131119953635032 come Like my page!
 
5) Are you single/married/relationship?
 
I'm in a relationship with a gorgeous woman I met on facebook, she winked at me and the rest is history!
 
6) Whats your 4 fashion tips you live by as a man?
 
If the shop assistant says "These are selling well" by something else or look the same as everyone else, Garment which are timeless are always in fashion, where possible always choose a fitted shirt and change your underware daily.
 
7) If you had the chance to do a shoot with three people who would they be and why?
 
I would love to work with Kate Moss, I think she is a fantastic model, Next Bob Marley, on and off stage the documentary is sure to be superb, and Kat Von D, I love the stylish tattoo rock look!
 
8) What makes someone photogenic to the cameras?
 
Apart from their DNA, lighting and how well they know and use all their angles, a combination of all of these can give outstanding images
 
9) What are some mistakes we should avoid when taking pictures?
 
Avoid too much flash, it will wash out your image,  if you do not have a lens stabiliser use a tripod to avoid camera shake in low light. When shooting portraits get a sharp focus on the eyes
 
10) Where do you see yourself in 5 years time
 
I see myself shooting full time, loving the challenge of high end work and delivering images to die for.
 
11) Back to fashion, what do you think of men who personally wear make up?
 
I value our freedom of choice and expression, if it makes you happy and you are not impeading someone else's freedom or rights then go for it!
 
12) What inspires you the most when your taking pictures?
 
I take inspiration from everywhere I can, other works of art, magazines other photographers and even conversations. If I am inspired I am touched emotionally and that usually envokes an idea....so watch this space
 
 

Qeen of P.R Melanie Jones speaks to Fashion Police


1) Please tell us a little about yourself for those who may not know you and what sort of work you do?


I am MJ and I have my eponymous public relations agency: Melanie Jones PR. I am also features writer at Unfolded Magazine.

2) What makes you different from any other Pr person?


I am bi-lingual, German/English. I studied business management and later psychology. Having worked for some market research companies has left a lasting imprint on me. So has an internship at the broadcasting channel ZDF in Germany, work at OH TV here in the UK and working at an internet service provider all of them are fast-paced sink-or-float environments. These are just some of my most invaluable experiences that relate to what I do now and have shaped me. You don’t have a choice but to learn and adapt quickly if you want to be in the industry. I have a genuine enthusiasm and passion for not only my work, but also that of my clients and my clients themselves. I break the rules (not legally of course!) but I remain passionately ethical. I also worked as model in Germany as well as London.


3) What’s one thing you cant leave your house without?


I can’t leave my house without my phone & charger!

4) What do you do in your free time when you are not working?


There is not much of that. I am always researching, brainstorming but the beauty is I can combine work & pleasure i.e. attend gigs, events However I love traveling when I have the chance and doing this on my own is particularly liberating.

5) How can someone view your work that may be living on the other side of the world?


www.unfoldedmag.com  (for articles)
and of course follow my clients via their websites & pages.

6) What are 4 things you admire in any man?


In any person I admire
  • ·       kindness (there seems to be almost an art form of being kind without being a doormat or anyone’s fool and it takes strength and level consciousness).
  • ·       non-judgmental: a pre-requisite for flexibility, understanding and acceptance: The longer people know me the more they realize how unpredictable I am I don’t take it for granted to be accepted as I am.
  • ·       driven: shows me passion vision someone that does more than just merely exist 
  • ·       fun don’t let my appearance fool you ;)

7) What advice you have for anyone thinking of going in PR?


  • ·       Find your passion there are different fields within it and as there is lots of hard work and sleepless nights waiting for you, doing it within a field that you love makes it feel less like work.
  • ·       Internships and work experience give you a good foundation.
  • ·       Research, research and research – not just for you, your field and business but this includes your client as well. I meet people who told me they have interviewed different companies but were never asked to provide information that I ask of them. Missing out on angles for publicity is just one of many repercussions.
  • ·       Don’t burn bridges you have to cross (whether intentionally or unintentionally). Industries are too small.


8) If there were 2 people you had the chance to represent, who would it be and why?


I do that right now! I love working with the clients on board now. By the time people are known, pr process has already taken place in some shape or form. Nothing is more exciting to work with new brands/talent/products. However being challenged to turn a pr nightmare in to a dream can be just as exciting. I have the pleasure to count the hottest and innovative fashion design talents as my clients: award-winning JOSE HENDO and SEROGE so keep looking out for them. I am also honoured to count award-winning celebrity make-up artist Karen Salandy as my client. There are more but currently there is a bit of re-shuffle. So there are news to come. There is a time and place for everything in this case it’s 2012.


9) What word best describes you?


Unconventional


10) This one is for all our male readers who would love to know. Are you single/relationship/married?


I don’t think anyone wants to know.
I am married to work and in a relationship with my friends and fam. They are my rock. DA, CL, ZD, KS, DW, AP,  – the ones concerned will know. ;)
So in short: unavailable. 


11) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?


This really relates to my clients’ as their success is my success. I see them as established, profitable international growing brands. Subsequently for me see myself in 5 years time a position of giving back; providing employment and internships. Having a recognized national and international presence and expanded portfolio and branching out in to different areas.


-- 
Melanie Jones
CEO/Founder 
Melanie Jones PR

T +44(0)7961 565933
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NO PLACE LIKE THE CARIBBEAN

A Quick chit chat with the catwalk professor

Tell us briefly who you are and what you do?
My name is Catwalk Professor and is also called Mr Fierce,i was born in the caribbean on the island of St.Maarten  known as the friendly island of the caribbean.After winning the starpic model contest on st.maarten in 1996 i was granted a scholaship to study the art at Ophelia Devore Modelling School in New York City where i was awarded"BEST RUNWAY MODEL"outshinning all male and female students and went on the represent my island in Mr Pan Africa usa 1999 and took the 1st runner up position and in 2002 i won the model of the year catwalk contest in New York,now residing in the uk and crowned 3 years running as BEST MODEL TRAINER in the u.k voted at the BEFFTA awards.

What makes you different from all other model trainers?
I have the ability to teach the true meaning on how to walk the runway and what i do comes from the heart i do it with a passion not for fun.

Are you single/relationship?
At the moment yes am single my work is what am loving for now if that changes you guys will surely know(yeah right)

Some people call you a Diva what do you think about that?
So funny when people cant take advantage of you they call you diva,anyone knows me knows am not am very loving and funny,love seeing others smile.

Whats your relationship with other model trainers?
As usual some we talk and some we don't as they have the time to talk so bad about me then smiling in my face but mr fierce dont have time for that.My fans loves me,family loves me what more can i ask for?

Is there anyone you have a crush on.....someone you fancy?
Oh hell yeah but i wont say......hahahahahahahahahahhaahhahaha

What kind of music you like listening to?
I love hip hop,calypso,dancehall,house,pop,merengue

What attracts you to someone?
So many thing but to name a few i must say someone who is on the same speed as me,loving must be affectionate,funny and what turns me on the most is good table manners thats hot realllly hot

Do you drink are smoke?
believe it are not i dont drink nor smoke some people think i smoke because i have dreads how funny

What;s one thing people get wrong about you?
That am so stuck up but once you get to know me their views on me changes.

Your now like the catwalk prime minster to many if you had to retire at this very moment who would you like to see take the title from you?
I would love to see my niece Ms D'shnay York take my title i believe in her so much its not funny and she has the same passion like her uncle.

We dont see you at every event ,is there a reason to that?
ONE word am not desperate

Are you connected to any agency/modelling school?
NO NO NO NO NO AM DOING MR FIERCE who want to work with me needs to apply just like every other.HELLLLO

What's your favourite food?
I love my mom cooking and sister and besides them i love chinese food not forgetting my cariibean meals.

If their was one place to visit where would it be?
I want to fly to africa next year and thats the only thing on my mind,exactly where not sure.

Any last word?
love who you are as a person and accept who u are if you dont love yourself how the hell you expect others to love you.

Sunday, 18 December 2011

U.K MOST SOUGHT AFTER PHOTOGRAPHER...Mr Peter Branch


1)For those that are not familiar with you tell us briefly who u are and your background on what you do? 

My name is Peter Branch and I’m a photographer from Barbados. My day job involves helping to create professional colour grading systems for Hollywood, but I have a deep passion for photography. To be honest, photography is playing an increasingly bigger part of my life – and I welcome that increase. 

2) What makes you different from all other photographers? 
Along with the extraordinary diversity of my personal background, it’s my inner drive to be the best. I don’t specialise, instead I seem to find beauty in every aspect of the world.

3) What are some top secrets when someone is in front of the camera? 
You need to be relaxed and spontaneous. Sure, preparation is important – but once you’ve in the shoot, either as a model or photographer – you need to be prepared to seize opportunities. It’s often the shot you didn’t plan that makes the whole session worthwhile. Models need to “Go for it” – to lose themselves in the moment. That engagement is key to working with me. 

4) If there were 2 people you had the chance to do a photo shoot with who would it be with and why? 
The Queen & President Obama, because they are two of the most prominent people in the world & to be commissioned by either - for any artist - would be the pinnacle of success. Getting that kind of opportunity would mean that I had already achieved my goals in terms of personal development.

5) How can someone view your work who might be on the other side of the world? 
People can view my most recent work via facebookwww.facebook.com/peterbphotos or my websitewww.peterbphotos.com 

6) What do you do in your spare time when not working? 
Lol… Spare time? What is that? I never stop seeing shots, whether I’m driving, chatting with friends or focused on solving a serious problem at work. I took up salsa dancing earlier this year & I love it, but recently I haven't had as much time for dancing as I would like… but I do love dancing. 

7) Share your 4 best fashion tips to everyone reading this blog. 
Dress for the occasion. If you’re unsure, then overdress as it's easier to take something off in order to fit in rather than be under dressed. 
Experiment with style – and don't be afraid to try something new that’s out of your comfort zone - you may like it! 
Invest in a nice watch that suits your lifestyle. If you own more than one then wear the appropriate one to suit your attire. 
Always smell nice & be well groomed. 

8) How can someone tell a bad photographer from a good one? 
Photography is the capture of light & a good photographer will know the best way to use light to shape the image they capture – to make sure you see what they want you to see. 
A photo should make the subject & the photographer look good. If it is doing neither of these things then it's not a good photographer that took the image. 
A good photographer never shows his bad shots.

9) We here at Fashion Police News Blog we like to know everything so our readers know it all....are you married? DO you have kids? 
I am single right now (divorced) & I have 4 beautiful children, ranging from 11 to 28 

10) What cologne you just can’t live without? 

Anything by Givenchy. My favourite is Irresistible or, on occasion, Marc Jacobs’ Bang 

11) Who inspires you most as a photographer - and how can you be contacted for a booking? 
My uncle Carl back in Barbados has always been my biggest inspiration. My first memories of a camera, was his Hasselblad in a brown leather case & I loved playing with it as a boy. Over the years I watched him & listened to him talk about his passion & love for photography. Now there are three photographers in our family, including his son Karl, who is currently one of the best photographers in Barbados. Aside from him I would say Rankin, Araki, David Bailey, Nigel Barker, along with any other photographers that have captured a unique image - no matter the genre. 

I can be contacted via my website www.peterbphotos.comwww.facebook.com/peterbphotos @ptrbee on twitter peter@peterbphotos or 07580211126 

12) What are a few things you like when working with models are anyone in front the camera? 
I love a challenge but I also like the person to be confident in & sure of themselves. The camera captures what it sees & fear doesn't look good.

Overall, try to have fun. Even when the subject matter might be serious, if the photographer and model engage, then communication becomes almost telepathic. Even in quite a short session, a good degree of trust is built up and that will help the shot inspire and captivate future viewers.  

Saturday, 17 December 2011

Lawyer,Activist,& equal rights for all human beings including GAYS



1) For those who are not familiar with you tell us briefly who you are and what you do?

Yemisi Ilesanmi is a Nigerian woman, resident in UK. She holds a Masters of Law (LL.M) degree in Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights. She is a trade unionist, a human rights activist, a poet and a plus size model. She competed in the Ms Figure 8 photo/video competition and emerged the first runner up. She has also held the following positions- Assistant National Secretary Nigeria Labor Party International Trade Union Congress Vice President, Executive Board Member, General Council Member, Chairperson, Youth Committee (2004-2009) UN/World Bank /ILO Youth Employment Network and consultative group Member International Labour Conference (ILC) Committee Member on Applications of Standards Founder/President, National Association of Nigerian Female Students 1998–2001 She is an advocate and has extensive travel experience as guest speaker to promote gender and youth issues, labour rights, sexuality rights and international human rights. She is also the coordinator of the campaign group Nigerian LGBTI in Diaspora Against Anti-Same Sex Laws.

2)What made you become an activist?

I was a student union activist in my undergraduate years, during the military era in Nigeria. I had many collisions on policy issues with school administrators who were appointed by the ruling military dictators. It took me ten years to finish a five year law degree course due to suspension, strikes, arrests, et cetera. However, I’m happy that I was able to stand up for my rights and that of many Nigerians; it might not be the easy way but it helped mold my character.

‘The Labour movement in Nigeria has always been progressive and often works with student unions at allies. Because of my active role in student unionism and human rights organisations in Nigeria I was co-opted to start working for the Nigeria Labour Congress even before I finally got my law degree. I could have gone ahead to practice law in Nigeria, but the trade union gave me a real opportunity to represent the masses.


3)We know your open about your sexuality will that affect you if you decide to return to africa?

I was already open about my sexuality before I relocated to UK, My relocation is not permanent, it was for further studies abroad and now that I am through with my studies (for now) I hope to recoup the money I invested in getting a Masters of Law degree in UK university. Of course being open in Nigeria had its drawbacks, fortunately I worked for a progressive organisation, the central labour body, NLC. Yes, I did get some disapproving looks from colleagues whenever I attended official functions with my same sex partner, but they all know better than to mess with me. They kept their disapproval to themselves, wisely so. I know many awaits my return, but they should beware cos I am returning even stronger and better equipped to challenge homophobia and any form of discrimination. 

4) What is it like being gay coming from Africa and how can that affect someone being open about it?
For some, in developed countries, coming out as gay could mean loss of friends and family or even loss of job, but in Africa it means all these and much more, it could mean LOSS OF LIFE. Many African countries including Northern parts of Nigeria have laws like shariah laws that actually stipulated that gays and lesbians be stoned to death! Coming out gay is like signing your own death warrant, not many dared do that. There are in fact many gays, lesbians and bisexuals in Africa, including amongst the politicians that make these terrible laws, they just live double lives. They pretend to be heterosexual in public, even marry opposite sex partner, have children, because that is what the society expects them to do, but in private ,they have same sex lovers and live an entirely secret life away from their public persona. That is self imprisonment, it is sad when you cannot openly be who you are, especially when your actions hurt no one nor harm the society. 

5)What do you do in your spare time away from working?
I love reading, writing , well writing is part of my work, but I do write for leisure . I am a poet and have written some really good poems mainly on social issues and some erotic ones too! I am a blogger, i blog athttp://yemmynisting.blogspot.com/. I am also into Plus size modeling, I enjoy positively representing Big, Bold and Beautiful women and would love to see diversity on the runway and in the beauty industry. I believe that beauty comes in different colours, shapes and sizes and I will like to see different types of shapes and sizes positively represented in the media and fashion magazines. I will like to see me on the cover of Vogue soon! Also I love taking pictures!

6)Do you have lots of support from Africans living abroad and what do they think of what you stand for?
Actually yes! I am the coordinator of Nigerian LGBTIs in diaspora against Anti Same ex Laws and the campaign group organised protest rallies in front of the Nigerian Embassy in London, UK and the Nigerian House in New York, USA recently. Many Africans living outside have been supportive , although many coul not openly come out to join us in the protest because of what their family members back home in Africa would say, nevertheless they are with us in spirit. I think that is a first step, the acceptance that every human being deserves equal rights irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I do get some hate mails from some Africans who feel homosexuality is unafrican, well I wrote an article on the history of homosexuality in Africa , it is on my blog and i just send it to the homophobes so they can get better enlightened. Excerpts from the article reads

"Many Africans became intolerant of homosexuality and transsexuals only after foreign religions were imposed on them. In many African cultures, homosexuals and transsexuals were revered and worshiped as spirits of the gods. Sango, the god of thunder was often described as a beautiful man who dressed and accessorised and had his hair braided like a woman. Sango priests, all men, dress in women apparels when performing traditional rituals. Now tell me that is un-African!

‘Homosexuality has existed from time immemorial, as far back as when same sex persons ever came in contact. Africa is said to be the cradle of human race, it therefore logically follows that homosexuality started in Africa, before the human race started migrating to other places to spread its branches in different colours, shapes and sizes. Many African cultures and religions viewed Homosexuals and Transgender as gods, they were revered before intolerant religion and culture started flourishing. It was the advent of colonisation and the importation of foreign laws like Sodomy laws that brought Homophobia and intolerance into African societies.
‘I am Proudly African and I am mystified whenever I am accused of "promoting and defending European sexual perversity" (whatever that means). In fact from various historical paintings on Ancient Africans walls, our ancestors enjoyed homosexual sex, affection and love and that was one reason Christian missionary colonisers immediately imported their sodomy laws into our constitutions; they imported homophobia because they thought our free loving ancestors were barbarians!
‘Many claim Homosexuality is Alien to Africa. I am an African, I am bisexual, I was bisexual before I ever met any white person or stepped foot on European shore, so does that mean I am a fake African?’"


7) Were you an activist backing gay rights in Africa since you came to London?

I have always been an activist right from my teenage years when i was in high school back in Nigeria. I was a student union leader as an undergraduate and I have always been vocal about human rights generally , especially women, youth and sexual rights. This contributed to my resolve to study for a Master of Laws degree in Gender, Sexuality and Human rights in UK. 

8)Tell us in a few words about what’s all happening for those that don’t follow but is reading this
The National Assembly Lawmakers of the corrupt and inefficient government of Nigeria were looking for a popular cause, something that would endear them to the majority of Nigerians that are dissatisfied with the woeful performance of the lawmakers in office. They decided to make Nigerian Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transsexuals the scapegoats. Nigerian LGBTs community is a very vulnerable group, the largely religious but hypocritical largest black nation on earth are homophobic. Mention gays and lesbians and majority would scream “where are they, let us stone them!” It is pathetic really

.Anyway, the senators just introduced a bill that aims to further criminalise same sex relationship in Nigeria. A same sex couple would go to jail for 14 years and anyone who abets or did not report a gay or lesbian would be liable to 10 years imprisonment. Also any organization, or human right defenders who associates with gays and lesbians are liable to fine and imprisonment. Clubs who allow gay members are liable to fine and imprisonment. 

So basically it is not just a crime to be gay in Nigeria, it is now a crime to associate with a gay person even if you are the mother, father or family members! This is insane and Africa is not known for such intolerance. This law would break families as family members are supposed to be reporting on suspected gay sons, daughters or sisters and brothers. It is awful! It is also a gross violation of human rights and we will fight that law. We ill not let some ignorant, religious fanatics drag us into the cave.



9)What do you think of married men who have wives and kids but still mess with other guys?

This is common in many African LGBT communities. In Nigeria, I know many who are married to opposite sex partners, but have same sex lovers. In fact it is like an unwritten acceptance code of conduct. I feel sad because the society has forced those people to live a hypocritical double live. The intolerance and fear of discrimination have forced many to engage in marital infidelity. It is important to allow people be who they are, rather than drive them into closets. Many people suffer; the unsuspecting spouse, the children and the cheating spouse too, because that kind of lifestyle is simply torture.

I want the right to love another consenting adult openly without having to sneak around in the dark like criminals. I am bisexual not a criminal and i refuse to be treated like a criminal in my country, continent or anywhere else because of my colour or sexual orientation!

yemmynisting.blogspot.com

Friday, 16 December 2011

SCDF President Mr Stuart A Johnson the perfect role model


1)For those that don't know you are never heard about you as we are interviewing you direct from london tell us briefly about yourself

Stuart Andrew Johnson was born on June 24th, 1984, in the St. Rose Hospital located on Front Street, St. Maarten. In my younger days, I was a member of the Teen Times Youth Newspaper, Volunteer Club of the School, St. Maarten Green Voice Foundation, and Democratic Party Youth Wing of which I became president. 

I’m a teacher by profession, since 2008 when I completed my Bachelors of Education degree from the University of St. Martin (USM), making me the first male to graduate in the education field from USM. While attending USM, I was the longest serving and first official Student Government Association President. 

Besides being the youngest president of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF), I’m a toastmaster and the Vice-Chairman of the Post Office board of St. Maarten. Lastly, I’m the Founder and President of the community and entertainment “Youth Link Foundation.” 

2)What 3 words best describe you?

Dedicated, Loyal and sincere!

3)What's your role like being president of the carnival committee and how long have you been part of the committee before becoming president?
Being the President of the SCDF, you have to supervise and keep up to date with all the operations of the foundation. The foundation is responsible for many shows and our various parades, while this is being organized the President also has the responsibility of the board, the membership, our sponsors, the media and the public, at large. 

I’ve been apart of the SCDF, for over thirteen years, since I was 14 years old by being the first “youth wing” member under the Presidency of Erno Labega, who now serves as the treasurer of the foundation under my presidency. 

4)What are you doing differently now that was never done?

The board of the SCDF continues to ensure that the preparation of carnival is done much earlier than previous years. Already, the full schedule has been released as well as our slogan for carnival 2012. Done differently compared to previous years is our school tour and marketing vision, among others. 

5)When your away from all the hassle what do you enjoy doing any hobbies?

I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family and friends, and relaxing at the beach. 

6)Many would like to know if your single are in a relationship and if you are how to you make time for you partner?


I’m single….But when I find the right person….. its about finding the right balance with my work schedule and my personal life commitments. At times, it doesn’t work out perfectly right but understanding is key to any healthy relationship.
7) How do you describe your fashion sense?

I’m no fashion expert, I leave that to the professionals. But my fashion sense surely keeps me in line with everyone else. 

8) Registration for the carnival competitions are you happy so far with the responds your getting?

The registration progress is still ongoing, but I elated with the response received so far. It goes to show that people are embracing our cultural celebrations and the work of this SCDF board. Hard work pays off and it shows. Lookout for more initiatives on our registration process, soon. 

9) What is the carnival committee doing to make carnival safer and better for the safety of everyone?

I hold firm to a “no-nonsense policy” in following safety regulations and ensuring that the public and Carnival stakeholders abide by the rules of the law. Carnival is a fun-filled, cultural event that is safeguarded by close cooperation of law enforcement, medical services and the SCDF.

We have always put great emphasis on safety and security. From the moment you enter Carnival Village through our checkpoints to our road events, the presence of our security personnel, the police and ambulance personnel is always very visible. Nothing changes this year, we remain adamant about the safety of the public.
Carnival Village will again be tightly secured for Carnival 2012. Sheriff Security will have its usual large contingent of officers in the Village support by the latest in security technology. The Police Department will also have its regular sub-station in the Village to operate from, while Ambulance Department personnel will be present every night and supported by counterparts from Aruba.

The jump-ups and parades will also see heavy Sheriff Security and police presence. We have a basic message for any potential trouble makers for Carnival 2012: Stay home. We can say that in a more ‘colorful’ way but we think the message is clear.

10)We know your doing your best as president but those it comes to a point sometimes that you fell totally presured.?

No pressure, I love working for the people of St. Maarten and the carnival spirit is deep within me from birth. Guess, that’s why I’m being called the “Soca Prime Minister” lately
11)Since its the fashion police blog what 2 colgnes you cant live without?and why?

My two favorite colognes are: Mont Blanc, and Dolce & Gabbana…..I’ve heard once I wear it…I’m irresistible.