Photographer Mr Elvis Harrigan "The Boss"Speaks To The Fashion Police In London Town!!!!!

Mr Elvis Harrigan......"The Boss"

1)Please tell us who you are and what you do for those not familiar with you?

My name is Elvis Harrigan, from the island of Saint Martin (French side).

2)What 3 words best describe you as a person?

Funny, Bold and something else (as many persons often say)

3)Describe your fashion sense?

Uhhh fashion sense… I’m not sure how to respond to this but uhhhm, I really like European style fashion, I lived in Europe for a little bit and the people there know how to dress, they can take clothings and pieces that doesn’t necessarily go together and make it work, I like to see when people get creative in their dressing, especially with colors.

4)There are many doing what you do what makes you different from all the rest?

Honestly, I don’t know what makes me different from the rest, it could be the way I process my images, it can be the angles I shoot from or the way I set up my lighting. What I do know is every time I go out to shoot my main goal is to have fun and to make sure my clients do too.

5)Name 3 things you hate when doing a photo shoot with a model?

1: I hate when people know they’re going to be late and don’t notify me

2: I hate when 2 and 3 persons are telling the model what to do and what not to do, it annoys me and it confuses the model!

3: I hate when models when off in the middle of shooting to check their phones and or put updates of their every move.

6)When not working what do you enjoy doing?

Mostly chilling out at the studio with my team/ friends, or playing a game of dominoes or going to the movies and other regular stuff that doesn’t include photography.

7)If you was to walk the red carpet which designer would you wear and why?

You know something, I never really put any thought into anything like that but I would probably cop a Calvin Klein suit or something.

8)How can someone from the other side of the world learn more about you and view your work?

Well for the moment most of my work are on facebook: www.facebook.com/elvisharrigan.photos, Instagram: eharriganphotos, 500px: http://500px.com/eharriganphotos

9)What do you love most about our job?

Hmmm… I get to meet a lot of people (mostly girls) uhhm, in some cases I get people to feel more confident about themselves, but the thing that always put a smile on my face is at the end of the job when the client(s) comes back I say “I love the results or I love what you did…”

10)If you was given 1 ticket to do a photo shoot any where in the world where would you choose and why?

That’s a tough one… hmmm I already did a few shoot in Europe but I think I would go back there, because I really like the ancient feel of it, the architecture of a lot of the buildings especially those made from stone etc…

11)Tell us all about how you got started to this very day?

Well basically I have to thank my family for it, I actually use to do graphic designing and sometimes finding the right images was a difficult task… Then I received a little point and shoot camera from my gf for my birthday and was snapping away at everything for the the fun of it… Then my family hooked me up with my first DSLR, was a canon rebel! Used that for about 3 or 4 years! Majority of my work was done with that camera… entry level camera.

12)What do you think of the Fashion Police News Blog?

I think it cool! Especially since you guys recognize us here in the little islands, giving us some exposure out there in the big world, or just exposure period.

13)What do you think of men who teaches women to walk/pose?

Well I myself sometimes have show these girls how to pose for some shots… So as a photographer I think it is important for me… a man to know what I want from a model and to be able to illustrate it if she is having a hard time especially when the shots are for personal use. As for the walking part, I can’t comment to much on it but I it’s the same concept.

14)What cologne are you wearing as we speak?

Oh if anybody smell me right now, their nose is going to be wealthy. I have one “1 million”.

15)If the Fashion Police was to have dinner at your home what dish would you prepare?

Hahaha… Not that I can’t cook… but I probably would take you guys to one of my favorite spots and get some grilled chicken breast with some rice and peas, some salad and cant forget the plantain!

16)What makes a good model?

Confidence! Practice! Research!

17)If you had the choice to do a photo shoot of 3 people of your choice from St.Maarten who would they be and why?

Megane Fonrose, Nina Bijnsdorp, Mario Octuvon Bazile & Yulanda Gentle.. yeah I know that 4! But they all have the confidence I look for in models and I know I will get some really amazing shots from them!

18)If the Fashion Police was to be a fly on your bedroom wall what would they be shock to see?

The mess! Lol

19)What advice do you have for others looking to walk into your footsteps?

Well if photography is something you want to get into make sure you do a lot of reading, research, watch a lot of tutorials and then try out different things, create your own style.

20)Which other photographers do you look up to from st maarten if any?

For sure I got to big up my photoBro Jose Williams! Dude is a beast when it comes to lighting… We always shoot together… well whenever we have free time. I also am a big fan of Chemaine (Romadesignz) work, its different! There’s so many photogs I could big up but to call names and forget one or 2 is drama but hat the heck?! Ronchi, Kerwan, Kamal, Justyn, Skillz keep pushing work ma boys!

21)Where do you see yourself in 8 years time?

Uhm… If I had my own way I would like to be like one of the well known photographers in the Caribbean… But I don’t so I’ll just have to wait out those 8 years and see whats what!

22)Name one thing you just cannot leave the house without?

My camera!

23)Any last words for our many blog readers world wide?

My last words goes out to everybody who has supported me throughout the years! Just want to say thanks! Also to some of the other photographers that have been real with me from day one! Richard Munro, Kevon Richardson, Jerome Dupont, Keiroy Browne, Lario, Ricki, John Black… you know what, I’ll stop there cause is a long list, but thank you guys too! Y’all got me to this point! THANKS TO EVERYONE!

Sexy Ms Natalia Richardson Speaks To The Fashion Police In London Town!!!!!!

Ms Natalia Richardson....All rounded Model and an aspiring creative director

1)Please tell us who you are and what you do for those not familiar with you?

My name is Natalia Richardson. I'm from Holland but I'm currently residing in St. Maarten for 5 years now. I'm an all-rounded model and an aspiring creative (photo shoot) director.

2)Describe your fashion sense?

My fashion sense is a European Girl mixed with an Island Girl flavor. I like more natural and dark colors. But I love to stay up to date with fashion. Because of my height (5'5) I love to wear short dresses/shorts/high waisted skirts with covered tops to elongate my legs.

3) What 3 words best describe you as a person?

I'd say Motivational because I love to motivate other people to express their talents and be fully confident with who they are. Social because I'm a very outgoing person that wouldn't act stuck up. And last but not least I'd would say Feminine because I believe in embracing my feminine side by being classy, girly and fabulous!. 

4) What perfume are you wearing as we speak?

Guilty by Gucci which is one of my fave's!

5) In your eyes what makes a good and bad model?

A good model is someone that is always willing to learn and get better by research and practice. I also think a good model should be reputable, because many people will be looking up to you, you should be a great model as well as a great ROLE model. A bad model is someone that relies on their looks and doesn't put in any effort to get a great shot. 

6)Please tell us all about how you started till this very day?

I started unprofessionally when I was 14 years old. I just did photo shoots with my own clothes for fun and kept practicing. I watched every fashion/modeling tv show know to man to get better and better. Then I was asked to be a Teen Times model (The Daily Herald Newspaper) which really helped me branch out. By the age of 16 I was modeling for boutiques and fashion shows. Now that I'm 18 I'm actually travelling for photo shoots and fashion shows. 

7)If you was to walk the red carpet which designer would you wear and why?

I would kill to wear Versace. I love Gianni Versace's dresses. I strongly believe that men know what looks better. ( I know that sentence might get me in trouble!)

8)If you was given 1 ticket to fly any where what destination would you fly to and why?

I would love to go to Greece. I think Greece is beautiful. White buildings, blue sky and beautiful beaches. I mean its like an island with classic architecture.

9)Who are your 4 best friends you would ride and die for?

#1 my boyfriend Romeo Arrendell who is my boyfriend and bestfriend. #2 is Oneida who has been my friend since I was a lil nerdy girl. She's like a sister to me. #3 is my friend Christiana Guttierez who has been my friend since kindergarden in Holland. Despite the distance we keep in contact. #4 who is actually #1 is GOD. He has done great things for me that are too numerous to mention!

10)What do you think of the Fashion Police News Blog?

I love love the blog. I've been going through the blog ever since I heard about it. I myself used to write in a Fashion Police section for Teen Times. So I definitely love it.

11)What do you think of men who teaches women to walk?

I love it. Like I've mention before I think men do know what looks better. That rule even goes for my eyebrows! I only let men shape them.

12)What would you say is your best assets?

My best assets would be my lips which are full and heart shaped and my legs because they're long even though I'm 5'5.

13)What are 4 things men do that makes you mad?

#1 LIE c'mon men, we see right through those lies! #2 I hate a cocky man who think the world evolves around them. Ladies love attention and affection put the spotlight on them your credit will come after. She'll surely appreciate it.#3 Pssttt <- That need to stop.#4 I hate it when men don't care about their appearance. Makes me automatically feel like you have no future or goals. You won't treat me right because you don't treat yourself right. 

14)If you was given the chance to do a shoot with 4 other models from the island who would you choose and why?

I would pick Chelsea Douglas because she really knows her angles. Leysha De La Rosa because she's just a natural. Nadika Matthew because she has a unique look and a spunky/confident attitude. Last but not least I would pick Juliana Lake because for a young girl she knows exactly what she's doing.

15)If the fashion police was to be a fly on your bedroom wall what would they be shock to see?

You'd be shocked to see that I have a lot of books and notepads. I love to read and write. I'm really still a nerd on the inside.

16)What music would have you running to the dance floor to make you shake that booty?

Dancehall for sure. But in general I love all music. My itunes is a confusion!

17)What advice do you have for other young ladies looking to walk into your footsteps?

Don't you EVER give up. If someone tells you NO, you're speaking to the wrong person! You can definitely do everything you set your mind to. As too walking in my footsteps? You better love to rock some heels! 

18)What are the 3 worse chat up lines you ever heard from a guy?

#1 I told a guy that I had a boyfriend and he told me he had a math test. So I was like "Uhmm. What does that have to do with anything?" He said: "I thought we were mentioning things we can cheat on. #2 "I love you the same way how Jesus love the little children" =|... #3 "I may not be Fred Flintstone, but I bet I can make your Bed Rock.

19)How can someone reach you for upcoming work and future projects?

They can contact me on facebook: Natalia Richardson https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalia-Richardson/199351423553015 or contact me by email at nataliarichardson1995@gmail.com

20)Any last words for our many blog readers world wide?

I just would like to thank The Catwalk Proffessor of course for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed on his blog. I want to shout out my partner in crime Kamal Defreitas, who is literally someone I see eye to eye with. We both want to go to the next level so we're climbing together. I want to thank all the photographer that I've worked with to numerous to mention and the models as well. I learn from all of you. And of course I want to thank my supporters ya'll really keep me going. To all those guys and girls out there that want to become models all I would like to say is: "Arive and dominate" Be YOUnique that's how people will remember you.

Top St.Maarten Photographer Mr Kamal DeFreitas Speaks To The Fashion Police In London Town

Top St.Maarten Photographer Mr Kamal DeFreitas,

1)      Please tell us who you are and what you do for those not familiar with you?

My name is Kamal DeFreitas and I’m a former portrait artist from the island of St. Maarten who has made a transition to photography. My aspiration is to become a great fashion/glamour photographer and to one day use my skills to raise awareness about true African history through the use of photography.

2)      Describe your fashion sense?

Lol I think I would have to have one to describe it. But typically I dress for comfort; jeans, a polo shirt and a pair of old school Chuck Taylors (Converse). As long as I’m comfortable and it fits me right I’m good to go.

3)      What 3 words best describe you as a person?

Controversial, weird, strange, easy going, deep, proud, crazy, lazy, pain in the ass lol honestly it’s difficult to describe myself in three words I’ve been called so many things but I guess “complex” would be one of three I would choose. I’m complex yet easy going at the same time and a thinker.

4)      What cologne are you wearing as we speak?

Well I was given a fragrance from the Versace brand by a friend a couple years back and I have to say I love that stuff. It’s called “Versace Man EAU FRAICHE” or something fancy like that….It smells good.

5)      Tell us how you got started to doing photography?

Well I’ve always been a fan of men’s of magazines like King and Smooth and thought  that it would cool to be part of the creative process. And at the time I was working as a graphic artist for a jewelry store where they wanted me to photograph their jewelry for display on the website. I had no previous knowledge of how to use a professional DSLR camera and I never owned one in my life so I was forced to basically teach myself how to use the old Canon they had in storage. I went online and looked at tutorials on You Tube and various websites that gave me a basic foundation of photography and DSLR use. Eventually I began to take photography more seriously and hooked up with a local modeling group that allowed me to work with them and develop my skills.

6)      What makes a good photographer?

In my opinion there are many aspects that make a good photographer but the most important one I would have to say is dedication and love for the art. When you take your art seriously everything falls into place. You research you study you experiment. You study other photographers that are better than you and you learn from them and allow them to inspire you. You understand that there is always something you can learn or some way to improve. And your mind is ALWAYS on photography.

Top Photographer On St Maarten Mr Kamal DeFreitas

7)      What do you hate most when doing a shoot with a model?

I dislike when a model complains about minor superficial issues like “my nose too big” or I’m too fat”. And I’m thinking ‘Trust me sweaty if I felt the same way about you as you do about yourself, my camera wouldn’t be pointed in your direction’. Models need to learn to accept themselves fully. If you have a big nose sport that big nose and be like “Yes I have a big nose and I’m still the beautiful!” Confidence can make up for almost any flaw you may think you have, insecurities have a negative  affect on the shoot.

8)      How can someone from the other side of the world learn more about you?

Facebook page: facebook.com/kamal.o.defreitas

Facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/ImagesByKambozy

9)      What do you think of the Fashion Police News Blog?

I think it’s awesome I haven’t gone through it thoroughly yet but from what I’ve seen it’s very cool and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be featured on it. And I see you’ve interviewed someone I’ve worked with in the past Tiffany ‘Epiphany’ Matthews big up!

10)   What do you think of men who teach women how to walk/pose?

I think it’s incredible that a man can teach a woman how to do something like that because I’m a man and I don’t think I’d ever be able to do it! And I say that with the utmost respect lol

11)   If you were to walk the red carpet which designer would you wear and why?

Hmmm this is one of those research questions…..Ok there’s a show on NBC called Fashion Star I used to check out once in a while and one of the designers on the show was my favorite, Nzimiro Oputa , the black guy. I would rock his designs any day the fella got class.

12)   If you had the chance to do a shoot with 3 people of your choice who would it be and why?

Actress Kerry Washington, because I’m a great admirer of her talent and beauty.

Actress Emily Browning from that movie Sucker Punch. This girl is adorable and she has the highest cheekbones I’ve ever seen on a Caucasian female, a very interesting looking woman.

And Ainett Stephens from Venezuela, this woman is so beautiful I won’t even try to put it into words.

13)   What music would have you running to the dance floor to do your 2 steps?

I’m an 80s baby so I get kinda excited when I hear any music from Dr Dre, Snoop Dog or anyone else notable from that “golden era” of hip hop. The music comin from these new cats is okay but I find it difficult to respect them to a certain degree. But overall I have a wide range of musical appreciation. My playlist has a little bit of everything from rap to batchata…even some old Brazilian classics.

14)   If the Fashion Police was to be a fly on your bedroom wall what would they be shocked to see?

No Marijuana residue! Yeah most people think just cause I have locks that they can assume anything that goes with the stigma. But no I don’t smoke weed and I don’t even know how to roll a joint. Now I’m not saying I’ve never smoked weed before…and I’m not saying I won’t smoke weed from time to time, but it’s not something I could ever make a habit.

15)  If the Fashion Police was to have dinner at your home what would you prepare them?

I would prepare them to indulge in a meal of pizza and coke from the nearest Dominos!

16)   Which other 2 photographers on the island do you look up to if any and why?

It would be hard for me to name only 2 so what I’m gonna do is name 1. Elvis Harrigan is like the “big brother” photog here on St. Maarten. He’s one of the few individuals I’ll send my pictures to for an honest critique before I publicize them. After years in the game Elvis has developed some keen insights and I can’t imagine the photography game without him. He’s always there to help the up coming photogs through their development. So big up to E. Harrigan Photography.

17)   There are many other photographers what makes you different from the rest?

That’s good question and I don’t think I can give a definite answer. I think every artist goes through an evolution because their interests and perspective is always changing. And a part of this is always imprinted on the artists work in some way. The type of person you are will determine the type of photographer you will be and since no 2 people are the same no 2 photogs will be the same either.

18)   When not working what do you enjoy doing?

I read a lot, stuff that interests me. I try to expose myself to new information and experiences. And I tend to attract a lot of crazy friends so my life is not boring at all. They sometimes drag me out to the club but I’m cool with just chillin and talkin shit.

19)   What advice do you have for others looking to walk into your footsteps?

Don’t walk in my footsteps, find your own path. Study the greats and the masters and really commit to what you’re doing. Realize that nobody is too cool for school and allow yourself to be teachable. Have a clear mental image of what you want your life and future to be like and work towards it and don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone.

20)   Where do you see yourself in 7 years time?

To answer this question in detail would reveal too much of my plans and aspirations so I’ll just say I see myself successful and “dynamically self employed” with a body of work to be proud of.

21)   What advice do you have for models when doing a photo shoot?

Relax your forehead, think of something that makes you happy and flow. Don’t take it too seriously because it’s hard to take a bad picture if you’re enjoying yourself. Enthusiasm is extremely important so make sure you’re having fun and enjoy the process. It’s all mental. Pretend and act like a great model and you will be a great model. Oh and if you’re a virgin, try to develop some degree of sexual confidence about yourself because your insecurities will be obvious the minute the photographer takes the first shot, generally speaking of course because not all virgins are the same.  

22)   What would you say is your best assets?

I’m an independent thinker. I think critically about everything and I’m not quick to judge or follow anyone or anything.

23)   Name one thing you just can't leave home without?

My BlackBerry, that thing is like crack. Not that I smoke crack but when I don’t have it I feel very uncomfortable. This is how technology has us lol it’s really a negative though because people spend so much time texting that when you meet them in person they can barely carry a decent conversation. Verbal conversation is becoming a lost art. The other day I told this chick a joke and she said “LOL!”

24)   Any last words for our many blog readers world wide?

I just want thank the Fashion Police Blog for not arresting me and giving me an opportunity and all those that directly and indirectly help me and continue to help me along my photographic journey. All the local photographer Elvis, Jose, Sarina, Lili and many more that keep the standard here so high that it automatically causes you to raise your standards as a photographer as well. Special thanks to my partner in crime Natalia Richardson who has proven herself to be an important factor in most of my recent photoshoots. Verlene Berry, Alicia Miller, Soidi Illis, Ashley Florvil the list can go on and on….