Took me a while, but I finally pulled together my thoughts and have established a new project I am now working.  Over the summer, I will be casting and photographing twelve beautiful Native American women for this project.

Scope:

The calendar will contain images of women who have at least 50% Native American heritage.  I will be shooting outdoors, on location, in four different areas of the country (Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Central, East Coast).  Three women from each location, will represent tribes from that local region.  I could have went the route of having each woman wear specific tribal accessories, but I decided against it.  There is enough media content, whether it be images or movies, that stereotype the “American Indian” and I just won’t subscribe to it.  Instead, I’ll keep the intensity and focal point on the model’s beauty – presenting Native American women as sexy, strong and most of all empowered.

Charity:

I have decided to donate $1 for every calendar sold, to a Native American charity.  Still need to find a charity that will embrace my calendar and help to promote / sell it once completed (since they would have something to gain from the sale too).  If anyone out there wants to recommend their favorite charity, please let me know via my “about” page.

Casting Details:
Now shooting for 2012 glamour calendar featuring Native American women.  Yes, 2012 – I plan on distributing / selling starting early next year.  Must be comfy posing up to implied nude.  Shoots will take place outdoors so must be able to endure possible sudden weather and temperature changes.  MUA and hair stylist definitely will be provided and present. Lunch and expenses paid as well.

Please, must have at least 50% Native American background and please be at least 18+.  ALL experience levels welcome.

Send me an email, if you or someone you know might be interested in applying for this gig.

…from a recent shoot at the boutique class Alexis Hotel in Seattle.

Kristen: Upholstered MUA: Freakishly Beautiful

Kristen: Emerald Teddy MUA: Freakishly Beautiful

For all of my East Coast brethren, my mother is a professional painter / pastel artist and she belongs to The Riverside Artists Studio & Gallery, in Westerly, Rhode Island (USA). She works along-side three other talented professional artists (Fran Knapp, Millie Donovan, Ian Newbury),  – all dabbling in various art mediums. I encourage you to checkout their blog, become a Facebook Fan or maybe buy a piece of art at the gallery’s online shop.

Below is the latest painting my mother did of my younger daughter Alissa:

"Alissa" by Marie A. Laudini, 2010

I get a lot of inquires about I how I met London Levi.  So, here it goes….It was May of 2008 and my photo assistant Kevin Luster, and I had hopped on a plane to shoot four models over the weekend in Dallas, TX.  I had booked the best suite in the house at the W Dallas – Victory Hotel because I wanted to ensure I had enough room and the best floor plan available.  These models were all relatively amateurs and I was looking forward to getting some great, non-contrived shots.   Honestly, I can’t remember the details too well, but I know that two of the originally booked models showed up and the other two were “flakes.” All par for the course when it comes to working in this industry.

London was actually a last minute alternate, thanks to the make-up artist I had hired.  She said she knew a woman that was probably available and was always looking to add images to her portfolio. She called her up, gave her the details and a few minutes later I met London down in the lobby.  Upon meeting her, the first visual impression I had of her was that she was stunning and had such beautiful skin, not to mention those amazing eyes.  Since my time was limited, my assistant got the legal formalities out of the way, such as checking her IDs (to verify she was at least 18 years of age) and having her read and sign the model release.

She then went into make-up and hair, while I sifted through some of the wardrobe she had brought.  After about 75 minutes, we started shooting in the great sunlight hitting the balcony.  It was a hot afternoon in Dallas and boy was I sweating from moving around to get the shots I wanted.  I had London in a white, spaghetti-strapped silk blouse and black skirt.  London was great, very composed and casual about the whole scene.

The nude component was not planned, but more of an optional direction we could take – based on how London was feeling.  If it makes sense, I will generally offer it to the model / client and let them decide.  She had never posed nude before, but after working with me for a while she obviously felt comfy enough to give it a whirl.  She was overall confident with her body, though I could tell one particular area she was a little self-conscious (which I made sure to not focus on too much).

A few months later I learned she had been selected to appear on Tyra Banks‘ America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), Cycle 12.  I was so happy for her, considering the odds, she kicked ass!

Below is one of my two favorite nude shots of her, interestingly neither one was of interest to Playboy Magazine because both breasts were not exposed – hmm, I guess they know what sells.

London Levi - America's Next Top Model ( ANTM )

This next one was shot over her shoulder, capturing the reflection in the mirror.  I decided to keep the round magnifying mirror in the shot to add a little intrigue..

London Levi - America's Next Top Model ( ANTM )

London Levi - Playboy Magazine ( NYSE: PLA )

This shot above is the one that Playboy Magazine decided to publish.

London Levi - Playboy Magazine ( NYSE: PLA )

Her name is Shyn and this MUA can style, primp, brush, pencil, mold, buff, dab, revitalize, accessorize and pretty much bring-back-from-the-dead any person you put in front of her -  she is AMAZING.  Shyn is also a very talented model, actress, up-and-coming photographer, dedicated and loving single-mom to a cute little boy, and ultimately warrior-goddess of the world.  I know.. I am using a lot of adjectives here.. but they are all approrpiate.  Heck, the woman even offered to spackle, paint and smooth out my studio’s walls for me (nothing to do with her gender, just amazed she would have any time).

I have only worked with her for about a year now, but in that time, we have had some memorable times working on my shoots (provided at the expense of some whacked-out models / clients).

Candid shot of Shyn with client:

Shyn, early morning - working her magic!

Let me get that...!!

I love this shot, I was trying to explain to the model to make some adjustments, so that she could ultimately perk up her breasts….well, after a few minutes of not getting it, Shyn decided to take it [them] into her own hands. The model was fine btw, the expression though was priceless.