MET Fashion Photo Show Presents "Simone Buckley"

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to another edition of the MET Fashion Photo Show. The last few months have been crazy to say the very least. However, I am happy to report that the MET Fashion Photo Show will be teaming up with the newly created MET Photography Model Club and the MET Photography Model Club fan page on Facebook.

The MET Photography Model Club is a club open to people who like taking pictures. If you are an actor or actress, this club will also benefit you because you will now have the opportunity to take photos for your portfolio. If you own your own business, or you are constantly promoting new things and require, or would like a new look, then the Model Club is also for you. For more information about the MET Photography Model Club, please visit my website at madisonspics.com, scroll across to the heading entitled "Model Club".

The MET Photography Model Club fan page provides you the viewer with an opportunity to participate in contests, view model photos and interact with members of the club through "likes" and "comments" via Facebook. For more information about the MET Photography Model Club fan page, log onto your Facebook profile and search for the page.

Today I am proud to introduce you to the winner of the MET Photography Model Club's first "Likes" contest, Simone Buckley. Participants in the contest were model club members who were required to submit five photographs that I personally took of them that they liked the most. Viewers to the MET Photography Model Club fan page had the opportunity to vote for the pictures that they liked the most. The club member receiving the most votes was declared the winner. Simone won a free, two hour portfolio photo shoot with the opportunity to select up to ten photos of her choice for prints from the photo shoot for her personal portfolio. She will also receive the disc with the original images, and a file with the reduced images that she can share on Facebook, Twitter and other social media and email.

Well, without further delay, let me introduce you to Simone Buckley, winner of the MET Photography Model Club's first "Likes" contest.

ME: "Good afternoon"
SIMONE: "Good afternoon"

ME: "First of all, congratulations on winning the contest. You juggle work and school and manage both very well. If that isn’t enough, you were blessed with two girls. What’s that like?"
SIMONE: "Thank you. School and work are a task but my girls motivate me. Everything that I do is for them."

ME: "How old are your children?"
SIMONE: “My children are 2 years old (Jahdae) and 3 years old (Jahliah).”

ME: "As a mother, what is the hardest part of your day?"
SIMONE: "Getting my girls up in the mornings and having them ready for school and daycare are the hardest parts of my day."

ME: "You are also a student, what is your major and what do you want to do professionally?"
SIMONE: "My major is legal studies. I want to become a paralegal and one day an exceptional attorney."

ME: "You recently participated in the MET Photography Model Club’s first contest and won, what was the experience like?"
SIMONE: "I actually enjoyed this first contest. I always work for what I want. Promotion was all it took to win the contest and that's what I did."


ME: "How do you juggle work, school and a family while maintaining your shape? Do you work out regularly?"
SIMONE: "While working, going to school and taking care of my family I don't do nothing to maintain my shape. I don't work out on a regular basis."

ME: "Are you also looking to add modeling to your long list of responsibilities?"
SIMONE: "Yes, I'm looking to add modeling to my long list of responsibilities."



ME: "As you know, this is a blog about real New Yorker’s wearing real New York fashions. Please tell the audience about your fashion style."
SIMONE: "I love to wear skirts. I like natural colors, not too much of a bright color though. I always pick my own clothing when doing a photo shoot. I always like wearing unusual shoes."

ME: "Right now we are using some of the pictures from the contest. Can you tell the audience what you are wearing and where did you purchase it from?"

SIMONE:
a) The white dress with the blue shoes are from Pretty Girl and Dr. J's
b) The green skirt with the black top are from Brooklyn USA and Dr. J's
c) The multi-colored skirt with the black top are from Lady Dr. J's
d) The red and black skirt with the black leather jacket and black boots are from Brooklyn USA
e) The black corset and pink skirt with blue shoes are from Charlotte Rouse and Lady Dr. J's
f) The black dress is from Espirt

ME: "Where do you get your hair done and who is your stylist?"
SIMONE: "I'm also a hair stylist, so most of the times I do my own hair. Sometimes I go to the salon to get my hair done.."

ME: "What are three must have items for the winter?"
SIMONE:
a) Warm boots
b) Gloves
c) A hat

ME: "How would you describe yourself as an overall person?"
SIMONE: "Most people say I'm very down to earth. I'm very loving and caring."

ME: "What are three words that you would use to describe yourself and why?"
SIMONE:
a) Loving
b) Caring
c) Compassionate

"I'm always looking out for others and making sure that they are ok. I'm always offering a helping hand."

ME: "Well that concludes today's edition of the MET Fashion Photo Show. Simone I want to once again thank you for taking the time out to participate in my blog."
SIMONE: "Your welcome"

MET Fashion Photo Show Presents Olatunde "Ola" Roberts

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to another edition of the MET Fashion Photo Show blog. In the last edition of the blog I focused on a wonderful young lady by the name of Tatiana Walker. Since my last blog Tatiana has graduated from her undergraduate college program and is now getting ready for the fall semester where she will begin her Graduate studies. Tatiana was recently accepted into New York University and will continue her career in helping others. We wish Tatiana continued success.



Today I would like to introduce you to a wonderful, high spirited, high energy person whose hobbies include helping others, taking photos and enjoying life to the fullest. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Olatunde “Ola” Roberts.


ME: Thank you for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to participate in this edition of the Fashion Photo Show Blog, can you please tell the audience about yourself?
OLA: Thank you for having me. Well, I work as a monogrammer and of course I model part time. I also love to take photographs, watch movies and listen to music.  




ME: Besides working in fashion what else do you like to do in your spare time?
OLA: In my spare time I enjoy being with my family and friends. When the weather is nice I like to read and work on my photography.






ME: You love taking pictures and you have become very good at it, what types of photographs do you like taking the most?
OLA: I love them all but the photos that are done on location are the best. This way you can play with your surroundings.



 
ME: You are an active participant in the MET Photography Model Club, Swimm City and now Wall Models, what has participating in each of these projects done for you and how have they changed your life?
OLA: Wow, well first off it helped boost my self-confidence; I see myself as a different person now. Each picture turns me into art.




ME: You live in the Bronx and over the last few years the Bronx has really undergone some extensive development projects. Given the opportunity, is there any place in particular where you would you like to do a photo shoot?
OLA: Definitely the Botanical Garden, The Hall of Fame for Great Americans and the Gould memorial library which is located at Bronx Community College. You have to see it, its breathtaking!









ME: You are very busy, but you continue to participate in several photo shoots. You have now several hundred photographs, what are some of your plans in the future in regards to your modeling hobby/career?
OLA: I'm looking into doing more modeling and maybe even looking into acting.






ME: Ola, this is a blog focusing on real New Yorkers wearing real new York fashion. You recently did a fashion shoot in Central Park for Swimm City, what were you wearing in this photo shoot?
OLA: Julion St. Croix Couture






OLA: The great Sharon Black of Destination Style in the Bronx. She is the absolute best; not everyone can do natural hair.





ME: When you are not wearing swimsuits what type of clothing do you like to wear?
OLA: Aaaahhhhhh!!!! I'm a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl. I love to be cute but comfortable.




ME: After your Swimm City photo shoot in Central Park, you drove uptown to 125th Street where you performed a second photo shoot for the model club. Can you describe for the audience what you were wearing and what it was like to perform “Superman”?
OLA: I was wearing a Polo custom blazer and a pair of stretch pants by RLX.






ME: What other accessories would you like to add, or have added to this outfit?
OLA Probably a pair of heels. I can’t imagine jumping off the bench with heels. But, I do love my flats.







ME: How would you describe your fashion style?
OLA: I don’t have a specific style. Everyday it’s something different depending on my mood or event.









ME: What are three must have items for the summer season?
OLA: A tote bag, flip flops and a hat.






ME: Thanks for your insight today. If the readers want to know a little bit more about “Ola” the model and what it's like to be a model, what are three words that you would use to describe this experience?
OLA: Just 3? Ok, fun, exciting and fulfilling.





ME: On a final note, what would you like to say to the audience?
OLA: Keep watching, this won't be the last you hear of me.





ME: Ola, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your time and to wish you well in your future endeavors.
OLA: Thank you again for having me. This was a lot of fun.

MET Fashion Photo Show Presents: Tatiana Walker

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to another edition of the MET Fashion Photo Show blog. As I mentioned in the last blog, I was going to focus on a wonderful young woman who is working very hard in school to become a Child Psychologist. She is currently in her senior year and she takes on a lot of volunteer projects that help a lot of people reach their individual goals. She is scheduled to graduate from Bennett College on May 15th, 2012. She has a grade point average of 3.9, and is on the honor roll at her school. She is majoring in Psychology and wants to pursue a career in Child Psychology. She wants to go to graduate school to receive a Doctoral Degree in School Psychology. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Ms. Tatiana Walker.

Good afternoon Tatiana and welcome to the latest edition of the MET Fashion Photo Show blog. I want to first congratulate you in everything that you do and for the work that you have done. As I understand it, you took six classes for a total of 18 credits. Can you tell the audience what school you attend and what your major is, as well as how you did last semester?
TATIANA: I attend Bennett College and I am a Psychology major. I did well during the spring semester, but not as well as I desired. I received five "A's" and on "B". It was a wonderful semester over all though. I finally learned how to balance work and play.

ME: Thank you Tatiana, can you please tell the audience about yourself?
TATIANA: I am twenty years old. I am known to be a social butterfly, but shockingly enough, I am very shy. Reading, cooking and baking are my favorite past times. My passion is serving others, and service is very important to me.

ME: Besides taking classes at Bennett College, what other activities are you involved in at school?
TATIANA: I am the former president of the Student Ambassadors Association. This year I will be the tour coordinator. I am a Certified Peer Student Educator for the HIV/AIDS Taskforce. I am also the Intake Chair for the Psi Chi Honor Society. I've been on my class executive boards as well. I am also in the Psychology Club and my honor societies include; Alpha Lambda Delta, Pi Gamma Mu and Alpha Mu. I am also a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority Inc.
ME: We just got back from Costa Rica (CR) & Nicaragua, you also had the experience of visiting Costa Rica earlier this year. Can you tell our audience what Costa Rica was like for you and why you were there?
TATIANA: Costa Rica was an incredible experience. I was there studying the role of African American women in ecotourism. I took a Spanish course, and a Sociology course while I was there. While I was there I volunteered at an orphanage. The mission was to immerse ourselves in the culture. We took cooking classes as well as dancing. In the end, I learned a lot about myself.

ME: What did you like most about the Costa Rican Learning program that you participated in while you were in CR?
TATIANA: I liked that they provided us with an opportunity to volunteer with the children. This service was amazing and ten times better than park clean up for example. They were also very responsive to our needs and patient when they were teaching us their language.

ME: You were born in New York and raised in Queens. You were raised in the Baisley Park Houses. You have had the opportunity to not only go away to school, but you also attend one of the Historical Black Colleges via Bennett College. Can you tell the audience what it's like to go away to school?
TATIANA:It's different, but well worth it. It is an experience that you can't get by staying home. Going away to college teaches you independence and opens the avenue to self exploration and personal development. Going away to school is a treat and you watch yourself mature.
ME: You participated in the "You Can Go To College Program" with Ms. Dorita Clarke and Sister Shirley. How did this program help you prepare for college?
TATIANA: They were a very supportive and encouraging support system for me. Sister Shirley introduced me to Bennett College. I would not have applied to this school if it weren't for her. They also helped me tremendously in applying and receiving scholarships for school.

ME: Would you recommend this program to other high school students? And if so, how come?
TATIANA: I would recommend this program to other students. They are great people who truly, and genuinely care about their students. They can open many doors and have many connections and resources.
ME: What are some of your plans for your upcoming final year?
TATIANA: I want to apply for national fellowships for graduate school and I also want to apply for graduate programs. I also plan to start a book club called "Tea Time" and participate in a service project for Haiti called "Operation Oasis."

ME: Tatiana, this is a blog focusing on real New Yorkers wearing real new York fashion. please describe for the audience what you are wearing.
TATIANA: I am wearing a tan skirt, a pink button down shirt and a navy blue blazer with brown patches on the elbows.
ME: Where did you purchase your items from?
TATIANA: The skirt was from J-Crew, the shirt was from Ralph Lauren, and the blazer from H&M.

ME: Where do you get your hair done, and what is the name of your hair stylist?
TATIANA:I get my hair done at "Betty's Unisex Salon" by Iesha

ME: Where else could you wear this outfit?
TATIANA: You can wear this outfit to a business casual lunch, an informal meeting or shopping on Fifth Avenue.

ME: What other accessories would you like to add, or have added to this outfit?
TATIANA: Blue pumps, a thin pearl necklace and sunglasses.

ME: How would you describe your fashion style?
TATIANA: Collegiate and very "preppy."

ME: What are three must have items for the fall?
TATIANA: Three must have items for the fall are The Ipad 2, a Tiffany bracelet, and "Hater Blockers" (Shades)

ME: Thanks for your insight, if the readers want to know a little bit more about Tatiana the student and what it's like to be a student that goes away to college, what are three words that you would use to describe this experience?
TATIANA: Overwhelming, Liberating and Inconceivable.
ME: Finally, in your opinion, what are three must have items for this fall season?
TATIANA: Chestnut Uggs, a scarf, and feather earrings.

ME: On a final note, what would you like to say to the audience?
TATIANA: Always keep a camera nearby. A picture is worth a thousand words and it is the best way to capture just a snapshot of some of your unforgettable moments. One photo can bring forth the same emotions you felt that exact moment that it was taken.

ME: Tatiana, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your time and to wish you a safe trip back to school, and to do well this semester.
TATIANA: Thank you.

MET Fashion Photo Show Presents: Costa Rica & Nicaragua

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to another edition of the MET Fashion Photo Show blog. Last month my wife and I had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica & Nicaragua with friends and family. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity so I wanted to capture the trip with as many pictures as possible. I wanted to share some of our experience with you in this special edition of my blog. As promised in the last edition, I will be giving away a souvenir from Nicaragua. This leather bag is a little token of my appreciation for those of you who have registered as followers of my blog. In addition, the lucky winner will also receive a free photo shoot for one hour that will include a limited use CD with the images taken during the photo session and five, 5x7 portraits of your choice from the images taken during the session. Right now I am working toward making this a monthly contest for one lucky winner each month. Contest rules will be made available soon so stay tuned to the blog!

Costa Rica is approximately a five and a half hour flight. Because we always wanted to visit Costa Rica the flight didn't seem so long. Once we arrived in Guanacaste, we were surrounded by rich, beautiful countryside. August constitutes part of the rainy season. (The rainy season takes place six months out of the year from May to November) When we were told that this was the rainy season, our first thoughts were of tropical depressions pouring lots and lots of water on us on a daily basis. (We were wrong!) It barely rained during our trip and when it did, it broke up the humidity that filled the air. We stayed at the Villa Cansada where everything is all inclusive. The food was very good and the staff was even better. The staff really went out of their way to make us feel at home. There were no televisions in the room, and not too many outside distractions making Guanacaste a great destination if you want to get away from it all.

Guanacaste is known as the "Beach Spot" in Costa Rica. The views are amazing. Here is the view from the front side of the villa.


Even more stunning than that are the sunsets that take place. The villa had two jacuzzis and a swimming pool. The second jacuzzi has a little hut on top of it. There is a waterfall directly under the hut that adds an amazing touch to the villa.
A five minute walk will put you onto the beach. The beach has beautiful beige sand. There are rocks that can be climbed that the locals use for fishing, viewing the island and simply relaxing. In Guanacaste you become one with nature. The animals run free and they don't mind showing up at the villa for food. A couple of staff members have visitors that come by for food everyday. Here are a husband and wife team of iguanas.
The iguanas come by religiously everyday at lunchtime. Sometimes you would see strange visitors that would be considered food themselves, stop by to say hello, or to grab something to eat.

At nite you can hear the monkeys in the trees. When they are playing with one another, the sounds can easily be mistaken for crying babies. There are about four different types of species that roam the islands. They will not bother you, but if you offer them food, they will not forget you. It's no different than feeding the animals here. Costa Rica is also known for its beautiful bird population. However, because of the rainy season, the birds fly off to other destinations. As you can see in this photo, not all of the birds fly away for vacation. The birds that visit the villa greatly appreciate a free meal just like everyone else.

There are great souvenirs that can be purchased in town. Local vendors pride themselves on the items that they sell. If you are a collector of beautiful handcrafted, wood items, then Costa Rica is the destination for you. Fruits grow plentifully here. As seen in this mango tree, there is no shortage of fruit. Breakfast was a real joy as fresh cut fruits were served for breakfast everyday.

We took some wonderful tours across the island exposing us to the many different sites that make Guanacaste an excellent place to spend vacation. Costa Rica is next to Nicaragua and the Panama Canal. If you are willing to take the drive, in just under two hours time you can be in either country. On this trip we took the two hour trip to Nicaragua. We didn't know what to expect. You always here about the negative side of the country such as the former military conflict and the poverty that greatly exists. We did see the poverty that affects this country greatly, however there is also the beautiful countryside as well. Our biggest regret was not being able to spend more time in Nicaragua. Nicaragua is a photographers paradise. At this time I want to share some of the pictures that I took in Nicaragua.


We did a tour of the many mini islands that exist. On these islands you will see white faced monkeys.

These monkeys are very tourist friendly and do not mind asking for food. They love bananas and other fresh fruit. They do not like dried nuts or trail mix. (My wife found this out the hard way! The monkey tried it and abruptly threw it to the ground!) The crocodiles like fresh fruit. Yes crocodiles! They swim up to the boat when they are called. Yes, you did hear that right. The locals are able to call out to the local crocodiles and they will approach your boat.



When we arrived in the center of town, we were dropped off in what the locals call "Central Park". Their park is not as large as ours, however it is just as beautiful if not more beautiful. There are churches, a school, a big flea market in the center of the park, a large shopping area that goes on for several blocks and fine restaurants that offer the best Nicaraguan cuisine.


After we completed our visit to the local islands, we toured an active volcano. The pictures that you are about to see are the sign of the cross that is found by climbing the steps to the highest accessible point to the volcano. You are also looking inside of an active volcano with the sulphur rising from the volcano.

There are economic problems that clearly exist on the streets of this beautiful country. Artists have taken to the walls of the streets to voice their concerns and to make the general public aware of what is going on. I took some pictures of the walls and performed very little changes in restoring these images into potential works of art as seen in the eyes of the artists who created them. I wanted you to have a clear visual picture of the beauty that does exist.




Just when you think that there is nothing else to take pictures of, the sun begins to set. Costa Rica has some of the most amazing sunsets that you will ever see. I thought that this would be a good way to conclude this edition of the blog.



Well, that's it ladies and gentlemen. I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy day yo read about our trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. I will announce the winner of this months contest in the next edition of my blog. Next time I will introduce you to the scholarship winner chosen from the You Can Go To College Committee program, Ms Tatiana Walker. If you are interested in seeing some more pictures from our trip, please visit my Facebook page, or my website, madisonspics.zenfolio.com, "Costa Rica & Nicaragua". No password is needed to view the pictures.