another brotha named Brandon: BRANDON ESPY @ L.A Models

Brandon Espy @ L.A. Models

So far I have photographed approximately 20 black models named Brandon. LOL This one came all the way from California -  Brandon Espy is currently represented by L.A Models. During his visit to NY to meet with modeling agencies and test with photographers, I had the opportunity to test with him as well. My good friend, photographer Gregory Prescott recommended that I shoot with him as well as his mother agent Michael Maddox. As soon as I opened my door, I understood why. He was star-quality stunning - very tall, very handsome, and a smile that lit up my hallway. I could here my momma's voice in my head going "whooooooo-wheee!"  (my momma is crazy, but she know what she like, lol)

I ended up working with Brandon twice during his NY visit. The first time, my objective was to shoot a great head shot and body shot. I decided to experiment with natural light... something I don't do often. I did some casual lounging around in my living room  eating Rice Krispies. The second time we worked together I decided to shoot him on the streets of Brooklyn wearing suits. I wanted him to have something authentic of NY that he couldn't get in LA. I also wanted to give him something I didn't see in his portfolio. His look reminded me of movie stars so I wanted his images to look like movie stills. The pictures turned out beautiful. I enjoyed working with Brandon and I look forward to us working together again.

photographed by Tarrice Love

featuring BRANDON ESPY @ L.A. Models

clothing designed by Zara NY

styling/ grooming by Tarrice Love

 

Brandon Espy @ L.A. Models

introducing DONALD CARMICHAEL @ LEVEL 1 MGMT.

photographed by Tarrice Love

featuring Donald Carmichael @ Level 1 Mgmt.

art-directed by Tarrice Love

Donald Carmichael and his unique blend of sensuality and masculinity finally took off with becoming the main face of the hip hop clothing line Parrish Nation. For the last two seasons, this Harlem native, has managed to use his good looks and charming demeanor to snag the Parrish Nation national campaign and numerous editorials ... while unsigned. He has appeared in Vibe, Source, XXL and Complex magazines and been photographed by countless respected photographers. Donald has walked fashion week for designers like Edwing D'angelo and Nico and Adrian. Currently he is represented by Level 1 Management.

Donald walked into my studio space wanting to do one thing.... make something hot! I wanted to do images that would catapult him out of the traditional urban catagory that so many agents/ bookers tend to place black male models. Donald has an amazing body and had no issues about showing it off. I enjoyed working with him and I can't wait to see where his career goes next.

introducing Gene Grady @ Identities NYC

Here is my latest find - Eugene (Gene) Grady from Philly. This skateboarder/ student at Temple University recently caught my attention on the model website modelmayhem. I shot him for my Surface magazine submission and recently shot him for my other projects. He is very laidback and cool to work with. He recently signed with Tim Harris at Identities NYC. I cain't wait to see what lies ahead for this cool dude. More to come from our collaboration.


The images feature where also styled by me. I was gonna lie and makeup a "ghost-stylist" because ppl seem less impressed when I design and style shoots myself but I was like why should I be made to feel like i gotta lie - I did the work. I deserve to take full credit for being able to style and photograph my visions.

a new begining... Jay McGee @ D1 Model mgmt.

You may recognize Jay McGee as the black guy from season one of Bravo's Make Me A Supermodel season one.My challenge working with Jay was to bring some heat to his portfolio. I am starting to get really tired of seeing boring, plain images in models portfolios especially the black ones.

When I first came to nyc, the portrayal of black male models was very specific...like street niggas or like very safe sexless token blacks. I refused to encourage such a 1 dimensional idea with my images.

I look thru model's portfolio and try to fill the void that is missing. For Jay, the elements that were missing from his portfolio was strength and sex appeal. I felt like after looking thru his portfolio I felt like he could easily be forgotten about when viewed by casting agents and the people who make decisions about booking models for jobs. The guys who book the jobs have portfolios that present them in a desirable way and the blogs reinforce their desirability. I tried to bring that element to Jay's portfolio because it was badly needed.

On the show, the portrayal of Jay was very plain and boring. It seems like everyone who shot him reinforced the plain and boring side of Jay. I wanted a stronger sexier side of Jay.

Laurence McCrea @ Next Model mgmt.

CONGRATULATION LAURENCE McCREA .
"...attackin' the industry with the finesse of a young lion!"







Now known as the one of the leading new faces at NEXT model mgmt. Laurence McCrea is hitting the scene with the aggressive finesse of a young lion. ROOAAAR! He was recently released from his contract with his previous  representation and quickly snatched up by Shameer Khan of Krush Model Management, a photographer and placement agency in NY. I worked with Mr. Mcrea a few times and I believed in him and look forward to seeing what happens during his journey through the fashion world. CONGRATULATION! and I wish you much success!