RIP King Magazine :: Farewell to the “Illest Men’s Magazine”

Self proclaimed “Illest Men’s Magazine” will be shutting down it’s operation due to financial issues after its 51st issue. King was known as one of the most credible outlets for today’s urban model. Check out a behind the scenes clip from King’s 50th Anniversary Issue with Melyssa Ford.

Celebrity Photographer D. Blanks Interview

Tierra:Where were you born?

D Blanks:Jackson, Mississippi

Tierra:Where do you live?

D. Blanks:Atlanta, Georgia

Tierra:When did you decide that this is what you want to do?

D. Blanks:In the 3rd Grade. I was introduced to photographer at a fairly young age during my tenure in Creative Arts School. I became attached to it because of the instant gratification. I have a background in Illustraion and with this, portraits take 20-30 hrs where as a photo is instant.

Tierra: Are there any celebrities that you’ve worked with?

D.Blanks: Jennifer Hudson, Ciara, Beyonce, Akon, Estelle, Eva Pigford, Rockmond Dunbar, Angela Bassett, Faith Evans and more, just to name a few LOL


Tierra:Which Celebrities fit your style, and that you would want to work with?

D. Blanks: Any Celebrity who is fashion forward and is driven by creativity.

Tierra:Which celebrity could put on anything and look good? (male or female)

D. Blanks: Eva Pigford hands down! Eva is a traditional model. Any great model can put on anything and make it look good, as she does so effortlessly.

Tierra:What’s the best thing about working with a new model?

D.Blanks: The new model is a blank canvas in a sense and takes good direction while allowing room for personal growth and development.

Tierra: What’s the worst thing about shooting a new model?

D. Blanks: Lack of experience, knowledge and posing in front of the camera, but not in all cases.

Tierra: Do you work better with gels, lights or natural light?

D. Blanks: I’m confident enough in my craft to say that I feel as though I work well with all. It is in my experience that any good photographer can work well with all lighting scenarios and environments.

Tierra: Do you enjoy shooting by the water?

D. Blanks: Yes…

Tierra: Do you make your own sets or you enjoy going on location?

D. Blanks: Depending upon the project, yes. It keeps the concept fresh and creative. I enjoy locations as well because they sometimes present challenges and provide refreshing, new environments.

Tierra: What is some advice that you can give to a future male/female model?

D. Blanks: Study your craft, own it, profect it and continued to be a work in progress.

Tierra: If there is one celebrity who you could shoot who would it be?

D. Blanks: Angelina Jolie

Tierra: If there was one magazine that you could shoot for who would that be?

D. Blanks: Vogue

Tierra: What do you hate most when it comes to a photoshoot?

D.Blanks: The delay. Sometimes all of the componets (hair, make-up, wardrobe) can prove to be extremely intollerable as far as the time length because I shoot rather quickly.

Tierra: What type of atmosphere do you like to work in? (a lot of people on set,
music, drinks, etc.)

D. Blanks: I like being around creative and positve people (my team), lots of music and great clients with positive attitudes who are willing to take direction and be creative.

Tierra: Any projects coming up that we should know about?

D Blanks: My Alter-Ego Pictorial book. Also, I’m working on something BIG that everyone will just have to stay tuned for.

Please Check out www.dblanks.com

Shannon Williams: Model, Actress

Location: Atlanta, Ga Occupation: Actress, Model Link: www.myspace.com/williasn Bio: One glance at Shannon M. Williams and you will understand why she is one of the most sought after new faces in today’s entertainment world. Her exotic features, coupled with the perfect hour glass figure leaves lasting first impressions. However, there is much more to this Ohio native than meets the eye. Growing up in Cincinnati, OH, a city not quite known for its diversity and culture, Shannon found a way to feed her gift and talent. In 2003, she was chosen from thousands of young women to compete in the Miss Ohio USA Pageant. Although she wasn’t selected, it was there she realized an affinity for the spotlight. Shannon spent the next couple of years modeling and hosting a local UPN Television show, gaining experience with each endeavor. However, her ambition was far greater than the opportunities that Cincinnati could provide. Shannon stepped out on faith, and moved to Atlanta, GA in June 2006. Immediately, she landed her first professional photo shoot and within a week was handpicked to shoot for a national advertisement campaign. The work kept rolling in. Within the past year, Shannon has modeled for Metro Styles hair magazine, shot a Pelle Pelle campaign, and graced the cover of the Bronner Brothers Fantasy magazine. Her television work has included modeling for BET’s Hip-Hop Awards and Rip the Runway. She worked on MTV’s/Nick Cannon’s Wild’N Out television show, and she also appeared in a national Dodge commercial.

Miss Williams has been very selective about the work she involves herself in. Many opportunities have been presented to her but when director Lil’ X called her to ask if she’d star as the lead actress in the Usher/R. Kelly ‘Same Girl’ video, she could not refuse. What attracted her most about that opportunity was the fact that she would have a chance to display her acting skills.So what is next for this beautiful model hailing from the state that brought us Jayne Kennedy, and Halle Berry (both former Miss Ohio USA candidates as well)? Currently Shannon is wrapping up on a pilot episode of a new series entitled ‘The A’. This adult drama featuring Clifton Powell and Eva Pigford is in the spirit of HBO’s Sex in the City and Entourage, however focusing on African Americans living in Atlanta. Shannon plays the lead, Brooke Rivers, a young lady who has the city of Atlanta in the palm of her hand. On set, Miss Williams has displayed a strong work ethic, screen presence, and tremendous acting ability, which will make her transition from model to actor a smooth one. While not judging the book by its cover… Although stunningly gorgeous, it is what Shannon M. Williams is made of that proves she is a star; her tenacity guarantees that her star will shine for years to come.

Eva Pigford / Lance Gross Photoshoot for Rolling Out

Click here for the full set

Pleasure P – Boyfriend #2 ** MUSIC VIDEO **

Directed by Kai Crawford / Pleasure P.

XXL Eye Candy Casting ( Houston, Tx )

XXL Magazine Casting :: Houston Texas ::
XXL EDITOR @ Large BONSU THOMPSON

is coming to Houston in Search of hot, new EyeCandy Models to grace the
pages of XXL Magazine & the 2nd Edition of XXL Magazine Presents: Eye
Candy (Special Edition).

The 1st Edition of the special Eye Candy Issue featured Melyssa Ford, Buffie The Body, Hoopz, Summer
Walker, and many more of today’s hottest models.

Sunday October 12th 2008
Plan B @ Belvedere Lounge

11301-01 UPTOWN PARK BLVD
HOUSTON, TX 77056
6pm – 9pm

Models are preferred to have music video experience, Please bring comp cards or 4×6 Professional
Quality Photos if possible. Dress to impress and indicative of a XXL EyeCandy Model.

WWW.XXLMAG.COM

For all questions and to register for the model call
please send an email to info [at] carinaecasting [dot] com
with XXL in the subject line and first/last name included in the message and 2 images.

Check out Bonsu’s Latest Eye Candy Interviews at XXL MAG below

http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=23965

http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=23023