Woman you are BEAUTIFUL by Photographer Maya Guez

On Valentine day, the day that celebrate LOVE to one another, women sometime need to be reminded to love ourselves a bit more before being concern about the man/partner that should love us.
Woman You Are Beautiful...! no matter what size or shape, no matter your nationality or your skin color ALL woman are beautiful and all are desired.... maybe not by everyone but by someone. In my job I am surrounded by beautiful people... I see handsome men flex their muscle in front of my lens but with all due respect to men everywhere there is nothing that can compare to the beauty of a woman... Only a woman can walk into a room and take your breath away, make your heart skip a beat as her essence and glow hits you like thousand waives, only a gorgeous woman has that star dusted presence that can hypnotize you, just like the sailors looking at the mythological Sirens, enchanted, you cant stop looking and your eyes and mind wants more.


Authentic Indian Beauty ANTM Anchal Joseph shot by Photographer Maya Guez Hair: Iyana Winfield

Celebrating women of all kinds is something I have done in my photography work and hope to continue to use my work to empower woman of all shapes, ages and nationalities. We all sometimes obsess about our imperfections, we look for validations in how men treat us and make them supplementary instead of what they should be- complementary. Even worse is that some woman let their insecurities translate into cattiness and hatefulness towards other women who they perceive to "have" more then them (mostly just jealousy of the attention they are getting). I hope to encourage all woman to realize how powerful they could be if they just harness their abilities and understand how special and blessed we are.

Regale Asian Beauty. Ad campaign for Aria Valente shot by Photographer Maya Guez  Model: Danni Wang Hair: Iyana Winfield

 

Regale Asian Beauty. Ad campaign for Aria Valente shot by Photographer Maya Guez  Model: Danni Wang Hair: Iyana Winfield

I think positivity always wins over negativity and loving other women can only improve your life, learning to see the beauty in diversity and appreciating women in all their forms and ages will ultimately make you appreciate yourself more and there is nothing more sexy then a woman with poise and confidence. Some try to compare or measure Beauty to scale what a woman is "worth" but physical beauty is temporary even the most beautiful flower will wither a way and die... its just the way of the world. So, if you define your self worth by your physical ALONE then you have a bumpy ride a head of you... you can be the most beautiful woman in the world and still get cheated on, just ask stars like Hally Berry and Elizabeth Hurley they know...lol Some men are greedy and mear beauty will not keep them around for long... before you know it they will go on to sample the next dish at the buffet even if its much less yummy then you!

 

So how are you going to find your self worth? will you let other people tell you who you are?  Like I said before for one person you are a goddess for another you are trash...! so realizing its more a matter of compatibly is a step in the right direction everyone of us is perfect for someone... some people will treat you like simple gathering of data but a woman is more then just a body with symbols of fertility you don't "expire" the minute you stop producing eggs and you don't "not qualify" just because you have some extra pounds or because your tits are too small.  The unique essence beyond all that  needs to be celebrated and empowered by non other then yourself. Challenge and improve yourself, pursue your goals and dreams, never sell yourself short and the right people will be attracted to you and come in to your life.


Ebony Goddess beauty. Ad campaign for Concellia shot by Photographer Maya Guez  featuring radio personality and model: Naja Matthews

Curvy smooth chocolaty skin model Naja Matthews was a perfect choice for the lotions and body butter Brand Concellia ad campaign shot by Photographer Maya Guez

A few months ago I was a VIP guest in one of NYC most exclusive clubs the famous DJ who also manages one of fashion biggest brands invited me to his birthday party. Everyone was complimenting me and trying to get a few minutes of my time since they realized by my association I was "Important" and aperently a part of some "click" they wanted to be apart of... after me and my preety blond girlfriend left the party we pass by Provocateur a known night club in NYC meatpacking district that caters to mostly fashion people and models. My girlfriend said "lets go and check it out..." The tall skinny high fashion looking brunet at the door said in a bored tone "who's list are you on?... we didn't even had a chance to answer before the guy next to her looked at me and said "Mmmm NO you cant go in, try P90X for 3 months and then come back".... my confused friend looked at me and said "what does he mean?" I smiled at her and answered "he says we are too FAT to go in". The female model at the door grinned a mean girl smile and the guy took a second look directly pointing at my ample sized ass then blurbed "yea go work out for 30 days Insanity or P90x!" I looked at this chubby pale guy and answered: "maybe you should take your own advice marshmallow man, I want to hear you say this to Kim kardashian or Beyoncé..." While I was fairly unbothered by this incident my girlfriend had a face like her dog just died... she ranted with sad eyes "I don't understand what's wrong with us? are we not good enough? just cause we don't look like models?" I quickly calmed her down and let her know she does look like a model and it was all my fault... I apparently broke some holy rule by going to a fashion party when I am 5'6 and weight 155lb. LOL


Fit body and pearly skin model Lindsay Mayfield was perfect for Dr. Sante ad campaign a brand of sport nutrition shot by Photographer Maya Guez.

The truth is we measure ourselves too much by social standard we didn't make.... Most people are not independend thinkers and just go by what other "important " people say is "right" or "beautiful" never stopping to challenge those concept and open their minds... The Media and Hollywood idolizes one type of beauty and make even women turn on each other, one nationality looking down on another, skinny women looking down on the curvy ones as "fat" and curvy women reply by saying things like "I am a REAL woman" but there is no such thing, all woman are real women, skinny or small just as much as the curvy or big ones, they are all beautiful and desirable... and trust me there are plenty of men out there that fantasies about every kind. Some of the most searched terms in my blog is "BBW" (big beautiful women) and "curvy wide hips" much because I had the privilege of shooting a BBW by the name of Velvet D'amour and the post featuring her image is one of the most popular on my blog!

Smooth like Velvet! Velvet D'Amour http://volup2.com/ BBW model actress and photographer poses for Photographer Maya Guez

Rock solid bodied Jessy Jamez a Fitness model, Lingerie football player and Photographer poses for Photographer Maya Guez


So, regardless if your big and smooth like Velvet or fit and tight like Jessy Jamez- Woman...You Are Beautiful!
                *Click on any of the images above to see them larger*

Maya Guez shoots NFL player James Ihedigbo

NFL player James Ihedigbo photogaphy by Maya Guez

Check out the cover spread I shot a few months back with NFL player James Ihedigbo for KRAVE FIT magazine. Mr. Ihedigbo has played for the NY Jets for a few years 2007-2010 and this season took his talent to the New England Patriots. James, originally from Mass was a two-time All-Western Massachusetts and All-League selection in UMASS collage is now back to his origin state making his mark as a strong safety for the Patriots. click on any image to see larger

NFL player James Ihedigbo photogaphy by Maya Guez KRAVE cover

On coming Sunday Nov 13 there will be an interesting game for James who will get to face off his old team the Jets in a tie breaking game... so who will hold edge in AFC East? Patriots, Jets or Bills? -That's the question that analysts and fans are left asking following a Sunday that saw the top three teams in the AFC East end the day with a 5-3 record, all tied atop the division. I think a player always want to go a bit harder when facing his old team just to remind them what they lost so it should be interesting. click on any image to see larger

NFL player James Ihedigbo photogaphy by Maya Guez KRAVE mag

NFL player James Ihedigbo photogaphy by Maya Guez KRAVE mag

NFL player James Ihedigbo photogaphy by Maya Guez KRAVE mag

 In the fitness photo spread I shot with James Ihedigbo we show his on and off season working regiment, the article and interview also discusses his commitment to continue his father and family Education legacy by Philanthropy endeavors providing medical supplies, school books and raise money for education. Most active where his family immigrated from- Nigeria, Ihedigbo founded the HOPE Africa Foundation in 2008 to help provide educational services for underprivileged communities in Africa. The foundation offers a wealth of assistance to these communities in the form of scholarships, mentoring, funding, and developmental projects.... Ihedigbo has also organised delegations with politicians, doctors and other NFL players to Nigeria setting up health clinics, school visits and American football camps for kids to introduce them to the Sport.

NFL player James Ihedigbo photogaphy by Maya Guez

I was impressed by James Ihedigbo great physic, striking facial features and dark chocolate complexion, what ever his skin regiment is he needs to give out his secrets to some models lol his skin was blemish free. I was able to bring out the sexy masculine feel for the cover shot for KRAVE FIT and the intensity of the workout for the inside spread with the shirtless James Ihedigbo. To know more about James Ihedigbo check out :

http://hopeafricausa.org/

http://jamesihedigbo.com/

Or fallow him on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamesIhedigbo

*UPDATE 1/23/2012: Check out James Ihedigbo continue his great season with the Patriots on 2012 Super Bowl XLVI  playing against the NY Giants!

*UPDATE 2/4/2013: Congratulations to James Ihedigbo playing for the Baltimore Ravens and wining the Super Bowl XLVII playing against the 49ers. After almost making it last year with the Patriots, this year James Ihedigbo got his ring with the Ravens!
 

NFL Bret Lockett InTouch Magazine Controversy

So imagine my surprise when I saw NFL Player Bret Lockett on the cover of "In Touch Weekly" Magazine allegedly involved in sexting "affair" with the beautiful Kim Kardashian. My agent was contacted last week and informed me some of the images of Bret lockett are being considered to be purchased for use in InTouch magazine for a feature... I really thought nothing of it since this happens alot when photographers are contacted by publications to use celebs/pro athletes images. Inside the magazine story was the cover I ones shot of Bret for KRAVE FIT a few months back comparing it to Reggie Bush Man's Health cover...
According to the story in In Touch Weekly Bret and Kim Kardashian were talking on the phone and sexting for a few months in the early stages of her current Kris Humphries relationship. Kim Kardashian has responded on her site saying allegations are false and is threatening legal actions.
So is this true? Honestly I'm not in high school anymore and according to the story they never actually met in person! "sexting" to me is nothing, its far from cheating and who hasn't sent out a sexy cell picture out ones in a while ( I dare one of you to stand up!! lol) So whats the big deal even if it was? Mr. Locket is a nice guy and hard worker and conducted him self very professionally on set, and Kim is gorgeous and great buissnis woman, hopefully they will both continue doing their thing and be successful in there proffsional and personal life.

Here are more of the pictures from KRAVE FIT magazine of Bret Lockett shirtless workout.


Bret Lockett photographed by Maya Guez , All images are copyrighted and cannot be used or published without permission or direct link to this blog and photo credit. CLICK ON IMAGES TO VIEW LARGER

Maya Guez shoots NFL player Devin Thomas

I have recently had the opportunity to shoot another handsome NFL player by the name of Devin Thomas from NY Giants, you might remember Mr Thomas as the wide receiver for the Washington Redskins team but even for some of us who dont follow football he is equally known for his appearance in a hot spread Vibe magazine published combining hottest R&B female singers with NFL stars and Fantasia video Bittersweet as her love interest:

Devin Thomas has now made NY his new home and will be playing for the NY Giants this upcoming season (if all goes well with this lockout situation!).

NFL player Devin Thomas shot by Photographer Maya Guez

I have worked with several NBA , NFL and pro boxers before but I, as well many other pepole that have met Mr Thomas, can say they were not only impressed by his unique features and 6'3 athletic good looks but also by how down to earth and naturally happy he is, he was like a big kid on set playing music and cracking jokes.... Devin kept the enrgy up and kept his agent as well as the rest of the staff on set entertained... Quite a character! I definitely see the entertainment world in his future including TV and Radio
The Internet has caught up a storm with these few images that have been released from the shoot and it seems Mr Thomas has a growing base of admirers that will follow him in and out of the football field... More to come, but for now enjoy Devin Thomas shirtless shots!

NFL player Devin Thomas shot by Photographer Maya Guez

Click on any of the images to see larger!

*UPDATE 1/23/2012: Check out Devin Thomas continue his great season with the NY Giants on 2012 Super Bowl XLVI playing against the Patriots! Here he is on the Wendy Williams show showing off the images we shot... poor Wendy almost chocked on her tea...:

Congrats to Devin Thomas and NY GIANTS for winning the Super Bowl, due to many fan requests here is a Devin Thomas Wallpaper for Giants fans:


NFL player Devin Thomas shot by Photographer Maya Guez.

click on image to see high res desktop wallpaper Devin Thomas Giants

Style; More then just a name

Male model Style Bell also known as Sir Style was given a birth name that compelled him for great things: "a particular, distinctive, or characteristic mode of action or manner of acting, a mode of fashion, as in dress, esp. good or approved fashion; elegance; smartness". "an elegant, fashionable, or luxurious mode of living" and let me tell you he is definitely living up to the name.

I met style a few years ago, I was instantly impressed by his caramel skin, unique features and beautiful pearly white smile but I didn't know I was also going to have an inside look to the world of a person who has had his share of tribulations and hardships from a very young age but through his "style" of dedication, positivity and never stopping go was determined to look at life in a positive way, letting no limits or definitions hold him back from realizing his dreams. The man is truly dedicated to a healthy physic and living, its a life style for him that includes doing everything challenging from kick boxing and football to rock climbing and bicycling.... Style is a hard worker and it shows not only by his obvious great physic but also looking through Style body of work; modeling portfolio and commercial reel you see this "go getter" attitude has been applied across the board. Despite being slightly over 5'10 style has one of the most professional and diverse books you will ever see when sitting down with a male model, he has proved that although sometime a model might be a bit short or a bit too tall ultimately the proof is in the pudding. When someone shows capabilities such as he has as a print model they will be recognized and rightfully so. I'm glad to say Style has just been offered a contract with NTA modeling agency, a prominent model management agency in LA and I, along with many other photographers and Industry professionals such as Michael Maddox (www.dearmichaelmaddox.com/) are eagerly awaiting to see more from this great model and friend.

Here is style's comp card shot by yours truly Maya Guez (click to enlarge or download):

This is Style modeling for Andrew Nowell menswear (www.andrewnowell.com/) proving he looks fresh and sexy in and out of clothes shot by Maya Guez:

Maya Guez in Krave magazine

Check out KRAVE magazine http://www.kravemagazine.net/ . I just got a hold of a copy of the new Krave mag with Devin Thomas gracing the cover sharply dressed by a wonderful designer I had a pleasure of working with before - Andrew Nowell http://www.andrewnowell.com/ . So, in this current issue you might notice that one of the headlines on the cover says that i can make anyone look good... Well I don't know if that's true since I'm a photographer not a magician or plastic surgeon but i think i can definitely make anyone look their best and that's all you can really ask for.

Inside you can read a write up about my work and an interview with me about photography and the industry in general.
Turns out that according to the reporter who interviewed me I'm a mesmerizing exotic beauty! lol well Thanks Krave for the love! I get it from my momma.

You will also find inside an interview with new England Patriots NFL player Bret Lockett, The images of him where shot by me and Wardrobe Stylist Douglas Hickman had immaculately dressed Bret in Dolce & Gabbana and Hugo Boss attire.
Also, check Bret on KRAVE FIT cover that I shot coming out soon... inside this new fitness addition of Krave you are going to find a hot (yet challenging) workout with Bret we recently shot just before he headed out to training boot camp for his team. Krave Fit will be dropping in the end of September.
Bret Lockett photographed by Maya Guez , All images are copyrighted and cannot be used or published without permission. CLICK ON IMAGES TO VIEW LARGER

Well I'm gonna go mesmerize a sub sandwich and read the rest of the mag....lol Enjoy!