Maya Guez Art

Thursday, February 14, 2013

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

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*

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Air Clair ad campaign featuring Carolyn Williams

While its the coldest monthes in NYC streets Inside my photography studio it is one of the hottest time of the year, many companies in the hair care and cosmetics are now gearing towards the new year and releasing new advertising campaigns so in the next few months I will upload several advertising campaigns I shot for my followers to check out.
"Air Clair" is one of these new brands that is launching soon. This air brush make up brand comes in one of the most impressive and beautiful packaging and presentations I have seen. Inside white leather carrying case with aqua velvet interior you will find a kit of professional grade chrome air brush gun and accessories with light as air coverage foundations that will give you that glowing airbrushed flawless finish. The line of products also includes Finishing Powder, Bronzer, Blush, and variety of Eye Shadows to complete the look. The case also has a build in vanity mirror with LED lights so you can take it with you even when traveling and have a perfect make up station anywhere.
Finally you can get that professional results of air brush make up with out being a Pro make up artist.

The Beautiful Model Carolyn Williams and I wanted to work together for a long time and finally this ad campaign presented the perfect opportunity, Carolyn flew to NYC where the shoot was held in my studio, her beautiful caramel color sun kissed complexion was perfect match to the products. Check out the results bellow by clicking on any image to see full size:

Air Clair ad campaign by Photographer Maya Guez

We also got edgier when we finished the more commercial side of the shoot and I directed Carolyn to step out of the "pretty" box and give me different and interesting expression and body positions.... I am very proud of the lightning here resulting in almost animated tones that are super smooth and creamy... Carolyn looks like golden treat topped with pink marshmallow... so yummy! :)

Carolyn Williams by Photographer Maya Guez

Photography Art Direction and MUA was done by me www.mayaguezphoto.com
Model: Carolyn Williams
Brand: AIR CLAIR

Friday, July 13, 2012

Maya Guez shoots Angela Simmons Hair Line "Bikini" by Indique

Angela Simmons has become quite the fashionista and savvy business woman. The young beauty, daughter of Rev Run (RUN DMC) is fallowing the footsteps of her uncle multi millioner mogul Russel Simmons - first came her successful shoe design label Pastry and starring in reality show "Run's House" now she has partnered up with the leading company in the market for Hair Extension INDIQUE and created a new hair line product "Bikini" that combines tow different textures curl/waive patterns in one weft. Angela is known for her fab and ever changing hair styles so when they commissioned me to shoot the advertising campaign I knew it was going to be an amazing shoot. Because its virgin Indian hair of the highest quality you can ware it strait if you like, or have no problem getting it completely wet on the beach (thus the name bikini) and the curl pattern will snap right back to place.... Lay down and sun bathe with gorgeous lightweight natural looking bouncy curls and waives.
Angela Simmons loved beauty shots I have shot that featured sea shells and sand elements and wanted to recreate that feeling in the shot for her campaign. We decided to have the sun kissed Angela Simmons lay on thousands of pearly capriz shells... Click on any image to see large size:

Angela Simmons Photography by Maya Guez for INDIQUE hair.

Taking into consideration the metallic bronze color of the packaging tube as well as the purity of the product I shot of Angela with dominant rich bronze and pure whites:

Angela Simmons Photography by Maya Guez for INDIQUE hair.

CHECK OUT THE BEHIND THE SCENE VIDEO OF OUR SHOOT HERE
change quality to watch in HD on bottom right:
You can see the images featured in many online media outlets as well as on media posters, postcards & stickers, web and print advertising.

Angela Simmons Photography by Maya Guez for INDIQUE hair.

To see more and purchase Bikini by Angela Simmons go to the Indique web site: www.indiquehair.com

Angela Simmons Photography by Maya Guez for INDIQUE hair.

At the red carpet Campaign Launch Party Angela Simmons seem to really be loving the images:

Right: Photographer Maya Guez and Ericka Dotson co founder of INDIQUE hair.Left: with Celbrity Hair stylist Iyana Winfield:.

Angela Simmons and Ericka Dotson @ INDIQUE launch party

Angela also did a few signing events with INDIQUE which people lined around the block just to meet her and purchase BIKINI!

Monday, November 7, 2011

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

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!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Maya Guez Advertising Contract with INDIQUE!

I am glad to announce I have just finalized a new one year advertising contract with a long time client and collaborator of mine INDIQUE Hair. In the past few years I have worked closely with INDIQUE Hair shooting almost all their major advertising campaigns, I have had a wonderful experience working with this brand and amazing dedicated staff, creating images for their catalogs and advertising ads. INDIQUE is a high quality brand of virgin Indian hair that has been immensely successful and constantly growing with multiple salons and stores across America and distribution world wide.... It is the highest quality hair available in the market and is the "IT" to go brand for a large celebrity clientele, amongst their famous clientele you can find LADY GAGA, Teyana Taylor, CASSY, Aubrey O'Day, Chanel Iman, Ciara, Jessica White, Jill Scott... The list goes on....

ANTM model Stateena for Indique Hair shot by Photographer Maya Guez

I am exited to see what we will create next! The images shot for Indique are different then what one would usually expect from Hair extensions company, they are classy clean beauty shots and sometimes more vibrant and modern Glamour shots. Check some of them below (just a small sample we have done so many!)

Check out some of the Hair Collections INDIQUE offers on the web site:

www.indiquehair.com

Advertising banners for Indique Photography by Maya Guez

There is another aspect I just LOVE about INDIQUE: The company was originated, is manged and co owned by a beautiful woman of color Ericka Dotson - a pro hairstylist that became quite the entrepreneur. Ericka started Indique never imagining it will become a global company, I believe Indique success is not only due to the high quality hair but also Ericka's sensitivity to what female clients want and need: Reliability, Costumer service, Detail information, Quality accurate images (that show hair textures in details) and comfortable inviting inviorment to customize and order your products be it online site or in the Indique salons and stores.

Check out some images I shot of the gorgeous Ericka Dotson- Indique owner: