Cameras Archives - Tony Ward

Behind The Scenes: Heroines & Vixens

Behind The Scenes: Heroines & Vixens

Here is a look back at some of the behind the scenes moments of the subjects and the team that it took to produce the dramatic portraits for the Heroines & Vixens series. My apologies to any of the women that was photographed for the series but are not represented in the mosaic of these captured moments. I didn’t have the forethought when the series first began to have the sittings documented during production.

It wasn’t until creative director, KVaughn and I realized there was a thirst on social media for followers to gain insight as to the team work required to produce these portraits. As of this writing 22 women have been photographed from a variety of backgrounds and ages ranging from 21 to 75. Each woman cast writes an introductory story about themselves which is requirement to participate in the series. Some of the stories have been tragic others have been celebratory but all so very interesting.

I would like to thank the subjects that have sat for the project thus far. They are; Katie Kerl, Brittany Goldberg, Diana Desiderio, Ade Jay, Milan Burnett, Rita Olivia, Slater, Lisa Hughes, Joy Arnold, Megan Golwitzer, Amanda Stevenson, Shannell Verandez, Kathryn O’Connor, Erica Smitheman, Kitty Hailey, Ellen Tiberino, Shawna Williams, Mikala Mikrut, Savanna Hang, Tara Mordin, Scorpiana and Tracey Olkus.

Special thanks to creative director KVaughn, lighting assistant Anthony Colagreco and photographers: Brian Hunt, Steve Feldman and Al B for producing the photographs for this article.

To learn more about the series, link to gallery: https://tonyward.com/the-heroines-vixens-series/

Bob Shell: Fighting Fire With Fire

Glamour portrait of a very pretty young woman wearing just panties — Lani. Photo: Bob Shell, Copyright 2024.

Fighting Fire With Fire

I have just received correspondence from an attorney named Adam Steinbaugh with FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression in Philadelphia (adam@thefire.org).
He’s offering his possible help with the problems I’m having with the Virginia Department of Corrections interfering with my right to write and publish my books.

I hope you’re aware of FIRE, as I was not. It sounds like he and his organization are things you should know about, particularly because they’re right there in Philadelphia.

I wrote letters about my problems to a variety of organizations. This wasn’t one of them, but Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts from for warded my letter to him.
I’ve also heard from PEN America in NYC offering their help, even though I didn’t write to them.

His address is:

FIRE
510 Walnut Street, Suite 1250
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Telephone:
(215) 717-3473, ext. 213

I thought I should keep our readers in the loop on this. You or others you know might need their help at some point since the book burners are active again.

The VDOC’s Publication Review Committee banned my book Heaven and Hell on the Road to Reno based on an unpublished proof they seized. The idiots don’t understand that it’s not a publication until it’s published! Their authority extends only to publications. They had no authority to confiscate, review, or disapprove it. They’ve blocked publication, because without the proof I can’t make necessary corrections or editorial changes, so it remains an unpublished proof on my Amazon account.

About The Author: Bob Shell is a professional photographer, author, former editor in chief of Shutterbug Magazine and veteran contributor to this blog. He is currently serving a 35 year sentence for involuntary manslaughter for the death of Marion Franklin, one of his former models. He is serving the 17th year of his sentence at Pocahontas State Correctional Facility, Virginia. To read additional articles by Bob Shell link here: https://tonyward.com/bob-shell-trump-and-me/

Larson Hunt: On Becoming a Model

Model Larson Hunt wears Linen scarf by KVaughn Summer 2024 — Larson Hunt. Photo: Tony Ward Copyright 2024

On Becoming a Model

In my mind, I was tagging along with my dad for a photoshoot. Why? The sole reason was that he needed help carrying his equipment up over five flights of stairs. To think this would be the start of the string of events sparking my love for the worlds of art and fashion was all too fun to ponder. The shoot for my dad took place at the James Oliver Gallery, in Philadelphia. I was doing my small part away from the cameras. That was until the director, K.Vaughn, wanted to shoot me for an up and coming collection of scarves. This started my relationship with K.Vaughn. He was already good friends with my dad, they embarked on the project of renovating his atelier/ home. Once again, I tagged along. I got a unique window into the life of the creative mind of K.Vaughn. My respect and admiration for him and the art he surrounded himself with grew.

It wasn’t too long until he called me in for another photoshoot, and another, and so on. It wasn’t just photoshoots that I helped with either. He requested me for his exclusive bistro parties, sudden pop up shops, and the occasional hang out. At this point, I considered him my fashion uncle. KV hit me up for a photoshoot at the Rittenhouse Grill, and told me he’s bringing in another photographer. It was Tony Ward.

I could tell that Tony was more than just a photographer. He’s a man that has the collective creativity of thousands of minds. KV would go on to book two shoots at Tony’s studio. It was during those shoots that I got to know Tony and hear his stories. Over the course of several conversations, I was able to understand some of his philosophies. Tony understands that life is a gift full of struggles, and triumphs. Furthermore he (Tony) teaches that over time life reveals that you need your struggles to be directed towards the triumphs you dream of. This is reflected in his confidence about his work. He knows that his triumphs are the works of art he produces, and the people he decides to invite into his life. With all of these wonderful lessons and experiences I’ve absorbed, my inspiration to continue this absurd string of good fortune has been further strengthened. I can tell it will lead me to places I’d never imagine, but I feel as though I already belong.

Nefertari Williams: Trolls Have Tells

Troll from Norwegian Mythology drawn by Dal-E — Troll by A.I.

Trolls Have Tells

It’s election season again and the buzz seems to be that foreign interference is on the rise.

I see it daily in social media. A post may start out as an innocent comment and then boom, someone jumps in to make a racist comment and that changes the direction of the chain.

I have even found myself feeling my blood boil just a little bit – wait (me talking to myself) look again. Trolls! Some just spend their days trying to tear this country apart- but if you pay close attention sometimes you can tell who they are.

I was reading a post about a new women’s basketball team player who grew a lot of attention when she was on her college team. She happens to be white and her stats weren’t amazing for her first professional game.

It happens! I then noticed the vitriol and cruelty in the comments. They were coming from about three different profiles but one thing stood out. The misspelling of the same words, the same grammatical errors and the way they referenced the team. We as Americans talk about sporting teams a certain way and all three accounts kept making this error. This informed that this was:

1. All the same person

2. Deliberately trying to stir up a racist debate.

3. Deliberately poking at our racial vulnerabilities

I called them out but they ignored my accusation and kept digging in with their racist rants. At one point – they were only chatting with themselves just to keep the feed going and “bumped” to the top of the thread.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

I believe as a country our first instinct should be to stay away from comments that don’t feel good. You gain nothing by feeding into the lies and deception.

While the Troll was probably sitting back laughing as hundreds of Americans made harsh, harmful comments to each other due to the chaos that they’ve started, they are successfully unraveling years of unity that this country has prided itself on building.

Another suggestion would be to remember basic concepts that may sound silly but we were taught in pre-school and Sunday school. Phrases like “if you don’t have anything nice to say – say nothing at all” are powerful. Following this basic “rule” can eliminate so much turmoil and anger. I won’t dare say “Love thy neighbor” I know that’s a stretch.

Bottom line is we must try to make it through this non traditional election season – this time – without losing friends, family and neighbors. In the end we all must accept the results and try to remember the reason this country’s founders tried someone new.

Plato wrote “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Create-a-painting-of-a-troll-inspired-by-Nordic-folklore-style.-The-troll-should-be-large-with-rough-rocky-skin-and-a-bulky-physique.- — Troll by A.I.

About The Author: Nefertari Williams is a jewelry maker, activist for women with heart disease and the mother of five beautiful children. She lives in Willingboro, New Jersey. To access additional articles by Nefertari Williams link here: https://tonyward.com/nefertari-williams-students-protest-and-the-truth/

Milton White: Linen is HOT!!!

Ted_kawalerski_Milton_White_Wearing_white

Ted_Kawalerski_KVaughn-summer_2024-Milton_White

Ted_Kawalerski_Milton_White_flowered_scarf_KVaughn_2024

Linen is HOT!!!

The photographers, models, creative director and assistants gathered on the grounds at Tony Ward’s studio for what became a great collaboration of talent.

Each of us being inspired to bring life to the product…Kvaughn Scarves.

***Love, Unabridged – Prose and Poetry by Zachary Starr.But where does inspiration come from? Some say that it is born from the depths of our souls, a wellspring of creativity that flows endlessly within us. Others believe it to be a gift from the universe, bestowed upon those who are open to receiving its divine wisdom.***

I have been a muse for Kvaughn Scarves for many years, always wanting more to show off Kevin’s gift of finding fabrics and patterns that turns heads not only at special events, but also everyday wear.

The Parisian scenes and settings in the TWS studio are provided by TW. The outdoor scenes are also exceptional, provided by the enclave and grounds at TWS.

Though we had planned to shoot until 2pm, we wrapped an hour earlier. We were on fire! The flow of energy throughout each setting kept us all on top of our game.

Matt Sampson, aka the sneaker guy, brought colors that completed the look for each scene.

Larson Hunt, model extraordinaire, was playful on the tire swing, blow up pool and for a finale, he got hosed down in linen.

KV (Kvaughn), always creative, wore his scarves with style and flare, as only he can.

I, myself, was simply there…natural.

The photographers, TW, Ted Kawalerski (who visited from New York), AlbFor and Isiah, and the assistants Brian Hunt and Tony Colagreco gave their all in making the magic happen.

Afterwards, we sat down around food, drinks, good music and conversation.

Sunday was a day to unwind, regroup and refresh our vision for the next shoot. KV, Brian Hunt and TW joined me at my cabana poolside for a dip in the pool. Cocktails, lunch, music and conversation (which lead to a little brainstorming) defeating our purpose for the time together, but we did return to relaxing with drinks. Then a final dip before saying farewell to until we meet again.

Looking forward to our next venture!

poolside with Milton White and fashion designer KVaughn — Poolside: KVaughn and Milton White: Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Milton White models KVaughn scave 100% linen 2024 summer collection — Milton White. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

About The Author:

Milton White is a fashion aficionado, collector and consultant. He is currently creative assistant to KVaughn Studio and style editor at TWS. To access additional articles by Milton White, link here: https://tonyward.com/milton-white-the-supreme-diva/