Fierce, Fluid, Fearless: The Power of Presence with Whitney Mercy

When I stepped behind the lens for this shoot with Whitney Mercy, I knew we weren’t just creating photographs—we were building a visual statement. Shot in-studio at my Downtown Los Angeles space, this collaboration with Model of Choice agency was designed to highlight intensity, structure, and movement, captured through a cinematic and fashion-forward lens.

Whitney Mercy’s presence is magnetic. Her posture, her power, her ability to channel elegance and raw emotion—it’s the kind of energy photographers wait for. We stripped the shoot back to the essentials: dramatic lighting, sculptural silhouettes, and a subtle color story that moved from crisp monochrome to surreal blue atmospherics. Every frame was crafted to be bold, dynamic, and editorial at its core.

The team behind this project brought precision and passion. Hair by Anthony Montoya (@its_anthonymontoya) sculpted gravity-defying textures that amplified Whitney’s strong bone structure. Albert Elizondo (@albertelizondo) kept the makeup sculptural yet modern—highlighting natural skin with iridescent finishes that caught the light just right. Stylist Mike Sam (@mikesam_creative) pulled looks that walked the line between futuristic fashion and timeless tailoring: structured jackets, exaggerated sleeves, and avant-garde textures all played key roles.

The most compelling part of this shoot was the duality: strength and softness, precision and play. One moment, Whitney posed with fierce, architectural tension; the next, she was moving like liquid—alive under blue gels and bending light. These are the sessions that remind me why I do what I do. It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about translating presence into portraits that resonate.

This shoot continues my mission to elevate portraiture with a fashion edge—fusing editorial style with personal essence. For emerging models, creative professionals, and brand visionaries alike, my studio sessions are built to capture the story behind the image.

To Whitney, Model of Choice, and the entire crew: thank you for the trust, the artistry, and the energy.

Credits:
Model: Whitney Mercy (@whitneymercyofficial)
Agency: Model of Choice (@modelofchoice)
Makeup: Albert Elizondo (@albertelizondo)
Hair: Anthony Montoya (@its_anthonymontoya)
Stylist: Mike Sam (@mikesam_creative)

Blonde Ambition: Behind the Scenes of the Barbie x BLONDME Editorial

In the world of fashion and beauty, iconic collaborations are rare—but when they happen, they create magic. I recently had the opportunity to photograph an extraordinary campaign for Schwarzkopf Professional’s BLONDME line in collaboration with none other than Barbie™ by Mattel. This collection celebrates bold femininity, diversity, and unapologetic color in a way that only Barbie and BLONDME can deliver.

Shot at my Downtown Los Angeles studio, the concept merged soft couture and powerful hair moments. From platinum curls to flowing braids and Barbie-perfect waves, each model embodied a different facet of modern blonde identity—with editorial precision.

As someone who began in the world of hairstyling under Vidal Sassoon’s mentorship, this shoot felt like a full-circle moment. BLONDME isn’t just a color line—it’s a creative tool that empowers artists and clients to explore identity, fantasy, and transformation. Working alongside the brand’s color team and stylists, I crafted a visual language that was cinematic yet clean, polished but playful—very Barbie, very now.

We leaned into vibrant backdrops, dramatic lighting, and intentional movement to tell each model’s story. Every look was styled to feel editorial but accessible, elevated yet inclusive. From pastel-lavender gowns to bold color-blocked prints, the fashion echoed the same message: blonde isn’t one shade—it’s a spectrum of confidence.

The Barbie collaboration is about more than nostalgia—it’s about redefining what beauty looks like in today’s world. And as a photographer, that’s my favorite story to tell.

Whether you’re a stylist, colorist, or just a lover of beauty imagery, this shoot is a reminder that photography is more than capturing a look—it’s about creating a feeling.

Ready to create your own editorial moment?
I offer custom beauty and fashion portrait sessions tailored for creatives, professionals, and brands who want to stand out. Let’s make something iconic.