Here is one more shoot of the beautiful Alina Vacariu.  This one is a little patriotic.  I have a lot more photos from my shoots with Alina, from pretty to fashion to sexy.  They can be seen “Almost Nude”, “Fashion” , “Fashion 2″ and “Wig”.

Enjoy!

Michael Creagh

http://www.michaelcreagh.com

.

Buy my Book!

http://www.blurb.com/books/455779

http://highartweddingphotography.com

Check back at http://michaelcreagh.wordpress.com as I update it weekly.

Way back in June I told everyone that I had a new Alina Vacariu shoot and posted the 1 shot directly below.  Many of you have written patiently waiting as I bragged it was hot!  For the record, I was waiting as well.  Alina and I selected our favorites, the agents got involved, we all traveled to different places, worked a lot….time flies.  The good news is the agents didn’t cut anything and we got some beautiful natural light shots of Alina.

Here is the shot I posted back in June.  Alina and I have shot together a couples and you can see some more fashion and beauty photos here and here.

Here are 3 very similar shots of Alina Vacariu almost nude.  Not that you need me to say it, but I was there.  Alina is beautiful in person; sexy.  We had a really had time choosing a favorite.  Any thoughts on 1,2,or 3?

(click photos to make a little larger)

For those of you who are tech photography junkies like me, the lighting was just simple window light behind Alina and whatever light was bouncing around my studio.  I shot with my Canon 1DS Mark III at ISO1600 (It wasn’t as bright as it looked!) at 1/125 sec at F1.4 on the Canon 85mm 1.2 lens.  This is part of my natural light series.

Enjoy!

Michael Creagh

http://www.michaelcreagh.com

.

Buy my Book!

http://www.blurb.com/books/455779

http://highartweddingphotography.com

Check back at http://michaelcreagh.wordpress.com as I update it weekly.

I am excited to post some of my work in the actual environment it appears.  I hope to get some more store shots in the next weeks as it is in loads of stores.  There is a whole add campaign behind the photos.  So far I have the 2 store shots, the catalog and the website.

Above you can see my photo behind the mannequins (Click to enlarge).

When I shot the photo, I never considered it would be wrapped around a circular beam!

You can see all the photos and some of the credits, etc. in the previous post.

http://michaelcreagh.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/mademoiselle-hk-campaign-photos/

thanks!

Michael Creagh

http://www.michaelcreagh.com

.

Buy my Book!

http://www.blurb.com/books/455779

http://highartweddingphotography.com

Check back at http://michaelcreagh.wordpress.com as I update it weekly.

“We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God’s” (adapted from Matthew 22:21 and quoted from the Manhattan Declaration, page 6).

This statement proclaims a foundational principle of a document called the “Manhattan Declaration.” On Friday, November 20th, this document will be introduced to the nation and world at a press conference in Washington D.C. It was crafted by a large group of religious leaders from the Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical traditions. I add my signature and declare my support to this declaration not in my official role as president of Trinity International University (TIU), but as a follower of Christ and citizen of the United States and global community. I understand that anytime I give my name to a document it also reflects on TIU, so I wanted you, the members of our community, to have the opportunity to read this document and comment as it becomes public. Please go to http://manhattandeclaration.org or click on the above image to read the “Manhattan Declaration” in its entirety. I also invite you to join with other Christians in endorsing the “Manhattan Declaration,” by adding your signature on the website. My commitment to you is that you will hear information like this about TIU from me, rather than hearing it on the street or through the rumor mill. After you read and reflect on the declaration, I would appreciate your feedback.

Yes, this six-page document is controversial in its strong biblical stand. I pray that people will also see the humility, respect, and grace, which we hope to communicate as we proclaim these truths of God. We attempt to biblically address: the dignity of life; the sanctity of marriage; the importance of healthy families; the need to serve the poor and underrepresented; the value of seeking justice for all through the application of God’s standards for justice; and the necessity of preserving religious liberty. We call Christians world wide to appropriately rally around these uncompromising truths. The intent of this document is to be clear and courageous, but not inflammatory. I judge you will see these values throughout the declaration.

I judge it is time for me to take a stand on these crucial issues for the sake of the gospel, the church, and the global community. The resistance and criticism will be fierce. I anticipate intolerant personal attacks and vicious criticisms, such that our university is old fashioned, out of touch with today’s society, and intolerant. When the religious leaders of their day threatened the Apostles Peter and John with violence and retaliation unless they stopped preaching and teaching in the name of Christ, they replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God” (Acts 4:19, NIV). While I personally struggled with the value of publicly supporting the Manhattan Declaration, I judge it is time to honor and obey God while committing myself to serve society in the name of Christ. Please join me in prayer as this declaration becomes public.

Sincerely,
Craig

Hi

I posted the lead shot from the Mademoiselle HK shoot back on the 5th, but I am finally able to post the entire series.  I will also post some more shots in the upcoming weeks of the campaign itself.  I just got in 2 snapshots of the photos all blown up in the stores.  I will try to post them tomorrow.

Martha Hunt from  Next Model Management…. which besides being a model I love  (you saw her twice before in my Susana Monaco shoots; Black & White and Balloons and Shadows), it was also a really timely choice for the China and Hong Kong market.  She was just on the cover of Chinese Vogue at the end of the summer, right before our campaign hit China.

Makeup by Yuko and hair by Wesley from the Wall group.  The styling was by Marcell Rocha of Workgroup.  We shot it in my Manhattan studio with Hasselblad H3D 39 Megapixels and Profoto lighting.  I changed up the lighting a little bit, sometimes playing with more shadow versus sometimes using spotlight in the back.

thanks!

Michael Creagh

http://www.michaelcreagh.com

.

Buy my Book!

http://www.blurb.com/books/455779

http://highartweddingphotography.com

Check back at http://michaelcreagh.wordpress.com as I update it weekly.

I had an evening training session today, which is unusual for me – I typically prefer mornings, but had a work commitment so I had to take an evening appointment.  I was pleased to see that Craig showed up today!

It appears that we are “taking things up a notch” also.  Here is what my very first rotation looked like:  ab work on this machine that looked like a surgery chair (and was about as pleasant), lifts with a big weight bar and step up.  For those who aren’t aware of how sadistic step-ups are – here is an explanation.  You use the seat of one of the arm machines and raise it to – I don’t know, the moon – and then put one foot up on the seat and proceed to completely pull your self up so that your other foot is level with the seat and back down and back up and the point is to do this without stopping and to increase speed.  It is supposed to strengthen something in your legs, but honestly, I think it is dangerous misuse of the equipment.  I mean this is clearly NOT what this machine was created for – plus it always makes me feel a little throw-up-esque.  And Craig had his stupid little stopwatch again, so we did this on time – three times through.  Our second rotation looked like this:  bicep curls, obliques and a lunge-squat combination – oh yes, both of them together again, just like Donny and Marie- three times through – down and back – let’s go!  Here is what this looks like – you lunge forward on your right leg, then your left leg and then you do a full squat and then lunge on your right leg, then your left leg and then fulls quat – down the length of the gym and back – three times.  I voiced my displeasure to deaf ears.  Which is really odd, because as previously mentioned, Craig has the hearing of an eagle and I have been busted by it on multiple occasions.  Also, I am apparently incappable of whispering – probably a genetic glitch.  The next rotation included ab work on one of those giant sherbet colored balls – I am convinced one of those is going to explode while I have precariously perched myself on it one day while supposedly strengthening my core.  We also had some additional arm/shoulder machines, which I have blocked out for survivals’ sake and our final set involved some REALLY heavy free weights and more ab work with the weighted medicine ball – more on that in a minute.  We are taking the free weights and lifting them straight our from our sides and then straight arm extended in front.  I begin to worry about these being repeated and combined and their potential for giving me “man-arms”.  I so do not want to look like I could lift the front of a Ford or like Madonna.  I do want nice toned shoulders and arms, but only to a point.  So, I voiced my concern re: acquiring man-arms.  To be fair, I have mentioned this to Craig before and more than once.  Of course he always reassures me – as he did again today – that I will not end up with “man-arms”.  And I replied, “I know – it’s just an FYI.”  Just making sure we are on the same page.  I think I should also point out that my constant “man-arm” fears are probably a little unfounded.  Currently I am so doughy, it is pretty much impossible for me to lift anything heavy enough or enough times to end up rock solid and permanently flexed.  I am also aware, above mentioned condition does not occur after less than five sessions, which by the way are not solely devoted to arms and shoulders.  Nevertheless – I am fearful.

I wanted to touch on one more thing – the ab work with the weighted medicine ball. I HATE this one.  Here is what it looks like:  You sit on the floor with yourself slightly reclined and your legs bent slightly at the knee, with your heels on the floor – the point being you have to use your abs to hold yourself in this position – this is strike one.  Then  you take the weighted medicine ball and your rotate it from side to side, keeping your core somewhat centered and swiveling at the waist.  I think the actual goal is you should rotate so far at the waist that the ball touches the floor on each side with each rotation – whatever – strike two.  As I swivel from side to side I feel the need to keep my eyes on this bright red heavy ball that I am holding, so my head goes from side to side too and this always makes me feel dizzy – every. single. time.  And because I hate doing this excercise, I try to  speed it up so I can get it over with, which makes me feel a bit more dizzy and then sick in the tummy.  Now, I know what I should do is focus on a spot on the distant wall and this issue will be resolved – yet, deep down, I believe if I don’t look at the ball, I will let go of it on one of the swivels and just hurl it across the room, striking down fellow gym goers in its’ deadly path of destruction.  I have never seen that happen and don’t know why I would suddenly lose grasp of a basketball sized object, but still, I beilieve it could happen and I am forced to swivel my head back and forth – purely a safety thing – not a “that is completely ridiculous you big weirdo” thing.  Tomorrow evening should be a run, but I have some struggles at work right now that get a lot of my running time, so wish me luck!

If you happen to have a carton of milk, please look on the back – there should be the picture of my missing trainer Craig.  Let me explain.

So, last Friday, I get this text message from Craig:  mon 6am  wed 630am and fri 730am? 

I have a glitch with the Wednesday time, which we move to the evening and I reply, “Perfect”.

So on Monday morning, I get up SOOOOOOOOOO early and I am SOOOOOOO tired and I drive to the gym in the barely daylight, because you have to get in some warm up cardio time before the 6 am start time of my training session.  I am vigilant.  I am committed.  I am coming off a disastrous week in North Carolina where the gym was SOOOOOOOOOO far from my part of the resort I wasn’t able to get to it during my three day stay.  Okay, so I am at the gym, I am burning up some cardio, it is stupidly early, there are seven other people total and two of them work there.  At 6 am – no Craig.  6:05 am – no Craig.  6:10 am – no Craig.  How can this be?  I am perplexed.  The nice, but way too perky at 6:10 am gentleman behind the counter calls Craig and….. no answer.  How can this be?  I am now more perplexed and just so you know, not working out by myself.  I stand around (literally) for about 7 more minutes and then make up a work-related excuse and leave.  Still no Craig – still no return call.  Uber-perplexed. 

So, here is my plea – take a hard look on the back of your milk carton:

Missing:

Craig the Trainer – approximately 5′10″, work out gear, baseball cap, perky early in the morning, frequently uses the term “Pal”.  Native to gym atmospheres and punctuality.  Approach with caution – you will likely be ordered to complete some sort of walking lunges while lifting weights and carrying a puma.   Please let me know if you think you have seen him.  Thanks for your help.  Stacey

P.S. Craig was safe and sound downtown with another client.  Turns out, he just needs help writing his schedule.  To be fair, I am more likely the one to no show or send a text message approximately 44 seconds before the start of my session, but this is not about me. 

P.P.S.  Although I had scheduled the work out time into my morning, gotten up, put on my work out wear, driven to the gym and completed my warm-up cardio I absolutely did not work out for 1 minute on my own once I realized Craig wasn’t coming.  I certainly could have – all the equipment was still there and I actually know how to use it.  This is yet another reason why I spend our hard earned money on a trainer – I need someone to hold me accountable and call me out when I deserve it, which by the way is practically never.   xoxoxo Stacey

Before I announce the slideshow I have some really exciting news! Craig’s brother and his fiance  (Joey + Jennifer) have asked me to shoot their wedding in the Mayan Riviera in May 2010! I’m so excited. I’ve never been to Mexico before! It’s going to be a beautiful adventure and I’m really looking forward to seeing the whole family again! So stay tuned. Spring ‘10 is going to bring many exciting happenings around this here blog!

Now back to Neala and Craig! Here is their slideshow debut!

Enjoy!

I just read an interesting article on the Daily Beast listing the 10 most valuable models.  I thought I would share.  Click the image below to go to the article on The Daily Beast.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-11-15/most-valuable-models/?cid=hp:mainpromo4#

On a side note.  I am still kicking myself for missing an opportunity to photograph Miranda Kerr years ago.  I wanted to.  I always thought she would be big and adored her look.  I just didn’t have the right project when I had the chance.  Then the opportunity passed.  What a shame.

Thanks

Michael

http://www.michaelcreagh.com

.

Buy my Book!

http://www.blurb.com/books/455779

http://highartweddingphotography.com

Check back at http://michaelcreagh.wordpress.com as I update it weekly.

Yesterday morning, Carina did her first 1k run.  She always begs to run with me, and loves to chase and be chased, so I thought she would love this.  Craig has actually been yearning to sign her up for a kids run for quite some time.  So, when I came across the “Little Giblet” kids run a couple weeks ago, I signed her up.  We talked about it a little, did a few practice runs, and anticipated her excitement on the big day.

In the end, what we got is what my friend Charlotte would call “anticipointment”.  The day before the run, Carina started saying she didn’t want to do it.  We figured we would head on out to the park anyway and see what happened.  About fifteen minutes before the run, she seemed happy and excited (see picture, left).

On the starting line, surrounded by tons of kids both older and younger, she seemed a bit nervous and intimidated.  She wanted me to hold her and would not let go of my hand.  Understandable.

The run started, and she ran with everyone else, but she had her serious face on.  Then, she saw Craig with the camera and flashed him a big smile and a wave.

Hi Daddy!

I thought we were golden.  It went down hill from there.  About 30 yards into the race, she stopped running and said she was too tired.  I fairly well dragged her the rest of the way.  At one point she even rode on my shoulders. She asked if we could stop and see the ducks.  She asked if we could get the balloons tied to the light poles.  I tried really hard to remember that she’s only three.

Meanwhile, Craig and Callen worked on some action sequences for their next movie.  I think you’ll agree, we’ve got a very talented father/son – director/actor team.

Carina did run the last 10 feet to the finish line, then, after crossing the finish line, ran a good stretch to get to Craig. So, perhaps she is going to be one of those race spectator/casual jog through the park type girls.  Honestly, I think it’s a little early to tell.

Afterward, the kids had fun playing with the big balloons and people watching.  This experience certainly was not what we expected, but that’s what happens when you have kids.

Balloons are more fun that running!

Medal, check. Baloon, check. Let's go home.

I came across some photos of Edyta Zajac on Supermodels.nl and thought I would add my own shot of her here.  This was the second time I photographed her.  The first was for an editorial years ago which I will have to track down.  This shot surprisingly is from an old Susana Monaco catalog before the re-branding.

Edyta is one hot Polish model.  Super sweet.  I haven’t spoken to her in quite some time.

The shot was done at my old place in Brooklyn.  The wall are covered in painted canvas to look real.  I used my Hasselblad H2D-39 megapixel;  ISO200 with an 80mm lens on a tripod, F2.8 with a slow 1/15sec.  I mixed natural light with maybe a KinoFlo Diva light….At least I think it was.  It has been too long and I don’t always mark down my lighting!

Thanks

Michael

http://www.michaelcreagh.com

.

Buy my Book!

http://www.blurb.com/books/455779

http://highartweddingphotography.com

Check back at http://michaelcreagh.wordpress.com as I update it weekly.

Since you have all liked the new booty workouts Craig created, I’ve decided to hand you over this one week routine that you should follow in order to shape up that booty.  There is also a coaching call you may want to download to listen to in the car.  The interview is with Tony Horton creator of P90X.

Click here to listen to today’s fat loss coaching call

Now let’s get you transforming through the holiday season…

Monday – Nov 16

Workout A – Booty for Life – Weeks 5-8

1A) DB Bulgarian Split Squat (3×8) 2-1-1
1B) 1-Leg Stability Ball Leg Curl (3×8) 2-1-2
2A) Reverse Lunge (3×8) 2-0-1
2B) Plank with Arms on Ball (3×20 seconds)
3A) Reaching Lunge (3×10) 2-0-1
3B) Side Plank (3×30 seconds)

Interval Training
Stretch Tight Muscles

Tuesday
30 minutes of fun activity – just get moving!

You know, here’s a very sad fact…According to Fast Company magazine, “40% of USA dogs are overweight”!

Get your pups out for an extra walk!

Wednesday

Write your workouts down…keep track.

Workout B – Booty for Life

1A) Ecc Pull-up (3×5) 4-0-1
1B) Elevated Pushups (3xAs many as you can per side) 2-0-1
2A) Bench Press (3×8) 3-0-1
2B) Underhand Seated Row (3×8) 2-0-1
3A) Close-grip DB Press (3×8) 2-0-1
3B) Seated Row (3×12) 2-0-1

Interval Training
Stretch Tight Muscles

Thursday
30 minutes of fun activity and then make sure you join the Turbulence Training Facebook Fanpage.

Social support is important, and here’s a great quote:

“Always surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.” – Gurbaksh Chahal

And the TT facebook fanpage gives you great support…just check out this email I received from a friend:

“Every time i’m feeling semi-lazy (like now) and have a few minutes to kill at work i slip to your facebook page and that’s enough to get me to the gym.”

TT motivates you to get to the gym!

Friday
Remember to always try and hit a personal best in each workout. This will keep you on track to transform your body.

Workout C – Booty for Life
1A) DB Sumo Squat (3×8) 2-0-1
1B) Inverted Row (3×8) 2-0-1
2A) 1-Arm DB Standing Shoulder Press (3×8) 2-0-1
2B) 1-Leg Hip Extension (3×10) 2-0-2
3A) DB Curl (3×6) 2-0-1
3B) DB Triceps Extension (3×8) 2-0-1

Interval Training
Stretch Tight Muscles

Social Support Saturday!
30 minutes of fun activity, and download this interview to listen to while you go…

Train Hard

JP

VISIT CRAIGS BLOG AT ttfatloss.com

I contributed to a “How To” photography book on lighting secrets.  It is in book stores now.  I picked up a copy at Barnes and Noble in Union Square the other day (I couldn’t wait for the publisher to send me a copy).  The book is by Author/Photographer Rick Sammon.  He has authored dozens of photography books.  Here is a link to his very successful photography blog; http://rickrawrulessammon.blogspot.com/.  He wrote this book with another colleague of mine, Vered Koshlano.  Vered and I worked together years ago and I was excited to find out that she was partnering up with Rick on this.

Rick contacted me after the Digital PhotoPro article, and asked if I wanted to do a small chapter.  I am pretty excited as I haven’t worked on any how to books in past.   The chapter is on the beauty of black and white.  It takes 5 of my most known photos and I give an important point or two on how to achieve it.  The book is not all fashion, but a wide variety of portrait, beauty and glamour techniques on location and in the studio.  I started reading my copy and might be taking a look at some of the other techniques I am not using.

Here is the link to buy the book on Amazon.com.  There is a nice discount on the site.

http://www.amazon.com/Studio-Location-Lighting-Secrets-Sammon/dp/0470521252/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247685695&sr=8-15http://bit.ly/ISxN7

Thanks!
Michael Creagh

http://www.michaelcreagh.com

.

Buy my Fashion Book!

http://www.blurb.com/books/455779

http://highartweddingphotography.com

Check back at http://michaelcreagh.wordpress.com as I update it weekly.

• Ms. Mabel put in front of death panel
• No gossip going around
• Facebook
• 2012 Movie talk
• Craig talks more Obama, HC reform and Repubs
• Boy set on fire over video game
• When actresses turn ugly
• Precious the movie and Mariah “Looney Toons” Carey
• Various celeb headlines LEAVE CELINE ALONE!
• Prom cancelled after Lesbian asked to bring GF
• Ms. Mabel getting her pussy fingered?
• Visit Craig at www.thefreakgeek.com
• Call me @ 206-350-6217

Dans une interview, M. Emanuel a déclaré M. Craig ne devrait pas être prise en défaut, en particulier sur Guantanamo. “Le président croit qu’il a fait un très bon travail et continue à faire un très bon travail”, a déclaré M. Emanuel. «L’idée que vous allez lui en vouloir, c’est ridicule. Il n’a pas créé de Guantánamo. Il essaie de travailler au sein du système pour atteindre l’objectif du président. “

Beaucoup à la Maison Blanche sont en colère contre la campagne de chuchotement. M. Craig, 64 ans, est bien aimé, un avocat chevronné Washington avec un sourire facile, une façon amicale et cheveux ondulés épais qui le fait ressembler à un membre de la famille Kennedy, il a une fois servi.

Il étudia le droit à Yale avec Bill et Hillary Rodham Clinton et rejoint la Clinton White House en 1998 pour lutter contre la destitution. Collaborateurs de longue date en voulait le nouveau venu. Lorsque l’annonce de sa nomination, a décrit M. Craig comme le quart-arrière “de la défense de l’accusation, quelques aides Clinton, dont M. Emanuel, par dérision, le désignait comme” QB. “(Toutes ces années plus tard, M. Emanuel a dit qu’il aimait M. Craig et respectés.)

M. Craig tard rompu avec les Clinton pour devenir l’un des premiers partisans de M. Obama for president. Il a déclaré à Newsweek, il a été «époustouflés» par les livres de M. Obama, il était si enthousiaste que M. Obama parlait de lui comme l’un des «enfants de Kool-Aid.” Après l’élection, M. Obama a fait de lui l’avocat de la Maison Blanche , outrepassant les conseillers qui ont pensé qu’il n’était pas la meilleure place et / ou partisans d’autres candidats.

M. Craig n’était pas le seul conseiller en faveur d’un délai d’un an de fermer Guantanamo; secrétaire à la Défense Robert M. Gates, entre autres, a également plaidé pour lui. “C’est comme ça que vous forcez les choses de l’action et sont faites, et la vérité est que nous faisons de bons progrès sur elle», a déclaré David Axelrod, haut conseiller de M. Obama. “Mais la chose est, il a été un cadre juridique et fourré politique».

Tom Malinowski, directeur à Washington de Human Rights Watch, dit que tandis que la Maison-Blanche fait des erreurs dans la façon dont elle a géré la fermeture de Guantánamo, alimentant un tollé au Congrès, il serait injuste d’attribuer ces erreurs à M. Craig. «Pour faire Greg le bouc émissaire, si c’est effectivement ce qu’ils font, est profondément malhonnête», a déclaré M. Malinowski.

Quelle que soit la motivation, le discours fait de son dommage.

“A la Maison Blanche, en particulier, le pouvoir est la perception du pouvoir”, a déclaré A. Bradford Berenson, un ancien conseiller de la Maison Blanche associés sous M. Bush. “Et si les gens ont de vous être attaqué et à la sortie, il limite votre efficacité.”

• Talking issues!
• TFG vs. SBA
• Poor woman on Oprah
• 1turd twitter tawk
• My website is a burden.
• Lady Gaga is the new Madonna?
• Penis Measuring
• Crack Whore Craig is Barbie’s new BFF
• Weight Loss Update (-24)
• Taste Buds change with Fruit & Veggies
• Visit www.thefreakgeek.com
• Call me @ 206-350-6217

Here is another photo that has not seen the light of day for a while.  This shot was done in Brooklyn with a simple on camera flash.

Thanks

Michael

http://www.michaelcreagh.com

.

Buy my Book!

http://www.blurb.com/books/455779

http://highartweddingphotography.com

Check back at http://michaelcreagh.wordpress.com as I update it weekly.