As I stated in my last post, 2012 was a year full of change and accomplishments. One of the moments that I am the most proud of is getting my first tearsheets and credits as a Creative Director and Stylist in a printed magazine. Not only was the photo-shoot I directed for the COVER of the “Holiday Glam” issue of Empire Radio Magazine, but the images would also be used for an inside spread to go along with the cover story (which I interviewed and wrote)! Although I’ve been doing styling and creative direction for awhile now, most of the shoots have been for internet-based or online magazines and companies. Though that doesn’t lesson their importance, there is something special about the first time you get to see (and hold) an actual physical copy of some of your work.

*Note: I haven’t received my printed copy in the mail yet so all tearsheets are screenshots of the digital issue

For this particular shoot, I was blessed with the opportunity to work with the beautiful Gloria Govan – star of the VH1 hit reality show, Basketball Wives LA, and also wife of NBA Clippers player, Matt Barnes. I had already interviewed Gloria earlier that month over the phone, and I finally got to meet her in person at the shoot. Gloria is such a sweet person and it was truly a pleasure to work with her. It was freezing outside and she was posing in dresses that didn’t offer too much coverage against the cold, but she conducted herself like a true champ with a positive attitude. I had such an amazing time and the images came out amazing! Kudos to our photographer, K. Sole and Mary O of Modern Vintage Today!

Check out our Behind-the-Scenes video filmed and edited by Michael Green:

Shoot Credits:

Talent: Gloria Govan
Photographer: Ken “K. Sole” Soleta
Creative Director: Brittany “Bella” Graham (Yours truly :)
Stylist: Brittany “Bella” Graham
Makeup: Gabriela Cardenas
Hair: Nakia Esteen
Magazine: Empire Radio Magazine, December “Holiday Glam” issue

Clothing: 
Dress (orange) and Pants suit: Privilege by Sabrina Nash
Sequined Dress and Jacket (puffed sleeves): Modern Vintage Today

Special thanks to Gloria’s amazing hair stylist, Nakia Esteen, and makeup artists, Gabriela Cardenas and Gloria’s publicist, Kweisi Gharreau. Also huge thank you to Brittany Ellis, Empire Radio Magazine’s publicist for setting this all up; Mary O, the owner of Modern Vintage Today (where we shot some of Gloria’s looks and where I pulled one of her outfits); and of course our photographer, K. Sole!

CLICK THE LINK TO READ THE DIGITAL ISSUE BELOW!! (Must have Flash to view):