"You don't take a photograph, you make it" - Ansel Adams

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Beatrice Vazquez is  featured in several websites (raw.tristanjud.com/2011/10/interview-with-beatrice-vazquez/) and also is internationally published. Such as the cover and spread of  Artistik magazine, Whats hot Tampa Bay, Boss magazine, Honduras Magazine, Vocess Magazine and many others. Her photos grace the walls of IADT in Tampa as a featured alumni. This Tampa Bay local artist, only started just 5 years ago but photographed models, actors and local celebrities. Named 'Queen of headshots' her photos have won several awards. She has been known to photograph "regular" people and make them leave feeling like models. This is just the beginning for Beatrice aka BVPhotos she hopes to work for Cover girl and Beauty in Vogue in the near future.

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Q: What message do you want your work to send?

A: I want my work to produce hope and allow people to feel motivated to do anything. I want my work to convey love and inspiration to those who view my work.

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

Photo credt | BVPhotos

"The "earth" without "art" is just "eh" - John Cage

BVPhotos | Social Media | Click Icons Below

Check out these other trending Kidd Leow blogs of these great Tampa Bay Photgraphers

Luis Santana	Robert F	Rachel Jolly	Nathan Ray
CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!

Photo credit | Left - MAD Creativity || Center & Right - Bruce Amoroso BruceAmoroso.com 

Kidd Leow Interviews Brittany Morgan!

Vote for Brittany Morgan in Maxim's Hometown Hotties 2014 contest

Brittany Morgan | Social Media | Click Icons Below

 

"Hov' remind yourself; No one built like you, you design yourself…" Jay-Z

Richard Thomsen first caught the bartending bug in 1997, when he started working at TGI Fridays, and saw his first bar competition. "Back then it was all about spinning bottles & showmanship, or 'Flare Bartending" as it is called." he says. He has worked his way through numerous bars, night clubs, and restaurants in the Tampa/St Pete area, honing his craft & learning at every turn. His diverse resumé has molded him into a unique character behind the bar, with knowledge of wine, beer, spirits, cuisine, and a bit of a historian of  bar culture both locally & nationally. In the past few years we have seen the explosion of "craft cocktails" in the Tampa Bay area, Richard was mentored by Ro Patel & worked side by side with some of the best bartenders in the area while working at Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club. In an industry where timing is everything, this proved to be the inspiration he needed. "I knew I could bartend, but to be thrown in the middle of so many talented bartenders & see what could be accomplished with everybody working together to push each other, was quite amazing. On a normal Sunday, at Ciro's hospitality night, you could find some of the best bartenders in Tampa. "It was a who's who of local bartenders! There was no pressure when someone said just make me something." he says with a smile. He is currently working at Pane Rustica in South Tampa, and is a member of the Tampa chapter of the United States Bartender Guild. When not working behind his current bar he is probably designing a drink for a cocktail competition, such as the Zubrowska Vodka ("I'll Smoke Anything"), Bombay Sapphire Gin ("Power of Papaya"),  Don Julio Tequila ("Plant City Paloma"), Avion Tequila ("Honey-Do-List"), Alibi ("Bartender Breakfast"), Diageo World Class ("Some Dumb, Not Plum Dumb"), just to name a few.  He is known for using molecular techniques, such smoking ice cubes, creating one cocktail in "three different states of matter". Merging them into classic recipes to make them his own, as well as merging his roots in flare with classic bartending. He obviously enjoys a creative drink name, too. Don't think competitions are the only way to see him away from his home bar. Through his involvement in the USBG Tampa, he has been able to work with some of the best bartenders from around the country at events such as Repeal Day, Tiki Party, Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, & local charity events throughout the year. "The Guild has pushed the city as a whole & has helped to put the Tampa cocktail community in the national spotlight. I have been fortunate to meet, learn, work, & develop friendships with some of the legends of this industry, because of it." 

Richard Thomsen explains how to make a 'Power of Papaya' cocktail || CLICK ICON BELOW TO LISTEN

"I might be some dumb, but I'm not Plum Dumb" - Junebug

Richard Thomsen explains how to make a ''Plant City Paloma" cocktail || CLICK ICON BELOW TO LISTEN!

"The things in the night cannot be explained in the day, because they do not then exist"  - Ernest Hemingway

Q: How did you start bartending?

 A: "I had been bar backing for a bit, when a friend called me to tell me about a bartender position at his club. So I showed up & we proceeded to lie about my experience so I could get the job. It was in a busy nightclub only a couple nights a week, but I fell in love with it immediately. At first I was just happy to be getting paid to be at a party, then I realized how exciting the fast pace of it was. I have a peer who always says, "We host a party every night the doors open, treat every guest as if they are at your home." I believe the most important part of this job is to be gracious even when your three deep at the bar & the service well has a dozen tickets hanging. It is still the hospitality industry."

Q: What inspires you to create a cocktail?

 A: "All kinds of things… Sometimes its as simple as learning a new technique, or recipe & tinkering with that. I also enjoy seeing what is fresh at the market, too. I will see some local honey, cardamon, and fresh peaches, take them home & start playing around. I'll make a honey cardamon syrup or foam, & try it in a sour with muddled peaches & tequila. After a few variations and changes, I get an idea that I'll try to fine tune until it is were I want it. In a competition you generally have parameters and guidelines to follow, so I try to push the limits as much as possible, while staying with in the rules. Occasionally a new spirit, or bitter will show up at the bar & that will give me inspiration, as well.  

Q: What is a cocktail competition?

 A: "Drink competitions are traditionally based around a base spirit or type of cocktail, & all competitors are given ground rules to follow. There is normally a time limit and you have to make cocktails for multiple judges, generally judged on technical, taste, and appearance.  Comps are great, you get to see other bartenders doing things they don't always do behind their bars during a shift. Someone will smoke a glass before they pour a cocktail into it, or hand roast coffee beans in an orange half. I always learn something new when I go to a comp, its great to be able to meet new people in the industry, & compete against your peers."

Q: What do you think of Tampa's cocktail scene?

 A: "I think the area has exploded in recent years, this is truly a hot bed of talent all over the area! Just take a look at all the great bars opening up in the area, it doesn't matter what part of town I'm in, I know I can get a great cocktail close. There are amazing bars in St Pete, in downtown Tampa, Carrolwood, South Tampa, Ybor you name it! You are starting to see more & more industry professionals focusing in on what Tampa is doing & how to be involved in it. At the past Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, the largest industry event in the U.S., the USBG Tampa hosted a Happy Hour for Dickel Whiskey. I can't wait to see what the future holds. usually when I go somewhere new I'm blown away by the passion, & creativity behind the bar."

Q: Why do you enjoy bartending?

 A: "Its an amazing industry, in this job you have a responsibility to make someones night special. On any given night I may take care of a first date, a birthday, someone having a bad day. Or even a married couple with three kids who only get to have one night out a month together.  It's different every night, so you have to tailor each experience to your patrons preferences. You can also create a character behind the bar, I have friends that are quiet as could be until they get behind the bar where they transform. Lets face it, most  you find doing this job just like people, we enjoy meeting, talking, and learning from them. We don't just make drinks, we make memories. I like to hope that my drinks are memorable, too!"  

Richard Thomsen | Social Media | Click Icons Below

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Check out these trending Kidd Leow blogs also in the "Best Bartenders in Tampa Bay" series

Scooby	Tony Finotti
CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!

"Well my soul checked out missing as I sat listening

To the hours and minutes tickin' away
Yeah just sittin' around waitin' for my life to begin
While it was all just slippin' away
I'm tired of waitin' for tomorrow to come
Or that train to come roarin' 'round the bend" - Bruce Springsteen

Robert F started shooting around 2004 when he could no longer work. "Something to do to keep me busy. I was born with a lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and had a double lung transplant at the end of 2008 and came out of the hospital in early 2009" says Robert. Roberts happy to say he's shot with several models when they first started and ended up doing very well for themselves. Nicole Pissari ended up working with Maxim, Carlotta Champagne & worked with Playboy, Valerie Thompson (Oakley) worked with FHM and more recently Brittney Shumaker who has a world of potential Robert says. "I consider watching a model succeed to be very exciting and I do whatever I can to help. I'm big on using social media to help promote a model and I remember when Brittney & I started her fan page, I told her it could  really help her modeling career. Well 92,000 fans later it's been an enormous help for her career not just in visibility but by getting jobs. Who knows what's next."

Photo Credit | Robert F

Q: Do you shoot with newbie models?

A: Of course, and I think it's important when a newbie model starts out to connect with people that can help out. Many are only in it for themselves so it can be like a sea of sharks out there waiting for a newbie to enter the water so proceed cautiously. 

Photo Credit | Robert F

Photo Credit | Robert F

Q: What would you suggest to a newbie model starting out?

A: Do some basic research and proceed cautiously. Don't jump at every job. It's important to have some control over where your images are going. If a model is interested in submitting to a national publication it won't help much if she/he has images all over the internet. That may hurt the marketability of the model in the eyes of the publication-many publications, especially like Playboy, like to 'discover' the model so having thousands of images on the internet probably won't help.

Photo Credit | Robert F

Photo Credit | Robert F

Q: How do you shoot with so many attractive models and not get distracted?

A: You get use to it. Much like going to an office full of people you like. It's no big deal.

Photo Credit | Robert F

Photo Credit | Robert F

Q: What kind of equipment do you use?

A: I use a Canon 60D. I used a 20D for ages until it finally died on me. I can't complain since it lasted 7 years which is an eternity for digital cameras. I'm not big into equipment I use what I can and try to make the best of it work. I really never think of asking another photographer what he uses as I really don't think it matters as much as the photographer taking the photo. Too many get hung on the value of a camera and equate that to quality. They figure if they spend alot on a camera then they should get paid work to justify the expense or the customer will assume that the photographer must be great since he spent so much money. Really idiotic to think that way but it's very common. Much like if I bought a guitar and just because I spent alot of money on it doesn't mean I know how to make music.

Photo Credit | Robert F

Photo Credit | Robert F

Q: How would a model get into a national publication?

A: It's actually not as complicated as some make it out to be. Many publications accept outside submissions so you don't even need a photographer to do that. The model can do it herself. I know a magazine like Playboy even prefers candid unedited photos so they can see how she really looks. Anyone can send those in.

Photo Credit | Robert F

Photo Credit | Robert F

Q: What is you try to do when photographing a model?

A: I try to show how the model really looks, to some degree every photo will have editing. Any photo you see in a model magazine has editing. I don't believe in the 'natural' look as that's not gonna sell. But I believe in not over altering the images. For example, editing so the model looks 20 lbs lighter in the photo. Adding curves where no existed before, etc. I think one of the reasons alot of the models I shoot with have gotten alot of promotional jobs in the area is because when someone sees the photos then know that's who is gonna show up for work. No significant differences in appearances at all.

Photo Credit | Robert F

Photo Credit | Robert F

"We knocked on the doors of Hell's darker chamber

Pushed to the limit, we dragged ourselves in

Watched from the wings as the scenes were replaying

We saw ourselves now as we never had seen

Portrayal of the trauma and degeneration 

The sorrows we suffered and never were free" - Joy Division.

Photo Credit | Robert F

Robert F | Social Media | Click Icon Below

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Luis Santana	Rachel Jolly	Nathan Ray
CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!

Photo credits ~ Daniel Andres | Photo credit ~ 'Red bikini' TeenyB Swimwear

Kidd Leow Interviews Model Rachel Lynn!

Rachel Lynn & Brian McConnell "I Love You More"

Rachel Lynn | Social Media | Click Icons Below

modelRachelLynn.com

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ToniLynn is former professional Cheerleader and dancer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2008) and the Tampa Bay Lightning. She danced with the Lightning from 2006-2008 in 2007 she was rated the “Hottest NHL cheerleader to ESPN” After her time on the field and ice ToniLynn has modeled/danced for an alumni cheerleading group called Bellissima from Cheer Girl Entertainment which she says, "Opened up a lot of opportunities for me." ToniLynn landed a spot on a HSN commercial modeling and dancing with a line of clothes that they were showcasing for Footloose. She was in a swim shoot for What’s Hot Tampa Bay that features swimwear and a local hotspot, Mini Cooper Commercial, Tampa Bay Rain Basketball team billboards and ads, XFC Cage Doll dancer, Surf Expo with Quicksilver where she had to walk the runway with the new line of surfing swimwear that they were releasing that season, music video for Country singer Brian McConnell and has been the spokes model for Sea Fear Apparel. ToniLynn now teachs dance in the evenings for girls of all ages.

Photo credit | Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Michael Soo

Q: What is something that would surprise people about you?

                A: I'm a bit of a nerd…. I like to go to comic book conventions, go to the midnight viewings of the movies and I wear super hero shirts all the time. My car is also named Optimus Prius with an Autobot sticker on the back.

Photo credit | Tampa Bay Lightning & Wet Orange Photography

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

                A: One the things that I hold dearest to me are my family. I try to spend as much time as I possibly can with them. We all have Disney passes so we spend a lot of time at the parks, especially Epcot. I find it the most relaxing to just walk around the world and enjoy the atmosphere with my family. 

Photo credit | Matt Robinson

Q: If you were a super hero what would your super power be?

                A: If I were a super hero I would like to be able to stop crime without killing anyone so I would like the power to trap or somehow tie up the bad guys so I could bring them to justice without killing them. I also would like to have a side kick like a dog….. Maybe a Doberman.

Photo credit | Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Michael Soo

Q: What is your guilty pleasure?

                A: My guilty pleasure is actually on Saturday nights instead of going out I really enjoy sitting at home and having some wine watching English shows like “Are You Being Served”, “Keeping Up Appearances” and “As Time Goes By” on PBS. They are older shows, but I really enjoy English humor.

Photo credit | Tampa Bay Lightning & Wet Orange Photography

Q: What is your favorite tv show and why?

                A: I’m actually torn between 2 shows right now. Downton Abbey and Revenge. Downton Abbey takes place in the 20’s which is my favorite era and Revenge always has a twist in the story and you think you have it figured out, but you never really do so it always keeps me thinking.

ToniLynn Featured in Brian McConnell's video 'Redneck Margarita'

ToniLynn | Social Media | Click Icons Below

Kidd Leow Interviews Vassy CLICK HERE!

Kidd Leow Interviews Vassy CLICK HERE!

Kidd Leow Interviews Vassy CLICK HERE!

Check out Vassy on iTunes  CLICK HERE

You probably know Greek-Australian indie-pop dynamo Vassy’s soulful and exotic voice from TV campaigns such as Chevy,  Target, Victoria Secret, Sketchers and Hilton Hotels or shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Human Target. That’s if it isn’t from catching her music in feature films such as The Cabin in the Woods or games like The Sims.  Her music has even been featured in webformercials by Dr. Pepper and Youtube!

If that wasn’t enough, the Australian singer/songwriter recently teamed up with Grammy-nominated Dave Audé for her new Billboard Chart release, “We Are Young”. The pop-tastic tune features big room floor filling remixes from Dave Audé, Sultan & Ned Shepard, Dirty Freqs, Ivan Gomez & Reidiculous.

Vassy, whose Greek-Australian background is as unique as voice, is deftly talented at penning strong lyrics that convey her own positive and uplifting attitude towards life; Positive and uplifting, they jolt the listener to a happier place.

Vassy was born in a remote area of Australia to Greek immigrants, fell in love with Billie Holiday at a young age, and moved to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a musician.

“She was my pure inspiration,” she says of Billie Holiday. “I heard this voice on a community radio station and it immediately caught my attention. She evoked emotion within me, something that resonated so strongly with me, and I became passionate about her and American culture through her music”.

Despite growing up in an immigrant family where traditional education was valued, Vassy knew that her future was in music. She fulfilled her promise to her late father by obtaining an honours degree in Interior Architecture, and then set off for America to pursue a musical career; Vassy credits Billie Holiday and the women in her family as being the driving force behind her success and her subsequent move to America:

“She’s the reason I’m here today,” Vassy says of Billie Holiday. “She was a strong woman with many vulnerabilities; I have been surrounded by strong women in my entire life. I have an incredible mum, and my grandmother, my mum’s mum, is our soldier; she was a young widow and raised two girls on her own in poverty back in Greece. Women have always been strong leaders in my family and I strive to teach other young ladies that too.”

Vassy’s family history is ever present in her career both inside the studio and within her community –  she takes time to give back by volunteering at a safe home for teenage girls in Los Angeles, teaching music. Vassy is a motivator and an inspirational force for these young women by using music to help build their self-esteem and belief in themselves.  She often uses her life as an example to illustrate that talent, positivity and determination will make a path to success.

Vassy | Social Media | Click Icons Below

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Comedy Chronicles of The 'Unbreakable' CHUCK GLASS

Chuck talks about being pulled over by the police because of his tail light out while the cop had his out also...

CLICK HERE to hear Chuck tell his hilarious story about being pulled over!

CLICK HERE to hear Chuck tell his hilarious story about being pulled over!

CLICK HERE to hear Chuck tell his hilarious story about being pulled over!

Chuck Tweets 

CLICK HERE to hear Chuck tell his hilarious story about being pulled over!

CLICK HERE to hear Chuck tell his hilarious story about being pulled over!

CLICK HERE to hear Chuck tell his hilarious story about being pulled over!

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Chuck talks about Taylor Swift & Rihanna

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Chuck Glass | Social Media | Click Icons Below

Kidd Leow teamed up with Adam Levine from Maroon 5, Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic, the Far East Movement, The Cataracs, Luciana, Pittsburgh Slim & Ellie Goulding! 

Check out these mini mixes!

Adam Levine	Far East Movement	Ryan Tedder
CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!

The Cataracs	Ellie Goulding	Luciana
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Pittsburgh Slim

CLICK HERE!

93.3FLZ's Kidd Leow Interviews Pittsburgh Slim!

93.3FLZ Exclusive

Mini hosted by Pittsburgh Slim & mixed by Kidd Leow!

CLICK HERE to listen to the Pittsburgh Slim & Kidd Leow mini mix!

CLICK HERE to listen to the Pittsburgh Slim & Kidd Leow mini mix!

CLICK HERE to listen to the Pittsburgh Slim & Kidd Leow mini mix!

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Mini mix playlist | Click  to watch the video! 

Pittsburgh Slim talks

Thank GOD

Pittsburgh Slim talks

Lifestyles of the broke & fabolous

Skinny chicks have more fun 

Hide the liquor 

Pittsburgh Slim talks

Girls kiss girls 

My chick is crazy 

My flashy world

Pittsburgh Slim talks

Stuntman - ft. Wallpaper 

White Louie V's 

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CLICK HERE to listen to the Pittsburgh Slim & Kidd Leow mini mix!

CLICK HERE to listen to the Pittsburgh Slim & Kidd Leow mini mix!

CLICK HERE to listen to the Pittsburgh Slim & Kidd Leow mini mix!

Check out the full blog on Pittsburgh Slim with write-up, his music, pics, & video CLICK HERE

Pittsburgh Slim | Social Media | Click Icons Below

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Brian McConnell	Taryn Walker	Jeriko Turnpike
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