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June 18, 2015

Sydney Graus from Elite Model Management

After arriving in LA after an 18 hour road trip from Texas, I figured I would be the only masochist down for long drives. Well I came to find out my brilliant model Sydney Graus from Elite Model Management LA also made the long trek. She did come from a much colder climate in Jackson Hole, Wyoming however. Well let me tell you, there is nothing cold about Sydney. Scouted at IMTA LA this girl is absolutely on fire in front of the camera. To be honest, I’ve never been a big fan of IMTA, mainly due to the high cost, but hey, Sydney was discovered there!

I didn’t have much time to shoot Sydney as her mom was driving in to LA from Wyoming for the first time and we had switched some things on my calendar to make the shoot happen. As with most photoshoots, I wanted to knock out 2-3 looks on both digital and with my trusty film camera. For Syd, I was dead set on shooting some clean jean looks in studio and then taking to some alleys in LA’s fashion district. We saved all the film shots for the alley and I’m pretty stoked about how they turned out. Take a look at a few of my faves and I can’t wait to work with Sydney again.

Comment below, let me know what you think.

Photographer: Jay Marroquin | Makeup: Giovanna Paramo | Hair: Amber Rose | Model: Sydney Graus from Elite LA

June 11, 2015

Celesta Hodge from Elite LA. She turns it up to 11.

How can you put into words, the emotions or feelings you get when doing something you’re passionate about? When the people you work with make you a happy person, a better person? When people give you that which is invaluable, time? You really can’t. All you can do is say thank you.

As a fashion photographer, I can truly say I’ve been a very fortunate person to have worked with some amazing people, in some very amazing places. Riding a scooter across an island with a gorgeous Australian model looking for a hidden beach in Bali, or shooting on the streets of Tokyo’s Ginza district late at night. Well every place has that special something about it, an allure or magic. Well LA is no different.

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of working with rockstar model Celesta Hodge from Elite Model Management LA. Yes, she’s absolutely stunning, a beautiful girl with the top agency in town. Let’s be honest, that’s why you’re here. To appreciate some great photos of a girl who absolutely kills it in front of the camera. Whether you appreciate the photography, the beauty of the model, or the art, that’s why you’re here.

But what you don’t know is this, Celesta has a kickass personality. A wicked sense of humor and infectious smile. Not only this, but the girl has to be some closet race car driver. I mean, how couldn’t she when she’s rolling in an Audi R8. Maybe that’s why I liked this girl so much, perhaps I’m a bit biased with my prior driving background. Well, that’s ok, and I’m ok with that.

Comment below, let me know what you think.

Photographer: Jay Marroquin | Hair & Makeup: Amber Rose | Model: Celesta Hodge from Elite Model Management

May 29, 2015

Oly is 5’7″ and with Elite Model Management

One of the most frequent questions I get is “I’m not tall, can I still sign with an agency?”. Most of the time this question comes while having coffee with a potential model or talking to a girls parents. If there’s one thing people know about me, is that I can be pretty direct and honest at times. I guess this is what I love about working in NY. I’d rather someone tell me directly that my photography isn’t to their liking, or it sucks than be afraid to say that and lie giving me some kind of hope.

I think that works the same way with people trying to enter the fashion industry or become a model, male or female. If we’re having coffee and you’re less than 5’8″ in height, I’m probably going to tell you to forget about be a runway or high fashion model but focus on beauty, commercial or lifestyle work. Most agencies are probably going to push you to their acting division. I”ll get the “but Kate Moss is 5’7″ and made it” comment and I’ll reply, Kate is 1 in a million, err, actually make that 1 in 7 billion. But if I had listed to people telling me I couldn’t race cars professionally or be a runway photographer in Paris, I’d never be here writing this blog post.

So here’s some advice for girls wanting to be models. This post is directed to more of my female audience since I work with female talent quite a bit. You really have to know your market. Being a 5’7″ girl in Houston or Dallas is WAY different than being a 5’7″ girl in NYC. That’s just a plain fact. Girls rocking the runway in NY are now usually 5’10 1/2″ to 6’2″. Girls in Miami or LA are going to have more of a swim/lingerie figure. Also, be honest with yourself and be realistic. Look at what’s happening in the industry and see if you either fit a current mold or have a look that will break the mold. And never give up on your dreams, but do work hard to make them reality.

So how did we get on this topic? Well because of Oly. You see, Oly who is 5’7″ recently signed with Elite in LA. Elite Model Management is easily one of the top 3 agencies in the world. While recently in LA I reached out to Elite having worked the Elite Milan a few times. Serena, who is absolutely a joy to work with and a booker there, was kind enough to send me a package of around 10 beautiful girls. This is what I like about a top agency. Right off the bat I knew I was going to choose 2-3 girls to photograph. Immediately Oly’s port caught my eye. The girl is stunning and has a gaze to die for. I then looked at her measurements and noticed she was 5’7″. But that didn’t matter, why? Because the girl can model and knocks out the gazes and poses to die for. She naturally has it, that “it” factor that you can’t measure. All I have to say is kudos to the scout or new talent director that decided to sign her.

Comment below, let me know what you think.

Photographer: Jay Marroquin | Hair & Makeup: Amber Rose | Model: Oly from Elite Model Management

May 27, 2015

Photographing Bailey from l.a. models in East LA

Last week I had the pleasure of doing three things I love. 1. Road Trip 2. Photography 3. Hang with Family. About a month back, my brother Jaime Hellcat started talking about road tripping to Cali to pick up a custom guitar by the one and only Jason Burns from Blast Cult. Blast Cult makes some of the baddest hand-make guitars, basses and upright basses. Somewhere along the way, my dad got wind of this road trip and decided to join my brother. I yet, had no plans on going but as their trip neared, I noticed I had 4 or 5 days open in my calendar. Next thing you know, I’m moving a few things on the old calendar and joining in on the fun.

It had been a good while since I did any photography work in LA so decided I’d make the most of it and reach out to my friends at l.a. models. Brittany provided me a package of some girls that were available to shoot and I instantly fell in love with Bailey’s look. She has this killer vintage beauty about her. From her port and polaroids I knew she was exactly the type of face I was looking to shoot. Now to line up hair and makeup and a stylist. Luckily a casting I put up looking for makeup artist and hair stylist in LA got a lot of responses. Of all the makeup artist, Giovanna Paramo’s port stood out. I contacted her and we agreed to collaborate. Early I had reached out to my friend and celebrity hair stylist Pearson Knight who is living in LA but his calendar was full with the short notice. He then told me that our friend Amber Rose lived in LA and might be available. I was stoked seeing that Amber myself and good friend Dennis Clendennen had rocked a Christian Siriano photoshoot in New York a few years back. I contacted her to see if she was available and to my surprise, she was down to shoot all weekend.

For Bailey, we decided on two different looks since I was shooting both digital and film. One a very natural and boho feel and the other a glam 80’s look. Enjoy. Big thanks to Giovanna, Amber, Bailey and Brittany from l.a. models.

Photographer: Jay Marroquin | Makeup: Giovanna Paramo | Hair: Amber Rose | Model: Bailey

September 5, 2013

LIVE STREAM: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY | SS 2014 #MBFW

Live from New York it’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Spring/Summer 2014. Watch all the shows via the live feed with a full schedule below 🙂 Share this, love it #MBFW #JMp

SCHEDULE:

September 05

September 06

September 07

September 08

September 09

September 10

September 11

September 12

10AM | RALPH LAUREN at 560 WASHINGTON STREET
11AM | RALPH LAUREN at TBA
2PM | CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION at 50 VARICK STREET

July 31, 2013

What motivates me?

“What motivates me?”

A frequent question I get, so I’ll try to respond whilst in a contemplative mood. What drives me is passion. A true passion and love for whatever I’m doing. To constantly grow and hone my craft and hopefully be a inspiration for others, as so many have been for me. I constantly look around me and am inspired by so many talented people. That, and a competitive spirit I’ve had since my early youth to be the best at what I’m doing.

For me, a hunger for success keeps me focused and determined. To know and really believe, deep down inside that anything is possible and dreams can come true. I think everyone can relate to what I’m about to say in some way or another. But I can only explain it from a first person point of view, and from my past experiences. Once you’ve had a small taste of success, anything but success just won’t do. Things seem bland, coffee loses it’s taste, flowers lose their color and the smell of morning dew just isn’t the same. For me, I can close my eyes and recall some of my favorite memories. Whether winning a race as a driver and standing on the top step of the podium or being house photographer for a well known designer at New York Fashion Week. I want to reach this level with any project or endeavor I’m on.

In the end however, I think the biggest motivator for me is fear. A fear of not trying. A fear of regret that I didn’t go for it. A fear of failure not do to trying, but due to a lack of courage to try. To know that I have wonderful parents who have sacrificed everything for me to succeed. Parents who have instilled morals, values, and the work ethic required to succeed. Not only as a professional, but as a human. For me, these are the things that motivate me.

Jay Marroquin

May 8, 2013

Yellow Magazine | May 2013

Privileged to have shot the cover and spread for the May 2013 issue of Yellow Magazine. Enjoy the photos below and view the online spread at http://www.yellowmags.com/2013_May_flipbook/. Now for some details about the shoot…

From the very beginning, I knew I absolutely wanted to have the best team possible for this shoot. I can’t say thank you enough to my amazing team who made this shoot possible. Big credit to Dennis and Dawn for really coming up with the creative direction for this shoot. Also stoked to present the Houston market to models Meghan Takahashi and Kristin Douglas who are extremely talented and just plain rock.

I decided to call the shoot “The Heist”. This photoshoot took place right before I embarked on some travels to South America and SE Asia for my ‘Romance of the Photograph’ book project. Shot at this pretty shady, crack motel in the Mexican part of town (well I’m Mexican and near my old stomping grounds), I can tell you this. We overcame a LOT of obstacles to make this shoot possible. From motel after motel turning us down, to part of the team having to be hospitalized and needing emergency surgery. But somehow the planets aligned, god looked down on us and made it all possible.

Photography – Jay Marroquin | www.jaymarroquin.com
Creative Direction – Dennis Clendennen & Dawn Ohlsson Bell
Hair – Dennis Clendennen (Lead), Taylor Coleman & Brittany Tedder
Makeup – Terri Clendennen
Wardrobe – All Wardrobe provided by Neiman Marcus
Accessories – Vamp Vintage Wear (Kelly Hardwick)
Lighting/Gaffer – Wesley Reis
Special Thanks – Rebecca Alice Reading, Lyndsey Case & Dana Ranslem
Models : Meghan Takahashi (The Campbell Agency) | Kristin Douglas (BMG Models)

May 9, 2012

Little Black Dress Designer | Editorial Shoot 2012

When Jeff Shell from the Neal Hamil Agency asked me if I would like to shoot the editorial for this years Little Black Dress Designer I was thrilled. I immediately had an idea and inspiration for what I wanted to do. Having just come back from Paris my thought process was all about vintage, roaring 20’s, cafe feel to the photos. Not only that but with a location like Boheme in Houston, I knew this would be perfect.

If you’re not familiar with the The Little Black Dress Designer read below. For the editorial shoot, the Top 10 dresses by some very talented designers were provided and accessories by Charming Charlie. This and a incredible team made for some very beautiful images.

About the Little Black Dress Designert:
www.littleblackdressdesigner.com

The event will showcase the Top Ten Little Black Dresses by upcoming fashion design students who were invited to submit their version of the LBD in March. The Top 5 winning designs are picked by celebrity judges, and awarded $7,500 in scholarships through the Fashion Group Foundation of Houston, Inc. The event is presented by Momentum Porsche, with additional sponsorship from Macy’s, More Than You Can Imagine, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tootsies.

LBD 2012 Celebrity Judges include Albert Rubio (Saks Fifth Avenue), Chloe Dao (Dao), Christine Goins (Tootsies), Clifford Pugh (CultureMap), Edward Sanchez, Elaine Turner (Elaine Turner Designs), Jody Schmal (Houston Magazine), Joy Sewing (Houston Chronicle), Kate Allen Stukenberg (Papercity Magazine), Lenny Matuszewski (fashion show producer), Roz Pactor, Stacey Swift (Neiman Marcus), Tamara Bonar (fashion show producer).

The Little Black Dress is one of the fashion icons of our time, inspiring designers from the moment it was introduced by Chanel in 1926, through Givenchy’s 1961 creation for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to the myriad current fashion designers the world over. It is in this sartorial spirit that this contest was created to support young, up-and-coming fashion design students from Texas. More info at www.littleblackdressproject.com.

Credits:

Hair: Dennis Clendennen and Team (AVEDA/Dionysus)
Makeup: Laura Martinez (Lead), Virginia McConnell, Danielle Tiara and Eliy Bell
Stylist: Rose Tran (Lead) and Katherine Fan
Models provided by Neal Hamil Agency: Phoenix Hamilton, Lacee Teel, Caroline Mathis, Audrye Williams, Briana Whitsett, Amber Castillo, Erin Marquez, Jessika Rodriguez & Kara Pyle
Special thanks: Jeff Shell, Apollo Stackwell, Patty Castillo (Charming Charlie) & Nadira Baker from Boheme

November 21, 2011

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From The Sidewalk to the Catwalk – Dallas

It’s late October and I find myself taking a break in Texas Hill Country. Wimberley, TX to be exact. After a full week of shooting Audi Fashion Houston, Wimberley made for the perfect getaway. I could relax, and also focus on editing all the shots with few distractions. Well that was the plan until the phone rang.

On the other line was Luis of Metrovelvet.com asking me what my schedule looked like on Thursday, Nov 11th. I told him I had a gig the day before and a big shoot the following Friday in Austin, why? “Would you like to go shoot Jean Paul Gaultier in Dallas?” he asked. Without hesitating I said YES. For the next few weeks I was slowly counting the days on my calendar eagerly anticipating Gaultier in Dallas.

November 11th and Luis and I find ourselves at the Dallas Museum of Art. From the moment we pulled into the drive, I knew the exhibit was going to be magical with the big banner that was hanging in front. We arrived a bit early at DMA while last minute touches were still being done. We waited around for a bit and closer to the event time we registered and got our credentials. We then made our way into the auditorium where the speech was going to take place. Slowly people started coming in and taking their seats. I think at that point Luis and myself noticed we didn’t collect our gift bags so had to pay the front desk a visit again, haha. I mean, who doesn’t want a Jean Paul Gaultier gift bag and goodies.

As event got on it’s way I was really looking forward to Jean Paul speaking. We all know how incredible of a designer he is, but I wanted to know more about the man, his inspirations, thoughts about fashion and take on life in general. What one word could I use to describe Jean Paul after hearing him speak? Genuine, yeah, I think that’s perfectly fitting. After all, Jean Paul was one of the first designers to use normal (non-model types) in his fashion shows. His passion and love for real people, real life really showed. It also shows in his designs, sketches and the way he carries himself.

After his speech, we were treated to a tour of the exhibit with Jean Paul himself. I particularly enjoyed him showing us a display which had one of his pieces and also a vintage looking tv show a 40’s French film that inspired him to be a designer. I believe the name of the film is either Fabela or Favela, I’ll have to ask for the correct spelling because I surely want to check it out. Anyway, while he was showing us, he lit up like a kid in a candy store. It was amazing to see how much passion he still has for that movie. He even took the time to sign the two JPG books Luis had been carrying around.

Special thanks to: Oliver Meslaym, Cecilia Bonn, Nathalie Bondil, Lisa Lawrence, Jelka Music, Kevin W. Tucker and the entire staff of DMA.

See the great write-up by Mr. G and photos by me on Metrovelvet.com – Click Here!

Sydney Graus from Elite Model Management

Celesta Hodge from Elite LA. She turns it up to 11.

Oly is 5’7″ and with Elite Model Management

Photographing Bailey from l.a. models in East LA

LIVE STREAM: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY | SS 2014 #MBFW

What motivates me?

Yellow Magazine | May 2013

Little Black Dress Designer | Editorial Shoot 2012

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From The Sidewalk to the Catwalk – Dallas

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