Orville Robertson: Picture Of The Day

February 27th, 2010

Wall Street

Posted by Orville Robertson

……….This was Wall Street when the workers were allowed to go out and get lunch. Now I suppose they chain them to their desks to squeeze out the last drop of blood profit.

To learn more about Orville Robertson’s work log on to www.newyorkstreetphotography.com.

John Grant: Why You Can't Call A Spade A Spade In this Country

February 26th, 2010

Posted by John Grant

Why you can’t call a spade a spade in this country

An op-ed in the New York Times deals with one of the most vitally important issues Americans could get their minds around — the difference between an Empire and a Republic and just who are we as a people as we deal with two foreign wars and a job-devouring recession caused by financial delusion and chicanery. Unfortunately the topic is not treated totally seriously, and the notion of an American Empire is ridiculed. I’ve encountered this attitude in a running dialogue on the topic I had with Philadelphia Daily News columnist Stu Bykofsky. Stu sneers at the notion we’re an “empire.” He’s a decent guy, and I reduce his argument with me to: “OK, if we’re supposed to be this empire, where’s the emperor in a toga?” I may be obsessive, but I think it’s a good topic for serious discussion. It’s way too easy in the dumbed-down climate of debate in this nation to ridicule the notion of Empire and, thus, of course, avoid dealing with all the real historical and political decisions that lead to the real dynamics of our current reality that suck so much of the oxygen out of our capacity to solve neglected problems. The list is long; for starters there’s a loss of jobs, a lessening of competitiveness due to shortcomings in our education system, crumbling infrastructure and an over-dependency on oil versus developing alternative, green energies — all things we should have been investing more in for the past 40 years. Now, as we are funding two on-going wars, a Global War On Terror and a dismally failed Drug War, these neglected investments at home are coming home to roost. and unless we change, it will only get worse in the future.

Studio Announcement: Fragrance Bottle Development

February 26th, 2010

Erotica: The Fragrance

……….The Studio is pleased to announce that Tony Ward Productions, LLC has teamed up with Martine Brand of www.BrandIllustrations.com to develop packaging for EROTICA the fragrance by Tony Ward. We look forward to publishing this creative process and look forward as always to your suggestions and comments.

Fragrance Bottle with Top Removed

Car Of The Day: CoachbuiltPress.com

February 25th, 2010

1931 Dupont Model H

How I Met Helmut Newton: Part 2

February 23rd, 2010

Natascha & Olga At The Royal Monceau, Paris

……….Natascha and Olga agreed to meet me in the lobby of the Royal Monceau where we would check in for the shoot of the day. I arrived at the check in desk only to find that the models got there earlier than me, and were waiting at the lobby bar/lounge to have a drink. Those two girls new how to get around. As soon as I noticed them seated in the lounge with drinks in hand, there were several Arab sheiks hovering around them, curious I’m sure as to who they were. Sting was having a drink at the bar just a few feet away.

Our room wasn’t ready so I joined the girls at the lounge to soak in the sights and sounds. Suddenly I heard a loud voice coming from the check in desk of a man screaming at the top of his lungs, “Where is my baggage, Where is my baggage” repeatedly. I noticed a man yelling at the concierge, it was Helmut Newton and his wife June close behind.

I immediately felt like a little boy watching a cartoon character of one of his idols in real time. at that moment, I didn’t know quite what to say or do. I was speechless. I always wanted to meet Helmut Newton and I had learned through some German contacts that he was becoming familiar with my work as well. I told the girls who he was, and they suggested that I introduce myself if the opportunity presented itself.

.

Well it did. Helmut got everything straightened out with the concierge about the missing baggage. I’m sure like any photographer he was afraid that perhaps his equipment was lost. No doubt he was probably there to do some shooting. He and June walked over to the elevator to check in to their room. That was my chance as they were just in front of me. I finally mustered the hutzpah to approach him. As I rose to my feet, the elevator door opened and Helmut and June proceeded to enter the lift. I got to the door just as it was about to close. Helmut pushed the open door button for me. That was it!

To see the entire sitting of Natascha and Olga and more Erotica from the Tony Ward archives, log on to tonyward.com

How I Met Helmut Newton: Part 1

February 23rd, 2010

Natascha & Olga

……….I was in a meeting with my former magazine editor Dian Hanson at her Leg Show office in New York, when she casually mentioned that she was going to be photographed by Helmut Newton for this Sumo sized book that he was publishing with Benedict Taschen. It sounded like an interesting project and I was delighted to hear that Ms. Hanson was invited to Paris to have her portrait taken by the grand master.

She mentioned that Helmut was staying at The Royal Monceau on a regular basis and doing some shooting there. I also enjoy shooting in great hotels myself so Dian suggested I check it out the next time I visited Paris. It just so happened that I had already made arrangements to photograph two Russian models from St. Petersburg, on location in Paris for Penthouse a week earlier, so I decided to book a suite at the Monceau instead of my usual place, The Hotel Regina just a short cab drive away.

To be continued…………….

Coming Soon: Tony Ward Studio

February 21st, 2010

T-Shirts For Women

T-Shirts For Men

Martine Brand: Illustration Of The Day

February 20th, 2010

Catwalk 2

……….To learn more about Martine’s work log on to www.BrandIllustrations.com.

Alexandra: Hotel Regina- Paris

February 19th, 2010

Alexandra

……….We agreed to meet for dinner at a tiny quaint restaurant just off the Rue de Rivoli. A charming enough place with fine French cuisine to discuss the shoot we were about to embark upon the following day at my hotel suite in Paris. Alexandra was born and raised in France and lived just outside the ring, so I knew she would pick a good place to dine.

She completely embodied my idea of a beautiful French woman, and possessed the confidence in front of the camera to portray the role I wished for her to play. If there is any hotel that sets the mood for a classic erotic sitting, its Hotel Regina, a place that I frequent when I stay in Paris. If your looking to travel and want good old fashioned French charm, this is the place.

The grand old hotel is uniquely located at the corner of Rue de Rivoli and Place des Pyramides, facing the Louvre and the famous Tuileries Gardens. All of the bedrooms are furnished in Louis XV and Louis XVI decorative styles, contemporary it is not.

Alexandra easily felt at home and we quickly moved through a series of poses that she planned. Her experience as a well known nude model for some of France’s finest photographers made my work for the day, quite easy and relaxing.

Just remember, Alexandra does not come with the room. The hotel is a BYOB, bring your own babe………………..

Charles Hall: The Joy Of Consent

February 18th, 2010

The Joy Of Consent

……….Please join us tomorrow as we celebrate the exhibition, “THIS IS NOT AN INVITATION TO RAPE ME” at the University of Pennsylvania, opening reception from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Fox Art Gallery-Cohen Hall. Join TW and Studio associates, as we welcome Charles Hall at the most recent installation of this ongoing International public service campaign.

Consent Lubricates Relationships

Sex Without Consent Isn't

Consent Is An Aphrodisiac

Consent Is Best When Consensual

Consent Can Be Revoked