My Photography Influences

After returning from Monaco and back to the reality working in my Finance job, my mind can't help but daydream about the beautiful sights that I have seen and sensed. Each time I have such an adventure I try to capture all of these moments on camera. But it's more than just snapping shots for me. I want to tell a story that the viewer could follow along, sense every detail with me, and see the world through my eyes. Pictures for me are about capturing an emotion, a fleeting moment that you also have experienced and are often triggered back into your memory because of a familiar sound or smell. Moments like this give me goosebumps and pause my day with a smile on my face.

Photography is a difficult skill and it's a challenge for me to continue to hone my style. There's a few artists out there who expertly weld the camera that I look to in order to develop my own eye. I'd like to share my favorites.

Errikos Andreou. http://www.errikosandreou.com/ Erriko's work is haunting, spirited, and inspiring.

Michael Thompson. http://www.jedroot.com/photogr/mt/thompson-fashion.php.

Michael is a fashion photographer whose work I first observed in W Magazine. I find his work inspiring since for me as a model, I usually did swimsuit/lingerie/fitness and his avant garde fashion photography was the type of modeling that I didn't do. Thus as a photographer, it's a challenge for me to see the world through through the fashion veil.

Luke Duval. http://www.lukeduval.com/ Luke is a Vietnamese pharmacist turned fashion photographer who began his new career based on a dream (I can relate!). Self trained, his artistry caught my eye years ago when I stumbled upon his MySpace profile.

Men's Exercise + Nutrition Programs from Top Fitness Models

I've blogged about women's diet/exercise a bit in the past since it's easy to speak for myself. It's fantastic when I receive feedback from others on how my recipes or programs have inspired them to improve their health.

Over the last few years of competing in physique shows around the world, I've been fortunate to connect to with some of the top fitness athletes in the industry, men and women alike. So, I'm going to take this opportunity to try to help out the guys out there who are interested in understanding how the best male physiques in the world get to where they are at. These fitness idols are experts in their field and have written many articles, hosted training camps, conferences, etc all on the topic of getting into the best shape of your life.

On the Agenda: Rob Riches, Simon Howard, Obi Obadike, Kendall Wood

First I'll start with a dear friend of mine, Rob "Hollywood" Riches, whom I like to call ABZILLA.

His Competition Creds:

Out of the 18 Bodybuilding and Fitness shows that he's competed in, he's won 8 of them, and placed 2nd in 6 of them. The rest he have never placed lower than 4th.

• British Natural Bodybuilding Federation (BNBF) Central Qualifier, Novice. 1st Place. 2005 (My first ever competition)
• British Natural Bodybuilding Federation (BNBF) Central Qualifier, Middleweight. 1st Place. 2006
• Natural Physiques Association (NPA) Heart of England Championships, Middleweight. 1st Place. 2006
• Musclemania, Fitness Britain. Junior Lightweight. 1st Place. 2006
• Musclemania World Finals, Junior Lightweight, 1st Place
• America's Fittest Model. Howard Flaks 'Best Body' award. 2008
• FAME East Championships, Montreal. Pro Fitness Model. 2008
• FAME East Championships, Montreal. Pro Muscle Model. 2008
• FAME World Championships, Toronto. 2nd in the World as Pro Muscle Model. 2008

He blogs about his training and diet for the upcoming WBFF World Championships in Toronto here: http://robriches.blogspot.com/

If you need live feed action on the man himself, subscribe to him at http://www.twitter.com/robriches

Bodybuilding.com, the largest fitness community, features him with a regular spot: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/rob_riches.htm

And lastly, his personal website: http://www.robriches.com/

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Next up is Simon Howard, whom I first met last year at the FAME European Championships. He's an LA Muscle sponsored athlete excelling in a number of sports, with credentials including being a former British Karate Champion and competitive bodybuilder. Simon has also played rugby at county level and won regional powerlifting competitions. With his combination of looks and physique Simon is now pursuing modelling full time.

He wrote a nutrition article which also touches on training: http://www.lamuscle.com/magazine/article/Simon_Howard_supplement_trial

His blog: http://blog.simonhoward.net/

His website: http://www.simonhoward.net/

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Obi Obadike. I first met him when we were competing at the 2008 FAME World Championships in Toronto and then later at the FAME North Americans. He is a former top Division I collegiate sprinter at Cal State Fullerton. was the school record holder in the 100 and 200 meters, 4&100 meter relay and a Two-time All Big West Conference honors. In addition to his competitive background, he has landed multiple fitness covers, international supplement ad campaigns for Dymatize Nutrition. His ads have been featured in magazines such as Fitness RX For Men, Men's Journal, Flex, Muscle Mag, Inside Cover of Reps, Muscular Development, (back cover of Exercise and Health), (Inside Cover of Reps), Muscle and Fitness and other fitness/bodybuilding magazines across the world.

Obi's detailed article with Australian Bodybuilding to learn more about him and his approach to keeping a tight physique: http://australian-bodybuilding.com/2009/06/interview-top-international-fitness-model-obi-obadike/

His personal website: http://www.obiobadike.com/

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Kendall Wood. This guy has star power written on him from head to toe. Competed with him at the 2008 FAME World Championships and had the pleasure to hang out some more at the FAME North Americans where he was an emcee.




His fitness accomplishments:

• Cover Model- Maximum Fitness June Issue
• WNSO's FAME 2008 Pro Fitness Model World Champion
• WBFF 2nd Place World Championships
• WNSO's FAME 2007 North American Fitness Model Champion
• WNSO's FAME 2007 North American Muscle Model Champion
• WNSO's FAME 2007 National Fitness Model Champion
• WNSO's FAME 2006 North American Open Fitness Model Champion
• 2006 Mr. Olympia Hardbody's Final 15 Model Search Contestant

He's got an 11 part video exercise series on how to burn fat: http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_1901_do-fat-burning-exercises.html

His website: http://www.fitnesschampionships.com/

247fitbody.com

Thank you to my supplement sponsor 247fitbody.com for the very generous package today.

Neil is a knowledgeable sport nutrition resource who provides frequent assistance with my program. I am grateful for his continued support.

I am also featured as a sponsored athlete and model on their site:

http://www.247fitbody.com/Natalie_minh.htm

Lovely night in Paris

Met up with my brother in law, his new gf, some of his cousins and one of my fans, Philippe at the Buddha Bar for some very overpriced drinks. Good to see the place, touristy, but well done.




Philippe was a very friendly sophisticated Parisian attorney who gave us a nice recommendation to move onto Hotel Costes, about a 5 min walk up the road. That little walk was worth it as it was a very polished lounge/resto, quite upscale, beautiful people.

Ahh Parieeeee, j'adore votre ville!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Competing in the MuscleMania European Championships 2009

Welcome to Musclemania Europe

I'll be in Milan from October 2-4 to compete in this show.  Very excited as last year I was the Italia Ms. Bikini.  Ready to rock that stage..!

Doubledelish « AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com

This is by far my favorite photo to look at when I need a smile.

There's so many elements to this that I don't even know where to begin. The Chaps. The sea shell necklace. The hodge podge track suits. The thrill of coming in pairs.

Life is good here!!!

Doubledelish « AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com

Don't Judge My Hair: Epic Hairstyles

Whoa.

Don't Judge My Hair: Epic Hairstyles