Xposed

Lately, I’ve been working on my final project, as I bring this part of the internship with NLPGimages to a close. Although I’m still affiliated with the company, I’ve made minor changes to my schedule and I’ve chosen to participate from a distance.

Never before seen footage and the inside scoop on my experience are still to come!

Lately, I’ve taken a break from the spotlight and action-packed moments I usually encounter while interning with NLPGimages, but I’ve busied myself with other projects. Meanwhile, I’m attending a national leadership conference for underage drinking at the Rosen Shingles Creek Hotel in Orlando.

Although NLPGimages is known for shooting nightlife and celebrities, it also covers baby showers, birthday parties and government conferences.

So far, the leadership conference has been far more interesting than I expected. I’ve met members of law enforcement and students who collaborate to assess underage drinking by implementing strict compliance rules via the Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center.

Listening to speakers who have lost relatives due to underage drinking, alcohol addiction, poisoning and date rape has been an educational opportunity. Some stories were complete tear jerkers. 

Although targeted for a different audience, I almost wish I could’ve had a similar class structure opposed to First Year Florida and the online alcohol course requirements at the University of Florida. The conference has been far more interactive and has great food; needless to say, I’m enjoying my stay!

On another note, since several of you reading the post are of legal drinking age, please do your part. Encourage minors to wait their turn and stand against underage drinking.

I had the pleasure of meeting Kathi Meyer, who lost her daughter due to underage drinking. Stay tuned for her story.

Friday I had my first opportunity to shoot rapper and songwriter, Trina . ..by myself. In the past, my boss captured key shots of the Diamond Princess, and I offered additional footage. But this time, I traveled solo.

The pressure was on and I sweated bullets the entire weekend! Because although celebs are ordinary people, there’s always a twist and their desire for perfection is on a higher level. When in public, every aspect of their life is subject to be scrutinized.

Sometimes people and media take small flaws and magnify them, almost like they forget celebs are human too and have feelings as well. But regardless, society’s perception often makes celebrities’ room for error very thin. So for people who travel or work with them, the conversation is pretty simple: do well and don’t screw* up.

Anyway, we began at Miami’s club Nocturnal, where Trina and protege Nisha performed. I must say, these ladies shut it down everywhere they go! Then we hit Club Play (that’s another post).

Trina has been in the industry longer than a decade and still has a phenomenal fan base. Guys, girls, men and women alike- all ages and different backgrounds love this chic! Witnessing her fans’ reaction upon meeting her was a unique experience. Guys tried to bombard their way into her VIP section and girls tagged along just to touch her hand or take a snapshot.

And then, when we were leaving, a group of guys were ecstatic to meet her. One kept saying how much he loves Trina and didn’t want her to leave. Then I realized that she’s always xcited to see and meet fans and pose for a few pix or hold a hand, even if it’s only for a few seconds. I think she’s loyal to fans and appreciates them as much as they love and adore her.

Overall, the experience was pretty cool. I’ve listened to Trina’s music for a while and I can’t think  of one song that I’ve ever been tired of hearing.

Hopefully I did OK shooting the event and maybe she’ll be pleased with some of the pix. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’ll always remember it;)

For more on Trina, follow her on Twitter @Trinarockstarr. Also check out @NishaRockstarr as well:) S/o to NLPGimages for always throwing me in the fire (lol).

Look out for pix!

Just left the Moon in Tallahassee, Trina and protege’ Nisha shut the spot down.. in their Long Heels RED Bottoms! DJ Demp did his thing on the turntables. And now I’m kickin it outside of a nearby restaurant. .. Currently chillin in a vehicle w/the Diamond Princess & her crew.

Shooting the show was a task but weaving through the crowd was most challenging. The Moon was packed wall to wall.

Seeing the connection between Trina and her fans was pretty cool. I wonder how she feels, knowing she could stop in the middle of a song and have a crowd finish the rest. .. If she wasn’t hungry.. I’d ask. I know how I feel when I operate on an empty stomach so I’ll lay low for now. Posting from my cell so forgive me for my inability to #spellcheck .. I’m out. NLPGimages- ‘We’re everywhere you’re not’. .. I also met C.O. (the crowd pleaser) .. he’s kinda cute!

Check out @TrinaRockstarr & @NishaRockstarr on Twitter. .. and download Nisha’s new mixtape for more info visit NishaRockstarr.com

To everyone who has dropped me a few lines, via Facebook or text encouraging me to ‘keep up the good work’. .. thank you.

I always notice the little things :)

On that note, as you may have read in a previous post, the internship is a lot of work and I’ve come a longgg way. Maybe one day, this experience will help me create a foundation for something better. .. who knows.

Opportunities are what you make of them. I was granted 1. And I’ve been trying to make the most of it.

Sometimes you get things that you don’t know how to use. .. and not everything comes with instructions. That’s kind of been my experience. NLPGimages provided me with tools but didn’t show me how to use them, a camera but never actually showed me how to use it. .. and everything else . .. is just what I’ve turned it into.

When you really want something, you’ll teach yourself how to get it or make it work. ..it just takes initiative and perseverance (you know, that stuff we learned in elementary) 

***Stay tuned. .. I have no idea what might happen next

One of the most challenging parts about my internship is balancing school and work.

I left Lil Kim’s party early because I have to handle a few things. So I missed out on meeting the Queen B and Floyd Mayweather (they snuck in through the backdoor). But I caught up with Basketball Wives’ Evelyn Lozada and Benzino on the red carpet, and I saw the special tribute. (see the next post)

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Since my last ‘heart to heart’ entry, the pace has really picked up. I went from being the “bag girl” (lol) in January to shooting the red carpet for Lil Kim’s birthday celebration at Santo.

And I’m still enrolled so I commute. Working in the industry is quite a task! Now, I somewhat understand why celebrities are particular about their special requests. One may require a certain candy in their hotel room upon arrival and another might only drink a particular water (it gets extreme). But when you constantly travel and have demanding schedules, the last thing you need is something that doesn’t fit your taste. Sometimes, you deserve to spoil yourself and I guess that’s their way.

All I need is food, my bed and a little quiet time.. occasionally a foot massage:)

This life is fast.

I’m supposed to be taking pictures. ..but I had to update. In case we aren’t Facebook friends. .. On my way to the car, I overheard security’s walkie talkie say Lil Wayne was pulling into the parking lot. I’m usually inside by the time his crew arrives. But tonight I chose to hang around just to see how differently this situation would’ve been from an outsider’s point of view since I’ve had backstage passes for all exclusive footage.

And I must say, YMCMB’s security rolls deep. First, security stopped a line of cars that had to be at least a mile long. No one was allowed to enter or leave KOD’s main entrance for about 45 minutes.

Once the tour bus parked, about 15 cars eased in. Unmarked Porsches, Maybachs and all those fancy cars I can hardly pronounce entered, parked and paved the way. Security stretched from one end of the club to I-95, barking at everyone who crossed boundaries.

A short while later, doors opened and a group of mostly guys headed toward a side entrance into the club.

Outside of Birdman and Weezy’s few dozen security guards, they hardly travel alone. There’s always a group of “honeys”.

One said her name was Paris, she’s Wayne’s newer artist. I just thought the mayhem was a tad bit much for someone who’s about 100 pounds, (I mean.. . he’s not my beau, Obama and he has his own CIA) but I guess it’s his worth that’s worth protecting. 

Going back to work, don’t expect pix, my hair is a mess and I’m not approaching ANYONE looking this way.

Drake, if he’s here, hasn’t been spotted. So I’ll slide back to Gainesville:)

Caught up with Triple C’s Gunplay and Young Breed. .. Ace Hood, Ballgreezy, Git Fresh and others ripped the stage today at the Summer Jamz 2k11 concert and car show.

Look out for pix of nice whips!

S/o to Felisha Monet of 99 Jamz, Super Cindy and Deepside Entertainment’s G.U.N.S.

Although NLPGimages (Night Life Photo Guys) focuses primarily on night life in South Florida’s hottest venues, it covers a variety of day events. Today we’re @ the car show with 99 Jamz. Ace Hood,  Alyric, K Kutta and others are expected to perform. 

The weather is nice and I’m expecting to have a great time. Lemonade slush in my hand. .. I’m ready. NLPGimages.. Lets gooo :)

I’m still operating off two hours of sleep, from capturing footage during Rick Ross’s concert. ..so I’ll quickly recap Friday.

Being on stage, among Ross and his Triple C’s music group was a tad bit intimidating. And on top of being surrounded by veteran photographers, I was wearing heels.

I was the “broad” who kept getting in everyone’s way, the one everyone wanted to move out the way. ..but the same who stuck through the concert and all its onstage chaos. You know. ..the usual stuff that happens at concerts, but magnified times 10!

Luckily, I was rolling with the boss (@NLPGimages):)

The part of the concert that stood out the most was when Ross made comments about elevating a significant other.

Ross said, bosses should strive to upgrade their partner.

“If she was living in a one bedroom apartment when I met her, I’ll make sure she gets a two bedroom”.

I think that’s commendable.

Ross performed several songs including my favorite, “Boss Lady”.

I think he freaked me out a little when he appeared to walk toward me. ..(most of the time he was within 5 feet) he looked real serious on stage, maybe that was his game face-lol. Which reminds me, I don’t recall seeing him smile in many of his photos.

Anyway, I enjoyed Gunplay’s energy and s/o to Young Breed, both of Triple C’s.

Being on stage was quite an experience!

Rick Ross will be LIVE in concert. .. My radar predicts another epic night. I think I’m ready! And of course, NLPGimages will keep you updated with the latest :)

Streaming LIVE in a few hours. .. look out for some real exclusive footage via Mirrakulus@Ustream.TV

I may be a little late, for those who don’t know. .. Missy Elliott is no longer under construction. Lately, the singer-songwriter has been making headlines about her diagnosis with Graves disease and her return to the limelight.

The disease is an incurable disorder caused by an overactive thyroid and results in hair loss, eye bulging, mood swings and muscle tremors. Elliott will discuss the disorder and other subjects during an episode of VH1’s Behind the Music later tonight.

It’s been rumored that she’ll make an appearance somewhere in Miami tonight, possibly after the show which airs at 10. And although Elliott has remained low-key, she’s worked on several projects over the last few years.

I grew up vibing to Missy.. so if she comes anywhere within my parameters, you’ll know.

Also, look out for some of my live chats and exclusive footage of My Life: as an intern with NLPGimages.