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Interview with B-House Photography

May 7, 2013

 

I had the pleasure of shooting with B-House photography for  the cover of the September 2012 Fitness X Magazine. What a pleasure and terrific experience it was. It was also my first cover shoot since having my son just seven months earlier, so needless to say, I still had a few of my own insecurities, but those were quickly put to rest with B-House’s professionalism and his techniques he used to “get the shot”.

 

Nonetheless, we were able to capture not only a winning cover shot but also several shots used throughout my articles featured in the magazine. There was an article I wrote on post natal training with your baby as well as an article that highlighted my accomplishments as a professional athlete, fitness expert, and my greatest chapter, being a new mom.

 

Here are some questions that I asked B-House so you can get to know him as well. 

 

1. How long and what got you interested in photography?

I first got interested in photography in grad school when I would take Easter break trips to the Yosemite Valley but it wasn’t until 1995 when I wen to visit my family in New Zealand that I really got into it.  Since then I’ve really enjoyed learning more and growing in various genres.
 
 

 

2. How would you classify your style and uniqueness as a photographer?

If I had to choose one word it would be tasteful.  Whether I’m shooting landscapes, sports, military, vintage, portrait, or fitness I always want to show respect to my subject(s) and the audience who will view my images in a way that is tasteful and respectful manner to both.  This is especially important when working with female models.  Secondarily, when the opportunity allows, I enjoy creativity.

 

3. What areas are your specialty?

My enjoyment of photography and life and pulled me in many different fields.  I started in landscape and always enjoy it though now that I’m living again in the big city I don’t do as much.  My favorites to shoot are: military, sports (especially college football), health and fitness, as well as vintage (early 1940′s styles).  I actually also shoot weddings, theatre, concert, and dance (mostly swing) plus I love photographing my wife and our four kids.

 

4. Have you have a favorite location shoot?

As for location, it depends on the genre. For sports – the Coliseum, for landscapes – the Yosemite Valley, for vintage – the Cicada Club in LA, and for health and fitness – Newport Beach.

 

5. What would you like to see happen in the next 5 years with your photography business?

I would love to keep doing what I’m doing but try to squeeze in a bit more with the military and USC football plus start to contribute to more magazines.
 
 
 
 
6. What advice would you give to new photographers getting started?
 
My best advice would be to keep shooting as often as possible in the genre they’d like to pursue, keep learning, don’t get arrogant (really, no one enjoys it), and invest first in better lenses before better camera bodies.
 
 
 

7. Can you share one of your secrets of how you get such great pictures from your subjects?

Remember that everyone is different and there is no one best way to shoot everyone.  Find what works best for each model and value their input.  Also, always treat all subjects with respect and, in my case, I always shoot as if my wife there.  :)
 
 

 

8. Where can people find out more about you? Websites, social media, etc?

I have one website currently at www.B-HousePhotography.com with a second for health and fitness in development.  I also have a casual Facebook page at B-House Photography.
 
 

 

9. What thoughts would you like to leave our readers with?

Like all art, photography is very subjective.  My suggestion is to find someone whose style you really like and try to shoot with them if possible or someone with a similar style.  Also, some photos can open doors and while closing others.  Know which doors you want to go through and model accordingly.  Last, remember that once shots are on the internet and downloadable, they’ll always be there somewhere so choose wisely what you post or allow your photographer to post and which magazines you allow to publish your photos.

 

 

**For more training routines  you can check out my fitness and inspiration book, “Fast and Fierce Fitness Made Fabulously FUN!” This is a twelve week program, complete with exercise descriptions, photos of each movement, motivational guidelines, tracking system, progressions for each level of fitness, weekly upgrades on fitness programs, and most of all, FUN creative workouts that leave you more energized, looking great, and feeling fantastic!!! Or if you would like a more specialized program to specifically meet your NUTRITION needs and goals be sure to  check out my online nutrition.

 

 

Ellie Activewear 20% Savings!

March 9, 2013

 

I am so excited to officially announce that I am an Ambassador for Ellie Activewear. We just joined forces last month and I am ecstatic to be working with such an amazing crew, company and clothing line.

 

You have to check out the fitness wear clothing from Ellie.com. They present a unique package in that you can pick any 2 pieces for only $49.95/mo. Yes, you can pick from long tank tops, sports bras, dance pants bottoms, capri, and tights. They have the perfect outfit for whatever your activities are. If you are into yoga, hard core cardio, pilates, weight training, outdoor exercising, bootcamp, or you just want to look good before during and after your workout, this line will work for you!

 

 

Check out the bright colors, fun styles and the best part is the high quality fabric they use. Not only does the fabric wash and wear well, but the products are also MADE IN THE USA! They are not made in China or some other mass produced country.

 

By clicking on the picture or the link HERE you can save 20% off your first order. There are new items every month, and you can cancel at any time. It is super easy to set up – all you do is click on the link, take the Style quiz, and then check out the recommendations or chose what you like. You can cancel at any time, and yes, it is easy to cancel. And you can pick back up in a month or two quite simply.

 

 

 

I look forward to seeing you in your new Ellie.com outfit. Be sure to share with me on Facebook.com/LauraMakFitness too!! I can’t wait to hear from you!! :)

 

*For more training routines  you can check out my fitness and inspiration book, “Fast and Fierce Fitness Made Fabulously FUN!” This is a twelve week program, complete with exercise descriptions, photos of each movement, motivational guidelines, tracking system, progressions for each level of fitness, weekly upgrades on fitness programs, and most of all, FUN creative workouts that leave you more energized, looking great, and feeling fantastic!!! Or if you would like a more specialized program to specifically meet your NUTRITION needs and goals be sure to  check out my online nutrition. Find out how you can be part of the 90 Day Transformation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arnold Sports Festival

March 17, 2010

This is the biggest event of fitness industry was March 5-7. As predicted the Arnold Sports Festival had about 180,000 people that passed through the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

This year was a little different for me as I worked with the supplement company, Infinite Labs. I am very excited to be part of their team.

Not only is the most prestigious fitness and bodybuilding competition held here, but it has expanded tremendously since the event started nearly 16 years ago.  The professional athletes competing must receive a hand selected invitation to participate! Arnold and his committee decide who get to compete. I was fortunate to compete in this show four years in a row. Mak Attack Fitness Wear  participated in the Sunday Fashion show for seven years now! This is the first year without a fashion show.

I definitely have lots of pictures to share with you. Like this  one here with my MSU Spartan friend Lee Roupus. Giving me the thumbs up!

Here is Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger walking by our booth. There were obviously lots of fans trying to take his picture. When I was competing in the show, he would come back stage and visit with us. Now that he is governor – he can no longer do that. He has his secret service, body guards, and security that escort him around.





Danny J and I are smiling for the cameras. We worked near each other last year at the Arnold – a great gal and fellow competitor.




Here are a few of the other gals that worked at the booth – they handed out sample supplements, magazines, and answered questions about Infinite products. (check out the Mak Attack Fitness Wear that we wore.) Two of the gals are fitness competitors, yay, and the other is a figure competitor on her way to get a pro card, yay!




Here are the men behind the scenes at Infinite Labs. What a great crew of guys to work with for the weekend!


Check out more pictures on my facebook page – if you are not a friend – just add me!


“Shape Up America Campaign”

March 15, 2010

The Shape Up America Campaign
30-City Tour To Fight The Obesity Epidemic

We will be posting the videos from the event on Wednesday March 17th – so be sure to check back and enjoy the show!!

The City Council of Los Angeles has granted Michael Torchia’s declaration to make the week of March 14th, 2010 an Annual Holiday called “Health and Fitness Week” in the State of California. Mayor Villaraigosa will personally be awarding the honor to Michael Torchia at the launch of the Shape Up America Campaign 30-city tour. This monumental occurrence is only the first stepping-stone to creating awareness of this dangerously growing epidemic of obesity taking over our country.Laura Mak and Groove Attacxk

Los Angeles, CA – Michael Torchia, founder of Operation Fitness, will be launching his Shape Up America Campaign 30-city tour with a free Health and Fitness Event at Pershing Square Park in Downtown Los Angeles on March 14th, 2010. Sinbad will act as Master of Ceremonies for the Awards portion of the event honoring Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Health Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award) and Cesar Millan (Animal Health Advocate Achievement Award). Bodybuilding.com will also be auctioning off a rare piece of equipment from the historical Muscle Beach that has been signed by the legends of bodybuilding at the Award Ceremony. The proceeds will be donated to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s After-School All-Stars Organization.

This monumental event will feature Laura Mak and the Groove Attack Dancers in a dance performance/fashion show highlighting Mak Attack Fitness Wear. This high energy routine will be spotlighting “Jonsie” and Monika along with Laura Mak, and completely entertaining for the whole family. You will be on your feet ready to move as the show and music will leave you inspired. In addition, you will be able to see some fantastic Mak Attack Fitness Wear that is made with high quality fabric, energizing colors, yet functional for the day to day activities of the busy women.

Be sure to check out the free health screenings, fitness demonstrations for children and adults, nutrition lectures, healthy cooking tips/food preparation, athletic competitions, an obstacle course challenge, boxing classes and martial arts demonstrations, Pilates and yoga classes, chair and table massages, pet health seminars, pet fitness demonstrations and dog obedience training. The Airline Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) will also be setting up a flight simulator for the kids to use at the Shape Up America Campaign event in Pershing Square Park. In addition, Craig Fuller, CEO/President of the AOPA is creating a teen entrepreneurship pilot program, so kids can learn to become pilots at an early age.

The Shape Up America Campaign is designed to increase daily physical activity and healthy eating through education by means of programming, physical infrastructure improvements and city policy changes across the nation. The campaign targets all segments of our communities, including schools, city government, civic organizations, community groups, businesses, and other people who live, work and play in America. The goal is to show people how they can create fun, simple ways of working out, along with participating in stimulating activities at home, at the office, in a park or even in the wilderness. In addition, pet owners will learn innovative ways to get their pets in shape and on a healthy track with proper nutrition and sensible exercise.

Laura Mak and Groove Attack DancingSpecial guest appearances include: Bill Germanakos, the winner of the “Biggest Loser” (lecturing), Scott Mendelson (world renowned strongman who will bench press over 1000 pounds), Laura Mak (Internationally recognized fitness expert and Lifestyle Fitness Coach), Renowned Doctors, Fitness Experts, Holistic Practitioners, Pro Athletes, Bodybuilding Champions, and Celebrities from the entertainment industry.

Health organizations who have already joined forces for the Shape Up America 30 City Tour include: The American Diabetes Association, The Alzheimer’s Association, The National Fibromygalia Association, The Liver Foundation, The American Red Cross, The National MS Society, The American Heart Association, and The American Cancer Society.

For additional information on Shape Up America,  send an email to Laura@MakAttackFitness.com.

Kitson, Red Carpet, and Laura Mak

December 15, 2009

Last week the popular Beverly Hills store Kitson held a toy drive for the “LA Mission”, in conjuction with Jim Henson’s launch party of the Fraggle Rock Clothing and costume jewelry collection.Laura-Mak-Kitson-Headshot1 Laura-Mak-Kitson-winter


There were several celebrities in attendance such as Paris & Nicky Hilton, Carmen Electra, “Dancing with the Stars” Gilles Marini, Karina Smirnoff, Samantha Harris, Shana Moakler, Debi Mazar, Monet Mazur & son, Melissa Joan Hart & son, Vanessa Marcil & family, Joey Lawrence & wife, Kevin Sorbo & family, Stephanie Pratt, Annie Duke & Joe Reitman, Ziggy Marley & family, Allison Janney, Kellie Martin, Meaghan Martin, Molly Quinn, Britanny Curran, Katie Gill, Chloe Bridges, Ashley Argota, Jordan Pruitt, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Jonathan Morgan Heit, Red Fraggle and more.

Laura-Mak-Jennifer-Kitson-FraggleRock Laura-Mak-friends-Kitson

The event was in support of a great cause, the “LA Mission” which was created 70 years ago as a nonprofit organization serving the homeless living on the streets of downtown’s Skid Row. They have saved many lives and have had a profound impact on thousands of others by providing compassionate, humanitarian services to those in desperate need.

 

Laura-Mak-Jen-Kitson-Snow Laura-Mak-Jennifer-Wilson.Kitson

My friend Jennifer and I enjoyed out time at the event with our friends. David, from David Levi Entertainment was there posing with a few of the Fraggles. The event not only had Fraggle Rock characters for the holiday-winter theme but also brought in real snow and real “fake” snowflakes (they were made out of cornstarch so the flakes didn’t ruin the appetizers or drinks.) If you’re not used to the snow it could be cool, but if you grew up in, well, it is still cool!


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