My NEW Author Page at Amazon.com

You haven't arrived until...

I am so excited and pleased to announce and bring to you my author page at Amazon.com.

CLICK HERE to check it out!

Thanks and enjoy...

Also, pretty soon you will be able to see my blog there too at Amazon, as well as trailers for my books!

YAY!

Behind the Lens 004 - Random Tidbits in Drag Over the Years

As I continue on with my archiving old photographs project, I decided to mix it up by going back and forth between my works in front of and behind the camera. It's funny how this has turned out, as that is how my life has been. Between making my videos and doing my photo shoots as a photographer and then, in turn, as a model or my self-portraits to practice different looks AND to practice photo editing - it has been this constant back and forth that has been the course of my careers in entertainment, writing and photography.

That being said, while it is a challenge to focus, I have had fun playing the actor - as I have had to wear several different hats to look at myself, my models and my work objectively. As I get older, I have learned to set up a shot or to know when to throw away a bad take without losing the vision of the overall end project. There would have been the day some years ago that I wouldn't cut anything - thus the 20-minute soliloquy's in my play The Ashley Correspondence or the numerous crap snapshots from years gone by that I look at with laughter now...if not embarrassment.

I have learned to go with the flow, appreciate some of my past works and look forward to some future projects... YAY!

Here is a hodgepodge of clicks from my entertainment works with a blip or blurb (a memory) from each, for with these Behind the Lens posts it is all about the story behind the photo...

Miss Other Side 2000 Talent Competition;

hair, makeup & photo by Diva Kingsley

For the first time in my drag career, I had back up dancers. I was really going for that title... Here I am with Adam (l) and Billy(r) and we did Lovin' Is Really My Game, by Brainstorm... It was a high energy, dance number and we had a ball with it. I ended up getting 1st alternate in the contest though... I was gracious and it was just as good, as the club closed about six months later. That would have been a bummer!

Miss Other Side 200 Evening Gown Competition;

hair, makeup & photo by Diva Kingsley

I felt so elegant and Nickki Stevens beautiful jewelry just set everything off just right. I have never been a 'contest queen' - some female impersonators are so good at it and can compete all the time, doing very well. I have won or been appointed a few titles in my career, but it just was never my thing. I prefer to do a show and support my fellow castmates and friends in the endeavors. The Other Side was just a cool bar and I thought how cool? The name of the title...hahaha... Miss Other Side Lounge...ahhhh *snap* *snap*

In Session at the Disc Ltd. Recording Studio; 1995

WOW! It is funny because most people publicly have seen me mostly in drag over the years on my various websites. Funny, only because I am 'in face' about 5% of the time and the other 95% of the time I am more like this...LOL. I don't live my life as a woman. Some of my fellow artisans do and that is their life choice and brava diva to them if they can pull it off - and some do in fierce and fabulous fashion. That being said, I do not. I am a dude, man. LOL. I get gussied up for the shows and the entertainment aspect of it. Plus, I think the makeup and attire bring out a more vivacious and alluring side of me... Yessss, sir!!!

photo by Diva Kingsley

ooh in the early to mid 90s I had this platinum blonde phase that I am soooo glad I got over...lol. It was a lot of maintenance.

the Florida version of myself in 2007...

I was born and raised in Detroit and lived there for the first 36 years of my life...

I moved to Florida in 2006 and LOVE IT! Still love my Detroit peeps,

but I discovered there is so much more to the world by making that move.

photo by Steven Albert; 2002

at the 2002 Performer Awards of Detroit

Yes, I did a drag show at a Border's Bookstore!

Hey, what can I say, I am a multi-faceted writer and entertainer...

I loved that show because people - families with their kids - stopped and watched, AND enjoyed what they were witnessing. We had fun with it and I was so proud to do it.

Here I am with Nancy Ross at my 39th birthday show in 2009 at Monkey Business.

Nancy is a fan favorite at my YouTube channel and has won five career Cassone Channel Honors for their work there. Always brings a smile to my face. Photo by Sherman Rosser.

Owwwwwwww!!!

photo by Sherman Rosser; 2009

At Regine's Off the Park; photo by Steven Albert, 2002

WOW! I never felt more accepted than when I would get together with DeAngela 'Show' Shannon and her 'children of the corn' LOL and perform on Monday nights at Regine's in Detroit. Reggie, the bar owner (rest his soul), was always a firm supporter and a fan of mine for many years; a very generous man. I say what I say about acceptance, because it was like performing at the Apollo in New York. African-American audiences WANT to SEE a GREAT show! What had peeved me for many years (and still does) is racism within the gay community. It is like an oxymoron. I used to get talked about so much because of my support of the queens and male entertainers in the African-American community, because I dated African-American men - I heard about it all too often...and from both sides of the debate. THAT being said, there is nothing more rewarding than to win over a tough, wanting to be entertained to the highest degree, African-American audience because they will expose the bad, but soooo appreciate it when you are good (no matter who you are or the color of your skin) - and it was one of the few places back home where I kinda sorta... I dunno - felt like a STAR! And I have never forgotten the kind people there and those fabulous shows we use to put on... Owwwwww!

now THAT was a fun wig! LOL

At the Rainbow Room; photo by Nkosi Figueroa, 2004

photo by Steven Albert, 2002

photo by Steven Albert, 2002

photo by Nkosi Figueroa; 2004

As you see I change up my look a lot...lol.

*sigh*

Such memories...most of them good. Glad I could share some with you. Now, I need a cocktail - just kidding :>))

Behind the Lens 003 - A Few Good Men

Over the years, I have worked with some talented men who have modeled in front of my lens. You never really know how shallow people can be until they are critiquing your photography of male models or, in my case, guys or male friends who were kind enough to strike a pose for me. In my photography career, I have met the most scrutiny in my photography of male models, or models who happen to be male. Some of it, early on was due to my level of knowledge and ability as a beginning guy (or queen...LOL) with a camera. While I still have a lot to learn, I know better now, especially with my works earlier this year with my male models, German and Rob, that I have improved significantly. There are still some things I want to achieve, but when I get nasty comments on my various sites - it is usually because I just don't seem get it right with the fellas. Maybe that is because a lot of the people looking at my works with male models are looking for something more in line with a porn site, than an artsy fartsy sort such as myself. While I appreciate a good eye candy session now and again, that has its place and the photographers who shoot male nudes, whether artistic or not in nature, are usually well-versed in that type of photography. It is whole different ball game insofar as lighting, set up, even talent. I consider the sources, as usually the person posting such comments has no works of their own to showcase. I am proud of any of my models who have stepped in front of my camera. They were all professional in their demeanor, took direction well and showed up on time. What more could a photographer want? Now, as I was learning, sure not every shot was a magazine cover - but they weren't all 'snapshots' either.

Here are a few from my earlier works that I still look at with pride...

Bronzed Yungin' - Model: Jeuvel Milner

Jeuvel was one of my very first models. We were both learning at the same time. We both like this over the shoulder glance of his.

Wicked, Model: Jeuvel Milner

We had a little bit of fun for Halloween. I couldn't believe I demonized this poor guy. We had fun with it though. It's funny because he was one of the nicest guys to work with. I should have created some angel wings instead of those wicked eyes...lol.

Justin

Deliverance, Model: Daniel Silveira

I am so proud of how far Daniel has come in his modeling. Now, he works with some of the top photographers in the business. I probably couldn't afford him now...lol. Always gave me what I wanted artistically. Very determined to get the right shot for what I was looking for.

Daniel Silveira

Dreams; Model: Justin

Justin

Justin is a good friend of Diva Kingsley's and when he came into town a few years ago, he was kind enough to let me play with my camera. That's where it is at. A lot of my models and I have exchanged artistry and talent over the years. It keeps one humble and on your toes. That is because you are dealing with people's free time, which to me is more than money. Sure, we all like to get paid, BUT a 'freebie' really isn't a 'freebie.' Justin was just a cool, cool guy to work with and he became one of my sites early heart throbs - and nobody was more surprised than him.

Tattoo, Model: Adrian

I was looking for a bad boy type and my friend came into town with his new partner. Although he is a soft spoken, classical music loving chef...to look at him - I thought "GRAB MY CAMERA, STAT!" I need a thug! LOL. This one ended up being up for consideration in my Best Picture contest last year, for my Cassone Channel Honors. While it didn't make the final cut, I was pleased that my work with him got so much positive feedback from my website visitors.

Like a Rock Star, Model: Victor

Victor is a visual artist from Miami and his sinewy frame and awesome hair, helped me create this silhouette. It was something I had always wanted to do up to that point and he was a willing muse. I can hear the electric guitars every time I see this...lol.

Behind the Lens 002 - Back in the '90s

Every picture has a story and this feature on my blog is directed to that notion. I decide these first posts would be of my work in front of the the camera. I have been blessed to work with a few great artists who were an excellent match for me and my theatrical or 'drag' persona. Eventually, as I learned and experienced more as a photographer, I ended up pointing that lens inward...lol...to get some interesting self-portraits as well.

These selections are a handful more of what I did in the 1990s and the blurbs behind each one...

Bloody Mary, photo by Sharon L. Cassone (1996)

God Bless my mother... this is a rare find from her. Through the years and due to life circumstances, I lost a lot of the photos she had taken of me from my earlier career. This was from the show The Extravaganza IV: Spellbound & Speechless, which ran at Club 246 in downtown Detroit and was the most successful installment of that series and I still use this photo annually around Halloween. Lilyne Zook designed the outfit. I have no idea what I was even doing in that moment in time, as that show was so off the hook and fun. Ahh, the memories.

makeup & photo by Diva Kingsley; a black and white variation of the photo from the earlier post... playing in makeup: The early days...haha

Miss Sam's Tiffany's Eternity, photo by Deborah Oliver

An 'eternity' only because the club got raided on drug-infested night in Detroit, thus the long standing club with quite a history filled with many good memories over the span of several decades and for many people in the Gay night club scene - all because of a selfish bar owner who cared more about peddling dope and less about his patrons and the entertainers, bartenders, spot light operators, DJs and production staff who counted on his pay to get on with their daily lives. Don't even get me started...

Sketch, by Anonymous

a fan did this drawing for me, but asked I not reveal their identity ever. hell, I don't even remember who did this for me anymore (just kidding), but I LOVE IT!

Miss Sam's Tiffany's Eternity, photo by Deborah Oliver

another variation

Miss Universe 2010

Well... Who am I? LOL.

Congratulations to Miss Mexico Jinena Navarette. When I did all of my preliminary 'judging' last night reviewing all of the materials - she was on the radar, so I am not too disappointed. I am a bit disappointed in Miss Philippines...the girl just didn't answer the question and it cost her dearly. My pick was Jamaica because I thought she was the most steady and consistent throughout, but I am just an opinion.

The official results are in...

4th Runner Up: Miss Philippines - Venus Raj

3rd Runner Up: Miss Ukraine - Anna Poslavska

2nd Runner Up: Miss Australia - Jesinta Campbell

1st Runner Up: Miss Jamaica - Yendi Phillips

MISS UNIVERSE 2010: Miss Mexico - Jinena Navarette

Congrats to all the contestants, Donald Trump and the Miss Universe organization... I swear it is the best pageant of its kind out there.

I had fun doing this real time report for my little readership.

Whew! That was work...LOL.

Pictured: Miss Universe 2010 - Jinena Navarette (Mexico)

CREDIT TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER.

Top Five, Final Question and My Pick - Miss Universe 2010 Coverage

Okay...

Very excited!

Top five are:

Miss Mexico - Jinena Navarette

Miss Australia - Jesinta Campbell

Miss Jamaica - Yendi Phillips

Miss Ukraine - Anna Poslavska

Miss Philippines - Venus Raj

Hmmm...some of them disappointed me in in the final question by not answering the question... it happens, Venus.

That being said:

Here are MY final picks...

My 4th Runner Up: Miss Mexico - Jinena Navarette

My 3rd Runner Up: Miss Ukraine - Anna Poslavska

My 2nd Runner Up: Miss Australia - Jesinta Campbell

My 1st Runner Up: Miss Philippines - Venus Raj

My Miss Universe: Miss Jamaica - Yendi Phillips

I was really pulling for Miss Philippines, but she really didn't answer her question to my personal liking - trust me, in 22 years you done did at least one thing negative! LOL. Ye that is all perfect. I hope she was just nervous, for her sake. Yendi was the most consistent throughout and just fabulous.

We shall see.

This was fun.

I will wrap up tonight's coverage in a bit with the actual results.

Pictured: Yendi Phillips, Miss Jamaica (my pick for Miss Universe 2010)

CREDIT TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER.

Top 10, Evening Gown Competition and Special Categories - Miss Universe 2010 Coverage

Top 10 Contestants for Miss Universe 2010 are:

Miss Ireland - Rozanna Purcell

Miss Albania - Angela Martini

Miss Philippines - Venus Raj

Miss Jamaica - Yendi Phillips

Miss Mexico - Jinena Navarette

Miss Ukraine - Anna Poslavska

Miss Puerto Rico - Mariana Paola Vicente

Miss South Africa - Nicole Flint

Miss Guatemala - Jessica Torres

Miss Australia - Jesinta Campbell

My top five in THIS category are: Ireland; Jamaica; Mexico; Australia & Ukraine (in that order)

Overall MY top five finalists are: Jamaica; Mexico; Ireland; Philippines & Ukraine (with Australia REALLY close...OY - in that order)

We shall see...Woo hoo! LOL.

The time flies when your are blogging in real time.

Pictured: Miss Ireland - Rozanna Purcell

Miss Australia - Jesinta Campbell won Congeniality and Miss Thailand - Fonthip Watcharatrakul won both the Photogenic and National Costume Honors.

For more in depth coverage, photos and community check out the Miss Universe website HERE.

CREDIT TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER!

Top 15 and Swimsuit Competition - Miss Universe 2010 Coverage

The top 15, but here goes:

Miss Puerto Rico - Mariana Paola Vicente

Miss Ukraine - Anna Poslavska

Miss Mexico - Jimena Navarette

Miss Belgium - Cilou Annys

Miss Ireland - Rozanna Purcell

Miss South Africa - Nicole Flint

Miss France - Malika Menard

Miss Australia - Jesinta Campbell

Miss Jamaica - Yendi Phillips

Miss Russia - Irina Antonenko

Miss Albania - Angela Martini

Miss Colombia - Natalia Navarro

Miss Guatemala - Jessica Torres

Miss Czech Republic - Jitka Valkova

and Miss Philippines - Venus Raj

These contestants make up the top 15 and in Swimsuit Competition my top faves were: Jamaica; Mexico; Philippines; Ireland and Puerto Rico (in that order)

and overall MY top five thus far in the competition are: Jamaica; Philippines; Mexico; Puerto Rico and Russia (in that order so far)

Pictured: Yendi Phillips, Miss Jamaica

CREDIT TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER.

Behind the Lens 001 - In the Beginning

Every picture has a story. I have been getting poked and prodded as to when I will be penning the next installment of my memoir. My readership has grown in the past couple of years and I am very grateful. I think that is part of the delay, because I have had some more living to do and, of course, due to that living I have grown. Some things I wrote about in the past books I have a totally different perception about. So, for me, it has been more so HOW and WHAT, rather than WHEN. I am very close to writing the meat of the next book. I already have my outline, so be patient.

This telling of my life story is always a huge self-examination process. AND because I will be telling of my careers from both in front of and behind the camera, I thought I would start up with little tidbits from 'behind the lens.' As for the models of choice, I will begin with some of my own choice works from the past and present. I have not worked with a lot of photographers, but I have been very happy with our results.

As a female impersonator for the past fifteen years and an actor the past 22 years, I look back and wish I would have had more photos from my earlier career. I know people out there have footage of me, at least stills so I will be reaching out to them to assist me in the archiving of my earlier career. Each post will have five photos along with a caption about it. When I ever finish sharing my own modeling works, I will do the same with models I have blessed to work with as a photographer.

Enjoy my works!

from the motion picture, Scattered Pictures

directed by Delton Murphy

In a lot of ways, one could say Delton is my drag father. LOL. He cast me to portray a transvestite who becomes yet another hapless victim of a serial killer. One of the serial killer's nits is that he photographs his kills for his trophy case. This photo was taken after a little dip in the tub. Yes, yes, it was fun being drowned the striking a pose... My first time in 'drag' was in 1993 for this film, which finally premeired in 2009.

photo by Diva Kingsley

ahh, Diva has become the quintessential professional makeup artist, as well as an entertainer in their own right. I was always happy to be Diva's canvas in those early days. Here we were one afternoon in the early 1990's at their condo playing in makeup. Toss on some earrings and wrap a feather boa around my hat and VOILA!

photo by Diva Kingsley

Blonde Ambition...owww... photo by Diva Kingsley

I chose my drag name (back then) as Miranda Davison, after actress Miranda Richardson and actor Jaye Davidson from the film The Crying Game. I loved both of their performances and when I started doing my Extravaganza series, I had to come up with a name. I was gonna use Miranda Richardson, but the I thought everybody would think I was trying to be her, so I swapped the last name and dropped the second 'd'. Those first shows were at Slammer's Lounge on East Davison in Detroit, so it just made sense for 'Davison'.

Miss Sam's Tiffany's Eternity

clad in a Destiny Hunter original, hanging out backstage at a show at Stiletto's as Deborah Oliver snapped the night away. I ended up using variations of this 1999 photo for my promotional materials for a long time. It was shortly after my mother passed away and this 'look' was one I had during my reign as Miss Sam's Tiffany's that my mother helped create and hone and love, which was huge in our relationship. My mother became very supportive of all of my art, writings, any and everything - she was my fiercest critic and I miss her very much to this day.