And the Winner Is?

Congratulations to Jessie Nunez! 

You are the lucky winner of the Exclusive Limited Edition Signed and Numbered, Wings of Angels Publishing Pack!

The team at Wings of Angels was truly moved by your response to your reasons for wanting to win the Wings of Angels Publishing Pack.

"I would LOVE to win this Publishing Pack for my hubby! He introduced me to the world of Rockabilly Music as well to the art of Pin Up seven years ago and I was hooked. I would love to win this for him as a graduation present to show how extremely proud I am of him. He is a disabled military vet (Navy, Army, and Air Force) and has overcome many obstacles including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other physical disabilities to receive his Bachelor's degree and continues to work towards his Master’s Degree. He is truly a great example of perseverance and determination as well as an inspiration to others facing obstacles as well as to our children. Not to mention, he is a huge military history enthusiast and a big fan of Claire Sinclair. I know that this would truly mean a lot to him and it would also mean a lot to me to be able to give this to him for his great accomplishments. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you a prosperous new year!
Thanks!
Jessie"

Well Jessie, we hope you'll send us pictures on the Wings of Angels Publishing Pack once you receive it. We'd love to post it for everyone to see once it's found a permanent home with you and your hubby. Please check your email for details on how to claim your publishing pack prize. Again congratulations on winning this truly one of a kind Limited Edition Wings of Angels Publishing Pack. We thank you and your hubby for your dedication and service to our country!

Last Day to Enter!

Today's the last day to enter my latest giveaway before the winner of the Wings of Angels Publishing Pack is announced tomorrow and trust me, this one is for the true collector of WWII Pinups and Aviation. There is so much in this Limited Edition, signed and number Wings of Angels Publishing Pack. This will be the only giveaway of this Publishing Pack and there is so many great things tucked inside you don't want to miss out on.

If you haven't yet entered to win, you only have four days left. The giveaway winner will be announced tomorrow,  Friday, January 31st and you have to have met all the contest criteria to be assured you are part of the group to be considered for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Here is your flight check list!

1. Are you a Wings of Angels Blog Member, not a Facebook follower?
          Yes, proceed to step 2.
          No, click on this link and click on the right side bar "Join This Site" and follow prompts.

2. Have you "Liked" my Malak Photography.com Facebook page?
          Yes, proceed to step 3.
          No, click this link to go to Malak Photography's Facebook page. Once you're there, click the
          "Like" button.

3. Have you left a detailed comment telling me why you want to win this Exclusive Giveaway?
          Yes, proceed to step 4.
          No, click on this link and leave me a detailed comment telling me why you want to win this Exclusive
          Limited Edition Wings of Angels Publishing Pack.

4. Did you include your email address with your comment for the giveaway?
          Yes, proceed to step 5.
          No, click on this link and include your email address. Without an email address, I can't notify you if
          you are the lucky winner of the giveaway. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead.

5. Congratulations! You are now eligible to be a part of the Wings of Angels Limited Edition Exclusive  Publishing Pack! Now all you have to do is wait to see if you are the lucky winner on tomorrow!

4 Days Left! Have You Entered?

Just four more days remain before the winner of the Wings of Angels Publishing Pack is announced and trust me, this one is for the true collector of WWII Pinups and Aviation. There is so much in this Limited Edition, signed and number Wings of Angels Publishing Pack.

If you haven't yet entered to win, you only have four days left. The giveaway winner will be announced on Friday, January 31st and you have to have met all the contest criteria to be assured you are part of the group to be considered for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Here is your flight check list!

1. Are you a Wings of Angels Blog Member, not a Facebook follower?
          Yes, proceed to step 2.
          No, click on this link and click on the right side bar "Join This Site" and follow prompts.

2. Have you "Liked" my Malak Photography.com Facebook page?
          Yes, proceed to step 3.
          No, click this link to go to Malak Photography's Facebook page. Once you're there, click the
          "Like" button.

3. Have you left a detailed comment telling me why you want to win this Exclusive Giveaway?
          Yes, proceed to step 4.
          No, click on this link and leave me a detailed comment telling me why you want to win this Exclusive
          Limited Edition Wings of Angels Publishing Pack.

4. Did you include your email address with your comment for the giveaway?
          Yes, proceed to step 5.
          No, click on this link and include your email address. Without an email address, I can't notify you if 
          you are the lucky winner of the giveaway. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead.

5. Congratulations! You are now eligible to be a part of the Wings of Angels Limited Edition Exclusive  Publishing Pack! Now all you have to do is wait to see if you are the lucky winner on Friday!

Wings of Angels Takes Flight!

After two very long years filled with the blood, sweat and more than a handful of tears, the Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Vol. 1 and 2 books are now available for pre-order worldwide. That's right you can save yourself a bundle in shipping by choosing the location nearest your location to reduce the amount of shipping you have to pay to have the books arrive at your doorstep on May 28th which is when the publisher has slated the book for release.

The easiest way to locate where you can pick up a copy of the book that is closest to where you live is to type the ISBN - 978-0764346408 (Volume 1) and 978-0764346415 (Volume 2) in your browsers search window.

 

Google will automatically list all the places you can pre-order the books that are close to your location. Amazon world-wide, Barnes and Noble,Schiffer Publishers, Booksamillion, and so many other local retailers are all on board to help get these books into your hands. If you are a Prime Member with Amazon, your shipping costs are generally Free! So make sure you shop around for the best value for you!

In general these volumes are selling for between $30-$40 each and you'll want to make sure you have them both so you don't miss out on anything. These first pre-order guarantees you that you will have a first edition until those run out or are sold out. Not sure when that will happen but it's always great to have a first edition book if you are a collector. Some other interesting developments are that if you purchase a Limited Edition Collector's set from Schiffer Publishing, you will get one of only 250 sets to be produced in an exclusive sleeve to house both volumes. These are guaranteed to be first editions and are being sold for $100.00 for each and only sold on Schiffer's website.

People have asked me who is in which volume or what is included in each volume and as of this moment, only the publisher has that information. It's like they say in movies, you just never know what will wind up on the cutting room floor or how they have created the books to fill two complete volumes. All of the Wings of Angels models and their planes will be displayed in these hardcover books. There will truly be something for everyone.

People have started emailing me with questions about getting theirs signed by the models of their choice or to have me autograph and personalize copies, but until the books are officially released, I can't tell you how that can be arranged. I know we will work something out at a later date and will have book signings scheduled so you can come talk with me or some of the models and have yours signed at that time. Do I know when or where that will happen, not at this time.

I know May 28th is a way off but trust me when I tell you it will be worth the wait. We will be working hard to make the time pass and continue to make sure you don't miss out on my giveaway exclusive offers by being a member of my blog. If you aren't getting notifications on your Facebook feed, please make sure you are clicking on the "Liked" button and then making sure you have "Get Notifications" checked by clicking on it. After all the updates to Facebook, it keeps defaulting you to not receiving any notifications and you have to redo it to see it in your feed. (See Photo below where the arrow indicates).

Don't forget we've got lots of surprises are coming your way. You won't want to miss out on anything!

Model Spotlight - Judy Luck

Today's Model Spotlight proudly highlights Wings of Angels Model Judy Luck, a born and bred native of Southern California who is as multi-talented in pin up modeling as she is in burlesque, and hula a go-going in her group The Hula Girls. Born on November 23rd, this 26-year-old is as beautiful as she is wise in our behind the scenes interview where she tells us her favorite color is green and she's even studying Anthropology!

1. What would you say to people who don't know where to start or how to get going to make their dreams a reality? 

I would have to say to focus on what you want, what your dream really is. I would have them search out someone like a role model or mentor who is doing just what you want and have them give you some advice. Be sure to ask about there experiences and listen to their stories.

2. What is one of the most valuable lessons you have learned from failure?

I have found that no matter what mistakes we make in life, there is always something for you to learn from it. You need to stay positive and not dwell on the negative things. I myself have learned just recently about being more independent and I'm learning more about myself along the way. Who I really am.

3. No matter who you are, critics are plenty and criticism hurts. What have you learned about managing the impact of criticism whole moving forward on purpose?

Personally, it can be very, very difficult. People will often talk about your appearance, things they might not like but I have found you have to be a lot like the celebrities and just not look at it. You know who you are inside and you can only be the best version of YOU.

Professionally, people will always want more of you but you still need to remember to be the best version of who you are and work hard at it.

4. If you could live in any period of history, which would it be and why?

I am a fan of the 1930's. Even though it was in the midst of war time, and even hearing about those struggles from my great grandparents,they always stuck together. It's not like that anymore. Families are busy, people are always on the go, we loose sight of what is important.I also love that old Hollywood look. The beautiful pictures that showed a much more glamorous side of life even though it may not have been 100% of what was going on at the time. It was still beautiful to look at, an escape, a dream.

5. Who has been your greatest role model and why?

My grandma on my dad's side even though I look up to all my grandma's. She has been through two divorces, and had to raise two children all on her own. Even though times were hard and she might have had to eat popcorn for dinner just so her kids could eat, she is amazing. She is fun and truly enjoys life to the fullest. She went zip-lining for her latest birthday and we are even taking a circus class together now!

6. What was it like working with Michael on the Wings of Angels Project?

I had three shoots with Michael and I think he is using two of them right now. It was an amazing experience. It was everything people imagine and then not everything they imagine a pin up shoot to be at the same time. You had people doing your hair and make-up, giving you amazing clothes to wear and he just has an amazing team working with him overall. We got some great photos, that I even wonder how that's me! It was fun and goofy, playing around with different poses. I've had times where working with some photographers made you feel uncomfortable but not with Michael. I am obsessed with museums and when I had time I kept asking, "Can I go look at the planes now?" I really wanted to see them and talk to the people in the museum.

 

7. How has working on the Wings of Angels project changed you?

It has opened a lot of new doors for me. I used to be seen as "cutesie" and I mentioned this to Mike. He took more glamorous pictures of me and allowed people to see a different side of me. The best part has been something I did for my great grandfather who passed away recently. He served and flew in the war in the Air Force.With the help of my family we did some searching and found out which planes he flew, as well as more history,that will be in the book as a dedication to him and the service he provided for his country.

8. What has been your greatest success in life?

Being 26, this is difficult because I'm working towards what may be my greatest successes, but I would have to say being in my band, The Hula Girls. I never thought I would say I would be in a band, but after 4 years with them they are one of the happiest things in my life. I discovered a community and culture that I never knew existed within the tiki community. I am also able to use my dance background to create shows for all age groups and I have made a great new group of friends along the way. 

9. What is your favorite photo that Mike has taken of you?

It would probably be the one I post all the time of me. It's a shot of me, sideways full body, in lingerie next to the plane. It is such a glamorous picture and even though I'm not wearing a lot, I see that picture and think, "That's me!" It's like nothing I've ever had.

10. If you could provide any advice for anyone looking to become a model, what would you say?

A lot of things. Get yourself a separate wardrobe of things you will never wear in the real world, but would definitely wear at a photo shoot. If you are going for pinups, do a lot of research. Research poses, life styles, hair and make up for the look you want. There has been a resurgence of new pin up looks but it is not like the classic pin ups at all. Seek out people you want to work with, make up, photographers, etc to find those people who take the pictures you are interested in. Find your look and what you want.

Thank you Judy Luck for taking the time today to answer these questions and giving us a little more insight into your life and into what makes you truly one of the Wings of Angels Models.

Don't forget to take advantage and pre-order your copy of Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Volumes 1 and 2 that is due out on May 28, 2014. 

You can keep in touch with Judy Luck by visiting her Facebook page The Hula Girls.

We leave you now with a look into the Behind the Scenes photo shoot with Judy Luck on the Wings of Angels project.

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Yanks Air Museum, Betty Paige Clothing, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, Ellie Shoes, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Hair and Makeup Martin Christopher, Christina Marie, Allen Freeman (Video), Robert Austin Photography (Behind the Scenes Photos)

The Idea Behind Michael's Dream

For those of you that may not have heard, Michael Malak's Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Volumes 1 and 2 are now available for pre-order at your local book retailer for release on May 28, 2014.

For an in-depth look at this project that has taken more than two years to see it finally complete, Michael takes us into the inspiration that gave birth to this project.

For those of you that are interested in pre-ordering your copies of the Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Volumes 1 and 2 and 2 please click on the links below. Don't forget by pre-ordering your hard cover books today, you are getting first editions until they are sold out So get your's today!

Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Volumes 1
Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Volumes 2

Are you ready for the Big News?

I know so many of you have been asking these questions?

When will the Wings of Angels Book be available?

Where can I order it when it does become available?

Congratulations goes out to Michael Malak as his latest pre-order release of not just one Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinup and Aviation Volume 1, but also Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinup and Aviation Volume 2!

Huh? Did you just read that right?

Two books?

Okay, I can just hear your next question, just how much will those books be?

Are you ready for this? $39.99 for each volume. Some local online retailers are offering a price-break as well through Amazon and Barnes and Noble for $30.59 for each volume!

So where can you pre-order yours now to ensure you have one when they release on May 28, 2014?

• Schiffer Publishing
• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• Bookamillion.

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd; 1 edition (May 28, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764346407
• ISBN-13: 978-0764346408

Each volume is a beautiful illustrated hardcover with 160 pages showcasing a 2 year long project in the making now finally available for pre-order. Trust me, you'll definitely one to grab one of these collector's edition Wings of Angels books today before they are SOLD OUT!

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd; 1 edition (May 28, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764346415
• ISBN-13: 978-0764346415

Join me in congratulating Michael Malak for seeing his dream come true!!!I've ordered mine today, have you?

1944 North American NA-88 Texan (AT-6D) (SNJ-5)

Today's Tribute to WWII Aircraft highlights the North American NA-88 Texan (AT-6D) (SNJ-5) the plane featured in Judy Luck's Wings of Angels Photo Shoot. This beautiful plane currently resides at Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.

"In 1937 North American won the Air Corp design competition to produce the new combat trainer that developed into the AT-6.

The most universally used trainer in the allied air forces. Known as the AT-6 by the USAAF, the T-6 after 1948, was produced well into the 1950's.

Cadet training consisted of 26 weeks of pre-flight, 11 weeks primary training in the N3N and 22 weeks advanced training in the SNJ.

Carrier landings, gunnery, bombing and rocket attack were completed and finally the reserve officer was moved to a combat training team.

The attack on Pearl Harbor found the Navy with only 4,000 combat pilots.  By the end of the war there were 60,747 Navy aviators.

Over 2,000 AT-6's remained in service after WWII also serving abroad as the famous T-6F Harvard.
This powerful trainer was very successful in prepping pilots for fighter aircraft." (Yanks Air Museum)

The North American Aviation T-6 Texan was a single-engined advanced trainer aircraft used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Forces, United States Navy, Royal Air Forceand other air forcesof the British Commonwealth during World War II and into the 1950s, and of Israel. Designed by North American Aviation, the T-6 is known by a variety of designations depending on the model and operating air force. The USAAC and USAAF designated it as the AT-6, the United States Navy the SNJ, and British Commonwealth air forces, the Harvard, the name it is best known by outside of the US. After 1962, US forces designated it the T-6. It remains a popular warbird aircraft used for airshow demonstrations and static displays. It has also been used many times to simulate the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero in movies depicting WWII in the Pacific.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: North American
First Produced: 1938
Horsepower: 550
Service Ceiling: 24,200 feet
Top Speed: 205 mph
Range: 750 miles
Armament: (1) .30 cal forward firing machine gun, (1) .30 cal machine gun in rear cockpit

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Wings of Angels, Yanks Air Museum

Got Questions for Judy Luck?

Now is the time to begin to post your questions for Wings of Angels Model, Judy Luck who will be featured in Saturday's Model Spotlight. You can post them on Malak Photography.com Facebook page or in the comment box below. There is no limit to the amount of questions you can ask and be sure to check back on Saturday to see if your question was "lucky" enough to be answered.

Sponsor Spotlight - LTW Custom Cosmetics

LTW was created by Lynn Tassinari Wegiel, a professional makeup artist, so you can be sure you are getting the highest and best in product and performance.


So what makes LTW Custom Cosmetics Custom?

Our Custom Blend Lipstick and Lip Glosses are taking the beauty industry by storm! These sexy shades are hand crafted to your specifications by adding specialty additives to existing shades such as flavors, scents and anti-aging treatments. Color matching is also available.  If you have a shade of discontinued lipstick, we can duplicate it for you. Have a dress you want to match? Send us a swatch we will create it for you. Custom Blended lip products can also be ordered without additives.

We also want you to feel confident with your choices so we offer the Try Before You Buy option.  Here you can order sample swatches of our Creme Stix Foundations and all of our Lipsticks from the Ready To Wear line as well as the Custom Blend line. We offer free shipping when ordering these on their own.

Our other feature of the line is our 6 Pan empty compact. This holds any combination of Shadows, Blush and Brush On Brows. You fill it the way you want it. This eliminates makeup bag clutter by having it all in one convenient compact and eliminates waste. Make several for your collections or just one the way you like it. The compact is refillable and magnetized so you can use it over and over again. This saves you money in the long run. The Eyeshadow pans are larger than average so our products will last a long time.

Unleash your Secret Sexy with LTW Custom Cosmetics 7 super hot collection. What every woman wants to be for 5 minutes…Movie Star, Rock Star, Temptress, Showgirl, Vamp, Bad Girl and our latest Pin Up! Transform yourself into your secret desire with these beautiful, fun and sexy shades. More collections are in the works, so keep checking back for updates.

Don't forget to check out the "Wings of Angels" Pin Up Collection! Authenitc Pin Up shades created for Malak Photography.com book project "Wings of Angels, A Tribute to WWII Pin Up and Aviation." 

Be sure to look for LTW Custom Cosmetics on Facebook for all the latest products available for you.  

Limited Edition Publishing Pack Giveaway!

There are a few more day left to ensure you are part of my latest giveaway for an Exclusive Wings of Angels Publishing Pack. This is not something that you can buy or find on Ebay and is truly a one of a kind must have for collectors of WWII models and aircraft.

So what does this publishing pack include? I can tell you from personal experience as Michael's sister, in seeing this close up from that just the packaging alone is incredible with Claire Sinclair on the cover. This Wings of Angels Publishing Pack box alone was hand crafted personally to house the items you will find inside. The box measures 1 1/8 inches thick, by 17 3/4 inches long by 11 3/4 inches wide. Inside you will find a mock up draft induction notice, project overview sheets and detailed book description, a Wings of Angels Newspaper Front Page, an 11 x 17 print on silver metallic paper of cover model Claire Sinclair with embossed logo, a sample of Jessamyne Rose's mock up book layout which includes (2) pages of black and white prints, (2) pages of color prints, and (2) pages of sepia tone prints;  A sponsor sample proof sheets of Claire Sinclair, Alexa Rajcova, Sarah Barton, Rosie the Riveter (features all three Rosie's used for the book, Lexie Weege, Amanda Varela, and Angela Riccio,) which each sponsor sheet showcases 8 different images per sheet; (3) mock up vintage Coca Cola ads featuring Alexa Rajcova, Claire Sinclair, and Kacie Marie. All prints in this publishing pack measure 11 x 17 and are hand numbered and signed by Michael Malak.

When Mike brought this to me over Christmas, I was simply floored by the exceptional packaging. I would have been happy simply to have the box alone. This entire package contains so many wonderful prints from WWII Pinups to the vintage Coca Cola ads that my daughters wanted to display, to a wonderful WWII draft induction notice and front page of a newspaper and so much more. You WON'T believe just how much is in this pack and the pictures don't do it justice at all. There is so much creativity that was placed into each piece of this publishing pack that if you don't get in on the opportunity to sign up, you will have missed out big time!

By the way, I did not give my daughters their Coca Cola prints because I wanted the publishing pack to stay intact. They did ask me how to participate in the giveaway so they could have a shot at it and here's what I told them.

1. Click on the link to the giveaway, Exclusive Wings of Angels Publishing Pack Giveaway. 

2. If you do not have a Twitter, Yahoo or Google account, simply click on the tab to the right hand side of the Wings of Angels Blog and click on the button that says "Join This Site." Once there it will tell you how to create a Google, Yahoo or Twitter Account. If you already have a Google, Yahoo or Twitter Account, simply click on the "Join This Site" button as well and you will be asked to become a follower of the Wings of Angels Blog. It will walk you through all the steps including selecting a picture for your follower icon.

3. Simply click on the comment button at the end of the giveaway blog post to add your comment. Tell us why you think you should win this exclusive giveaway in detail if possible. You could share with us what you plan on doing with it, who you plan on giving it to, or tell us what has motivated you to enter the giveaway. The more details the better! You never know your story just might inspire the panel that will chose the giveaway winner! Give us your best reason!

4. Don't forget to include your email address. You can even use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols for spamming security. But if you don't include it, we can't notify you if your the lucky winner! Who wants to miss out on that.

5. Finally, just by being a Facebook follower doesn't mean you're entered. We are verifying all the criteria is being followed to ensure you're entered to win. But don't forget if you haven't stopped by the Malak Photograpy Facebook page or Michael's personal Facebook page, be sure you do and "Like" his page.

The giveaway ends on January 31st and we will be emailing the winner at that time. You will have 72 hours to reply to the email before another winner will be selected. So don't miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime. 

The Heritage Flight of Electra Jr.

So just what does famed photographer Michael Malak do for fun on the weekends, he invites his sister and brother-in-law along for an air to air photo shoot at Yanks Air Museum out in Chino, California. Under brilliant blue skies and few clouds and temperatures hovering around mid 80's, we all meet for a pre-flight check for the Lockheed 12-A Electra Jr (C-40D) (UC-40D), a plane similar to that of the one Amelia Earhart purchased and flew. Built in 1938, this nostalgic plane had quite the flying history.

This glistening beauty was polished and shined to perfection for an air to air shoot using the Texan T-6 Trainer as the plane that Michael would use for the photos you see represented here. As the pilots gathered for a pre-flight check and discussion of the types of shots that they wanted to gain, it was agreed that they would do two passovers the Yanks Air Museum before heading out to Lake Elsinore and Lake Matthews for some brilliant air to air shots that only a handful of people ever get to witness.

Michael was strapped in the gunner's seat which is capable of rotating 360 degrees allowing for freedom of movement within the plane itself. The only thing lost in the process was Michael's Texas Tech baseball cap (pictured above) probably landing somewhere over the airport or the city of Chino. If you happen to find it, please drop it off at Yanks and tell them you found Mike's hat! All in all the photo shoot was pretty incredible and can't wait for even more opportunities to do this in the future.

Some fun facts about the Lockheed 12-A Electra Jr (UC-40D) (C-40D) that is housed in Yanks Air Museum is that it was the fastest transport plane in the world. It could out-climb and out-fly any other twin, it handled nicely, had power to spare and pilots liked to fly it. Night crossings and poor terrain were restricted to twin aircraft in 1934, this created a need for the new Electra. Big and small businesses like the advantage of landing in many small town airports. Many options were offered including: autopilot, partitions, plush seats, couch, lavatory, desk and typewriter. The first all-metal aircraft and the first twin-engine aircraft built by Lockheed was the Electra. The fastest transport aircraft in the world was the Lockheed Electra Jr. The Electra name was made famous by the story of Amelia Earhart. A favorite of oil barons, the steel industry and the government this was a glistening, glamourous, revered aircraft. Just being inside this beauty was truly a once in a lifetime experience. (Yanks Air Museum.) 

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Yanks Air Museum, Steven Smith Photography (Behind the Scenes Photo)

Special Thanks to All Pilots involved: Lockheed Left Seat Pilot: Matt Walker, Right Seat Pilot: Frank Wright, Back Seat: Bob Haden, T-6 Camera Ship Pilot: Chris La Fave, Christen Wright

A heart felt thanks goes out to Yanks Air Museum for the opportunity to take part in this Heritage Flight of the Electra Jr Air to Air Photo Shoot! What a memorable time!

After 76 years it's still going strong!

Model Spotlight - Lexi Weege

Today's model spotlight proudly shines on Wings of Angels Model, Lexi Weege, who was one of our Rosie the Riveter models. Lexi was born on September 3rd in Western Massachusetts and has lived there her entire life and her favorite color is red! Now on to the questions some of our readers have posted for her to answer:

1. How much did you know about Rosie the Riveter before you did the Wings of Angels Shoot?

Actually it's pretty interesting! I was actually Rosie in a middle school play, so I had some background on her before I got my photo shoot with Mike!

2. What made you decide to sing blues and jazz instead of the other genres of music?

Oh that was pretty easy, I would have to say they are the truest form of music for me. If I had to start anywhere I wanted to start at the beginning with jazz and blues!

3. What is your favorite photo that Michael has taken of you?

I love them all. I don't really have a favorite. Mike is just brilliant!

4. Who is your role model and why?

My mom. She is very strong and independent woman!

5. What has been your biggest success in your life?

When I release my album on vinyl. It was having my greatest dream realized. It was 2 years in the making and something I have always wanted to do ever since I was a kid. 

6. What has been your great challenge in your life so far?

Funding my own album. I don't thing most people realize how expensive it is for a vinyl album. I've had to work two jobs just to see this come true for me.

7. What was it like working with Michael on the Wings of Angels Project?

Michael is very easy going. He was one of the first bigger jobs that I got to do. He gave very good direction and not only that he assigned me a good character that was key in representing women in history. There is a lot of power behind Rosie!

8. Who is your greatest musical inspiration?

I have a lot actually. Billie Holiday, of course; Bob Dylan for his song writing ability. He's an amazing writer and people everywhere have heard his music. He is still writing music. Bessie Smith, Lead Belly and Robert Johnson.

9. What is one misconception people have about you?

WOW! That is a really good question. I'd have to say I'm a throw it on the table kind of girl. Very honest!

10. If you could live in any period of history, which one would you pick and why?

Another great questions. I'd have to say 1930's for the beginning of the jazz period along with the 60's in New York experiencing the village and the art that was occurring at the time. 

I want to thank Lexi for taking the time to answer your questions today as we leave you with a little bit of Lexi you may not know in her first music video Cinnamon Sugar.

You can also find Lexi Weege on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest projects.

To purchase Lexi's debut CD Virgin, you can click here. 

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, My Baby Jo, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Christina Marie (Hair and Make Up), Yanks Air Museum Chino and Ellie Shoes

Name that Caption!

Love to get your best caption for this photo! Feel free to submit as many as you would like!

New Wings of Angels Prints Now Available!

I am often asked where people can purchase my prints of the Wings of Angels models. I am pleased to let you know that I have new ones available in much larger sizes that you can order through Escape Collectibles. In fact there are 147 prints available for sale in sizes ranging from 13 x 19 which are signed and numbered  to 11 x 17 prints and 8.5 by 11. The prices range from $15.95 to $149.95 with domestic shipping included. So there is something for every price range available.

All of the prints available are Fine Art Giclée professionally printed on museum quality Pearl Metallic Paper with high grade archival inks. The paper and printing ink used producing this print gives Michael's exceptional work a very unique look and depth of field. Using the Giclée method of printing renders a quality print with detail and depth of color that has impressed our buyers. Museum quality Premium Pearl Metallic Paper with high grade archival inks.

Escape Collectibles, Ltd. is an authorized and exclusive dealer of photographic artwork created by Michael Malak.We work closely with the artists we represent so that their artwork will be presented in a manner in which they intend.

Escape Collectibles offers a variety of payment methods including Secure encrypted payment via PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. All prints ship within a day and if you are not satisfied, they offer a money back guarantee. Print delivered in an acid-free archival sleeve and backing board.

To view the images available for purchase, please visit Escape Collectibles. 

Got Questions for Lexi Weege?

It's that time again for another Wings of Angel Model Spotlight. This Saturday we will be spotlighting Lexi Weege, also known as Rosie the Riveter in the Wings of Angels photo shoot. This is your opportunity to ask Lexi any question you would like and we'll grab a handful for a candid interview on Saturday. Feel free to ask as many questions as you would like.

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Yanks Air Museum, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, My Baby Jo, and Christina Marie (Hair and Makeup).

Mitchell III - The B-25J Bomber

Today's Tribute to the WWII Planes features the 1945 North American B-25J-30-NC also nick named "Mitchell III" which was the plane featured in Sarah Barton's Wings of Angels Photo shoot. This beauty can be found at the Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.


The North American B-25 Mitchell, a twin-engine bomber that became standard equipment for the Allied Air Forces in World War II, was perhaps the most versatile aircraft of the war. It became the most heavily armed airplane in the world, was used for high- and low-level bombing, strafing, photoreconnaissance, submarine patrol and even as a fighter, and was distinguished as the aircraft that completed the historic raid over Tokyo in 1942.

 
It required 8,500 original drawings and 195,000 engineering man-hours to produce the first one, but nearly 10,000 were produced from late 1939, when the contract was awarded to North American Aviation, through 1945.
Basically, it was a twin-tail, mid-wing land monoplane powered by two 1,700-hp Wright Cyclone engines.Normal bomb capacity was 5,000 pounds. Some versions carried 75 mm cannon, machine guns and added firepower of 13 .50-caliber guns in the conventional bombardier's compartment. One version carried eight .50-caliber guns in the nose in an arrangement that provided 14 forward-firing guns.

During its long career, the B-25 experienced a number of modifications. The first major change occurred with the G model that included a 75mm cannon and two fixed .50-cal. guns in the nose. The H model was the first to add additional forward firing .50-cal. guns in cheek blisters. In the J version, the most numerous variant, the aircraft returned to its initial arrangement as a level bomber, reverting to a transparent nose that included one flexible and two fixed .50-cal. guns.

Driven by requirements in the Pacific, however, field-modified Js and finally production versions once again featured a solid nose that housed eight fixed .50-cal. guns for low-level attack. In this configuration, the J model could devastate vehicles and shipping with up to 14 forward firing heavy machine guns. 

The B-25 would go on to gain national fame in the United States as the aircraft used by the famous "Doolittle Raiders", the end result having shown the American ability to bomb the heart of Tokyo from the USN carrier stationed in the Pacific (USS Hornet).

The B-25 was initially designed as a three-crew high-mounted wing bomber utilizing twin Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S6C-3 radial engines.By the end of its production run, the system would be overhauled to include 5 to 6 crew members in various gun positions, a shoulder mounted wing assembly, and twin Wright GR-2600-A71 radial engines. After over 9800 were produced, the Mitchell had evolved into a host of variants that included trainers, dedicated ground strike, reconnaissance and torpedo carriers.

The more identifiable B-25s were a twin-engine design with radials mounted underneath either wing element. The forward fuselage was a green-house type of design affording the forward-locating gunners and bombardiers a good field of vision. The pilot and co-pilot sat in a raised location just behind the nose assembly and had good vision forward, above and to the sides. A top dorsal turret was included and was mounted with twin .50 caliber machine guns. Waist gunner positions were added with single .50 caliber guns, as was a twin .50 caliber gun position in the tail. The b-25 made use of a powered-tricycle landing gear system and a decent internal bomb bay. Twin rudder assemblies differentiated the system from other similar looking twin-engine medium bombers of American design. 

Photo Credits; Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Yanks Air Museum.