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)

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

Model Spotlight - Sarah Barton

Today's Wings of Angels Model Spotlight shines itself on Sarah Barton! Sarah was born on July 12th and grew up in North Dakota by has lived in Wyoming since she was 16. She is a gorgeous mom to a wonderful 13-year-old daughter and is a licensed esthetician! In case you didn't know what that is she's a skin care specialist who is definitely great and talented at what she does because she looks amazing! So now it's time to learn more about Sarah Barton who was wonderful enough to take the time to answer some of your questions!

Terry Myers wanted to know 1. What has been you greatest modeling accomplishment and (2) what is your greatest roadblock? 

My greatest modeling accomplishment is #1 the Wings of Angels Project. I have been wanting to be a part of the Pin Up photos for quite some time and really wanted someone who I worked well with and who provided the types of photos I would be proud of. I loved going to places like Italy to do some magazine shoots which were definitely a whole lot different than you would expect. They wanted you screaming or yelling in your photos, so for me that was definitely a whole lot different that what you see here.

My greatest roadblock has been myself. It has been a challenging time for me in learning to face my own fears. There have been so many opportunities presented to me that I couldn't face because of my own fears getting in the way. That is why I got into modeling was to learn to grow as a person and to face those fears. I have always struggled with self esteem but have been on a journey of seeking out who I really am and in learning how to push myself to do the things I've wanted. I faced down my fear of flying in order to visit the locations I've wanted to do photo shoots in.

Quack 42 asked Sarah "(1) How do you find about shooting assignments, and then (2) how do you decide those which are attractive to you?

I got most of my assignments through Model Mayhem. I also Google the locations I want to visit as well as photographers who are taking the types of photos I admire. I actually do quite a bit of extensive research and background into the photographer I'm considering. I look for ones whose work is clean and images I would be proud to show my family and friends. As a model you are always worried of those photographers who take advantage of models and I didn't want to fall into one of those situations. I;m pretty religious and didn't want to put myself in a compromising situation and again wanted photos that my family would be proud of. I've always wanted photos that looked like paintings.

What's it like to work with Michael Malak?

Michael is a lot of fun!!! He has such an amazing sense of humor. He is funny and had me laughing all of time. That made working with him so much fun! We actually became good friends both before and after my photo shoot and will continue to do so. He so amazing to work with!

Who is your role model, and why?

Jesus Christ! It's simple actually because during my own search of discovering who I am, I have realized that He is the only source of peace and comfort. I have found that when I put my focus on Jesus and give him 100%, it definitely makes me stronger. It shows me what I am capable of and its more than I could ever have imagined!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Oh wow, that's a tough question. I had never thought of something like that before. I guess in order to have someone play me, they'd really have to know who I am first. I'll have to think about that one a bit. Can I get back to you on that one?

If you could visit any period in time, what would it be and why?

That would be easy for me, it would be when Jesus was alive. I would have loved to have met Him, to experience was life was like to just be around Him. To watch Him, listening to Him talk and just get to know Him by physically being here. It would have been incredible to have been part of that story.

What is your favorite photo that Michael has taken?

Oh that one was easy it's the one sitting on the bomb, "Bombs Away" I think that one was funny but I love it. I also love my Sinister Shadows photo, I'm not sure what it's called but I'm holding a gun. Mike knows what it's called. I love that one!

What has been the biggest benefit of being part of the Wings of Angels project, personally and professionally?  

 Professionally I have slowed down a bit. I am not doing that much in the way of modeling at least right now. I have learned so much about me during my life and what I've gone through right now and can look back and see so much growth for me personally. I have learned to love myself and it's not so much about being pretty enough but it's about learning to find something much deeper than your 5 minutes of fame in this life. So I believe you need something more to get you through life and I believe I've found that now. I am still growing and learning! I am thankful I got to meet Mike. It's been a couple of years of knowing him and we are still great friends!

I want to personally thank Sarah Barton for taking the time to answer your questions in today's Model Spotlight. As you can see, she is truly a beautiful person both inside and out.We leave you now with the Behind the Scenes Photo Shoot of Sarah's!

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Robert Austin Photography (Behind the Scenes), Hair and Make Up by Christina Marie, Yanks Air Museum, Ellie Shoes, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, Bettie Page Clothing and Allen Freeman (video)

Model Spotlight ~ Ashten Goodenough

Today's Wings of Angels Model Spotlight shines its light on Ashten Goodenough, and yes, contrary to what you may believe, that is her real last name as she confirmed in our interview today. It is German in origin. Ashten was born on October 18th in Boise, Idaho and for the last six years has been living in San Diego working on her education. In fact, she just obtained her Masters in Fashion and Graphic Design this October. She plans on spending time with her dad and her friends celebrating Christmas in true California style hanging out at the beach and dining out. Oh and her favorite color is blue!

1. Are you a full-time model? And if not, what else do you do?

No, believe it or not I am modeling part time for now as I just finished getting my Masters degree this last October in Fashion and Graphic Design. I'm still trying to figure out if I want to go back to school or take up modeling more now that I have time. Still deciding.

2. What did your parents think of you being a model and were they supportive of you?

My dad was definitely the more supportive of my parents and really saw a future in that for me, while my mom was more hesitant. She was very protective and wanted me to go into the medical field. I had to learn to sift through the shady photographers out there and I think I have a really good head on my shoulders.

3. How did you feel in your first photo shoot?

Oh, I was so nervous! My first shoot was with Paige Craig in Los Angeles doing a lifestyle shoot. She made it simple in doing it on location in this beautiful park with an amazing wardrobe. It was a fun, active shoot and it was a great experience for my first photo shoot. She wanted to bring out my personality, and wanted me to simply be myself and smile and laugh. Then of course, she did what she does best and took some amazing pictures in the process.

4. If a young girl or boy wanted to be a model, what would your advice be for them?

Definitely research poses and facial expressions online and practice a lot in front of the mirror. Then find yourself an agency. Agencies can take you far in the modeling process and also keep you safe. Those two things are the best advice I can give.

5. What has it meant to you to be part of the Wings of Angels Project?

LOVED it!! It was such an honor to be picked by Michael. The funny thing is that it has been over a year since doing my photo shoot and I've met some great people in the whole process. I've met  some amazing people and we talk about the planes used in the WWII while working on fashion. It's been a trade off learning from people in the industry that combines history and fashion together and after all this time it's still benefiting me.

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

It would be the one in front of the Corsair's left wing by the bombs with my left hand on my hip, saluting with one leg up. I'm wearing an Navy hat in my Secrets in Lace lingerie. I love everything about that picture. It shows everything of me and everything about the plane. 

7. What is your best memory of working with Michael?

Honestly, it would have to be all the time in between shots, just us laughing. We just clicked. He is so comforting to work with. We had a photo shot with 60 mph winds and he just created some incredible pictures despite having a difficult time to work in the wind with the hair in my face and being cold outside, and us just laughing about it. He is so good at capturing those incredible pictures. Even now our friendship remains close and we stay in constant contact.

8. How has being a part of the Wings of Angels project changed your perspective of the 1940's and WWII?

Oh I have a lot more respect and honor for pilots and the people who fought for our country. The planes, the uniforms, simply just being around all that, and I know I might sound a little corny, but it makes me truly proud to be an American!

I want to thank Ashten Goodenough for taking time out of her day to answer your questions and perhaps give you more insight into who she is as a Wings of Angels model. I leave you with a behind the scenes video of Ashten Goodenough!

Photo credits: Malak Photography, Robert Austin Photography, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Bettie Page Clothing, Ellie Shoes, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, Allen Freeman (Video Productions), Ramona Airfield, Doug Matthews (Corsair Owner), and Martin Christopher Hair and Makeup.

Coming Soon ~ Ashten Goodenough!

That's right, this Saturday we will be spotlighting Wings of Angels Model Ashten Goodenough! So if have ever had a question you wanted to ask Ashten, this is IT! Feel free to post any questions you have for her in the comment box below and we will have the answers on Saturday, December 21st in the Model Spotlight. Feel free to ask as many as you would like and we'll select a handful for her to answer. Don't delay, ask today!!

Wings of Angels Model Spotlight ~ Victoria Elder

Had an amazing conversation with Victoria Elder as she is getting ready to spend a wonderful Christmas with her family in Texas in preparation for the Wings of Angels Model Spotlight. She was born in the heart of Texas and has lived there her whole life until moving to Los Angeles three years ago. Hard to believe that living in the heart of Texas, she doesn't eat meat, which her family thinks is just weird. She is a huge football fan in both college and professional football. Born January 2nd, Victoria shares one of her favorite Christmas traditions was collecting Christmas ornaments with her sister until they were 18, so being able to look back at all those ornaments gives her time to reflect on all the changes in her life that have happened over the years.

1. Who have been your role models and what about them do you admire?

That is easy, it would be my dad. Even though he passed away during my senior year in High School, his kindness in everything he did and to everyone was unforgettable. He never missed one of my volleyball games and was known as the "water boy" for always bringing a chest of water to the games. He was so well loved that they cancelled school so that students could attend his funeral. That shows what a huge impact he had in people's lives and not just mine.

My 9th grade English teacher as well. He inspired me to be a better writer and was constantly pushing me to never settle for anything in my life. He never let you get comfortable with what you thought was your best. And yes, I did get those assignments turned back in to me with red pen, but he was always creative in his comments so I never saw that as a bad thing. I continue to use that inspiration in everything in my life today!

2. How has modeling been important to you in the Wings of Angels Project?

We had a great opportunity to do a signing at an air show and it just being around the planes played a pivotal part of my life. They (the planes) are truly an emotional piece and just being around them, you can't help but be affected by the stories they could tell if they could talk. Just to know the role these planes played in history is so incredible and emotional.

3. What in your life has brought or given you the greatest satisfaction or fulfillment?

Spending my senior year of high school going to Nicaragua and helping in the orphanages there, teaching these amazing kids about drama and just seeing the profound difference of what I was doing in their lives. It's like my English teacher taught me to never be satisfied and to do greater things with your life. This one experience, even now looking back, is one that is truly unforgettable and one I am glad I took part in.

4. Looking back at your modeling or acting career, is there anything you wish you would have done differently?

Hmm, not necessarily different I would say, I just wish I would have done things earlier. Looking back I could see where if I would have pushed myself to do things earlier instead of simply waiting on different areas could have benefited me sooner.

5. If you could have been born into any period of time in history, which one would you pick and why?

Oh that's easy. Mid 40's to early 50's. I LOVE the clothes. Truly a classic fit. The clothes looked sexy but done in a classy way, not a trashy one. It was like the white picket fence time and things were just much different than they are now. More classic!

6. What is your favorite picture that Michael has taken of you?

It would be the picture Mike took of me in front of the plane saluting. I love the Navy, the formal uniforms, and just that classy look. By far my favorite branch of the service.

7. What is one thing most people don't know about you?

That I'm obsessed with Celine Dion. Everyone thinks that is so weird, but I love her. My life is pretty much an open book and most people know everything about me. I hate drinking out of a can or even watching people do that truly grosses me out. That and buffets. Ever since watching a show on the Discovery Channel about bacteria, I can't eat at one.

8. What is it like working with Michael on the Wings of Angels Project?

I LOVE HIM!!! He is my favorite photographer I have ever worked with. He gives you good direction and does it in a way that is clear so you can really understand. I love the shot in my video where he was telling me about the "A" "E" "I" "O" and "U." He has great wisdom and when he talks to you, he does it in a humble way. I've worked with people who give no direction or yell at you, but working with Mike, is he is easy to be around. He is always great at keeping me in the know and staying in touch. I've worked with people in the past and once things are done, I don't hear anything from them.

Well that wraps up our interview with Victoria Elder, Wings of Angels Model in this week's Model Spotlight. Thanks to Victoria for taking time out of her day to answer these questions and to let you know just a little bit more about who she is. I'll leave you with a look at the Behind the Scenes Photo Shoot video of Victoria Elder's.

You can also find Victoria Elder on Facebook!

Sponsor Credits on Photos include: Robert Austin Photography, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Ellie Shoes, Betty Paige Clothing, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, Hair and Make Up by Martin Christopher, Yanks Air Museum. 

Membership Has It's Benefits!!!

In deciding whether or not to launch a blog, I thought it would offer my fans of Wings of Angels an exclusive inside look at things I am not going to share on Facebook. It would also give you a chance to know more about the models, the process in putting this all together, exclusive member giveaways, the sponsors and people involved with the project.

So in order to make sure you receive everything I am posting, you need to become a member. So how do you do that? Simple. On the right hand side bar is a place for you to become a follower and to "Join This Site". You can use your Twitter, Yahoo or Google accounts. If you don't have one, it provides you an opportunity to create that account. Once you do, you can now post comments and you should see your icon or picture added under the followers. This is how I can validate who has signed up for the Wings of Angels Blog Membership.

For the giveaways, please make sure you follow the guidelines to enter. Most will require that you are a member, you leave a comment and to include your email. I understand the issues regarding spam protection so that is why I suggest using the words separated by commas for the place holders for (at) and (dot) instead of @ and . I need this in order to be able to contact you via email if you are chosen as the winner for whatever exclusive limited edition item I am giving away.

Creating the blog offers me more creativity to share the Wings of Angels project with you over what I can share on Facebook, and I think having an exclusive place to do that is one of the main reasons for having this in place. Offering you exclusive photos, spotlights, and giveaways is one of the major benefits for joining my Wings of Angels Project Blog.

Model Spotlight - Caitlin Litzinger

First of all a huge thank you goes out to Caitlin for responding back to all your great questions while traveling tonight in Chicago. She arrived safe and sound and is expecting some snow tomorrow. Without further adieu here you are:

1. When did you know you wanted to be a model?

I wanted to be a clothing designer when I was younger, but then as I got older I realize how neat it was to model, it was very similar to acting, I got to play different roles and characters.

2. What advice do you wish someone would have given you when you started modeling?

I wish someone had shown me what to do and help point me in the direction I'm going now.

3. What’s the best thing that has happened to you as a result of working with Mike on the Wings of Angels Project?

The best thing that's come from working with Michael on the Wings of Angels is cementing my place in history of the project. It is exactly the style of modeling I wanted to do. It has made me recognizable as a pin up model and helped me grow in understanding good pin up work and how it's done correctly.  

4. What is is like working with Mike?

Michael is a lot of fun to work with, he is easy going but thorough. I always feel like I am going to get great shots when I leave. And also a small history lesson each time as well! It's just a really great experience each time.  

5. How do you feel about posing with WWII flying legends and about opportunity to be an inspirational girl for the heroes?

I think it is such a great opportunity and I take it very seriously. I want to be a role model. 

6. What has been your favorite photo shoot you’ve done with Michael?

My favorite shoot we have done is probably the recreation of a Gil Elvgrin. It was fun to turn it into reality. I knew it was something Michael had been planning for a while and it was just a blast.

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This one is a tricky one. My Mom always says, "When man makes plans, God laughs". So I try and take each day for what it is and always be grateful for the opportunities I am given to create art.

8. How did you like working with Michael on the Wings of Angels shoot? If Michael were to decided to do a Wings of Angels 2, would you be up for that project as well?

Wings of Angels is something I am so proud to be a part of, collectively it's an amazing project. I would shoot 50 more editions if only he and Father Time would allow. 

9. If you could have been born at any period in time, which would you choose and why? 

I think that the 1930s would have been a great era to be a part, I love the clothing and the music. There was so much growth and development of that time, it would have been neat to be a part. 

10. What is your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory has to be driving all over the country with my mom, sister, and grandma. We camped and saw the whole USA every summer. You can learn a lot about our country by just driving around. 

I want to personally thank Ms. Caitlin Litzinger for taking time out of her busy day to answer a few of your questions. This provides you with a greater insight into who she is on the inside in our Model Spotlight. I'll leave you with a video clip from a photo shoot with Caitlin! Hope you enjoyed this Model Spotlight!

You can also visit Caitlin Litzinger on Facebook. 

Sponsor Credits on Photos include: Robert Austin Photography, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Ellie Shoes, Betty Paige Clothing, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, Hair and Make Up by Martin Christopher, Palm Springs Air Museum.