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)

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.

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

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).

Coming Soon ~ Sarah Barton!

Wings of Angels Model, Sarah Barton has been selected for this weekends Model Spotlight. We are currently looking for questions you might have for Sarah Barton and feel free to post as many as you want. We will go through the list and select a handful for her to answer. You can post the questions on the Facebook or as a comment here, so don't wait! Then tune back in on Saturday to learn a little bit more about Sarah Barton!

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Yanks Air Museum (B-25 Mitchell).

Don't Miss It! Only 2 More Days Left!

Have you entered? Just 2 more days to enter the giveaway for the Limited Edition Hand Signed Print of Caitlin Litzinger. Remember you can enter more than once! Just to make things a bit more spicier, if you share the link for the giveaway, I give you another entry in the giveaway. Simply leave a comment below and let me know you've shared the link and where. Tweet about it, blog about it, Facebook it and email people about this opportunity. It only increases the chance that you might win!

Here are your guidelines once again:

1. Be a follower of my Wings of Angels blog. ~ You can do that simply by clicking on the link "Join This Site" on the right hand side bar. You can use either a Google, Yahoo or Twitter account to join. If you don't have those, the link provides an option to get one of these accounts.

2. Once you've signed up to join. Make sure your photo or icon appears with your name as a follower. You can hover over the images to ensure yours is there. By joining you will also be able to post a comment on any of my blog posts.

3. "Like" my Malak Photography.com Facebook page. If you have already "Liked" it in the past, simply leave me a quick comment on a Facebook post and let me know you stopped by as part of the giveaway.

4. Last step....Leave a comment on the Giveaway Link. You can find it a couple of ways. The easiest is this link. You can also find it on the right side bar by clicking on the picture of the Limited Edition Print. It will take you right back to the post to leave your comment. Feel free to leave as many comments as you want. Just make sure you DON'T forget to include your email address. It is the only way I can contact you if you're the winner of the giveaway. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols as well.

So remember, 2 Days left to enter....you might not get a partridge in a pear tree but you will be entered for a truly once in a life time Limited Edition Hand Signed Wings of Angels Print of Caitlin Litzinger. It's 18 by 24 printed on metallic paper just ready for matting and framing, signed by myself and Caitlin Litzinger. There will be NO more of this print produced. The giveaway ends on December 24th and I will be notifying the winner by email. You will have 72 hours to respond before I will select another winner. Remember you can enter as many times as you want and for each "Share" leave me a comment and let me know. I will add an additional entry in for you!

Here's the link again to enter:

http://wingsofangelsproject.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-christmas-giveaway.html

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!!

Now is the Time!!!

This Saturday's Model Spotlight will feature Wings of Angels Model, Victoria Elder. So now is the opportunity to post any questions you would like Victoria to answer in the comment box below. We will be collecting the questions and posting the answers as well as some fun facts on Saturday, December 14th. Not many people know that she is a writer and actress working on Path of Gen Project.  So if you have ever wanted to ask her anything, now is the time!

There's Still Time!!!

Just wanted to let you know we are in the process of finalizing the model spotlight post for WWII Wings of Angels Model Caitlin Litzinger, so please be sure to post your questions soon. We have received a handful so if there is anything you wanted to know about her, now is the time to ask. She was the cover model of the 2013 Secrets in Lace Wings of Angel calendar. Be sure to look for the blog post later today. ~ Michael