I thoroughly enjoyed hosting KVaughn’s 100% linen scarf collection photo shoot for summer 2024. Veteran photographer Ted Kawalerski was the first to arrive driving in from Sleepy Hollow, New York. Since he was a little early we had breakfast and started to plan out his shooting strategy. He and I have been talking about KVaughn’s extraordinary work and for this shoot Ted wanted to participate because he knew there would be great fashion to photograph and amazing portraits to produce. Matt Sampson aka The Sneaker King and the rest of the crew followed shortly afterwards including KV’s creative assistant Milton White, photographer Brian Hunt drove his large van filled with camera and lighting equipment and his son aspiring model Larson Hunt enjoyed being photographed by all of the talented photographers on hand. Many thanks to my man AL B for his amazing video and still work as well as photographer Isiah from Blacklight Studios.
I’ll never forget when I first met Kareem Black in 1997. He was a student at SVA School of Visual Arts in New York. While finishing up his photography training at SVA he made an appointment to visit me at my studio in Philadelphia to ask my advice on becoming a professional photographer. He often reminds me that I was the first real photographer that he met. During one of his visits, I asked him to model for a picture for an upcoming book, called Tableaux Vivant’s. The picture is one of my favorites from the book, of which Kareem received a copy during his visit.
The Figure. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024.
Our meeting had an impact because when he left SVA and started a career as a pro, he took off! Kareem and I have stayed in touch remarkably 25 years later, and this month of May 2024 I’ve decided to reach out and celebrate his success by inviting back to his home town for a feature shoot. Kareem was thrilled. So was I and the results of the cover shoot speaks for itself.
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To access more behind the scenes with photographer Kareem Black, check out our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/0UEYAERF1IM
Photography and Set Design: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024
Creative Direction: KVaughn
Lighting Assistant: Anthony Colagreco
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In recent years, Virtual Reality (VR) technology has made significant strides in revolutionizing the way we approach exercise and fitness. One particularly exciting application of VR in this realm is the development of boxing programs designed to provide users with engaging and effective workouts. As of the latest information available, VR headsets equipped with immersive boxing simulations offer users a dynamic and entertaining way to improve cardiovascular health, enhance agility, and build strength.
The latest VR headsets boast advancements in display resolution, refresh rates, and tracking accuracy, providing users with a highly immersive and realistic experience. With improved ergonomics and comfort features, these headsets ensure that users can engage in extended workout sessions without discomfort or fatigue. Additionally, the integration of motion tracking technology enables precise and responsive gameplay, allowing users to execute punches, blocks, and dodges with fluidity and accuracy.
In terms of boxing programs specifically, developers have introduced a variety of VR experiences tailored to different fitness levels and preferences. Whether users are looking for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, skill-based drills, or immersive boxing simulations, there is a diverse range of programs available to cater to their needs. These programs often incorporate gamification elements, such as leaderboards, achievements, and progress tracking, to motivate users and enhance their overall experience.
One notable aspect of VR boxing programs is their ability to simulate real-world training scenarios and environments. Users can spar with virtual opponents of varying difficulty levels, practice combinations on punching bags, or engage in shadowboxing routines in immersive virtual arenas. The dynamic nature of these simulations keeps users challenged and engaged, making workouts more enjoyable and effective.
Moreover, VR boxing programs offer a level of accessibility and convenience that traditional gym settings may lack. Users can engage in workouts from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating barriers such as travel time, gym memberships, or equipment availability. This accessibility makes VR boxing programs particularly appealing to individuals with busy schedules or those who prefer exercising in a private environment.
In addition to physical benefits, VR boxing programs also offer mental and emotional rewards. The immersive nature of VR experiences allows users to escape from their surroundings and immerse themselves fully in the workout, reducing stress and increasing mindfulness. Furthermore, the sense of achievement and progression gained from mastering new skills or achieving fitness goals can boost confidence and self-esteem.
Overall, the latest developments in VR headsets and boxing programs for exercise represent an exciting frontier in fitness technology. With their combination of immersive gameplay, dynamic workouts, and accessibility, VR boxing programs have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach fitness and exercise, making workouts more engaging, effective, and enjoyable for users of all ages and fitness levels.
I first learned about Lileet and her modeling interests when she started following me on Instagram. After looking over her IG @lileet_miriam I followed her back. Not long after the initial contact I decided to invite her to be photographed for The Vixen’s Series. Her response was brimming with enthusiasm and eager to set up a shoot date. She mentioned that she was going to be in Philadelphia for a party with her husband on 2-24-24. I thought that was a lucky number and suggested that we figure a way to shoot on that day before she went to the party. We settled on “the lucky date” and that she would be arriving at around 10:30am for hair & Makeup and to meet with KVaughn, creative director to discuss the photographic styling and flow of the two hour shoot.
The husband and wife of 12 years (impressive by most standards these days) took the 2 hour ride from their home in New York only to arrive a little early. I already had the coffee on and some snacks, but I didn’t expect a request for champagne. I guess Lileet and her husband knew this would be day worth celebrating. So I ran off to the nearby state store for a couple of bottles of Corbel. Bottles were popped and the mood was set. The champagne was finished by the end of the shoot. Everybody was in a good mood. KVaughn directed Tara through a medley of costume changes including personal items from her wardrobe like the corsets she loves to wear mixed in with some of KVaughn most eye popping fabrics. For the grand crescendo, KV would paste on blue costume jewels over her Tara’s spectacular naked torso! That was a tough shot to frame, just kidding!!
Thunderbirds. Atlantic City, NJ. August 18th, 2021
Text by Tony Ward, Copyright 2021
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Highlight of Summer 2021
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Like most of us I too am looking forward to leaving 2021 behind. It was another year of Covid to contend with not to mention the economic, social and political turmoil its caused. For a moment though on August 18th, 2021, a mid point of the year seemed to have reached a peak. Not for a spike of new covid cases. No . This peak was one of fun and pure joy as hundreds of thousands of people journeyed to the Jersey shore for the annual Atlantic City Airshow. It was definitely my favorite highlight of the summer.
My son Julian Ward came up with the idea of attending the airshow. He planned the perfect place to meet up with family and friends. Julian carefully choreographed where we were to meet on the beach in front of Bally’s Beach Bar and BBQ. It was a sunny day in the open air with a slight breeze. Not a soul was wearing a mask. It was perfect weather to enjoy an assortment of old and new airplanes including our newest fighter jets maneuvers thrilling the crowd with surgical precision.
I shot the footage of this video clip using a combination of my I-Phone and a Sony mirrorless RX100V mirrorless camera. Julian edited the clip brilliantly in I-Movie. The Thunderbirds of course were my favorite. This clip is a most see. Enjoy!
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Tony Ward with two of his children, Racquel and Chanel Ward. August 18th, 2021.
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About The Author: Tony Ward is the publisher and editor of Tony Ward Studio blog.
