Women Archives - Tony Ward Studio

The Bright Side: Vitamin D and The Sun

bathing suit model taking in some sun — Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

The Bright Side: The Benefits of Taking in Some Sun and Vitamin D

In today’s increasingly indoor lifestyle, many people overlook one of the simplest yet most powerful health boosters available for free: sunlight. Taking in moderate amounts of sun not only uplifts your mood but also plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health—largely due to its relationship with vitamin D production.

Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body produces when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun. While it can also be obtained from certain foods and supplements, natural sunlight remains the most efficient source. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, which helps build and maintain strong bones. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults, making regular sun exposure an important preventive measure.

Beyond bone health, vitamin D also plays a significant role in supporting the immune system. Research has shown that adequate levels of vitamin D can help reduce the risk of infections, including respiratory illnesses. It may also modulate immune responses, potentially lowering the risk of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sunlight exposure has mental health benefits as well. Exposure to sunlight triggers the brain to release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. This helps explain why people often feel more energetic and positive on sunny days. For those affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, usually in the winter—sunlight can be a particularly powerful natural remedy.

There is also evidence suggesting that vitamin D may have protective effects against certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. While more research is needed to fully understand these connections, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels remains a promising factor in long-term health.

However, balance is key. Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer, so it’s important to enjoy the sun safely. Experts generally recommend about 10 to 30 minutes of midday sun exposure several times per week, depending on skin tone, location, and time of year. Using sunscreen after this initial exposure period helps protect against harmful UV rays while still allowing for some vitamin D production.

Incorporating moderate sun exposure into your daily routine—whether through a walk, time in the garden, or outdoor exercise—can offer both physical and psychological benefits. So the next time the sun is shining, take a moment to step outside. Your body and mind will thank you.

Behind The Scenes: Heroine’s & Vixens Series

Gina Iannece

Gina would become the 23rd woman to be cast for the Heroine’s & Vixens series. Casting subjects for the series over the past few years has been decidedly organic. One subject generally leads to the next when more of the work has gotten published on social media and the web. Gina initially contacted me via Instagram. At first, I thought the message she sent was spam so I didn’t respond to her request to model for me. As time went on I noticed her IG handle liking various photographs that I posted on my feed which moved me to take a second look at her earlier message. There were also some photos that accompanied the original message so I looked at them a little more carefully as well. I observed that one of the photos that she sent was a picture of herself looking through Best of Erotica, a book I had published in Germany back in 2003, so I followed up knowing she was for real and immediately started a dialogue. Oddly, when I initially responded to her message, she didn’t believe it was me. Friends of hers suggested that it probably wasn’t me and that somehow she was being duped. Gina went as far as to check my authenticity sending a friend request on my LinkedIn account. I obliged while being quite amused at the same time.

Now that we both knew we were being sincere I contacted KVaughn, my creative director so that he could begin styling the shoot scheduled for a February 1, 2025 release date. In the weeks leading up to the shoot, Gina was very attentive and professional in her response times to all requests and worked collaboratively with the entire team during her shoot. Michael Connor did a fantastic job on hair & makeup. Tony C. was on point with keeping the light on set just right and KVaughn was as magical as always in creating different looks to accommodate the complexity of the scenes we produced in studio.

Thanks as always to an amazing crew and Gina Iannece.

Gina Iannece: On Grief and Hope

Glamorous Woman at a beautiful castle looking sad and sorrowful — Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

On Grief and Hope

Model: Gina Ianneci

Photo: Tony Ward

Stylist: KVaughn

Hair & Makeup: Michael Connor

Lighting Grip: Anthony Colagreco

Throughout my life, I’ve faced traumatic experiences that I can easily recall, along with the memories and associated emotions.

For better or worse, these experiences are a part of me. The biggest one for me will always be the loss of my
brother, who was just 21 years old when he fell asleep and crashed his car on the NJ Turnpike. At this moment
Tony captured me, I was thinking about my brother and this ten-year-old video I found last year on YouTube.

In the video clip the actor Billy Bob Thornton shares his experience of losing his brother. He explains how this
loss has profoundly affected his outlook on life, leaving him with a persistent feeling of melancholy. Thornton
mentions that he never fully trusts happiness and often feels 50% happy and 50% sad. He advises people who
have lost a loved one to accept their feelings and honor them through their work or art. He emphasizes that
one never truly gets over such a loss but can learn to live with the pain and use it as a source of inspiration. I
relate deeply to his perspective and how he articulates his feelings.

https://youtu.be/4Pn3y7S5FAw

Woman wearing ancient battle armor with messy hair in front of an old castle — The Warrior. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

To access additional articles by Gina Iannece, link here: https://tonyward.com/feature-gina-iannece-meeting-the-moment/

Behind The Scenes: Racquel Ward’s Baby Shower in LA

Behind The Scenes in LA

Racquel Ward, was invited to have a baby shower in LA and invited me and several other family members to enjoy the occasion. She booked us a fabulous place on AirBnb located at 336 Main Street in Venice. We checked in with Racquel’s partner Ryan and his son Roman who was planning to visit USC and UCLA, colleges he’s interested in attending after high school. The four of us got settled and took a walk down to the Venice Beach Skate Park where skateboarders were practicing their tricks while a magnificent sunset unfolded in deep red tones due to the fires recently in Malibu. It was a breathtaking moment for what would be a joyous few days in celebrating my daughter’s pregnancy. The shower took place in Baldwin Hills, at a lovely home hosted by Racquel’s friend, mentor and colleague .

This would be the first time I visited Los Angeles since 2018. I had mixed feelings about visiting in that this would be the first time I landed in Los Angeles since my friend and assistant Ed Simmons passed away. Every time over the past decade or so that I visited the West coast, Ed would be the first person I’d call. He was my eyes and ears on the ground in planning shoots, finding models and taking me to places I hadn’t visited in the past. The last time we spent quality time together in 2018 was when we took the train to Pasadena to see the Chambers Brother’s perform. We had a blast. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to drive by his old address in West Hollywood to pay my respects, but I did visit the Pacific Ocean where his ashes were dispersed along Venice Beach, just two blocks from where we were staying for a few days leading up to the day of the celebration on December 14, 2024.

The shower took place on a beautiful day in Baldwin Hills, at a lovely home hosted by a friend and colleague . Racquel started a tutoring business when she lived in LA and specializes in educational therapies for children who are neurodivergent. To learn more about Racquel Ward’s business and services, link here: https://thelearningspecialist.org/the-learning-specialists

The Allure of Latex: Transforming Contemporary Fashion and Markets

Beautiful asian woman modeling for Tony Ward wearing latex corset — Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

The Allure of Latex

Transforming Contemporary Fashion and Markets

Latex, once confined to niche subcultures and avant-garde fashion, has emerged as a material of choice for contemporary designers and luxury brands. Its distinctive sheen, sculptural properties, and undeniable sensual appeal have propelled it from fetish wear to the forefront of mainstream fashion. This evolution has significantly impacted fashion markets, carving out a unique space for latex in the broader industry.

In recent years, fashion icons and celebrities, such as Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Lady Gaga, have embraced latex garments on red carpets and in music videos. High-end designers like Atsuko Kudo, known for her intricate latex couture, and Richard Quinn, who incorporates latex into his experimental designs, have further legitimized the material. Their work demonstrates latex’s versatility, from body-hugging dresses to bold outerwear.

Latex’s appeal lies in its ability to combine structure with fluidity, offering a second-skin aesthetic that emphasizes the human form. Unlike traditional textiles, it provides a glossy, futuristic look that aligns with contemporary tastes for bold and innovative fashion statements. Designers often pair latex with contrasting materials, such as silk or leather, to create dynamic visual effects.

As latex gains prominence, the market has expanded to accommodate a broader audience. Traditionally associated with custom designs, latex clothing is now more accessible through ready-to-wear collections. Fast fashion brands have begun experimenting with latex-inspired fabrics, providing a more affordable alternative for consumers who want the look without the hefty price tag.

The material’s popularity has also spurred advancements in production techniques, making latex garments more comfortable and durable. Innovations like chlorination—a chemical process that smooths the surface—have addressed issues of stickiness and difficulty in wearing. These developments have made latex more appealing to a wider demographic, from trend-conscious millennials to eco-aware Gen Z shoppers.

Despite its allure, latex poses challenges for designers and brands. Its production is labor-intensive, and natural latex, derived from rubber trees, raises concerns about sustainability and ethical sourcing. However, many brands are responding by adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using FSC-certified rubber and minimizing waste during production.

Latex’s association with body positivity and inclusivity has also contributed to its cultural relevance. By celebrating diverse body types and emphasizing the beauty of the human form, latex fashion resonates with contemporary values.

As fashion continues to evolve, latex is likely to remain a symbol of boundary-pushing creativity. Its impact extends beyond aesthetics, influencing market trends, consumer expectations, and even material science. With designers continually reimagining its potential, latex stands as a testament to fashion’s ability to transform the unconventional into the iconic.

In the modern era, where individuality and innovation are prized, latex serves as both a material and a metaphor for contemporary fashion’s bold, experimental spirit. Its rise from underground culture to mainstream acclaim underscores the dynamic interplay between design, technology, and cultural shifts, shaping the future of style.

Beautiful asian woman wearing full length latex cat suit — Photo: TonyWard, Copyright 2024