Hello everyone,

So excited to finally release my big news! Joe Troisi and I are featured as the cover for Sophie Monroe’s latest contemporary romance novel “Afflicted.

Tentative Release date: June 1st. Will be… available on amazon.com and barnes and noble as an E book.

Synopsis: Fresh off tour Blake Potter, the sexy bassist for Battlescars, is in Smithville, Ohio to work on their next album ‘Coming Clean’. Still pining after Aubrey’s best friend, Piper, it’s going to be harder than he expected to see her back with her long-term boyfriend, Cole. He’s trying his hardest to forget her, but no matter how hard he tries to stay away circumstances keep bringing them together. Being burned before, he refuses to let it happen again. He’s still struggling to let go of Rowan, the girl that made him the way he is… More information to come!

Recently, a high school senior from Florida  named Macy conducted a case study on my work for her Art and Design class run by Cambridge University in England. One component of Macy’s research project was to interview an artist who has influenced her photography. Her focus was on light and shadow and spotlighted my photo shoot with Allison. The attached interview features the techniques I used to compose these light and shadow photos as well as background info of what inspired me.

I was truly honored to have played a part in Macy’s project and I hope to inspire more people through my work. It’s what I truly love to do. I wish Macy all the best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing more of her work in the future.

- CJC Photography

Fitness Model Spotlight: Josh Pence

My name is Josh Pence, I live in Dayton, Ohio and I manage a gym in the area called Premier Fitness, which is my home training gym. You can reach me at: www.instagram.com/jpence_fitness; www.facebook.com/npccompetitorjoshpence

1) What first got you interested in fitness and how has your passion grown?
I started working out about 3 years ago, weighing about 140 pounds. What got me interested in fitness was looking in magazines and seeing all of these athletes looking amazing and I wanted to be that. My passion has grown greatly by training not only being a hobby but now becoming a lifestyle. I’ve turned it in to competing in men’s physique.

2) What hurdles have you overcome while reaching towards your fitness goals?
Honestly the biggest hurdles would be balancing everything while dieting and training. I’ve only been competing for about 6 months so I’m still in the swing of getting it all worked out.

3) For those looking to get in better shape, what tips would you give them?

Stay very consistent with your diet, cardio and workout routine. Make sure to plan out your meals so you can see what you need to eat daily.

4) Any specific pre-competition rituals?
I haven’t made any yet.

5) Favorite motto?
Eat clean, Train Dirty.

6) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Dedicated.

7) Tell me something that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a nerd at heart. I’d rather play Xbox and sit at home then go out and party. Even on my “off-season”

8) Who inspires you in the fitness industry?

Austin Standage

9) What can’t you live without?
Motivation.

10) Goals for 2013?
Compete in nationals.
11) Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
Just want to say thank you to Chris for the chance for this interview and thank you to everyone who read this.

I want to wish Josh the best of luck in his upcoming fitness competition!!!

- CJC Photography

My name is Jason Harris and I am 23 years old from Birmingham, AL. I am a Financial Analyst, NPC Physique Competitor, and Fitness Model.

1) How did you get your start in modeling and fitness?

I first became interested in fitness during my college years while working part time as a gym manager at The University of Alabama. Upon graduation my passion for the fitness industry grew and so did my interest in fitness modeling.

2) What do you enjoy the most about it?

What I enjoy most about fitness is constantly striving to become better than I was the day before. Overtime I’ve realized that living a healthy lifestyle not only can positively transform the body, but also the mind.

3) For those looking to get in better shape, what advice would you give them?

The best advice I can give someone looking to get in better shape is to believe in themselves and never give up. Often times people quit just before they begin making real progress. Anything worthwhile in life will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

4) What hurdles have you overcome while reaching towards your goals?

One of the biggest hurdles I and many others have to struggle with is that of self-doubt. The best way to overcome this is to motivate yourself daily and surround yourself with positive, ambitious people! Never let negativity linger for too long.
5) Who do you look up to in the fitness industry?

I look up to many people in the fitness industry including Steve Cook, Alex Carneiro, Ryan Hughes, Mike O’Hearn, Rob Riches, and my personal trainer Eric Block.

6) What are your favorite physical features?

My favorite physical features include my back, shoulders, face, and chest.

7) Favorite motto?

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication – Leonardo DiCaprio

8) In one word, how would you describe yourself?

Magnetic.

9) Tell me something that most people don’t know about you?

I have a Black Belt.

10) What can’t you live without?

Chapstick.

11) Goals for 2013?

- Get into graduate school
- Qualify and compete in NPC Nationals
- Continue to build my fitness modeling portfolio
- Inspire

12) Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?

Never say never, all is possible for those who #believe.

Actor/Model Spotlight: John Charles Dickson

John Charles Dickson grew up in Arkansas as a small town farm boy which has been in his family for over 100 years. He started his own landscaping business in 2008 and by 2012 had 75 accounts including: (schools, churches, restaurants, and residential homes).  He left that all behind in order to pursue his goal of becoming a successful model and actor. Get to know John with this exclusive interview.

Published Work/Filmography:
2 book covers by Sara York
Intense Magazine (January 2013)
Ms. Universe feature for Men’s wear
Harley Davidson
Irving Texas Men’s Wearhouse
work with a local Dallas wedding dress designer
Vasaelini bag company
Vogue website
The Verandah gym at Dallas Hilton Anatole
Male lead in the Texas short film Blush
speaking role in Man on the Roof
imdb movie Stay at Home Dad
played the lead in two commercials

1) How did you get started in modeling and acting?
In February of 2012 I shot with numerous photographers in New York and in 2013 I walked in fashion week  (Yirko and Gadal, Oscar Firerra, James B. Martinez). I began acting school in March 2012 and started working with the brilliant Theresa Bell!
I love acting because I get to play a variety of characters that aren’t actually who I really am.
With modeling it’s a challenge to stay in peak physical condition. True pictures change people’s lives. The goal is to make consumers want to buy the product you are depicting in the photos you are in.

2) Dream acting role?
To be in 007!!! I want to be a part of projects that move people and in some way make them better people.

3) What actors do you look up to?
Sylvester Stallone and Will Smith.

4) Who would be your dream co-star?
Julia Roberts.

5) What hurdles have you overcome to reach your goals?
My age/height/weight doesn’t fit what agents want. I had lived in a state that had zero acting or modeling opportunities and I pretty much had no support from my family. I had three businesses at the time and I had to close two of them. When I arrived in Dallas I had no friends and I was basically homeless.

 6) What are your favorite physical features?
My abs.

7) Favorite motto?
Don’t dream, set a goal!

8) What was the last spontaneous thing that you did?
I left my very successful job at home to become a model and actor and I’ve been able to travel all over the United States.

9) In one word how would you describe yourself?
Ambitious.

10) Tell me something that most people don’t know about you?
I’m actually very shy.

11) Goals for 2013?
My goals are to finish the imdb rated movie I co-star in called Stay at Home Dads and continue to get other filming projects as well as more modeling work. Eventually I would like to move to LA.

12) Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?

Check me out in Low Rider Magazine which will be released in Texas in 2014. Facebook is for positivity that’s why there’s a like button but no dislike button !!!

Check me out on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIVKy6hiZEU

I wish John continued success throughout 2013 and I hope to work with him soon!

- CJC Photography

Model Spotlight: Justin Coale

1) How did you get your start in modeling?

A guy at the gym said I should do it. At the time I was trying to be a bodybuilder so I told him no way. I want to lift and get big. I then got cast for a fitness magazine and had to shred out. Once I got the photos back I was so shocked and scheduled my first shoot. Within three days of my photo shoots release I was signed by an NYC agency.

2) What do you enjoy the most about modeling?

I enjoy being behind the lens and expressing myself through a photo. The image you can create is amazing. You can be the bad guy or the cute kid. Just have to know how to work it in.

3) For those looking to get in better shape, what tips would you give them?

I would tell them to just jump in and go for it! Don’t hesitate being in the gym or asking questions. It is the only way you will learn. Also, just google anything you have a question on.

4) What hurdles have you overcome while reaching towards your goals?

Hurdles? I have had to climb mountains. There was a time in my life where I lost everything I have ever worked for. I felt like death and depression was in my blood. I can’t reveal to much because I have my autobiography being started soon and it could damage the story.

5) Who do you look up to in the modeling industry?

I used to look up to a lot of the models I am compared to now but once I actually got to speak with them I was so disappointed. A guy I look up to is Mateus Verdelho. He is a tattooed Brazilian model who just loves life.

6) What are your favorite physical features?

Eyes! A woman has to have amazing eyes to draw me in.

7) Favorite motto?

Fear Is Not Afraid….Reason why I have it tatted on me.

8) In one word, how would you describe yourself?

Unique.

9) Tell me something that most people don’t know about you?

I have a computer degree and know all about motherboards and all that nerdy networking stuff.

10) What can’t you live without?

My family, if it wasn’t for them this wouldn’t be possible.

11) Goals for 2013?

Change the world one rep at a time and to just do better.

12) Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?

I want everyone to know that it isn’t over till it’s over. I have been at rock bottom and look at me now? Fitness figure and male model. I have been in magazines and feature on many sites and blogs. Your life can change in the blink of eye. So always live in the now and never put off something for tomorrow that you can get done today.

I have to say Justin is one of the most motivational people I have thus spoken to. I wish him the best of luck this year and I can’t wait to see all of the exciting projects he has in the works.

- CJC Photography

Photographer Spotlight: Randy L. Sewell

Randy L. Sewell grew up in a very small country town in Alabama. He has a 14 year old son and has been married to his wonderful wife for 11 years whom without her support he would not be able to do what he does. In 2012 alone, he was published 6 times and had 3 models go to NY, LA, and Miami .

1) How did you become interested in photography and how long have you been in the business?
At the age of 12, I used my mom’s polaroid camera and found myself wanting to take photos of everything. My allowance was constantly being spent on more film. Once I was old enough to have a job I bought my own camera and became obsessed. I would take  my family members and put up blankets for backdrops and make them pose. However, I was more into nature photography then people at that time. It was not until about 10 years ago I started doing senior portraits which progressed into wanting to do fashion and modeling photography.

2) What advice do you have for those looking to grow their photography business?
My advice to others would be love what you do and never give up on your dreams. Push yourself to be different and stand out from the crowd .

3)What has been your favorite photo shoot to date and why?
My favorite shoot was when I was on a group Vampire shoot in a haunted house. We had some great props and an amazing group of models and photographers which let my creative genius flow.

4) If you could photograph any model or celebrity who would it be any why?
If I could photograph any celebrity it would be Channing Tatum and Jennifer Lopez  because they are the most beautiful people in the world … just ask People Magazine .

5) What has been your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment was getting my work published in several magazines in less the a few months.

6) Who influences you in the industry and why?
Ansel Adams has always had an impact on me wanting to do b&w photography and make them look like art. I can name more than one person who has influenced me over the years but would rather not name just one as I fear I may leave someone out. My wife and family have influenced me the most.

7) What piece of equipment can you not live without?
My laptop goes everywhere I go. We all know that as photographers we can’t live without our cameras by our side at all times.

8) Any final words you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
Final words: Never underestimate the power of yourself , if you dream of it then chase it.

Randy is such an incredibly talented photographer. Please make sure to like his Facebook Fan Page to see more images from his portfolio.

- CJC Photography

Model Spotlight: Lawrence Ahmadi

Lawrence Ahmadi, is a Syrian student studying business administration and models in his spare time.

1) When did you first get started in modeling and what got you interested?
I started modeling at a pretty young age when I was 16 years old. I’m a confident guy who loves lights and expressing myself to the camera.

2) What has been your favorite photo shoot to date and why?
I have had a lot of photo shoots and it’s hard to pick just one because they each have their own story and flavor.

3) If you could work with any photographer who would it be any why?
I have always wanted to work with a very famous photographer here in the Middle East who’s based in Lebanon named Mouhamad Seif EL Deen. What I really love about his photography is the simplicity and the natural aspect he preserves in his photography. He’s not really into too much photo shop.

4) Dream concept for a photo shoot?
An underwater shoot where my body feels free yet chained. It would have a great meaning about life, society and oneself.

5) What are your favorite physical features?
My favorite physical features are my eyes and my lips. They are my weapon.

6) If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I would love to visit NYC. It’s one of the best places for open city photo shoots besides LA.

7 )Favorite motto?
My all time favorite motto is “Stay positive or just shut up.”

8) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
One word that I would use to describing myself is INFLUENTIAL. I tend to take the lead.

9) Tell me something that most people don’t know about you.
People don’t know that I read a lot. Reading for me is something that I do every day and enjoy.

10) Who inspires you in the modeling agency?
No one locally really inspires because most of them are not really motivated for modeling. Most people here don’t consider it as a profession that leads to success or has a future. Internationally I’m inspired by American model Hoyt Richards.

11) What can’t you live without?
I can’t live without my toothbrush, might sound lame but it’s true LOL.

12) Any final thoughts for the CJC Photography readers?
Thanks a lot for giving me this chance to connect with your readers. My country needs your prayers and I hope that peace will be back soon.

I wish Lawrence the best of luck in his future endeavors and I see a big future for him in the modeling world.

- CJC Photography

My name is Rhyot, born Garrett Finn, 22 years old. I’m an electronic dance music DJ and aspiring producer from New Hampshire. I will be graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a major in Communication and a minor in Theatre. I spend tons of time in my dorm as an RA (my amazing residents come out almost every time I play)… and I’m a student pilot!

1) What first got you interested in becoming a DJ and how has your passion grown?

I have always enjoyed music, but for a long time I was too busy with sports to even consider getting my hands dirty. I picked up a cheap, five-piece drum kit when I was a sophomore in high school and started learning about the actual structures of basic rhythms and beats. After a few years of tooling around, I was covering some of my favorite bands (not well) while my younger brother, Danny, played guitar (he’s going pro… watch out for him). It wasn’t until a few years ago that I randomly asked for a VERY basic DJ controller for a Christmas gift – the Numark Total Control LE. I was really starting to get into electronic (beyond Basshunter, Daft Punk, Tiësto, and Deadmau5) around my sophomore year in college. Since then, wow, this thing has taken off. After a few big investments, the selling of my drums for gear, the creation of Rhyot as my alias and my brand, and hours upon hours of having worked with music, this has kind of become my life. I want to do this forever.

2) What hurdles have you overcome to reach towards your goals?

Time and money have been two big obstacles. The amount of time I should be investing to become better than I am at any given point is undefined; there is no such thing as ‘practicing too-much.’ In the beginning, this was crucial… I went from not knowing how to mix to playing up to three nights per week for hundreds of people in about two years. I also spent time learning how to use photoshop so I could produce promotional posters, built an online community of followers across many platforms of social media, networked around the northeast and even with foreign producers, and observed other DJs. Money is hardly an obstacle I need to explain… gear is expensive, software and music are expensive, promo materials are expensive. I should just make a Kickstarter or something, I don’t know… haha.

3) Tips for those looking to become a DJ?

Tips… hmm. Well, from square one… read about the genre and subgenres, listen to the music, and build an understanding for the structure of music. No, Levels is not a dubstep band, and ‘deadmowfive’ isn’t “JUST LIKE” ‘Skillerex.’ Learn about the music you’re going to be spending a lot of time with it. Next up, grab some free software to practice with and learn with; a popular choice is VirtualDJ. You should probably also find a really inexpensive controller of some kind to get accustomed to (these will be your training wheels). Grab original mixes and club mixes that have intros and outros to mix with, and learn the basics of phrasing, EQ-ing. One thing that kills me that many DJs don’t seem to understand is that a set shouldn’t be drop after drop after drop for an hour or two; give your crowd a breather and let anticipation build for the next climax. Nearly every track incorporates a breakdown between the high energy phrases (“drops” if you must) of the composition – they’re important.

4) What do you like to do for fun?

Aside from anything music related, like anyone, I love spending time with my family and friends, and meeting new people. When I’m around home I like to get out and snowboard with some buddies during the winter, and swim in this one tucked away brook during the summer. I mean, fishing’s fun, I love travelling around (Oh, Europe, you’re awesome.). I fly when I can afford it… but sometimes, I can’t lie, I just like to sit in and game with a few friends. We have some pretty sweet crap in Minecraft, haha.

5) Favorite physical features?

This is a fun one. I don’t know if this is asking about my own features or my favorites of others, and maybe that’s the point, so here comes both: I very much like being a tall, slim guy. I have very little desire to be as jacked as Tiësto, but having that height is cool. I’m not a toothpick though, so I guess my tone is something I like as well… you can see there’s more than bone on my frame. When it comes to women, I’m not so sure I have a specific ‘type,’ but I generally like many of the same things other guys do: a tall, fit girl with pretty eyes, a cute smile, and a nice butt will likely get my attention, but it’s pointless if you’re no fun or we clash interests. Obviously, there’s more to a girl than her looks here, haha.

6) In one word, how would you describe yourself?

ESFP. Google it.

7) Favorite motto?

Don’t take life too seriously; You’ll never get out alive.

8) Tell me something that most people don’t know about you?

Umm, I used to hunt all the time as a kid with my dad. I stopped going out in junior high, but I’ve brought five deer home, the first of which I got in fourth grade. Those skills stay with you though. There aren’t many people who are capable of feeding themselves; find me another guy who has posed for fashion photography and can say the same thing! We’re definitely in the few! (Thanks, Dad. Haha…)

9) Who inspires you?

Oh hell, I don’t know. I mean, Joel Zimmerman (Deadmau5) has had a pretty large impact on me. For a long time I’ve been following this guy, studying the progression he has made from being like, 14 with a keyboard to 32 with everything under the sun that can be used to make cool noises. He’s such an incredible producer, and has done better than anyone else I can immediately name who has built a brand for himself. I try to extract so much from his interviews and streams and, I’d like to think I can keep working and find my own sound. It’s hard to just jump into Ableton, or Logic, and learn how to use a million new things at once, practice all the time with sound engineering, be unique, and teach yourself almost every step of the way while having a normal life outside of that all. We’re going back to that whole time as an obstacle idea, but in this case, let’s combine that with a feeling that there’s an overwhelming amount of knowledge I’ve got to somehow learn. Hey, Joel, or Aero, or Zedd, or Wolfgang… if you guys ever need an apprentice-thing, hit me up – the cell’s on.

10) What can’t you live without?

You, Chris. Haha, no, but actually, I couldn’t live without optimism. If I grew up knowing that my life was to inevitably result in being a boring, average, working settler like many people out there, I don’t know what I would do. If I was told by a back-from-the-future version of myself that no matter what I did with my life, I would live a safe, 9-to-5, average, have-kids-then-die life, I would probably uninstall myself. I need that window of opportunity, those goals, dreams, and  aspirations. During an interview with Sonny Moore (Skrillex) someone mentioned that his way to becoming successful was just never doing anything he didn’t want to do. That might come off as sounding like he was just another rebellious kid who lacked motivation to do ‘grown-up things,’ but that’s really not the case. This is the one time I’ll ever seriously say YOLO. It’s true, though. I don’t want to take my degree and get a boring job in some office somewhere because I could never be satisfied with myself. My optimism keeps me moving, and gives me a reason to live.

11) Any final last thoughts for the CJC Photography readers?

Just, thank you. I’m super-fortunate to even be sitting here and doing this interview. I’ am extremely grateful for having as much support as I do from the people around me, from the people I’ve met over the past few years, and all of the people who I haven’t met who still help to keep this whole thing afloat. Keep reading and supporting CJC: there are some good things happening here! Thank you! =D

Thanks Rhyot for not only sharing your dreams and aspirations but providing such motivational words as well. Check out Rhoyt on Facebook!

- CJC Photography

Model Spotlight: Nick Evangelista

Nick Evangelista is a 20 year old Nationally Qualified Physique Competitor from Long Island, New York. Currently, he is attending school to become a Physical therapist. In addition, he owns a supplement store called Big Daddy’s Supplements and Personal Training. This year he plans on going for his pro card!

1) What first got you interested in fitness and how has your passion grown?

I first got involved in fitness when I was about 15 years old. I had just had appendectomy surgery and went from 135lbs to 115 lbs. Unfortunately they had messed up the surgery by kinking and twisting my intestines when they went in the first time. I was skin and bones at that point. As you could imagine the recovery was not quick. To pass the time I started reading Muscle and Fitness and I became fascinated with the human body. I remember saying to myself if they can do this so can I. I read every book I could get my hands on about nutrition, proper techniques and theories of working out. From the very moment the doctor cleared me I was dedicated to perfecting my body to the best of my ability. I am now 165lbs at 4% body fat.

2) What hurdles have you overcome while reaching towards your fitness goals? One of the biggest hurdles I have overcome is the constant pressure of everyone saying competing in the NPC naturally would be impossible. I have went against the odds and at 19 years old I have beaten men almost double my age in some cases. I have been improving in each competition, first coming in 10th, then 4th, 3rd, 3rd and 2nd in my most recent competition. My next goal is to place 1st place overall.

3) For those looking to get in better shape, what tips would you give them? The most important thing to anyone starting off or looking to get into overall better physical health would be making sure you’re in the right state of mind. If your minds not in it then you won’t succeed. Everything is a mind game; you must put in the work and the constant dedication and without the right mindset it will be very hard to progress.

4) What are your favorite physical features? My favorite features are my eyes, back and abs. Many people work very hard to perfect these two muscle groups and luckily mine developed symmetrically, which is a problem many people face.

5) Favorite motto? “If you’re absent during my struggle don’t expect to be present during my success.” – Will Smith

6) In one word how would you describe yourself? HUMBLE.

7) Tell me something that most people don’t know about you? I’m my biggest critic. I expect myself to exceed any expectations placed on by myself.

8)Who inspires you in the fitness industry? Sadik Hadzovic has helped me a lot and has taught me to always help people and embrace competition. Jimmy Murtaugh got me where I ‘am today, lead me in the right direction and is a great friend of mine.

10) What can’t you live without? I can’t live without my family. None of this would be possible without them. They help me whether it’s with my diet, competition prep or personal problems. I know they are always there cheering  and pushing me to succeed.

11) Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers? You shouldn’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. If you put your mind to it nothing can stop you. Never follow, always lead by example.