5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO!!!
Tattoo Model - ScarahXO Photo - TRD Photography
5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO…
Sarah aka SCARAHXO on IG, is a bartender and tattoo model in Nashville, TN. I’ve been wanting to work with her for awhile since we first talked when she still lived in Florida. We finally got connected and got to shoot early this month. I also love getting to chat with people I work with, so here’s a mini interview with Sarah.
TRD - What was it about tattoos that drew you to getting tattooed and being part of this culture?
SCARAHXO - I was just instantly drawn to it. I’d see someone with tattoos as a kid and couldn’t wait to get one, as I got into teen years I would see beautiful heavily tattooed women and I just thought it made them look even more beautiful. I love the expression and individuality it allows you to share.
TRD - I totally get that. For me it was seeing tattooed people when I was in elementary school, and my best friend and I would draw on each other in the corner of the classroom. Ha! You're originally from Florida right? Is the tattoo scene different there than it is in Nashville? I've found that in different places the crowd kinda shifts in types of people in the crowd.
SCARAHXO - That’s a interesting question to think about… mostly because Florida is it’s own place. People are a little wild.. especially where I’m from in Florida. I was a lot younger when I lived there but from what I remember is people wouldn’t do as much research and would care more about how much a tattoo would be rather than quality.
Tattoo Model - SCARAHXO Photo - TRD Photography
TRD - I get that. Florida kind of ends up being a mix of so many different types of people from all over the country to. So it's kind of a melting pot. I've spent some time out in the Pacific Northwest, and it was interesting because back then the tattoo scene was a lot different than it is here. What is your favorite band to listen to, to relax?
SCARAHXO - You’re so right! Its hard to judge because I lived there 12 years ago My favorite band right now is Brand of Sacrifice. Relaxing music for me Type O Negative and In Flames. If I’m on a plane or my anxiety is really high I just put those two on and it really grounds me then I get sleepy (thankfully)
TRD - That's awesome! One of my best friends is a huge Type O fan. Are there any movies coming out this summer you're looking forward to?
SCARAHXO - I’m honestly so picky when it comes to movies. Maybe I don’t have the patience anymore to sit and watch something unless I know it’s going to be good or something I’m really going to be interested in. I honestly am excited for the new The Little Mermaid. That’s the innocent inner child in me I suppose. Guardians of the Galaxy, Barbie because who doesn’t love Margot Robbie
TRD - Dude I feel you! I honestly watch so few movies anymore. Most of the time it's because I'm doing research for some of the toy/cosplay photos that I do. But I do think the new Little Mermaid could be good! The Barbie movie looks hilarious. So last question, what got you into the world of modeling and photoshoots?
SCARAHXO - My mom actually encouraged me. I was taking “selfies” with the crappy old digital camera and she was like “woah you need to model” I was only 12-13 at the time and we had no idea how to get into the industry. My mom was relentless so she somehow found a photographer who worked for sports illustrated and he took me under his wing and taught me so much. The industry was so different and toxic back then too! It was hard but thankfully the industry has grown with me and I feel like I can be myself and not an image that someone else wants and I’m very thankful for that.
TRD - That's so awesome! I know on the photographer end of things, that's pretty awesome that you had a supportive mother! I know I really enjoyed working with you and look forward to doing it again! Where can people view your work?
SCARAHXO - You’re so amazing and I loved working with you. I can’t wait for what’s next to come with you and I! Instagram is where I post my work until someone makes a better platform (scarahxo)
Tattoo Model - SCARAHXO Photo - TRD Photography
Tattoo Model - SCARAHXO Photo - TRD Photography
Tattoo Model - SCARAHXO - Photo - TRD Photography
Food Talk with Chef Allie....
Chef Allie - Photo by TRD Photography
Food Talk with Chef Allie…
Ricky - So you are like a badass chef, what got you interested in the world of cooking?
Allie - Thanks! I have actually been cooking my whole life, and started in a restaurant the day I was old enough to work. My first library book was when I was 8, and it was a Cuban cookbook that I made caldo y pollo and Cuban bread. This year is my 20th year cooking!
Ricky - Wow! I didn’t realize you had been cooking that long! That is amazing dude! What is your favorite style of cuisine to cook?
Allie - I like to learn about culture and cuisines from the farthest reaches of the earth. When we are schooled in America (and a lot of Europe) we are taught French technique, and it ends up that most finer dining food is driven by that base. I decided that I would like to be educated in different ways, to expand both mind and palate. Currently I make Gujarati Indian cuisine, and I’ll say it’s my favorite. My cooking partner’s mom and dad are immigrants from Gujarat, India; she will come and teach me the heritage recipes of their family.
Ricky - That is amazing to get to learn from her first hand. You’ve been traveling the world for awhile now and you share a lot from those adventures, both food and other experiences. Where have you enjoyed visiting the most so far?
Allie - That is a hard one to pick! Some of it is dining at “the best restaurants” in the world, and some of it is learning how to make poke with a local on Easter Island. I’ve been lucky enough to experience some really badass things in my travels. I also find that the greatest food experiences can come from just anywhere, with a bit of research.
Chef/Model Allie - Photo - TRD Photography
Ricky - That sounds awesome! If you could be a chef anywhere in the world, where would you wanna be?
Allie - I would want to learn in India from an auntie and in South Korea. Also the cuisine of islands is fascinating because they are a microcosm of cuisine that is both indigenous and influenced heavily by colonization.
Ricky - That’s cool. I can definitely see those places fitting your personality as well. What else are you passionate about besides cooking?
Allie - Well, travel is a close second! In a creative aspect it all circles around food. I love to learn and decidedly look forward to being hungry! I collect antique Japanese knives, cookbooks, and memories. The last bastion is making art in the form of photography/modeling. I of course hold out for you though. Nobody gets the idea and captures the emotion like you do.
Ricky - Man, that means alot! You and I have a different kinda connection that the typical model/photographer relationship. I think my favorite shoot still is hanging out vibing to records while we were shooting film. It was just so raw and honest. You’ve got quite the record collection! How important is music in your life?
Allie - That one was way epic!! Especially the extra special Polaroids! And man, I can’t believe I forgot to talk about music. I wake up with a song in my head every day of my life, and music fills my day and my soul always. I am currently on a 3 year classic country kick that speaks to me in a profound way. I love death metal, funk and soul, psych rock, blues, punk- just so many things! Often times I will say I love music only slightly less that food, which is like 110%
Chef/Model - Allie - Photo by TRD Photography
Ricky - I was kinda surprised you didn’t bring up music earlier. What would be your 5 albums if you were stranded on a desert island?
Allie - What a ditz moment! And a heavy question hahaha…So London Calling by The Clash, Hung at Heart by The Growlers, a Marty Robbins compilation, Whisper Supremacy by Cryptopsy, and Changes by Charles Bradley. All essential and spanning the spectrum some so you get a taste of everything. The year I turned 19 I listened to London Calling every day! And about 5 years ago I got hooked on The Growlers and burnt it up. Also an essential set of songs for life by Charles Bradley- especially his rendition of Changes. And naturally a nice bit of that silly classic country from Marty Robbins, who’s vocals are like cool water on a hot day.
Ricky - Good choices dude! You and I recently had a conversation. You mentioned briefly earlier in this about modeling. Some folks may not put two and two together, but you used to model under the name of Miss Voodoo Valentine. Recently you and I were talking and how you explained it to me was there were two parts of who you were, you and her. You went through some things and she just kind of fell away. And Allie was who was left. I thought it was beautifully said. Who is Allie today?
Allie - It was definitely a tough moment in my life. To me modeling is to make art. It is fun to make pretty pictures, sexy pictures, whatever- but in my head the valuation system is about creating something with gravitas and emotion. When I came through that bad stuff in one piece, I was at a point where I could finally reconcile the way I look outwardly and who I am on the inside. I suppose having a nom de plume had been a vehicle for me to go forward with whatever art I wanted and not have to answer to anyone. When I came to realize who I am, I became comfortable with the whole me. In turn, the moniker was dropped and I left the magazines and sponsors and all that behind. I am a chef and in love with what I do; not to say I don’t love the folks that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting or the things I’ve had the honor to be a part of. I can be a model too, but it no longer defines a section of my person.
Ricky - I really like that. Allowing things to be a part of who you are but not defining you. I find that very inspiring because I see a lot of people who really draw their self-worth and identity from it. What would you tell people still in that place?
Allie - I would tell them to give themselves love and grace! There is no wrong in enjoying your visage, and your self-worth comes from your whole you. Accepting that it can come from being proud of a picture is wonderful, and as we walk our path in life they may find deeper meaning in what they create. Even if they don’t, appreciating who they are in every phase of life makes it worth living.
Ricky - I love that Allie! Dude, I wanna thank you so much for taking the time to chat. Where can folks who are up in Nashville go to experience your cooking?
Allie - My restaurant is called Tailor! It is a dinner party/tasting menu with some stories about the heritage of our Gujarati Indian cuisine. It is a complete honor to learn from Vivek Surti and his mom the rich and delicious cuisine of their family.
Ricky - Very cool! Hopefully some folks come by and check it out! It was an honor my friend!
Chef/Model - Allie - Photo by TRD Photography
Ink Revolution - Talking with Cece Sinclair
Model Cece Sinclair - Photo - TRD Photography
Talking with Cece Sinclair
IR - So Cece, how did you get interested in modeling?
Cece - Well I started doing a lot of self portraits at the age of 14 once I got my first camera. I fell in love with doing it but was so terrified of modeling because that meant working with strangers and people I didn't know. But once I got comfortable more being in front of the camera in front of photographers it just escalated from there and it's something I honestly love doing more than anything!
IR - What's your favorite music at a shoot?
Cece - My favorite music is generally electric, trap, or rap when it comes to shoots. Something that makes me peppy or makes me feel sexy is definitely a mood setter for a shoot.
IR - If you could have a live performance by any musician while you shoot, who would it be?
Cece - Oh man, T.Mills for sure! But at the same time I don't know if I would be too nervous for that! He's so fine!
IR - Ha! So what's been your favorite movie to come out this year so far?
Cece - Probably The Jungle Book. I absolutely fell in love with that movie.It definitely caught me in the feels, I'll tell you that.
Model Cece Sinclair - Photo - TRD Photography
IR - What do you enjoy doing in your down time?
Cece - That's a good question. I love going to the gym, or playing tennis, just being outdoors or planning adventures is usually what ends up happening.
IR - That's awesome. So what's the craziest adventure you've posted on Snapchat? I saw you playing in the toy department not too long ago.
Cece - Oh jeez, I've had many drunk adventures on snapchat , whether it's battling on scooters in the toy aisle or going caving or just spontaneous adventures, it's always a fun time, totally snapchat worthy.
Model - Cece Sinclair - Photo - TRD Photography
IR - So... Snapchat or Instastory?
Cece - I like insta story better! I think it's more convinient having it both in one app plus I can keep up with all my sexy followers! Haha!
IR - If you could make any changes to the Instastory, what would they be?
Cece - Being able to send story's to specific people! Not just to all your followers!
IR - That would be cool. So tell me about your ink. When did you first get tattooed?
Cece - I got my first tattoo a couple weeks after I turned 18. I went to Gary King at Turnin Headz and have been going to him ever since and now I have 27!
IR - I really dig his work! Do you have any new ink coming up?
Cece - Yes! I plan to get background on the lower section of my arm and more flowers on my shoulder!
IR - Awesome man! Where can people find you to give you a follow?
Cece - @rapidkicks on Instagram for sure!
Model - Cece Sinclair Photo- TRD Photography
By Ricky Davis in Ink Revolution
40 pages, published 5/1/2017
Ink Revolution - Spring 2017 - Now Available.
We are pleased to announce that the latest, and most likely, final issue of Ink Revolution magazine is now out and available. One of the things that I have loved most about IR over the years is getting to talk to and interview a variety of people, and hopefully take interesting photos of them. That will not be going away. I have plans to carry on interviews and such, but in a blog format and without the the restrictions of keeping it as a "tattoo magazine." I love the tattoo industry and will continue to interview artists and be a part of it, but I want to be able to share stories and opinions of people on a variety of things without worrying about how many tattoos someone has or doesn't have. Stay tuned. And go pick up this kick ass issue.
By Ricky Davis in Ink Revolution
40 pages, published 5/1/2017
Moll Mag South Africa Interview with TRD Photography
TRD Photography - Moll Mag South Africa
Moll Mag South Africa - TRD Photography Interview
Recently I did an interview for Moll Mag South Africa. It was one of the most fun interviews I've ever gotten to do. Be sure to check it out. Click the photo and go read it. :)
Ricky
TRD Photography RAW goes Video w/Leighann Word
Model Leighann Word - TRD Photography - RAW, No Photoshop except b&w conversion
TRD Photography RAW goes Video...
A big push that I've been working on lately is doing more raw, unedited type work. I call it TRD Photography RAW and I talked about it in a previous blog. This time I went a little further.
The other day model Leighann Word was in town after booking me for a session. After we finished it, we decided to do a raw shoot as well. Leighann took it a step further and did the raw shoot, without makeup either. ( Stay Tuned as I plan to announce a further series soon) We then decided to actually do one of the bts videos of our raw shoot. I hope you dig it.
I would love to do further raw sessions, and if you're interested in one of those, or any of my other work, feel free to contact me at trd@trdphotography.com I'd love to work with you.
Ricky
Photo of the Day - Leighann Word & TRD Photography
Model - Leighann Word - Photo by TRD Photography
Photo of the Day - 6/9/2014
Apparently, it's gotten to the point that I'm only gonna be able to share a few of my photos on Facebook going forward, as anything with shadows gets pixelated beyond recognition. So good news, it means I'll be sharing more here on my blog, which in reality I should be doing anyway.
Here's a sneak peek from a set I did recently with my pal Leighann Word. This set is going to be insane! This is a raw image, no photoshop except for b&w conversion.
As always, to book me, just shoot me an email to trd@trdphotography.com I'd love to work with you.
Chattanooga Tattoo Convention - TRD Photography
Tattoo Artist Dietsch of Blackbeard Tattoo - TRD Photography
Chattanooga Tattoo Convention
Today starts the third annual Chattanooga Tattoo Convention at 2pm. Tattoo Artists and Tattoo Enthusiasts will be gathered at the Chattanooga Trade Center and I'm stoked to be a part of it this year. My friends, Tim Harden and Kellie Ruthless have invited me to hang out with them at the Revolution Tattoos booth. The convention has some amazing artists and a lot of cool shows planned. So if you have some time this weekend, come check it out.
As for me, I'll have prints on hand, many of which have never been in print form before, and I'm offering a huge print sale.
8x10's are $10 each or 2 for $15.
11x14's are $20 each or 2 for $30.
I'll also be booking shoots for June 2014, so come put down a deposit on that shoot you know you've been wanting to do!
Below are some more photos I took at last years convention.
The Enigma and Syrena Rose - TRD Photography
Tattoo Contest Time - TRD Photography
David Braden doing a hand poked tattoo on Kitty Konniption - TRD Photography
Tattoo Artist Lynn Buckner of Main Line Ink - TRD Photography
Tattoo Model - Photo of the Day - Raven Lee - TRD Photography
Tattoo Model - Raven Lee - Photo by TRD Photography - Woodland Beauty Set
Tattoo Model Raven Lee
Raven has become one of my best friends over the years. She's such a sweet, authentic person and that's pretty hard to find. This set we shot in North Georgia. The above photo I wanted to keep a real, natural feel to it. The only photoshop work done on this was adjusting the colors. No airbrushing/liquifying type stuff at all. I hope you dig it.
Ricky - TRD Photography
Chattanooga, TN - www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
FInd me on Twitter/IG/Snapchat/Pinterest - @trd_photography
Pack of Wolves - Echo of Love Album Cover
Echo of Love - The sophomore release from Pack of Wolves - Photo by TRD Photography
Pack of Wolves - Echo of Love
Recently I was honored to be able to do some album artwork for the band, Pack of Wolves. They are based out of Chattanooga, TN and just released their sophomore album, Echo of Love. They are fronted by the dynamite, Tootsie Von Comare. She's got soul well beyond her years and they put on a great show! Their album is out now digitally and soon to be released in cd format. Here's the cd cover that I got the privilege of shooting.
Check Pack of Wolves out at the following sites.
www.facebook.com/pages/Pack-of-Wolves/112745215503051
www.packofwolvesmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/packofwolves4
And as always, feel free to check out my other work at the following links.
TRD Photography - Chattanooga TN - www.trdphotography.com
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - IG/Twitter/Pinterest @trd_photography
Throwback Thursday - Hotels Project with Raven Lee
Model Raven Lee from the Hotel Series by TRD Photography - Photo of the Day 2/19/2015
Photo of the Day - 2/19/2015 - Throwback Thursday - The Hotel Series with Raven Lee
One of my absolute favorite people in the world happens to be Ms. Raven Lee. I met her back in early 2012 and have had so many amazing, artistic shoots with this lady. She's been one of the sweetest, most genuine souls I've ever met! One thing about Raven that I've not ever seen at her level is how prepared she always is. Her specialty is really in nailing artistic shoot and she goes above and beyond in planning. I've never seen anyone else like her!
I chose this photo to share with you guys today because this one came from one of my projects! It's a project that I've not really worked on since 2013 and I'd like to get it rolling again this year. It's what I called the Hotel Project. The basis of it came from the idea of working towards a book project featuring more character driven b&w shots done at hotels. Different places with different vibes.
Even though this was one of our lesser planned out sets, it's still one of my absolute fav sets. We went for more of the old Hollywood starlet feel, with her look and with the edit.
Be sure to go check her out on Facebook below.
www.facebook.com/theravenlee
Be sure to stay tuned to the blog as I have a video project coming up with her VERY soon. :)
You can check out more of my work at....
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Twitter & IG - @trd_photography
Email - trd@trdphotography.com - www.trdphotography.com
I'm Ricky Davis and I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area. .
Photo of the Day 2/17/2015 - Vanessa Michelle
Model - Vanessa Michelle - Group The 86'd - TRD Photography
Photo of the Day 2/17/2015
This photo is one of my recent favorites. Vanessa and I go back a good ways. We met up at a local fav location of mine and did some more "pretty" almost fashionesque work which we hadn't really done before. I loved this angle and the lighting was fantastic!
Be sure to check out more of Vanessa's work. She is also one of my cohorts in our "alternative collective" The 86'd.
Visit Vanessa at www.facebook.com/vanessamichellefilth
Visit the 86'd at www.facebook.com/wearethe86d
Visit me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/trdphotography
Instagram & Twitter - @trd_photography Email - trd@trdphotography.com