Progressive International Motorcycle Show of Long Beach 2012 SPOTLIGHT: Alexia Cortez

Alexia Cortez is a superstar in the modeling industry with seemingly no limits. A beloved multi-time SpoCom bikini figure finalist with several big named automotive magazine covers to her credit, she has definitely developed into an icon within the import and drifting modeling scenes. In 2012, she caught the attention of one of the leading energy drink brands and sports sponsors in the country, joining the prestigious Monster Energy promotional team as a special events spokeswoman. This distinction matched with her reputation would allow her to tour with both the premier drifting and off-road motorcycling circuits, Formula Drift and AMA Supercross, within the very same year. One could even go into her accomplishments within the pageant world and big name billboard advertising, but perhaps that’s another story for another time. For now, here at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show, seeing this beautiful talent in official race girl threads courtesy of Del Amo Motorsports, it just seems fitting. Alexia lives for this.

Progressive International Motorcycle Show of Long Beach 2012: The Talent Rundown (Part 3)

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Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys

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Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys has been an advocate for rider’s rights on the road for many decades now.  Their dedication and specialization on motorcycle accidents and injuries stems from their own love of the lifestyle, being that the firm itself is composed of experienced, passionate riders.  Their nationwide success and tradition of care has brought much fame to their name, especially in the Southern California scene with appearances at major motorcycle showcase events like the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show and, of course, the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.  Each appearance does much to boost the enthusiasm of event attendees, as they often employ a few good women to help spread the word of their services.

Progressive International Motorcycle Show of Long Beach 2012: Ducati Ladies in Red (Part 2)

In order to spotlight their engineering, design and brand culture for maximal exposure, the Ducati team had several points of interest set up around their display area. One of these areas was a centrally located showcase cylinder where enthusiasts were given a chance to get close to some of Ducati’s premier manufactured models. Of course, through the duration of the day, those would not be the only models to be presented, as Ducati was happy to oblige the curious masses with an intro to their beautiful product specialist team within the format of a mini group photo shoot.

Progressive International Motorcycle Show of Long Beach 2012: Ducati Ladies in Red (Part 1)

 

For many people, Ducati is Italian for premium performance. With a history decorated in titles within prestigious racing circuits like the World Superbike Championships and MotoGP, the brand has a reputation for high quality precision engineering that maximizes the riding experience. For others, perhaps, it’s the sleek distinctive design that intrigues the senses the most, observing the rich contours that shimmer and form something immaculate to the eye. In a way, Ducati is about loving the lifestyle, and who wouldn’t with hot bikes, hot coffee, and, of course, a few attentive ladies in red, beaming smiles right beside.

Progressive International Motorcycle Show of Long Beach 2012: The Talent Rundown (Part 2)

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Triumph Motorcycles

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Triumph Motorcycles stance on high-performance adventure has stood the test of time with a history dating back to the dawn of the 20th century.  Just one look at the volume of visitors they attracted toward their displays at this show would convince anyone of the trust and stature placed upon the brand by the consumers.  Triumph is very much a part of the tradition associated with the motorcycling culture, after all.

Progressive International Motorcycle Show of Long Beach 2012: The Talent Rundown (Part 1)

The Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach provided splendid spectacles of visual artistry, form and performance that exemplified much of the style and charisma that a passionate motorcycling community had to offer.  With all the goodies abound, the companies attending the event made sure they had the right representation to drive the message of their own unique brand culture effectively to the wandering masses, utilizing the talents of promotional modeling professionals who through their varied backgrounds helped with creating that lasting impression.

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MotoGP Experience

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When it comes to motorcycle road racing, MotoGP stands for the pinnacle of action and performance, well recognized as the sport’s premier championship circuit.  For the chance to experience a little of that live, a dedicated racing fan would probably sell off a few prized possessions or maybe, if they’re observant enough, just head over to their local big venue box office for a ticket to the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.  The MotoGP Experience was formed for the purpose of getting fans up close and personal with the feel and excitement of the action sports lifestyle with an all-star display of the MotoGP circuit’s finest racing machines.  For a few days, fans could pretend to be a star in a sport that they love, taking pictures with their hero’s favorite ride.  Of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without a stunning umbrella girl right there to shade one from those harsh ceiling lights. 

Progressive International Motorcycle Show of Long Beach 2012: Floor Report

The Progressive International Motorcycle Show is definitely the biggest motorcycling showcase circuit in North America, hosting more than ten events every year nationwide.  Its annual visits to one of the West Coast’s premier locales has garnered quite a following from enthusiasts and riders from all around the country, ever so enthralled by the thought of their passions lit in the warmth of the glowing Long Beach horizon.  Well, perhaps that’s true when those wheels are just about to head inside.  It is an indoor event, after all.  For those rides, there would be plenty of time to glimmer, however, under the lights of the vast Long Beach Convention Center exhibit halls, which has hosted some of the most spectacular trade and showcase events in the region.  For big events such as these, the modeling world takes notice.  This year’s event saw a fine mix of talent stepping forward as brand promoters for some of the most prestigious companies in the motorcycling industry, many of whom were quite recognizable themselves through their works in different scenes, media or fields of performance.  A more in depth look into these talented figures will be provided within the content to follow.  For now, here’s a breakdown of the major points of navigation within the event.

LA Auto Show 2012: The Hotties of Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson is the standard of the American motorcycle culture because of its tradition for individuality and customization.  The legendary company’s recent tours with the DUB Show series have met with national success at several venues around the country, so it was only fitting for the two brands to head into one of the last and largest automotive showcase events in the West, the LA Auto Show.  Stationed adjacent to the DUB Show section of Kentia Hall, Harley-Davidson once again dazzled with fine displays of ingenuity and craftsmanship.  That’s not all they had, however, for what is a motorcycle display without some hot chicks that come along with the ride?

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LA Auto Show 2012: Kentia Cuties (Part 2)

 

 

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California Traffic Tickets

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LA Auto Show 2012 SPOTLIGHT: Elizabeth Michelle and Elyse Miles

 

When Elizabeth Michelle and Elyse Miles get together at a live event such as the LA Auto Show at the Al and Ed’s Autosound showcase area, things can get a bit silly. Multiple takes on the “Elizabeth/Elyse kinda-sorta-smile” (not pictured here for fear of model retaliation) would ensue between moments of hysterical laughter from even the slightest glimpse at the other’s attempts. Then a conversation about alternate business opportunities like “hot model event foot massage” would enter the mix. One would think that they had a whole stand up routine all planned out. But that’s just how they roll, in sync like the initials of their names.  They were definitely the best buddy team at the LA Auto Show this year.

LA Auto Show 2012: Al & Ed’s Autosound Angels

 

There’s a different rhythm and pulse to Kentia than in any other convention hall during the LA Auto Show. That vibe relies heavily upon the booming sound systems and electronics of Al & Ed’s Autosound. With a showcase area stretching an entire length of the hall, the brand has been a well recognized source of entertainment and curiosity for many event attendees for the past several years. And then, of course, you have the women, which also tend to intrigue. For instance, why do they have scan codes on a certain part of their body? And when they have the message “Like Us” printed at the front of their dresses, is that a general suggestion or a specific question? With the Al & Ed’s Autosound brand stance on innovation, would anyone expect anything less innovative from their marketing?

LA Auto Show 2012: Kentia Cuties (Part 1)

Heading down the escalators from the LA Convention Center’s main lobby, there lies a whole new world within the walls of Kentia Hall.  While things up top are a bit more structured and formalized, showcasing world premiere, mass produced projects by the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, the convention center underground, as you will, provided a different outlook at the automotive lifestyle featuring custom cars, vehicular modification products, accessories and car care equipment which cater to the spirit of a car culture that is easily identifiable with the vibrant SoCal crowd.  Therefore, many of the talent stationed in this section of the convention center will be familiar with many who follow the west coast import and trade show scenes. 

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Bespoke Coachworks

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LA Auto Show 2012 SPOTLIGHT: Tiffany Stone

 

With the brand new 300C full-sized sedan upon Chrysler’s main display at this year’s LA Auto Show, the company had to make sure they had people with the experience and passion to drive the message of Chrysler’s dedication to performance, style and luxury to a mass audience. Once again, Tiffany Stone found herself on that platform for the duration of this two week extravaganza, having already toured with the brand for several years nationwide. Much of her appeal at these events stem from her dynamic presentation style. There’s a volume and vitality that she is able to channel while detailing the most technical of information that provides that much needed clarity to the wandering minds of an uncommitted consumer. There are even some moments that it’s unsure whether or not she does sense a bit of confusion, where it seems she tweaks her narrative ever so slightly to keep everyone locked on, utilizing methods such as brief energetic moments of Q&A to personalize a product experience. It’s this intuitive charm that’s very natural and endearing about her that builds the element of trust and comfort with a broad-based audience. If one found themselves to be a bit more curious, a simple search engine inquiry would uncover that she is definitely one of the more popular Chrysler representatives within the automotive trade show circuit. Such would also uncover her many successes within the modeling industry in general, being a top ten finalist of Maxim’s 2008 Hometown Hotties competition and a former top 15 contender for the crown of Miss Michigan, along with numerous credits in televised advertising and online media. There’s much to be said about a someone whose talent encompasses every sector of their industry, and it’s all very good.

LA Auto Show 2012: Beauty and Brands (Part 2)

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Lincoln

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A special mention must be given to the ladies of Lincoln, who walked the LA Convention Center floor in elegant black matching ensembles, which reflected the tradition of luxury and class their brand name stands for.

LA Auto Show 2012: Le Femme Fiat

Every year at the LA Auto Show, the ladies of Fiat always make a statement with their flashy, chic fashion sense.  Whether they’re wearing form-fitting race performance jumpsuits, sleek brilliant mini dresses, or angelic, serene conceptions of formalized wear, there’s always a subtle, indirect allusion to a certain Fiat Superbowl commercial that aired in the United States at the beginning of the year.  Of course, the subtlety becomes apparent with the big screen replays above the showcase displays.  The message, however, is obvious and well received.  Fiat is passion.

LA Auto Show 2012 SPOTLIGHT: Erin Leighh

Because of Detroit’s stature as the home of the “Big Three” automobile companies in the United States, it’s easy to discover that many of the American promotional teams and representatives sent to public trade shows throughout the nation hail from the Great Lake State. One such Michigan native was Erin Leighh, who represented Dodge as a product specialist and presenter during the LA Auto Show. With the sleek shimmer of fine silver machinery, the 2013 Dodge Dart, right by her side, she detailed the specifications and developmental history of the showcased vehicle with a smooth confidence and clarity, which could only come from an intimate knowledge of her subject. While many presenters at the the LA Auto Show are not necessarily involved in the modeling industry, there was just this visual brilliance and charisma she had that was undeniable. It turns out that she actually had done some print and catalog work back home and was fascinated about the sectors of fitness and nutrition particularly, due to its relation with her passion for the science of physical therapy.  With all of that said, you could see that her true enthusiasm was for the moment, representing a brand she believes in.  She’s a true fan of fine automobiles like many people were at this show. With all information, laughter and goodwill taken into account, her optimism and embracing character created quite a vibrant show atmosphere for everyone in attendance and proved her value as a major brand product specialist.

 

LA Auto Show 2012: Beauty and Brands (Part 1)

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Jeep

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With the brand new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on their platform, it was only fitting that Jeep had representatives that matched the spirit and dynamic character of their showcase vehicle.

Deena Traina kept the crowds enthusiastic with expert product analysis and informative interactions with curious observers.  Of course, having a smile like that does a lot of good as well.  Maybe it’s that general approachability factor that makes her quite effective at what she does.

LA Auto Show 2012: Floor Report

 

The final season of any year always brings with it an enthusiasm and will to experience something grand and exciting before one painstakingly attempts to erase the muscle memory, which writes a number twelve at the end of every date line.  With that in mind, it’s no wonder why many of the major automotive shows tend to occur around the months of November and December for the purpose of catering to the needs of an automotive enthusiast.  In the Los Angeles, California area, there really isn’t any other automotive showcase event bigger than the LA Auto Show, which is held every year at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  With many of the major car manufacturers present at this event, the stylish concept cars and new vehicular models definitely take center stage.  However, with racing, pageant and import scene queens abound, it’s not difficult to see the significance of the LA Auto Show for those involved in the modeling industry.

The LA Auto Show is probably one of the more complex events to fully cover.  With various events happening within several different halls and chambers, a person wishing to experience all that the LA Auto Show has to offer must consider visiting each hall several times throughout the day or week, and unfortunately because of the vastness and architecture, they aren’t always that easy to visit consistently while on foot.  Only a true enthusiast will survive.  The LA Auto Show, however, can be divided into two seemingly distinct “cultures,” knowledge of which could help one prioritize a certain number of event destination points.  Below is an overview of these “cultures” within the context of the modeling industry.

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Consumer Culture

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This is the predominant “culture” of the LA Auto Show with the LA Convention Center’s South Hall, West Hall, Concourse Hall, and Petree Hall all dedicated to inspiring curious attendees to buy into the designs and concepts of the major manufacturers and developers of the automotive industry.  Models and spokeswomen with these major companies usually travel with their brand nationwide to the biggest locals and events and often work every day of the show’s duration (usually in half hour shifts for mega two week events like this show).  Because of the worldwide reputation of their brands, they have to present themselves as experts of the design and functionality of the vehicles they stand by, describing them in detail at regular intervals upon showcase platforms spread throughout a convention hall.  In later installments, it will be revealed that many of these women have a great varied history that spans many sectors of the modeling world.

“A Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show SPOTLIGHT: Kaycee Tran

Kaycee Tran made her debut on the scene just earlier this year in January and has since become one of the more popular figures of the Kapu MotorTrends brand, representing the company at several big name events around the Southern California region. Missing in action for much of the 2012 summer and fall seasons, Kaycee finally made her return to the scene at the “Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show, working with the rest of the ladies at the PASMAG model lounge. What made people wonder though was why for her first appearance in a long while did she decide to bring a good-sized can of whipped cream. Perhaps, someone was bringing cake to the event and got lost, or maybe she had a craving for some mocha later in the day and wanted to keep it handy. Who knows? When it comes down to it, what’s an experienced promotional model to do with a product in her hands but, well, promote the product?

“A Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show SPOTLIGHT: Ngan Vo

Representing DNA Motoring at the “Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show was none other than the beautiful Ngan Vo. To those who frequent the import scene, Ngan is well known for her unabashed, charismatic cuteness. Whether it be posing with a pop tart after her lunch break, creating random funny faces or training to be the perfect mid-air strike-a-poser, Ngan just seems to find a way to inject a little humor into any situation. Through all the good-natured shenanigans though, Ngan is an absolute sensual dynamo at the core. There’s a depth of passionate clarity within her that she frames so well with serene poise and grace. Of course, the silliness doesn’t stay quelled for long, leaving many people helpless in admiration over the ever changing expressive tempo.

 

“A Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show SPOTLIGHT: Lisa Pinelli

 

Not many people knew that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are actually an awesome fighting foursome plus one. Well, that is until Lisa Pinelli came rolling into car shows and comic book conventions, decked out in her ninja attire with her pal Mikey behind the wheel of the famous Turtle Party Wagon. At the “Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show, however, the Party Wagon came rolling in once again, but something was different. It was probably decided that the crime fighting gig wouldn’t go bust if they just chilled for one day. As a result, Lisa traded in her half-shell for a nice little black number. Shooting with Lisa is always quite an experience, mostly because of the power she imparts upon an image through penetrating expressional content. It’s this confidence and strength in conjunction with intuitive grace and form that has the potential to create something quite majestic while also providing a piece with an impressive focal point.

 

“A Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show SPOTLIGHT: Jenna Lane

 

Jenna Lane captivates with a seductive smoothness born from immersive emotive subtleties within her expressive character.  These subtleties tend to blur the lines between the generally received notions of adorability and sensuality, somehow seamlessly integrating them into a quality very much unique to this beautiful talent. The depth and focus she contributes to a piece of photography is what many would call heartwarming, for a lack of a better term.  But there’s something more to that which she brings that just teases with such indefinable mystery.

“A Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show SPOTLIGHT: Karina Karma

 

 

Karina Karma has this graceful flow about her that is just aesthetically sound. She has a keen sense and instinct of creating the illusion of movement and drama within still photography, all the while setting the mood with expressive force of character. When she approached me with plans of doing something more creative towards the end of the day, I had to take her to the abandoned tracks behind the Extreme Dimensions HQ. The setting definitely had the depth and intrigue that I felt would compliment the artistic process of this fine talent. It was, indeed, a fun shoot.

 

“A Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show SPOTLIGHT: Gina Sky

With memorable appearances at big events such as the Motion Auto Show, AutoCon, and the Auto Gallery Car Show, Gina Sky is definitely making a name for herself within the import modeling arena.  It’s this expressional brilliance that she is able to command so effortlessly that enlivens any and every composition, infusing radiant character into every shot. However, its those moments that are captured of her where she isn’t really in control that become all that more memorable. She tends to laugh when I call them her “America’s Sweetheart” moments, while she refers to them as “cheezing.” No matter what someone choses to call it, it’s that honesty and unfiltered rawness of expressive character that makes her ever so endearing and attractive to a general audience.

“A Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show SPOTLIGHT: Jerrose

 

Jerrose, a former Miss Asia San Diego contestant and Miss Congeniality, seemed dressed and ready to perform her duties as Santa’s little helper at the “Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show, lighting up everyone’s mood with some good ol’ giddiness, smiles and cheers. There’s just this feeling of warmth and hospitality that people feel from being around this lovely talent.  In a way, that stems from her admitted fascination with cooking for friends and hanging out, especially when it involves grabbing some grits.  Now, grits was an interesting mention especially when most of the circles I hang around with pretty much praise the pho. It turns out this little lady spent many years down south in Florida and Alabama before moving over to California coast, getting a taste of both worlds, so to speak.  In a similar vain, shooting with a talent like Jerrose always awes in visual dimensional intrigue, a fascination sustained by the interplay of soothing sensual depth and unadulterated charm.

“A Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show SPOTLIGHT: Jenn Chinchaidy

Before the “Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show, one may have had the previous notion that a can of Red Bull would be the only thing that could metaphorically get someone wings, yet when looking over yonder at Jenn Chinchaidy walking around with a pair of her own, it’s easy to see that isn’t entirely the case.  Jenn is the energy.  In front of the camera, she can be a mindful artist, constantly aggregating soothing sensuality with dynamic flare and personality.  That’s only for part of the time though.   Sometimes she could decide to dress up as a popular Japanese TV station mascot (which she actually did at this event to the delight of the audience) or any variation of silliness you might be able to think of.  She just lives within the unpredictability of the moment.  One thing is for certain though.  She sure makes the season jolly.

“A Child’s Smile” Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show SPOTLIGHT: Carla Calderon

 

December can make people nostalgic about what’s gone on through the course of the year.  It’s probably why many of the major family holidays occur around this time, giving everyone a chance to think back on some of those awesome moments with friends and, perhaps, live them once again.  For me as a photographer, seeing Carla Calderon back on the scene at this charity event was just what I needed to get my creativity flowing.  You could look back at our collaborations in the past and observe the penetrating passionate content she was always able to convey into any single piece of photography.  She would often laugh-off any incoming compliments with regards to her artistic process.  Maybe she’s just winging it like she says all the time.  After all, who really needs to prepare or practice when beauty just presents itself naturally.

 

"A Child's Smile" Toy Drive Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show: The Geisha Girls

 

The first of December tends to bring heightened attention to the upcoming holiday festivities.  With the season of giving at hand, Geisha Events, Cars4Cancer and Extreme Dimensions, along with many popular sponsors and product brands known throughout the import scene, thought it best to set aside one special day to have a chance to influence a child's smile, a thought which perhaps influenced the title of the event, "A Child's Smile" Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show.  As people came to the Extreme Dimensions headquarters in Fullerton, CA to show their good will through numerous toy and monetary donations, they didn't need to go that far to experience some good cheer for their ample generosity.  The fabulous Geisha Girls, who have been making their presence known all throughout the 2012 events season, were out in full force ready to celebrate the holiday season with the crowds in what would be for many their last car show of the year.  With their natural charisma and flare, they brought an energetic vibrance and spirit to the overcast gloom of the day.  One just had to admire the amazing teamwork...

 

 



 

 

 

 

More of the Geisha Ladies as well as more of your favorite modeling stars as coverage of "A Child's Smile" Toy Drive and Cars4Cancer Charity Car Show continues...