I was hired by PUMA to capture behind the scenes photos, Boomerangs and Instagrams while also taking over their Snapchat account. Below are my stories and experience working with such an incredible brand and talent.
Rae Sremmurd had more energy than Red Bull mixed with Adderall. American hip hop duo, Khalif "Swae Lee" Brown and Aaquil "Slim Jimmi" Brown were open to me shooting anything and everything. The two were dancing on the streets of Brooklyn in their monochromatic tracksuits and chains.
Being in their presence was quite an experience. Things talked about and discussed I can't even express, but what I will say is ... this #SremmLife is not for everyone. The boys have clearly made a life for themselves doing what they love and living the life of Hollywood they always dreamed.
When I found out I was going to be on set with Kylie Jenner, my mouth dropped. To be a part of such an important shoot, not only with the talent but with a legendary street photographer, was incredible. Kylie is such a big force in the business. People care about what she does, what she wears and what she likes. I remember reading she started her lip kit because every time she went to buy a lipstick or gloss she loved it would be sold out after mentioning once she used it to anyone in the media. Word travels fast when Kylie's name is linked or involved in any way. With 60 mil Instagram followers, her opinion matters.
Professional and poised, KJ was perfect on set. She was totally on board with the concept and theme of the shoot. Kylie snapped from her trailer and posted photos (later that got a million likes) in her PUMA gear. She is perfect for the brand, not only because of her power as a K, innovator and creative, but her connection to the millennials through social media. People are already buzzing about the campaign before it launches because of a few teased images including PUMA nails. She was asked to put the logo on one nail, but Kylie wanted it on all her nails.
Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble showed up later on set, sporting PUMA's from the Fierce line, proving further her families dedication to the brand. KJ was cool, calm and collected. She was there to work. No complaints. Happy to be a part of such a strong lifestyle brand, Kylie was thrilled to be on set and it showed.
Yes Julz is by far the coolest badass chick there is. If you don't know the Snapchat queen, watch her interview on No Jumper now.
At first I felt nervous of out my mind. HOW WAS I GOING TO SNAPCHAT THE QUEEN OF SNAPCHAT HERSELF? She was super chill about it though. I spent the day in and out of her trailer as she freely discussed her current deals, plans, parties and upcoming partnerships. "I really need to stop crowd surfing," she says as she looks at all the bruises on her legs while getting made up.
She truly lives her motto "Never Not Working." Her mind never shuts down. She is constantly thinking, texting, writing notes and of course snapping.
She let me hang in the trailer and snap with her while she got ready, did her lashes and eyebrows, and listened to the new Drake album. By the end of this shoot, I knew every new song on "Views" and the lyrics to go with it.
Even by spending a couple hours with her I could tell she was a good person. She clearly cares about those around her, whether it be her charity work or her attention to detail for the artists she represents. Her energy was contagious. And to add the cherry on the day, she instagramed my photo and gave credit.
