Monday, December 6, 2010

Kandee Johnson - Last Glaminar

If you didn’t know, Kandee Johnson had her last Glaminar here in Los Angeles this weekend. I remember helping her set up the first one-- she had it in my building in Downtown Los Angeles.  It may not have been the ideal location but it was a great place to start. The Glaminars have come a long way since then. There are now more people, the location is nicer, and it’s more organized. But, some things have not changed-- it is still a very personal experience. Kandee stayed for five hours after the Glaminar to meet and talk with everyone. 
I always knew Kandee had a good work ethic, but this time I was blown away by her dedication. She stood on her feet for fourteen hours while pregnant.  There is no way a person could do something like this unless they truly loved what they were doing. She will go to any lengths to help or inspire someone. This was proven again last night. The world needs more people like her in it. It’s obvious that her fans respond to the love-- standing in line for hours after an all day event just to get a picture and to meet her in person. I was an amazing thing to witness. It felt great to be a part of this experience. Seeing it go full circle has been an amazing experience for all of us.
I showed up just as Kandee was taking a break for lunch. My friend Jordan and I met up with Kandee in her hotel room, so I had a few minutes to catch up and shoot some photos-- a view from what goes on behind the scenes.



 You know when they say a photo is worth a thousand words? This is one of them.  I had her stand by this plate glass window, which she is still afraid of because of the accident with her leg (I tested the glass to make sure it would not break on us).  This symbolizes that no matter what bad thing happens to her, Kandee will stand tall and smile. The world can throw all kinds of bad stuff at you and this is proof that we can all overcome it.

Kandee only had a few minutes to get her makeup ready before she would go out and save the world. She’s like a modern day superhero.


In the midst of a fourteen-hour day, she somehow had time to check up on her kids, her fans, and her family. I don’t know how she does it!


 No matter what is going on, there is always time to make a few jokes and laugh with friends. This comes from years of knowledge and experience laid out like pieces on a table. Each piece is a tool to change someone’s life when in the right hands.

This is what it looked like from the audience of the Glaminar: taking something small and projecting it into something that is larger than life.


Kandee has the best fans in the world. I hope that one day I can have the same kind of following. I was truly inspired by this day.


10 comments:

hizles said...

I was amazed how she was able to stay so energized and focused during the entire Glaminar. She is truly a hard working woman. I was sitting during the entire Glaminar trying to soak up all the knowledge and was so drained and tired but yet she was full-on the entire time. I love her more now than I did before attending this Glaminar. The 6 hour flight to L.A. was totally worth it. It was also nice to meet you and thanks again for letting me take a picture with you.

Unknown said...

Your photography is beautiful! Thank you for your post you did on Kandee. You photos are SO awesome! I hope you have a lot of fans one day too- because you're a very talents artist! I am a fan for sure!

Happy Monday :)

Anonymous said...

You have absolutely amazing photography. Black and white photographs are one of my favorites!

Anonymous said...

Awesome photos!

Samantha Baker said...

Ian the photo of Kandee touching up her makeup is beautiful!! I love it! Isn't she always so gorgeous!

Melissa Dale said...

I finally had the chance to meet Kandee in person a few weeks ago in San Francisco. She was just lovely and your pictures capture her spirit.
www.melissadale.net

Marta said...

Amazing job! I really love pictures in black and white.
Kandee is the most better person that I see!
She is beautiful out and inside.
Your pictures captured this.
Very nice!
Congrats for you both.
Sorry my english, I'm brazilian and speak only portuguese.
I hope that you understand me.
Hugs, from Brasil

Anonymous said...

beautiful work! and you had great and lovely things to say! very nice!

REDWOLF said...

My sister is a huge Kandee Johnson fan and saw your blog on her blog and then recommended it to me. It's absolutely awesome. Kudos, sir, seriously. I love seeing your photography. I'm no professional photographer, but this is my blog that's dedicated to the pictures I take: http://redwolftreasures.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing your photos with the world!
-Steph

Unknown said...

I was looking up work ethic and that is one of the reasons I went to Kandee Glaminar. I feel so much like her. I have a great work ethic and a love for make-up. It hard to blend them both but I am trying. She has helped me so much with my confidence and getting myself of there. She is amazing.. if only I could tell her more often. I sometimes write to her but I do not get a response. She is very busy I assume ~ I would LOVE to assist her on a shoot (my dream). Have a pretty day!! Beautiful photos.. what kind of camera were you using in these pics? XX *emarz