Three Looks by LeeStuiosNYC

Here is a model I found and asked Ernest to take some photos. Here are three looks from the shoot here in Santo Domingo. I picked out the photos I liked.

Hola Gente

It has been really dead around here lately. Everyone is waiting for their Christmas bonus. All employees get an extra month's salary in the month of December. It is the law. Starting today there will be a lot more money in the streets, if you have a job, that is. Otherwise very slow. And of course crime increases during this time of the year.

------------------------------------------------The Christmas art fair started yesterday in Parque Colon (Columbus Park), which is located in front of the Cathedral Primada de America. Artisans from all parts of the country come to take part. I would definitely stopping by and checking it out. And if you see the guy that sells homemade soap, buy some! He is so cute.
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Tonight is the winner is announced for the latest installment of Latin American Idol. The Dominican Republic's very own, Martha Heredia, is one of two finalists. The other is from Costa Rica. I watched her performance last night. She is very talented, poised, beautiful and a little cocky, which I love. Click here for her performance. I'm sure tonight @ 9pm, which is when the final show airs tonight live, will be very quiet in the country as everyone will be at home watching and rooting for Martha. Good luck, Martha!
------------------------------------------------One of the country's most influential musicians, Luis Dias, has died of a heart attack. He was born in Bonao in 1953 and is credited with creating Dominican Fusion, which merged rock, jazz and blues with over 40 different ethnic rhythms from the Dominican Republic and Haiti. He took his music and traveled the world writing songs and performing. He was very highly regarded musically both locally and internationally. He was also a prolific teacher, both here and in the United States.
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The photo above is of Ernesto. Amateur bodybuilder, masseur and now he runs a gym in the zona oriental section of Santo Domingo. And Ernest Montgomery has photographed him several times. He can get ... oh, never mind. Want a massage?

Overcast

Trying to shoot when it was overcast

Model

Model trying on different looks in Ernest's apartment @ 9:30 this morning.

Rubin

Rubin

Photos

Photos by Lee Studios NYC

These are photos that were taken when we were in Los Patos.

The David

One of our favorite models, David Pacheco, is featured in a new post on the LeeStudiosNYC blog.

The David.

Buen Dia

The Lee Studios parties were a nice start to the weekend. There was a make-shift shower for the strippers. Even one of the patrons got in the swing of things and stripped down to his underwear. Not to worry, he is obviously a regular member at his local gym. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos. I was helping out and just didn't have the time. Also, the dancers said they would be more "daring" if no photos were taken. And they were. There was a nice crowd visiting this past weekend, et not as big as in years past. To make up for the lack of party photos, here are some photos of a little excursion taken yesterday in Bonao with Ernest. Heading back to Barahona today. But can only stay one night. It is really sad how real life and the pursuit of the dollar/euro/peso constantly intrudes on fun.

Lee Studios NYC

T.G.I.F.

Really beautiful day. Sun is shining so it is hot, but not really humid. Tomorrow I am heading off to Barahona/Pedernales to really explore the southwest more. I hope to have some photos and some thoughts on the area to post when I return.
This past Tuesday was the 17th annual Modelo Republica Dominicana 2009. It was held in the grand salon at the Jaragua Hotel. I told you that pageants are huge here. The winner, Oswald Gonzalez, will compete at the Mr. Universe Model in China in 2010.
Donna Summer is coming to the island to play at the amphitheater in Altos de Chavon. In the last year we have seen R.E.O. Speedwagon, K.C. & the Sunshine Band, Gloria Gaynor, Blondie and now Donna Summer. Okay, so it may not be Madonna, but you have to take what you can get. Honestly, Madonna would sell out here at whatever price, so I don't know why she doesn't bring here tour here. I'm sure it is about the money.The Dominican Republic is a heavy favorite to win the basketball championships at the annual FIBA Americas Championship. This year it is being held in Puerto Rico. The D.R. has several of their NBA stars on the team this year. My favorite is Al Horford.
Ernest Montgomery, of LeeStudiosNYC, has started a blog. He has made a committment to shoot photos every week. This blog will document that journey of getting his book of photographs of Dominican men published.