Portrait Magazine - Fashion-Style Portraits

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PORTRAIT Fashioin-Inspired Portraits

Summer 2022 Issue 01

“C apturing t he B eauty & C onfidence of E veryday W omen.” ~Anita V. Cruz

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PORTRA I T P H O T O G R A P H Y Content ABOUT THE PORTRAIT CAMERA READY BEAUTY PREPERATION PARIS - DREAM SHOOT MOTHER & DAUGHTER PAINTERLY PORTRAITS PERSONAL BRANDING HEADHOTS MUSIC MANIA MAKEKUP ARTISTS MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER PRODUCTS & PRICING SUMMER EVENTS 2022

Feature Story GOSSIP GIRL - LILY JI

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Cover Model: @vsummerw Makeup & Hair: @odilis.trinidad

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Back Cover Model: @meg_ jane97 Makeup & Hair: @jvalldistyling

Mother & Daughter painterly portraits page 36

“Every moment in time is unique. It exists, it passes, and then it is gone forever, never to be seen or experienced again. That is why it is important to exist in photos.”

Continued here...

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AVAILABLE NOW!

Gift a Photo Shoot $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $1,200, $2,000

Anita’s prefrred camera Nikon D850.

CALL TO ORDER TODAY! (347) 42 1-53 98 Or order online at anitavcruz.com/giftcards

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THE STUDIO A LOOK INSIDE THE GLAMOUR STUDIO

GLAM THE DRESS: Why only wear your dress once? Use your wedding gown or special occassion dress to make your portraits even more memorable.

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THE EXPERIENCE VIDEO Everyone wants a chance to feel and look gorgeous.

S

o much goes into creating a custom portrait session for my clients.

Here is a behind-the-scenes look at some of my favorite photo shoots to give you an idea of what a portrait session with me is like.

You can also check out my behind-the-scenes videos on my website

. So much goes into creating a custom portrait session for my clients. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at some of my favorite photoshoots to give you an idea of what a portrait session with me is like.

Click here for more videos

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Everyday Women Model: Jenny Contemporary Portraits anitavcruz.com anitavcruzphoto@gmail.com Website: Makeup & Hair by Odilis @Odilis.Trinidad

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Everyday Women Model: Vivian

Contemporary Portraits anitavcruz.com anitavcruzphoto@gmail.com Website: Makeup & Hair by Julia @ jvalldistyling

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Everyday Women Model: Victoria

Contemporary Portraits anitavcruz.com anitavcruzphoto@gmail.com Website: Makeup & Hair by Odilis @Odilis.Trinidad

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Anita V. Cruz Photography

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When was the last time you were professionallyphotographed?

When you come in for a consultation we will plan and design a photo shoot you want and that you’ve dreamed of experiencing. My team of professional makeup artists and hair stylists will give you a full makeover and give you any level of glam you want. You may bring up to five outfits and we can help you style them. And, if you do not have five outfits, during the consultation we can style a wardrobe for you from our studio collection.

Who would you like to be photographed with?

Enjoy this photo shoot with your mother, sister, daughter, best friend, husband, or partner. You can plan it as a “Girls Day Out” with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. We can create an incredible shoot for you and your daughters or whomever you would like to invite. You can share this experience with your mother and grandmother. I can photograph three and four generations together. And the best part, you can go out that night and “paint the town red” because you are all going to look and feel fabulous.

Following your portrait session is your reveal. This is when you come back to my studio or office and you get to see all your beautiful portraits printed, up on the wall, and decide what you want to buy. Depending on the portrait session you choose you will see up to thirty portraits. You can purchase a folio box and place all your images into it for safe keeping. Choose wall portrait

WELCOME

enlargements or any combination of the two. My products will be on hand at your reveal to look at and touch. We can even design a beautiful gallery wall to display in various enlargements sizes complete with your choice of vintage frames in white, black, or gold. What you buy is entirely up

I INVITE YOU TO A PERSONAL SESSION WITH ME It will change the way you see yourself.

to you. My job is simply to take the most beautiful portraits you have ever seen of yourself that you want to buy them all!

I am a contemporary portrait photographer.

Portrait photography has changed so much since the 80’s glamour style portraits.

Today, it has become more “Fashion Magazine Style”. What I offer is a celebrity-style photoshoot experience with fully styled hair, makeup, and clothing. You choose how you would like to be photographed. Invite a friend or family member to join you.

THIS IS A CELEBRITY-STYLE PHOTO SHOOT EXPERIENCE!

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THE REVEAL

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Now it’s time for your makeover!

GETTING READY A week or two before your photoshoot, schedule some “me time” to pamper yourself.

This is when you’ll want to start getting ready for your photo session. Schedule a manicure the day before, make an appointment the week of with your stylist or favorite salon to touch up your hair cut or color if needed. These little touch ups can go a long way to making you feel even more confident and camera ready! Gather your wardrobe together or go shopping for something new! Get plenty of rest the night before and arrive at the studio with clean, dry hair and no makeup.

Choose from our studio wardrobe

Wardrobe

How you style your wardrobe depends on the type of portrait session you choose.

Makeup & Hair: Odilis Model: Julia Valldi

During your consultation we will talk about what type of portrait session you want, how you want to be photographed and start planing your wardrobe.

There are many options when it comes to getting your wardrobe ready for your portrait session. You can bring in your wardrobe from home and my team and I can style you in perfect combinations for your shoot. You can rent or buy dresses from online stores. You can choose pieces from our in-studio wardrobe collection.

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More Information

Anita V. Cruz Photography

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Alluring Images that captivate...

B

efore any shoot, set up some safety protocols. Prep your model on what to bring in terms of PPE. As always, avoid reusing products or

using your hands in place of a freshly cleaned brush. Do your research on proper hygiene practices based on the products you use, and go the extra mile to ensure everyone feels safe!

Hair should be recently washed and combed/

Stylist by Julia Valldi

@jvalldistyling

brushed. Fly-away hairs are hard to control during the shoot and very difficult to remove on the final photographs.

HAIR STYLING

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How to shop for a curling wand

Favorite Picks

Heat settings: You will want to prioritize adjustable heat options when shopping for a curling wand. This allows you to tailor your heat to varying hair thicknesses not only across users, but on your own head. If the heat is too low, hair won’t curl; too high and you risk damaging your hair.

Barrel size: The size of your wand’s barrel will have the greatest impact on the way your hair looks once you’re finished styling.

Generally, a smaller barrel results in a tighter curl and a larger barrel results in a larger curl.

Barrel shape: Some wands have a cylindrical barrel that’s the same width from base to tip while others are tapered to a smaller point at one end. The difference? Tapered wands create different a curl that changes in size from top to bottom for a messier, more natural look.

Material: Stylists tend to prefer wands made of titanium for the material’s ability to heat up quickly and evenly, though “some people feel that ceramic is smoother than the titanium.” anitavcruzphoto@gmail.com www.anitavcruz.com

Lava Curl Shot $129.99

3 Hair Style Tips Tip 1: A little hairspray goes a long way. Use just a bit once you’ve styled the hair, and hold it a good distance away from your model’s head.

Tip 2: Adjust as needed. The styling process doesn’t end when you start shooting, and you might have to touch things up throughout the session.

Tip 3: A week before apply hair

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand $19.99

treatment consistently. Prep the hair so it’s in the best shape possible by the time you’re going to a photoshoot. If you can, get a haircut and color a week before your shoot. It just looks so much better in the finished photo.

Fo r m o re info r m at io n g o to: www.anitavcruz.com/contact

Cortex 4in1 Pro Ceramic Clipless Curling Iron Set with Four Ceramic $79 Remington CI9538 Pro 1”-1.5” Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand $27.99

“OUTER BEAUTY ATTRACTS, BUT INNER BEAUTY CAPTIVATES.” Kate Angel

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Affordable Drugstore Products 1. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

BRUSHES Elf-Professional Set of 12 Makeup Brushes $12

2. Revlon Photo Ready Candid Glow Moisture Foundation 3. L’Oreal age perfect concealer 4. Maybelline Great Lash Wash-

able Mascara.

5. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick

2 W

Model: Victoria Summer

MAKEUP Best Drugstore brands for your money.

e’re living in a golden age of drugstore beauty. While we once sacrificed efficacy for affordability, that isn’t the case with the best drugstore makeup now. In fact, if TikTok has taught us anything (aside

from how to make whipped coffee and feta pasta), it’s that your local CVS is full of incredible drugstore skin care and affordable makeup brands that are just as good as

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any luxury option.

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2 347.421.5398 / anitavcruzphoto@gmail.com www.anitavcruz.com

BE STRONG, “Outer beauty BE FEARLESS, attracts, but inner BE BEAUTIFUL. beauty captivates” Misty Copeland Kate Angel

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MAKEUP GUIDE Choose the intensity of your makeup depending on your style.

LIGHT

Use the lightest shade in your palette or selection, and brush it on over your entire lid using a fluffy eyeshadow brush, all the way up to your brow bone.

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NATURAL eye closed Prime your lids. Prep your eyelids with an eye primer to ensure that your eye makeup lasts all day.

NATURAL eye opened

Full eye makeup includes a base eyeshadow color, a highlight shadow, eyeliner, mascara, and false eyelashes, if desired.

llustration by Sue Bryce

MEDIUM

Apply mid-tone orange into the crease, working your way across the centre of the eyelid. With the darker shade, create a V shape on the outer lid, working your way into the centre.

DARK

Pay attention to the inner corner of your eye, which always should be a slightly lighter highlight to “open up” your eyes. Medium eyeshadow on the lid and the dark eye shadow in the outer corner.

SMOKEY

A style of eye makeup application in which dark eyeshadow is applied to the top and bottom eyelids and blended for a dramatic effect.

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STYLE GUIDE amazon.com

How to build a classy wardrobe?

Always have a pair of blue jeans and black pants in your wardrobe.

Other color jeans you can add are gray and white.

Denim shorts, black and beige twill shorts are great to wear in the summer. Add a few skirts, like a pencil skirt, a gray skirt and a midi skirt.

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Paris Model: Yvonne Camara Makeup & Hair @mamzelle_make_up

WHAT TO WEAR Learn how to look your best for your legacy potrait.

C

reate looks that will transform your style. Feel confident during your photoshoot and choose clothes that express your style. Build a wardrobe, select colors, shapes, and fabrics that work for your body and unique personality.

“BEAUTY BEGINS THE MOMENT YOU DECIDE TO BE YOURSELF.” COCO CHANEL

347.421.5398 / anitavcruzphoto@gmail.com www.anitavcruz.com

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THE EVOLUTION OF

Dresses Through The Ages Women were controlled by men at nearly every stage of their lives.

Facts:

Dress style Women’s rights Breakthrough Technology

Variety of colors

Future avant garde trends. click here

30 B.C.

Greek women had virtually no political rights

The gear, screw, rotary mills, and use of steam to operate machines and toys.

Ancient Greece’s garments have long served as modern fashion inspiration.

Dior launched the sheath

High necks

1905

Credit cards, power steering, diet soft drinks, music synthesizers,

colorise blackand-white films by machine.

At the tail end of the Victorian era, dresses became more playful with lace, ruffles, and feather.

1950 Women in the 1950s were not allowed to make contracts or wills.

Bob Mackie

designed Cher’s iconic dress

The frock was a fa-

vorite of the stylish set.

were still key.

By 1965, miniskirt

mania was at its peak.

In the 1950s, the popular

silhouette changed completely.

Tea-length dresses were all

1965 Steve Jobs unveiled the NeXT computer on October 12,1988.

synthetic fibers of exceptional strength and stiffness.

Once again, hemlines were on the rise. Throughout the ‘60s and by 1965, miniskirt mania was at its peak.

1988

Supreme Court finds that sexual harassment is a form of illegal job discrimination.

Kamala Harris is sworn in as the first woman and first woman of color vice president of the US.

Suffragettes’ campaign became more violent. Their motto was ‘Deeds Not Words’ and they began using more aggressive tactics to get people to listen.

When Cher arrived at the 1988 Oscars in a tizzy of fringe, beads, and rhinestone-encrusted Robotics, Drones, and Vehicle tAutomation.

2000

The iPod, the Apple portable music digital player.

Title VII bans employment discrimination based on race, religion, national origin or sex.

2000’s became more

about fabrics and patterns.

“Women 2000: Gender Equality,

2021

Made of stretch knit and

featuring sleek cutouts, the frock was a favorite of the stylish set. including Candice Swanepoel, who wore it on the red carpet,

The 2000s became less

about a certain style and more about fabrics and patterns.

Cotton, jersey, and knits had big moments.w in the new millennium, as did bold patterns and midriff-baring silhouettes.

Development and Peace for the Twenty-first Century .

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Paris - New York

Dream Shoot From New York to Paris, Dreamshoots are becoming more popular among everyday women who want a once in a lifetime

BY A N I TA V. C RU Z

D

estinatio

Dreamshoots

are

becoming more popular among women who want a once in a lifetime celebrity style photoshoot

experience. Design your dreamshoot. Choose your location. Select your beautiful wardrobe.

Create your legacy. Destination Dreamshoots are becoming more popular among women who want a once in a lifetime experience. Design your dreamshoot. Choose your location. Select your beautiful wardrobe. Create your lagacy.

Destination Dreamshoots are becoming more popular among women who want a once in a lifetime experience. Design your dreamshoot.

Choose your location. Select your beautiful wardrobe. Create your lagacy. Destination Dreamshoots are becoming more popular among women who want a once in a lifetime experience. dreamshoot. Choose your location. Select your beautiful wardrobe. Create your lagacy. Select

Model: @lilyji

Lily dancing at the Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

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Paris

Model: Lily

New York

Model; Julia

O

ur destination Dreamshoots are becoming more popular among women who want a once in a lifetime celebrity style photoshoot experience. Design your dreamshoot. Choose your location. Select your beautiful wardrobe. Create your lagacy. Destination Dreamshoots are becoming more popular among women who want a once in a lifetime experience. Design your dreamshoot. Choose your location. Select your beautiful wardrobe. Create your lagacy.

Dstination Dreamshoots are becoming more popular among women who want a once in a lifetime celebrity style photoshoot experience. Design your dreamshoot. Choose your location.

Select your beautiful wardrobe. Create your lagacy. Destination Dreamshoots are becoming more popular among women who want a once in a lifetime experience. Design your dreamshoot.

Choose your location. Select your beautiful wardrobe. Create your lagacy.

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SUMMER 22 The best NYC events in June, July, and August

JU NE 2 022

JU LY 2 0 2 2

A U GU ST 2022

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

THE US OPEN

GAY PRIDE NYC

PIER 17 CONCERT

The U.S. Open New York’s exhilarating summer sports event—is one of the most exciting things to do in Queens.

The Tribeca Film Festival is rapidly approaching.Gearing up to host in-person, outdoor screenings.

Whether you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, it’s time to celebrate Gay Pride in NYC.

Pier 17’s Summer Concert Series has announced its return with a must-see slate of performers.

4th OF JULY Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks to NYC’s rooftop bars and barbecuing out at NYC parks, we’ve got you covered.

JAZZ LAWN PARTY Dance in the open air and find great things to do outside.

Governor’s Island HARRY POTTER

Paul McCartney - 1 Show Near East Rutherford - June 16

The Beatle will be hitting arenas and stadiums with the party Living legend, Sir Paul McCartney is hitting the road for the first time since his 2019. Freshen Up Tour. The aptly named ‘Got Back’ tour will see McCartney trekking across the US for 13 dates.

The most magical place in New York City, the Harry Potter Store New York, has opened.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

Every summer, the Public Theater produces a New York tradition Shakespeare in the Park.

anitavcruzphoto@gmail.com www.anitavcruz.com

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Mother & Daughter Portrait

“Create a perfect dreamshoot and a day of pampering with your mother, best friend, sister or children.”

T

hese photographs will become some of the most valuable things that you and your children will ever own! Create priceless family heirlooms with a mother and daughter por-

trait session. Schedule a session every year to celebrate your beautiful relationship and watch each year as your daughter grows into a beautiful, confident young woman. Get all dressed up and have your hair and makeup done. Create something that you and your daughter will remember and cherish for the rest of your lives and spend and amazing day together making memories!. Let me create a photo legacy for you that lasts for generations and it will be your most treasured keepsake.

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LOCATION PORTRAITS I love using the amazing New York City backdrops to enhance the experience.

New York City is the most fun to use as a backdrop like Times Square. The choices are endless.

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G RL FEATURE • Gossip Girl

Gossip

Lily Ji grew up in China watching Gossip Girl on TV and that was her inspiration moving to New York when she was twenty years old. In this interview, she talks about her obstacles, goals, and accomplishments.

BY ANITA V. CRUZ

Lily loves Paris any time of the year

L

ily says, “I think people get depressed from social media because every day they see

because everybody posts the best moments of their lives on social media, so don’t

people posting big pictures and showing how great their life is. It becomes a comparison

compare yourself to ‘their’ best moments.”Lily says, “I think people get depressed

to their lives so they become so depressed. I feel like you don’t have to compare your-

from social media because every day they see people posting big pictures and

self to other people because everybody posts the best moments of their lives on social media, so

showing how great their life is. It becomes a comparison to their lives so they be-

don’t compare yourself to ‘their’ best moments.”

come so depressed. I feel like you don’t have to compare yourself to other people

Lily says, “I think people get depressed from social media because every day they see people posting big pictures and showing how great their life is. It becomes a comparison to their lives so they become so depressed. I feel like you don’t have to compare yourself to other people

because everybody posts the best moments of their lives on social media, so don’t compare yourself to ‘their’ best moments.”

I don’t look for validation from my followers. I can monetize my following, but it’s not validation.

Q&A

FEATURE • Gossip Girl

A. Yes, specifically New York, because it’s more international. I love different cultures.

The

LILY JI

BY ANITA V. CRUZ

Anita. Lily, you are a yoga meditation teacher and sell yoga clothes online, and a social media influencer, so you’re an entrepreneur, correct?

Lily. Yes, I’m entrepreneur, born and raised in Shanghai, China. Well, Yangzhou, China, but it’s a city two hours away from Shanghai. I tell people I’m from Shanghai because people don’t know where Yangzhou is. It is a nice city, very traditional, but artistic and modern too.

Q. Is that where you got your artistic background from?

A. Yes, pretty much, but I was born artistic.

Q. How long have you been a social media influencer?

A. For the past two or three years I posted pictures, but I began as a host with live streaming a few four months ago.

Q. Can you explain to us a little bit about the live streaming that you’re involved with?

A. Yes, with live streaming you perform a talent. It could be singing, dancing, it could be doing yoga, or playing an instrument, stuff like that. We’re just talking to people.

The audience likes my content and come from everywhere.

Q. Getting back to Yangzhou, it is near Shanghai, which I heard is popular for its fashion.

A. Shanghai is the economic center of China, so it is a very international city.

[Yangzhou] is not to international, but a lot of foreign tourists go there for its traditional architectures and tasty food. And I love that.

Q. So what made you want to leave China?

A. That’s a good question.

I really wanted to experience a different culture, and I love American culture. I watched a lot of American TV shows (in China) and with Gossip Girl, oh my God, it was amazing. They live in New York City, and I said to myself, why don’t I go to there, it’s such an amazing city! I decided I wanted to go to college here.

Q. That’s funny. Tell me a little bit more about what you liked about that show that convinced you to come to New York.

A. Well, Gossip Girl has a lot of drama and love stories.

I believe that’s what women like. And they have a really good fashion sense. I look at their outfits, they are pretty girls, as well as good looking, handsome men.

Q. So that was your inspiration. You wanted to experience what it was like to be an American girl living here? in where in New York?

Q. So how did you make this a reality for you and your life?

A. How, that’s a very interesting question. I didn’t know I was going to gonna come to New York because I got accepted by different colleges, a few in Canada as well.

But then I didn’t choose Canada. Maybe it’s because it’s too cold there and you know, I really wanted to choose New York that’s why I’m here. I got accepted by Stony Brook University but my English wasn’t really great. At that point. I could speak it 65 percent. So, I still needed to take English courses.

Q. What was your major in Stony Brook?

A. I double majored in theater and digital art, which included studies in graphic design, photography, videography. I was able to finish my college degree in three and half years [and prior to that] one year to take an intensive English class.

Q. Can you tell me about that English course?

A. There were a lot of international students in that English intensive center. People from everywhere – Europeans, Asians. We kind of got together to share other people’s cultures in a second language. It was really cool. The teachers were patient with and explaining things. It was good.

Q. Let’s backtrack a step or two. How old were you when you came here? What other obstacles did you deal with besides language?

A. When I got here, I just turned 20. I never had a Chinese boyfriend. Another obstacle would be the cultural shock because I missed my family. I came to this country by myself. I didn’t have any family with me, so I felt alone. But I have always been an adventurer, and I wasn’t afraid of being alone. It was difficult to adapt to a new culture because some Chinese kids born in America will always see you as an outsider. They don’t want you to be part of them. They tend to be more American – American-born Chinese, I was hanging out with some American-born Chinese. I didn’t really have a good experience with them because they were drinking.

I’m not a big drinker, but they drink a lot because I didn’t drink and they thought I wasn’t cool. There was peer pressure and stuff like that. And I didn’t want to become like them.

Q. But you overcame those obstacles. How did you do it exactly, by putting yourself into your schoolwork or how sports, yoga whatever?

A. Yes, so I have always been really good with my schooling. I have good grades. I go to school. I know my goals. I wanted to graduate from college and it’s not easy for me to finish everything in second language.

That’s why I cannot just do stupid things in college, like drinking.

ents is really a good thing. In American culture kids usually leave home when they go to college. We don’t have such culture. Living with parents is a really good thing.

You’re expected to stay with your parents until you get married. It depends on a family but I don’t want that.

Q. You spoke about your Mom and that she has her own business. Is she one of your inspirations?

A. She is definitely my inspiration. I mean, she had her business when she was 26 years old. She had me when she was 19 years old, so very young, and she is very independent. She’s definitely my inspiration.

Q. And what makes her an inspiration?

A. She doesn’t give up. She’s emotionally intelligent.

She’s positive. She doesn’t see things in negative ways.

And I inherited that from her. I asked her for her opinions and I remember one quote, she said, “There are always more solutions than problems.”

Q. Do you have any other mentors or inspirational people you look up to?

A. I learn from different people, young people and old people. I don’t have one specific person as my inspiration. I definitely love people who are kind and giving and are career-minded.

Q. Has your family visited you here in New York?

A. My mother came to New York to visit me once but it was funny because she was not here for me. She was traveling in the U.S. and Europe.

Q. When you were back in China and watching Gossip Girls, did you know already that you wanted to be an influencer?

A. I didn’t realize it, but it just happened to me. I was taking like pictures. I like to take pictures and videos express myself to others. I posted those pictures of Instagram and somehow some hashtags exploded. I got a lot of followers. And then those people liked my pictures, they liked my personality. And I realized, yeah, “Why don’t I become an influencer since there’s so many people following me?”

Q. Now, how did that work out? Are you enjoying it?

A. I do, but I don’t look for validation from my followers. I can monetize my following, but it’s not validation.

Q. If you were back in China, and you didn’t have the opportunity to come to New York to be part of the American culture, what would your life be like now?

A. If I stayed in China, I would still be a business owner.

But since my family already have a business, I would probably take care of their business which is cosmetics.

I’d probably become a manager of my mother’s stores or work in a German company because my family has connections. And in China, they really care about connections and referrals. But that’s not what I want to do. I actually have a better life in China because my mother is very successful. I wouldn’t have to worry about spending, plus she has a housekeeper and she does all the house chores and stuff. But I just feel like I have a more open, independent soul. I don’t want to be taken care of like a princess. I want to explore and create my own life.

And I have to mention that in China living with par-

Q. Let’s discuss your yoga practice. How did you get inspired to do that and where did you learn it?

A. I studied with an Indian yogi and I’ve been doing yoga for over 10 years. I love the feeling of my body stretching and I can just get rid of all my positive and negative thoughts and become focused on my body.

And when I pay attention to my body, I realize a lot of things like discovering problems and get in touch with my spiritual self. I now teach yoga and have a certificate to teach from the State of New York.

Q. Well, it must be a very special experience for you to share this.

A. Yes, I want to share this experience with others and make them feel good to invest in their health because it is one of the best investments anyone can make.

Q. Okay, let’s fast forward, what do you feel happy and fortunate about your life?

A. I recently received my U.S. citizenship and I worked really hard for it. I know it is gonna help my business and I know that I can live here. I really appreciate this opportunity. That’s why I feel excited. It is like America

Lily has her own brand of workout atire called Minddazz.

wants me to start my business here.

Another thing I feel fortunate about is my Paris trip. I felt pretty, I dressed up with really pretty dresses. I had a professional photo shoot. It just made me feel like oh, you know, I can be somebody. that’s kinda And I liked the feeling and to experience experiencing different cultures, European culture for the first time. It was my first time in Paris. I just had an amazing experience.

MODEL FOR A DAY

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FEATURE • Gossip Girl

INFLUENCER Lili encourages people to follow their inner voice. lili wants to help people make the journey beyond the physical world’s limitations, giving relief from the stress and worries of the world, while allowing full creativity to flow, free from any of life’s distractions. The motivation behind starting lili was to help people recognize the very important, pure relationship with their higher self.

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ENTREPRENEUR To these chinese manufacturers know so much about M4.0 already when North American manufacturers are just beginning to understand and implement it? Because in China, the government has issued its own colossal version of M4.0 called “Made in China 2025.” This is an initiative to comprehensively upgrade the Chinese manufacturing industry. The initiative is similar to M4.0, which emanated from Germany as Industry 4.0 in 2013. The crux of M4.0 is applying digital “smart” technology and the Internet of Things in order to leverage data across functions, not only to increase production efficiency but to just as easily and efficiently customize products to meet constantly changing customer demands.

China 2025 takes M4.0 to a whole new level. It is a structured, government-backed initiative that is being driven with urgency and intensity. The Chinese government wants to make Chinese manufacturers more competitive across the board by mandating upgrades in technology and innovation, such as curbing emissions and in the production of electric vehicles in the auto segment, to increasing production of parts domestically. The government wants Chinese firms be seen as more innovative, moving away from an image of “fast and cheap” to higher quality and innovation as the recognized brand.

What is driving the emphasis on manufacturing growth in China? For China, the last 30 years have been fraught with attempts to once again be the world’s economic leader. Struggling from previously low technological capabilities, the Chinese have gone well beyond special economic

PAINTERLY PORTRAITS TESTI MO NI AL

“You were so lovely and attentive! My sister and I were impressed and glad to work with someone with a clear vision of what they want to do and also with the skills.”

– Angie Rodriguez

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THE WHITE SHEET TESTI MO NI AL

“Anita captured the elegance and magic in my photo shoot. I felt beautiful, confident, and sexy.”

– Sharon, NYC - Movement Therapist

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Portrait of a Dancer Officipsus dolupti qui cum ant vent. Endignihit rereptae voluptaquo experro minum natur rectat. Aborporis mod qui ommosam ipsunt officab orest, sapiendite

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T

here’s something so beautiful about creating movement in photographs and shaping a

dancer’s body in a way that gives that gorgeous dancing look. We start by creating a collection of beautiful portraits in sitting positions, wrapping the dancer in tulle, and in dancing positions using flowing fabric and pointe shoes. This style of portrait session is ideal for all ages and levels from ballet to modern dance styles. Bring your own outfits or choose from our collection of gorgeous tulle skirts and dresses in our studio wardrobe.

Dance portraits can be very creative in lighting, poses, and perspective.

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First impressions matter with Corporate & Personal Branding

READY FOR THE BOARDROOM

T

oday, the average corporate is

super

shot styled

and overdone. So what do you need your headshot for? We can create an image that is exactly right for your brand.

Headshots and Personal Brandwing are a couple of massive parts of my business right now. I’m finding with online businesses and with LinkedIn, there’s a new “corporate look” that bloggers, writers, business professionals are all looking for to use. So what is a style that will best suit you and your brand? Call me today to schedule a consultation and let’s talk about

photographing

your personal branding

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With LinkedIn and online business, there’s a new “corporate look” that bloggers, writers, and corporate professionals are looking for.

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portraits.

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PROFESSIONAL HEAD SHOTS

M

ake e a great first impression! Use a professional headshot to convey

your career-driven image. Many recruiters use the profile picture as a way to gauge your personality and business look. An amazing headshot is a great calling card that will open the winning door!

anitavcruz.com @anitavcruzphotography

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Male Portraits

Music Mania Even men of all ages want to have portraits, personal branding, and headshots done showing their authentic selves.

M

ale poses for portraits might seem like something more confusing than female poses, but in

reality, it’s not like that. Poses for men are just a little bit different f rom female poses because you need to emphasize different physical and personality traits.

Just like femininity, masculinity is complex – it has many aspects and it means something different for everyone. Male models poses are very versatile and they don’t include only typical muscle-flexing positions. You should always aim for variety and shoot poses in vertical and horizontal formats, do close up shots and full-body shots, and show both the cheerful and dark side of your model.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

High quality makeup brushes used for each portrait session.

Light retouching is an integral part of Anita’s final portraits.

Anita works from her home studio as well as on location.

“I WANT TO TAKE THE BEST PORTRAIT

YOU HAVE EVER SEEN OF YOURSELF”

Enjoy and have fun in a comfortable beauty room for your personal needs.

- Anita V. Cruz

We only use the best Nikon equipment on the market for all our needs.

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Our stylists are there for you every step of the way.

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Makeup Ar tist Extraordinaire Julia Valldi & Odilis Trinidad are t wo popular NYC makeup & hair artists that will expertly transform your look for your portrait session.

JULIA VALLDI

M

www.Odilis.com @Odilis.trinidad

ODILIS

I understand that planning a special day can be stressful, but my job is to put you

I

at ease and trust that your beauty routine will be perfect. My passion for make-up

enhance your beauty by using the best makeup and hair products, so you look

drives me to create versatile looks that take your natural beauty to the next level. It

and feel your best. I believe that beauty is the inner light that shines out f rom

is important to show you and the world the best version of yourself. It is always my

within you. That is why I would love to create a customized look for your por-

pleasure to be available for your portrait session wherever and whenever it will be.

trait session. You will be very happy with how well your makeup and hair look. I

Please learn more about me by clicking on the links below.

jvalldi.com

speak both English and Spanish. Please click above and go to my website and

@jvalldistyling

Instagram page for more to see and learn.

y name is Julia Valldi and I am one of New York City’s top makeup artists and hairstylists with many years of experience and a talent for creative expression. Photoshoots, Weddings, and Events are some of my specialties.

am Odilis with a Cosmetology License in New York City. As a dedicated makeup artist and hairstylist, I have always loved anything that is beauty related and I am a proud graduate of the prestigious Make Up Forever

Academy in NYC. The most important aspect of what I do is to highlight and

The Photog raphe r

Booking your portrait session starts at $299

“What does a photograph represent?

This includes a makeuover session, with a custom photo shoot, and reveal session for one.

What is the value of an image? These are questions that never come to mind when I engage with a subject while having camera in hand. I have learned to pay attention to

Wall Portraits

my process. I remain in the moment for ev-

Start at $1,200

ning, all the way to delivering the images.

GALLERY SERIES

If you think there is no value in a

Nine 5x7 prints on one acid free matt and frame for portrait sessions $1,800

photograph, you may be right because you value other things. On the other hand, you

generations because it is important. I grew

Start at $250

FOLIO COLLECTIONS

ery aspect of the work I produce from plan-

may want to leave a legacy behind for future

WALL PORTRAITS

Albums

up with a mother who values family photographs and today she is still enthralled looking at dated images she took as if it were the first time she laid eyes on them. As a photographer, I appreciate a person’s genuine love for a photograph because I believe that is where the true value of an image exists.”

Call to schedule your consultation.

(347)421-5398

www.anitavcruz.com 74

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9 Up Framed & Matted

Anita V. Cruz Photography

Folio box 75

679 Lextington Ave. | New York City | 10017 www.anitavcruz.com | 347-421-5398

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