Thursday, February 28, 2013

NYC IS THE PEOPLE WATCHING CAPITOL OF THE WORLD

Sometimes I feel that New Yorkers are too jaded. How is that even possible? This city is the biggest metropolis of the United Sates. I'll even be bold enough to say that New York City is the metropolis of the world. Hey smart guy/gale I know what you are thinking, "There are larger cities than NYC, i.e. Tokyo, Jakarta, New Delhi, Mexico City, etc...etc...etc.." I know that! I've read Wikipedia! But those cities are not as multi-cultural/ethnically/racially/religiously diverse as New York!

People often ask me how/where I see so many "Crazy," "Weird," "Interesting" people. Here is the short answer: STOP BEING SO JADED! So many cool things are happening right in front of you... but you are too busy rushing through life. Take a moment... do like tourists do and walk slow as hell, look up at buildings, block sidewalks and take pictures... something cool will happen, guarantee it!

Here are a few priceless images that I've captured throughout my residency in New York City. Enjoy!
YES I TOOK ALL OF THE PICTURES BELOW
'Grandma gets pooped by grandson.' Took this picture outside of the Equinox in Soho. Her face lol.
'I'm too sexy for my shirt.' Took this picture the summer of 2010 waiting for the 'R' Train on 8th St.
'He runs this hood.' Took this photo of an ex neighbor of mine! We shared many awesome stories. Actually, he did most of the talking. Never let me have a word in, lol.
'Sleeping like a BOSS!' This man is NOT homeless. The 'L' Train was taking too long so he decided to take a nap in the middle of the stairs, like a BOSS! Took this picture in Union Square.
'Tits MacGee.' Took this picture in soho. FUN FACT: It is LEGAL for women to be topless in NYC, legal since 1992. 
HERE IS THE VIDEO I TOOK:


'Boner Boy.' I don't know why I took this picture but it was the most awkward thing I have ever witnessed. Took this very uncomfortable picture at Brooklyn Boulders. More like Brooklyn Boners.
'Moving out... Like a boss.' I captured this image while riding the '6' train. I have more pictures of people transporting some weird stuff on the subway, will post more soon.
'Haters gonna Hate.' I took this picture of awesome man at Washington Sq. Park. I was sitting next to him and people were yelling at him for "being different." I told him that I thought he was awesome for not caring what others thought of him. Bravo for being different. Life is too short to be BORING!

I added all of the texts on my photos via a super cool website I found: http://quickmeme.com/ 


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The first time I got TeaBagged

Jhanelle Castillo by Sean Watters

If you are familiar with the modeling industry, chances are you have heard the name. If you have not heard his name before, you've definitely seen his work at some point.... and if you have not: then let me introduce you to Sean Watters. His work has been featured in countless editorial publications from around the globe and has an awesome blog that has amassed thousands of followers world-wide. Sean is unlike any other photographer I have ever worked with. He loves to push the envelope and makes you explore what's out of your comfort zone. When you shoot with him you have to trust his vision. He is an artist. Never F**k with an artist's vision! When you are in front of his lens just know that he is going to create something unforgettable. This shoot was truly memorable to say the least, lol. He opened an entire box of tea, spritz my entire body with water and opened every tea bag... and poured them all over my body... EVERYWHERE, when I say everywhere... I mean EVERYWHERE. I had tea particles in every crevice of my body, for days (Yes, I took multiple showers... Couldn't get rid of that Sh*T). I'm glad I never questioned Sean's vision. The end result was sick! -Sean thank you for ALWAYS pushing me to give you something different. You have believed in me since day one. You are one of my closest friends & my favorite 'MOVIE BUDDY.' I luv ya homie! Keep doin' your thing! I owe you a box of tea.

Credits:
Jhanelle Castillo @Major
Photograby: Sean Watters



XEX Magazine Does the Harlem Shake

Jhanelle Castillo does the Harlem Shake for XEX Magazine
The best part about modeling is that every job is different. It is definitely one of the least monotonous jobs that you could ever have, well that and being a zoologist, hahaha. I had the pleasure to be casted for XEX Magazine's Harlem Shake Video. Seriously, this was probably the most fun I have ever had on a job! Thanks Sailey Williams & crew for a fun packed day! 

Credits:
Sailey Williams (Art Director)
Adolphus Amissah (Tech & Video Editor)
Andrew Strasser
Brian McClellen
Carlos Fernandez
Cherie Lily
Curtis Ryan
Darren Graham
Inoisell Miranda (Fashion Editor)
Jamarcus P. 
Jhanelle Castillo
Juan Soto
Kristen Davis
Melissa Davis
Omar Valdez
Wisco



Sunday, February 24, 2013

50 Shades of BROWN





50 shades of brown? I know, I know... "how unoriginal, right?" That was my horrible attempt at a joke at the expense of the '50 Shades of Grey' phenomenon lol. My good friend Daniel D'Ottavio wanted to capture the spirit of love and seduction: without being so literal. The tricky part about photographing half naked couples is finding that equilibrium between seduction and imagination. These type of photo-shoots can easily turn out raunchy. Lucky for me, my girlfriend's dad A.K.A. my second dad loved the portraits. I know this because he allowed me live another day, lol. He is a man of few words and I like to live so his opinion mattered most, lol. My modeling agency loved the shots too! Daniel D'Ottavio is an amazing photographer, he really knows how to capture that 'special moment.' Thanks Daniel for the beautiful pictures. On another note, how beautiful is Nina? Ahhhhhh... She takes my breath away (Cheesy but true... so true).

Credits:
Nina Daniele @The Lions NY
Jhanelle Castillo @Major Models
Photography: Daniel D'Ottavio

Jhanelle Castillo by Anthony Amadeo




Jhanelle Castillo by Anthony Amadeo
I connected with Anthony Amadeo thanks to Jamie Tonge, Editor-In-Chief of Distinct Homme Magazine. Jamie contacted Anthony to set-up a portrait session with me. Anthony is known for capturing very raw, masculine images of men. I absolutely dig his style. Anthony is probably the best dressed photographer I know! His style is eclectic & fearless. Totally has an 'I don't give an EFF what you think of my style... I'll wear it anyways.... And you will like it... ATTITUDE.' Anthony's style is frequently featured in street style blogs & Websites for his killer look. Thanks homie for shooting these great images!

Credits:
Jhanelle Castillo @Major Models
Photographed by: Anthony Amadeo

Ladies and Gentlemen... Anthony Amadeo
Anthony has SWAG and a bright future ahead of him!

Jhanelle Castillo & Adrienne Bailon for Cosmopolitan for Latina's, Spring/Summer 2013 Issue

I'm the oldest of three sisters. As an older brother I did anything to entertain my little sisters... yes, I even played with Barbie's (But in my defense I used my WWF wrestlers and not Ken, LOL). So growing up my sisters were into the Disney show 'Cheetah Girls.' When I got the call from my agent, that I was shooting with Adrienne Bailon I knew how jealous my sisters would be hahahaha. The shoot was full of energy! I did not feel like I was working... it was that much fun! We shot in Harlem, NY... an area full of life, culture and amazing Latin & Soul food! -Check out the 'Behind the scene's video!'

Thanks to Cosmo for Latina's for being an awesome crew!

Credits:
Jhanelle Castillo @Major Models
Adrienne Bailon (actress/singer)
Photography by Todd Marshard

Enyce Spring/Summer 2013 Campaign

Jhanelle Castillo for Enyce, Spring/summer 2013 Campaign
Enyce is an American Hip-Hop fashion label owned by Sean Diddy Combs, A.K.A. Puff Daddy, A.K.A. Diddy, lol. Enyce is one of two fashion lines owned by Sean Diddy Combs, the other being Sean John. The crew was cool, I mean they work for Diddy so I guess they all have to be cool, right? Hahahaha. When I was shooting this campaign I couldn't help but remember of the Dave Chappelle skit of "P.Diddy... Making the Band." Enjoy the video, lol.

Credits:
Jhanelle Castillo @Major Models
Scott Buker @Red Citizen

Jhanelle Castillo by Conan Thai (Parte Dos)

Jhanelle Castillo by Conan Thai (Parte Dos)
If you have ever shot with Conan Thai you know that shooting with him is fuuuuun! His approach is kind of: "paparazzi style." Most of the time I didn't even know that he was shooting. We wanted to go for a 'StreetWear look." Thanks for the fun shoot, homie!

Credits:
Jhanelle Castillo @Major Models
Photography: Conan Thai 


Jhanelle Castillo in Manuel De La Cruz FW12


Jhanelle Castillo in Manuel De La Cruz, FALL/WINTER 2012.
Impressive tailoring and fit to perfection... that's how I would describe Manuel De La Cruz's designs. Inspired by Roman Catholic aesthetics, architecture and Latin Romance... these suits are out of this world. 

Credits:
Jhanelle Castillo @ Major Models
Photography by: Manuel De La Cruz


Jhanelle Castillo by Daniel D'Ottavio

Jhanelle Castillo by Daniel D'Ottavio.
Daniel D'Ottavio captured these beautiful black & white images. Not only is he a very talented photographer... But he is also a great friend of mine. Thanks Daniel for always believing in me and encouraging me to succeed! 

Jhanelle Castillo for Distinct Homme

Jhanelle Castillo for Distinct Homme by Joseph Gray.
Distinct Homme, Issue: #1 "Life's a Beach."
The weather did not cooperate, the sun was hiding, the ocean was freezing... but we made it work! Awesome crew and great vibes! Thanks to Jamie Tonge (Editor in Chief) and Joseph Gray for making this shoot happen!

Editorial Credits:
Jhanelle Castillo @Major Models
Styling by Jamie Tonge
Photography by: Joseph Gray