Kim Kardashian in Hong Kong

Pic by Ike

Photographer Ike (Check out his site http://www.ikephotography.com/) posted this on FB the other day! From a shoot/interview we did years ago when Kim Kardashian came to Hong Kong, as she was promoting E!

Snapped at the entrance of Four Seasons Hong Kong, before her fame went into another, inexplicable orbit...

She may be famous for being famous and disliked by... too many to list, but I have to say, as anyone who's met her would, she's friendly, charming, painfully polite. And her mother Kris was there - and the mother of all momagers. And she was a force of nature. Whoaaa. 

The feature on Kim Kardashian-now-West here: Bunny Hop.

Rocking Angels: American photographer Ike brings Eden to Hong Kong: Asia's Top Models bare-all

Photographer Ike Eichensehr brings a little bit of Eden to HK with orphanage fund-raiser

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Temperatures soared as models wearing devilish angel-wings welcomed guests to the Angels for Orphans auction on Friday night.

At the event, Hong Kong-based American photographer Ike Eichensehr launched his second book, Eden, a veritable who's who of Asian fashion and cinema in various states of undress. All proceeds from book sales went to the charity Angels for Orphans.

"A lot of the models I've worked with over the past decades have been involved in some way with Angels for Orphans," said Eichensehr. "It's been a fantastic night. Over US$30,000 was raised."

"I've known Helen Whitman for years, and knowing that all of the money goes to a great cause made the night more meaningful," he said, referring to the head of Angels for Orphans in Hong Kong.

Five large prints of Eichensehr's work were also sold.

The book, HK$800 each, includes passages by shoe designer Jimmy Choo, stylist Kim Robinson, businessman Allan Zeman, actress Michele Reis Lee Ka-yan and Steve Leung, architect and interior designer. They wrote about what 'Eden' means to them.

Despite the presence of the crème de la crème of the city (including artist Simon Birch and model Rosemary Vandenbroucke), all eyes were on supermodel Cara Grogan, resplendent in a billowing green gown.

Proving that with great beauty comes great purpose, Grogan was the emcee for the evening. She has also worked for the charity.

"I spent two months working in an orphanage," she said before the evening started. "Every bit of money raised goes straight to the children and, believe me, from my personal experience volunteering at an orphanage, these children need our help. They changed my life forever, help us change theirs."

Eden is available in all noted bookstores starting today.

Learn more about Angels for Orphans here.

Cara G, Rosemary Vandenbrouke, Ankie Beilke, Michael Wong... 

Phir Dhamaal in Hong Kong

Fun on the Run

This weekend, six police-boats chased a large junk ship and several boats swirled around Victoria Harbor in a flurry of lights and sirens. A goateed man was saved from drowning as another jumped in to rescue him. A drug bust or a refugee boat capsize?

Neither! Just the climax of the Indian comedy “Phir Dhamaal” [More Fun] went underway off Wanchai and Central pier as an all ensemble cast of Indian actors Ashish Chowdhry, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffery, Kangna Renaut and Ritesh Deshmukh hit Hong Kong.

Director Indra Kumar, along with film producer Ashok Thakeria, and a film crew of 80 members from the largest film industry in the world – Bollywood - have been in the city for the past week shooting the finale of their upcoming summer release “Phir Dhamaal”, a sequel to its 2007 predecessor “Dhamaal”[Fun].

Said actor Ashish Choudhry, “It’s been the most hectic week of our life and working in Hong Kong has been brilliant. The weather was really good to us this week!”

Actor Ritesh Deshmukh chimed in, “It’s been really tiring, we shot from 10am till 4am the following day for the last scene, a few hours sleep and we’re off to Mumbai to shoot three of the songs that are left.”

Comedian Arshad Warsi has the unpleasant task of jumping off the pier in Wan Chai into Victoria Harbour, “The water was ok,” he said of his big rescue scene in the film. “I was given loads of warnings beforehand of the pollution and I did see some garbage floating around. When I land in Mumbai I’m going to pop every pill to boost my immune system. There’s no business like show business.”

Said one of the Hong Kong film crew, “When Batman [The Dark Knight] was shot here [in 2009], the water didn’t pass muster with the insurance company as they found too much bacteria in the harbour. So they cancelled those scenes.”

Was the Indian film crew similarly insured up?

“We had a dingy boat on standby. That’s about it,” said Deshmukh without a hint of worry. “Besides, stomach of steel dude. We’re all ok,” he said. “So far.”


















Cast of Phir Dhamaal in Hong Kong. Shoot with the uber cool Ike. Above pics by me!

Indian actors Arshad Warsi (boat!), Ritesh Deshmukh (blue denims) and Ashish Chowdhary (brown shirt). Director Indra Kumar (last shot in black T).

Many thanks to the rockin' ladies of Jade Group!

Keep Your Hat On: Photography book with tasteful nudes hits Hong Kong: The city's biggest stars, models and socialites in the buff

Noted Hong Kong-based photographer Ike Eichensehr is scheduled to release a book this coming January that's bound to raise... a few eyebrows. Over the last decade, he's travelled all around Asia taking pictures of the most incredible scenery for his compendium. And some very naked people. P.Ramakrishnan gets behind the seams.

All images by Ike.


We've had ugly hiccups with beautiful nudes. Frantic calls from models that, in whatever state they were in, decided to shed their inhibitions for a photographer and as publication dates crawled closer, they got cold feet. Tears, fears and hysteria resulted in last-minute changes to layouts and overtime that crept well into the night. A ban on any kind of nakedness in our magazine ensued. Just not worth the grief.

Ike Eichensehr is confident that there won't be any such trouble ahead. "The book is mostly a collection of my photography over the last 10 years and I've never had any trouble with the people who have posed for me. In fact, all of them did it for free and have seen the results. There's nothing hardcore, it's all very sensual stuff, more like foreplay, nothing too sexual or dark. And there's no in-your-face nudity, no fake massive breasts. That's just not my style."

The Chicago native came to Hong Kong eight years ago with his then Chinese wife. With a BA degree in advertising from Columbia, the artist simply known as "Ike" fell into photography when he was in the Navy. "I didn't really go out on ships and was taking very basic photographs of helicopters and stuff. It was for catalogues and references I think, but I really enjoyed taking the pictures and of course I love what I do now."

Why wouldn't he? He's constantly travelling to incredible locations, shooting gorgeous people, film stars and the like. 

"I was really inspired by the early works of Herb Ritts, the lighting that brought out the sensuality, and the tone of his images. It's a lot easier to get nude models now than it was when I started, but then that's expected of course as Asia is more conservative. Before each shoot, I showed them my earlier work and explained the shot to them. It's never anything too complicated so they agree. I have never had to really convince even reluctant people to pose. The book, "Eight Characters of Asia," sort of just happened. I have always wanted to put out a book and it took this much time to come up with a cohesive theme and style."

Over time, surely styles have changed, the equipment, the quality, the budgets, not to mention the radical revolution of images brought on by the advent of Photoshop that even a 10 year-old has access to? The pro photographer disagrees.

"The shots I took years ago or the one last week, there isn't much difference in style. I like to keep it really simple. Natural light, not a lot of hair and makeup drama - just people on beaches and the rocks, taking in the environment."

Reeling back for a second, Ike says with a chuckle, "Once I shot a girl at the beach in Guam and my dog Antonio, a Jack Russell, went up and bit her breast! I don't know what brought that on but I was very proud of my dog! The girl wasn't too happy though."


"Well, just trying explaining that to the doctor.

With a laugh Ike says, "On location in Lantau, I was shooting a girl, au naturelle in nature and we got a little carried away and lost track of time. When I turned around about 20 boy scouts were standing around. I was embarrassed beyond belief and had to throw my shirt on the girl. But it wasn't anything raunchy, they very artistic shots, so we apologised and left."

For the record there are some men in the book in the buff too. "When shooting in this style, you really want toned and athletic bodies and there are some people that just shouldn't get naked on film, ever. While shooting men, I had them do more physical activities like climbing, and crazier things to bring out their athleticism."


So what was the challenge in putting this together? "Getting a publisher wasn't easy," he responds. "At first no one would return my calls or e-mails, but now, somehow everyone's calling. I just don't understand the sudden change."

Another book is in the offing, even if it's in its most nebulous state at the moment. 

"Over-the-top excess is the theme in mind. The filthy, young rich, like the Asian Paris Hilton, but sexy. Oh, but no more nudes in that book."

Asia Spa Men's shoot: Beachwear among Hong Kong Islands with Ike, David and Karen

Apart from writing, I've been involved with producing shoots for various publications over the years. Will be putting up a series of those eventually (with the permission of photographers and publishers of course).

Papers you read, for magazines, you need great visuals and I've been very lucky in having had the opportunity to work with some of the best photographers in the world (some of whom are listed and linked on the right - scroll down!).

After a very bad experience that's scarred me for life, my new rule is to ONLY work with people I like. Thus, producing this shoot was great fun, mostly because I worked with a great team that's easily the best in the biz; namely Ike (photographer), Karen Yiu (MUA) and David O (of Models International).

On the day of the shoot, between the scorching heat, the bugs and the pungent aroma of festering trash, I wasn't having a good day. But I faked bravado and false cheer, as the entire team was nonchalant and worked non-stop, without complaining and whinging. So I held in the inner gripe, even though into hour two, I was ready to hop onto a boat heading home. I'm not one for nature; burn it down and put up a cinema I say!

Anyhoo...

Many, many thanks to the perfectly delicious Mz Rebecca Walker, editor-in-chief of Asia Spa, for getting this shoot published. Apart from being a gem of a person, gorgeous beyond belief, I'm forever humbled by her professionalism and getting the job done. She's also living and loving embodiment that you can head a magazine, be a pro and NOT be a raving lunatic! More on that laters (SCMP feature on crazy bosses!).

Huge debt of gratitude for the fashion brands involved here too. Um.. too many to list - but dutifully credited in images and in print.












The Blue Lagoon


Perhaps a reflection of the economic times but men’s fashion has got a hint of the blues. Various shades of the moody hues have crept into designer labels and the designer conscience as the colour made guest appearances in every collection this (and past!) season. Photographer Ike found a slice of paradise in one of the hundreds of islets that constitute Hong Kong and did this fine shoot, far from the madding crowd. Cool, calm and collected, we focus on the serene aspects of the azure template and sapphire shades.


Producer: P Ramakrishnan
Photography: Ike
Assistant: Cal
Hair & Makeup: Karen Yiu
Model: David O from Models International Ltd

Credits:

1. Striped shirt from Versace, striped shorts from Vintage at Lane Crawford, Emporio Armani white briefs (available at Rouge Amour), blue suede shoes from Cole Haan, shades from Shanghai Tang and watch from Ernst Benz.
2. T-shirt by John Galliano, blue boxer-briefs by Dolce & Gabbana (both available at Rouge Amour), embroidered sarong from Fine’n’Rhine and watch from Ernst Benz.
3. Indigo check trousers from Lane Crawford, printed briefs by John Galliano (available at Rouge Amour), J.M. Weston black leather sandals, large leather bag from the Boss Orange collection by Hugo Boss, model carrying a blue and brown zipped cardigan by Hermes, shades from Shanghai Tang and watch from Ernst Benz.
4. Hooded sweatshirt in grey/blue perforated suede lambskin and printed blue swimming trunks by Hermes, diamond and gold pendant by Stenzhorn at Masterpiece by king fook, J.M. Weston black leather sandals and watch from Ernst Benz.
5. Blue angel print jeans by KSubi from Lane Crawford, leather sandals by Salvatore Ferragamo, diamond and gold pendant by Stenzhorn at Masterpiece by king fook, shades by Shanghai Tang and watch from Ernst Benz.
6. White linen shirt, baby blue pashmina by Fine’n’Rhine, white linen pants from Daks London, leather sandals by Salvatore Ferragamo and watch from Ernst Benz.
7. Blue jeans by Blaak from Harvey Nichols, blue linen scarf by Loro Piana, brown leather bag by Salvatore Ferragamo, shades model’s own, shoes by Cole Haan and watch from Ernst Benz.


BEHIND THE SCENES

These are some of my blurry caps of the making of a shoot. Keeping track of outfits and accessories, always a potential for a mini-feature in case I need a filler for the magazine! At every shoot, I take my own amateur snaps - which are often subject to ridicule and risible conversation. Thank God I stick to writing.

I don't usually put up all the pics but some time ago, a photographer friend of mine mentioned that despite having put up 1000s of images and hundreds of entries, the most popular page was always the one with the barely dressed model.

Which got me thinking - what's the most popular page in my blog? Now, the main reason I started this was for selfish reasons, keeping track of my own published work, a little ego massage from friends. So many, many words, so much thought and effort, copious blood, sweat and tears... ok, scratch that. Typing in an air-conditioned room, its mostly just tears when hitting deadline, very little of the blood and sweat.

Insult to injury, no one cares about them damn words either. Its the pages with the shirtless shots of supermodel David Oshry that always grab the most hits. Sad. But true.

What the public wants, the public gets! David O, in all his pectoral glory. He's also the nicest guy in the horizon, a kind and wonderful friend who works with great sincerity, enthusiasm and effort, but again, no one cares. Shirt off David, shirt off.

Outtakes:

David Oshry - click to enlarge