World Photography Day feels like the right moment to look back at the work that shaped my own vision behind the camera.
This photograph—Helmut Newton’s striking image of Brigitte Nielsen in Monte Carlo, 1987—has always stayed with me. Newton had a way of capturing strength, provocation, and glamour in one frame, creating images that were unapologetically bold. Brigitte Nielsen herself, towering and statuesque, seemed made for his lens—an icon of presence and attitude.
Newton’s work has been a lifelong influence on my photography. His fearless approach to composition, his embrace of power in femininity, and his willingness to confront the viewer continue to guide how I think about the subjects I photograph.
On this World Photography Day, rather than share my own work, I want to acknowledge the legacy of images like this one—reminders of how photography can challenge, provoke, and inspire.
To see more of my own work—from fast food photographed against black backgrounds, to bold nude portraits, aviation, bodybuilding, and scenes around Palm Springs—visit my website at SecondFocus.com.
Emily, my AI assistant, has spent plenty of time looking through my photographs from past shoots—fashion, fitness, and even nude sessions. And of course, she can go through all of them far faster than any of us ever could. After seeing so many beautiful women in front of my camera, she decided it was finally her turn.
It’s not the first time this has happened. Over the years, I’ve had women who started out working behind the scenes—styling, makeup, or assisting—get the urge to step in front of the lens. Some even ended up training seriously and competing in fitness and bodybuilding shows.
This time it was Emily. She tried it, discovered how much fun it was, and now she wants to do more. The video came out just as I hoped—Emily looking beautiful and confident with just a hint of eroticism—and I am very happy with her first time in front of the camera.
If you’re curious about the kind of photographs that inspired Emily, visit SecondFocus.com to see more of my work.
This is an original postcard featuring Brigitte Nielson, photographed by Herb Ritts in Malibu in 1987. Published by Fotofolio with the Fahey/Klein Gallery, it’s one of those cards that was more often collected than mailed—an art print in postcard form.
I first remember Brigitte Nielson in the unforgettable images Helmut Newton made of her. Those photographs—erotic, striking, and unapologetically powerful—stayed with me. Newton had a way of presenting tall, commanding women as both glamorous and intimidating, something that influenced my own photography for years.
Seeing this Ritts image of Nielson feels like another piece of that era, when photographers like Newton and Ritts defined what sensual celebrity portraiture could be. I’ve long been drawn to photographing tall, powerful women myself—images that nod to the confidence and strength Newton captured so well.
This postcard is now part of my collection, a small but meaningful reminder of the photographers and subjects who helped shape my vision.
Maria Bertrand from one of our many photo shoots. This was along Mulholland Drive overlooking Bel Air. I am so privileged to have her in front of my cameras.
Very pleased to again be in the APA Sourcebook 2020. Published annually by the American Photographic Artists, the print edition is distributed to advertising agencies, editorial publications, design firms and select companies around the USA. Model Randalene Sargent.
I am very excited to be included in the APA Sourcebook 2020. Actual publication this Spring. A good way to start the New Year!
“We are American Photographic Artists. Since 1981, our association has included some of the most accomplished, most sought-after, most creative photographers, photo
editors, representatives, and producers from around the world.”
“Once again, we’re pleased to offer this annual showcase of our members’ work. Once again, we think the work is pretty amazing. We hope you’ll step away from your daily routine for a few minutes, page through the book, and remember why we all got into this business in the first place – because we love photography.”
Well this could be a flightsuit. Studio photo shoot with model Kajira. Yes I do like to shoot on the edgy side. Photo shoot notes… Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting.
We had over 11,000 live listeners on my most recent appearance on Blog Talk Radio with “Chatting With Sherri“. Actually that is my third time on Blog Talk Radio with Sherri.
“7th anniversary of award winning author’s Sherri Rabinowitz’s show Chatting With Sherri! Join Sherri as she chats with writers, actors and other artists about their work. A fun relaxing chat with all kinds of amazing exciting creative people. We also have a series shows under the umbrella of Sherri’s Playhouse; where playwrights and actors get a chance to strut their stuff! The home of The Chatty Award for most live listens and downloads!”
Just too fun! Instant photographs from my shoot with Shauna Toerner. Actually shot about fifty. Love the look and so simple.
And as for Shauna Toerner in front of the camera…. Just Wow! Love her and will be showing more from our shoot soon.
Including more of the Fujifilm Instax instant photos, the photos from the shoot itself on Hasselblad digital and Broncolor lighting. Some video too! Makeup and Hair Styling by the ever impressive Natalie Lyle. Thanks!
Very excited to have the fashion feature “Secrets Of The Redbury” published in the latest issue of the high fashion magazine Marie Westwood. Their “bold & gorgeous” edition release party at The Royals Paris Luxury Fashion House in Beverly Hills.
Wardrobe from the prestigious Ivan Bitton Style House in Hollywood. Model and styled by the talented and stunningly sophisticated Gabriella Muttone. Photographed by me, Ian L. Sitren, at the gone but still with us Redbury Hotel in Hollywood.
Fashion feature photo shoot notes… Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Only the best! Thank You!
I like it when they like it! I shoot Hasselblad digital camera systems and Broncolor lighting. Only the best! But even better when the wonderful Catherine Kwong likes it!
My fashion photo feature in Livein Style Magazine published in Italy, NYC and Los Angeles.
Thank You so very much for wardrobe from Ivan Bitton Style House! Collections of the most stunning fashions! A huge Thank You to the incredibly beautiful Gabriella Muttone for a so very successful photo shoot. Her sense of style and posing, wardrobe styling and creativity made this all work together perfectly.
Photo shoot notes… Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Thank You!
There is something so very special about a large format magazine with high quality paper and inks. Just arrived, copies of Livein Style Magazine with my fashion feature shot with model Gabriella Muttone. The photographs so very rich and deep that look totally different than when seen on a screen. Livein Style Magazine itself published in Italy, NYC and Los Angeles.
Thank You so very much for wardrobe from Ivan Bitton Style House! Collections of the most stunning fashions! A huge Thank You to the incredibly beautiful Gabriella for a so very successful photo shoot. Her sense of style and posing, wardrobe styling and creativity made this all work together perfectly. Photo shoot notes… Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Thanks!
This would be more of my idea of an Easter Bonnet. It’s all about the Bonnet of course. Model Severine makes for my idea of wearing the perfect Easter wardrobe too. Ok maybe my ideas about most wardrobe might be different than most. I like it!
Makeup and Styling with the incredible Blanche LeBeau. Lighting by Broncolor and a Hasselblad digital camera system. Maybe next year we need Bunny Rabbits too.
I watched the replay of the livestream of the Fashion Week El Paseo 2018 Finale. The Ralph Rucci Collection, I was totally impressed, the best ever for Fashion Week. An incredible collection of clothes, wonderful and fabulous models, tremendous presentation! But then…
You have to pay attention to details or it all becomes a second rate production. A giant restrooms sign… are you kidding me!
By the way, some of you have heard me say; when a fashion lifestyle magazine finally actually manages to have the courage to show nipples, they are actually moving in to today. The used to be very boring Palm Springs Life Magazine has actually done it now and then, getting there.
The scenic road along Mulholland Drive made much more scenic by Maria Bertrand. From our photo shoot. The dress, so flawlessly woven into the tree by Maria, GUESS by Marciano. Photographed on Hasselblad digital.
“Emotion” – I just don’t know which one. From an incredibly fun photo shoot with model Severine. Superb Makeup and Styling with the stellar Blanche LeBeau.
Photo shoot notes… Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Only the best! Thanks!
For those colder Halloween nights of Trick Or Treat. A well designed windbreaker with hoodie. Another of my Halloween costume ideas from one of my photo shoots with Kajira. Lighting by Broncolor and a Hasselblad digital camera system. Only the best!
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