Tucson’s fashion scene is gradually expanding and with it comes new and innovative photographers, namely Mikael Ramirez. I was first introduced to Mikael about a year ago when I was invited to model for him. Mikael’s simple and sleek fashion concepts along with his meticulous photo retouching quickly grasped my interest.

Upon my arrival to the shoot I was greeted by Stefani Annalise, who is a hair stylist and makeup artist working for Toni and Guy in Tucson, AZ. Stefani’s superior hair styling skills are far above most I have seen. She uses a light touch when applying make up and the results are breathtaking. Along with Stefani, Mikael Ramirez also collaborates with Xenia Vayne. Xenia, also known as StyleAZ is responsible for the extraordinary fashion in Mikael’s Photography. Xenia understands fashion, she knows the limits and how far to push them. This extraordinary collaboration of artists create not just fashion, but an explosion of style and drama. When I first met Xenia she put me in the most spectacular tan Badgley Mischka pumps, thus proving extraordinary fashion taste. Overall the photo shoot was laid back and fun. Mikael along with the rest of his team never once failed to impress. I assume I impressed as well because I was invited back about a month later for another shoot!

How did you become interested in fashion photography?
I was always intrigued by the photos in fashion magazines while flipping through them. Before I knew much about photography, those were the kind of photos that always wowed me. Women have always been my favorite subject in my artistic ventures. I guess it only made sense.

Everyone has a camera these days. I had one and I kept sort of playing with it but never really enjoyed what I was doing or put much effort into it till I started trying the fashion stuff with friends modeling for me. A few shoots later I was hooked. I can appreciate all kinds of photography now but the other genres still just don't make me feel the way fashion does.