I photographed Amy De La Croix this past weekend, she is a model and also competes in pageants. She won the 2010 pageant contest called 'Ms Hell on Wheels.' I have a fascination for people who have a truly unique story to tell. If you were to see Amy walking down the street, she definitely sticks out and has a rather large personality. I decided to photograph her in two ways. As a pageant contestant winner with a lot of make-up and 'glammed-out' and holding a photo of her deceased parents; wearing little make-up and normal clothing attire.

Edith Shain passed away this past Sunday at the age of 93. I was the last photographer to photograph Edith for my book. She truly was the sweetest and most vivacious lady I have ever met. The funny thing about the famous photo of her kissing the sailor, you would think she is 8 feet tall! When I photographed Edith, I was on my knees, and we were about the same height. She must not be taller then 4'8". The point I am trying to make is Edith may have been a short person, but her soul and personality was monumental, and legendary. The photo of the sailor kissing Edith is one of the most famous images of WWII, if not American history.

I photographed Gary Vitti today. He has been the head sports trainer for the Los Angeles Lakers for the last 26 years! During game time he is right there on the bench between the players and coaches, dealing with all the injuries of the Lakers. Vitti is the first to show up and always the last to leave. He works 320 days a year, 7 days a week! I took his photo outside and in his 'Lakers room.' It is filled with championship basketballs signed by legendary Lakers, has a pair of Shaq's size 22 shoes hanging from the wall, and all sorts of other pieces of NBA history.

The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of WWII (my book) has just been made a selection of The History Book Club and a selection of The Military Book Club. Woo Woo!

Here are a few more new photos of the Bikers for Christ. I especially like these two images. I can't get over how tough I would think these men and women are if I did not know them. I would be too imitated to ever approach them. They are still extremely tough, but in a different way. Next week the Bikers for Christ south bay chapter is going on a fundraiser ride to raise money for a child with lymphoma cancer.

My publisher Welcome Books recently released it's 2010 fall titles. The mini-site (preview of the book) has not yet quite launched, so I should probably wait to share the news. But, I can't help it. I have to share the news!!!

I just added a Bikers for Christ section to my website:

http://www.tomsandersphoto.com/

I started this photo series about a month ago. I want people to be able to appreciate what this sub-culture does for society. They are an intimidating group of people at first glance. The second you get to know them, they are a group of big Teddy bear's.

I have started a photo series photographing women pole dancing in their homes. Now, I know what you are thinking... Pole dancing? Pole dancing at home? These women are not strippers, they only dance by themselves, or in front of other women. They have told me, it is a liberating experience to dance on the pole, and it takes great strength. They also feel incredibly comfortable in front of other women, some won't even dance for their husbands!
Both women in each image have incredibly strong bodies. I heard recently pole dancing was trying to be added to the Olympics. These women are gymnasts! I am not a scientist or a sports trainer, but I guarantee, most men, and young men like myself, could not jump on that pole, and accomplish what these women do.