February 28, 2011

Channel Seven The Morning Show - Zeta Jones versus the paparazzi by Eva Rinaldi - 28th February 2011



 
Today was a significant day in our professional and personal lives.

As some of you know, my background includes bodypainting, creative arts and education.

I've been a passionate photographer for over a decade, however today I was recognised as a professional photographer by both the mainstream news media in Australia and in the U.S.

The subject at hand was the relationship between photographers and paparazzi, celebrities, agents and other news media entities.

I was joined in the Channel Seven 'The Morning Show' studio with my agent and very good friend, Greg Tingle, plus Hollywood media expert and correspondent, Tomm Taylor. Hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies conducted the interview in forum style, and I was impressed how they covered the case in a fair and balanced capacity. I could tell how not only Greg but also Kylie was quite concerned for me, as I had decided to go public about getting roughed up at various press events including the Hall Pass red carpet that took place at Fox Studios - The Entertainment Quarter, just yesterday. 

As various people have told me, "just another day in the office", but it shouldn't be that way. It's just wrong. Physical and verbal assault in the workplace should not be tolerated. It's not in most other industries.  Granted, there's quite a few cowboys in the pro photography business including right here in Sydney, Australia, and I don't plan on being a "cowgirl", even if we do sometimes get treated like cattle at events.

The trigger point to the broadcast discussion was the recent altercation that Catherine Zeta Jones and husband Michael Douglas suffered at the hands of the paparazzi while visiting London. 

It reminded of an incident that happened quite a months back when the photographers crossed the line and disrespected me. I'm also familiar with some of the unsavory and unethical "art of war" tactics that some photographers use to try to get bad shots of celebrities. They sometimes swear at them and even use obscene body language gestures towards them. Sometimes I may suggest to some celebrities that they do something interesting on the red carpet (like kiss), which is a loving thing to share. I go out of my way to try to capture beautiful, warm and complimentary photographs. Sure, sometimes an Aussiewood or Hollywood goddess might wear a partly see-through dress or low cut top, with a good eyeful of cleavage, but that's their business.  "Upskirts" are a no go zone, as are swearing, pushing, shoving and punching.

Back to the Zeta-Jones - Douglas story at hand... the lovely couple were visiting London as guests of the Royal Family and had visited Buckingham Palace earlier in the evening. When returned from the event and they were about to enter the hotel that they were staying in, the paparazzi were taking pictures when all of a sudden it was said that Jones yelled that she had been punched and that she wanted the assistance of the police.

Michael had already entered the hotel lobby but eye witnesses said he came back outside where he confronted the photographer and was ready to fight. The scuffle quickly ended and the parties carried on. For those of you who don't know, the award winning actor has been winning his battle with cancer, and extra stress facilitated by unethical members of the press is the last thing they want or need. It reminded me somewhat of the way the late Princess Diana was treated by the press at times, and who can forget the terrible circumstances in which she died. Yes, some paps chased her and her partner on the road at high speed which increased the level of danger.

I don't preach or suggest that I have all of the solutions to the problem, however, any reasonable person could see that there's room for a ton of improvement as far as ethics and behavior go in and around the pro photography - celebrity spectrum. It appears that the only practical way to find some solutions to the issues are to build photography - press guidelines into law, which would be enforced by the likes of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance and law courts of Australia. It's a business where money talks, and clearly proposed regulations will need to have more bite than bark. 

I'm pleased to say that I still enjoy photography as much as ever, and I do not want or need special treatment just because I am a women. I just think all people should be treated with respect.

A big thank you to the Channel Seven team for making this possible.

Multimedia

Channel Seven 'The Morning Show': Greg Tingle, Eva Rinaldi and Tomm Taylor

Other

Fox 8


Websites

The Morning Show


Michael Douglas (IMDB)


Catherine Zeta-Jones (IMDB)


Eva Rinaldi Photography

Media Man Int (Eva Rinaldi Photography)

Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance

Hall Pass Red Carpet Does Entertainment Quarter With Owen Wilson, by Eva Rinaldi - 27th February 2011






It was a bit of a case of crawl, walk and run today at Fox Studios - The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney, for the Hall Pass red carpet event.

An insider growing inpatient with Owen Wilson's arrival joked when he finally arrived "He's doing the quarter mile sprint", he being not particularly keen to stop and speak with photographers. 

A number of other celebs did the red carpet also including Nicky Whelan along with her rocker boyfriend, Guns 'N Roses guitarist DJ Ashba.

Also at the premiere were the directors of the flick, Bobby and Peter Farrelly, who were also responsible for Dumb and Dumber and There's Something About Mary.

Among the local celebs on the red carpet were Gigi Edgley, Rhiannon Fish and Marcus Graham and my long time friend Salvatore Coco from "Underbelly fame".

Ok, I hear you want to know about the movie too...

Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) are best mates with lots of common ground, including both having been married for many years. Both men decide they want to "sex up" things and it isn't long before both of their respective wives (Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate) get dragged into the action and their fantasies. Each guys gets a "hall pass," which is in essence 1 week of freedom to do whatever they want...fantasies, including sex, with absolutely no questions asked. Rick and Fred lap and lick up the wonderful opportunity, but as things develop the fantasy and titillation starts to turn into a nightmare.

The film has received mix reviews, but maybe it might be just the thing to add a bit of spice and / of fantasy into your love life. No, I'm not endorsing it, but there is some entertainment value to be found here.

Guys, not sure you would want to take your female friend on a first date to this flick, but if you want to test the emotions and open mind factor soon into your new liaison, maybe this is just the medicine. I'm in a generous mood so I'm going to give it 7 out of 10.

Salvatore Coco


Owen Wilson

Nicky Whelan and DJ Ashba



Hall Pass opens in cinemas on Thursday.

Websites

Hall Pass

The Entertainment Quarter

Eva Rinaldi Photography


February 27, 2011

The Waifs do Enmore Theatre, by Eva Rinaldi - 26th February 2011


The Waifs created their musical career in music on platforms in just about every city and regional country town around the great land of Australia. To mark the release of their sixth studio album, Temptation, they will tour down under via many of their favorite venues.

Tonight the Enmore Theatre in Sydney was treated to the Australian country music greats.

It's been two years since they played to Australian fans so I felt especially privileged.

Oh, public thank you to lead singer Donna Simpson, who smiled and waved for me and my camera. My camera smiled back for you also.

Their new release Temptation, is due to hit in early March 2011.




Photography Eva Rinaldi



                 http://www.thewaifs.com/

                                            http://www.liveguide.com.au/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography/?saved=1



February 26, 2011

Roxy Rocks Sydney Entertainment Centre, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th February 2011

Photography by Eva Rinaldi


Roxy Music rocked the house tonight - the house being the iconic Sydney Entertainment Centre, confirmed for demolition in about a year occurring to various Australian media reports.

Who could have missed the sharp dressing and handsome one - Bryan Ferry, who has being doing the media rounds in Australia over the past few days.

Yes, Australia certainly seems to be hooked on the Ferry 'love drug', and judging by tonight, we seem to have caught 'Roxy Fever' in a big way too.

Roxy Music showed Sydney just why they are seen as one of the most influential art rock bands of all time.  Ferry is essentially an artist, plus performer and musician, and since 2001 has reunited with the band - Phil Manzanera (guitar), Andy Mackay (saxophone and oboe) and Paul Thompson (drums and percussion). This arty and unique blend is yet another classic example of the ongoing resurgence of 80's popular music.

My favorite performances tonight were Avalon and Jealous Guy.

Oh, the rumour mill has been buzzing that Elle Macpherson aka 'The Body', was spotted backstage, and later seen jumping into a limo with Ferry, but its only a rumour and not confirmed. In days prior the two had been publicly spotted together, albeit at Ferry's CD and book signing at Myer Sydney, but only a fool would have thought it was all business - it was most definitely business with pleasure, pleasure being something Mr Ferry knows a thing or two about, judging by one or two of his hits.

For the record, the Sydney Entertainment Centre appeared to be close to capacity, and many of the paying public took up the 2 for the price of 1 offering, and in Sydney on a hot, sexy Friday night, that's not particularly surprising.

Ferry did perform some numbers from his new release, 'Olympia', but for my money you can't beat the classics.

Ferry and the band engaged with the audience and genuinely looked like they were really enjoying performing for Sydney.  If they keep up the standard, the rest of their Australian tour will be a success.

Thank you Roxy Music for giving it your all, and I dare say that for many folks in Sydney you have set the scene for a Roxy, loving Friday night and weekend.

We shall look forward to you doing Sydney again, but the question has to be asked... next tour, will it be Elle, Olympia (Kate Moss), or another lucky lady clutching onto Ferry.

'Let's stick together' you say. I say "Australia will stick by you for as long as you continue to brilliantly entertain us." Long live your music, Roxy style.











February 25, 2011

Elle Macpherson addicted to Bryan Ferry love drug, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th February 2011


Bryan Ferry

Roxy Music front man and iconic art rock god, Bryan Ferry, had a date with destiny today... old friend and rumoured flame, from the Virgin Music connection - Elle Macpherson aka 'The Body', who was pitching for Richard Branson's Virgin Blue only yesterday.

Ferry arrived fashionably late at Myer, Sydney, to a crowd of hundreds of fans, buying up CD's, books (and photo opportunities). His new release is entitled 'Olympia', and critics are already giving it high marks.

It wasn't long before Elle arrived on the scene and latched onto the Roxy one for dear life ala 'Octopussy' style, if you will. Ferry and Elle are friends with good history, and this evening it showed. Both also share strong friendships with Virgin king of the world, Richard Branson.

I was most impressed with Ferry's warmness towards the audience, the press, and notably myself. Love you're smile Bryan. I also witnessed towards the conclusion of the event that he forgot to sign Elle's poster, but it wasn't long before she chased him down and gave the sharp dressed one her wish. His showing of gentlemanly behavior, saving 'Our Elle', was off the charts. I got the feeling that both stars' fondness towards each other was significantly enhanced, as they both overcome a modest obstacle together. It sure ended on a happy note, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear of the two spending more time together over the next few days, as Elle does "down under", also slipping in a well earned family visit.

Oh, I would like to thank well known and ulti-talented publicist, Angela Ceberano and concert supremo, Andrew McManus, as well as the security at Myer for doing a great job, and also you - the fans for turning up, adding a real buzz to the presser. Photog fans, I'm also pleased to report that my new Canon EF 24-70mm lens from Digital Camera Warehouse also worked a charm. 

I can't wait to get my love drug dose tomorrow night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and word is there are still some 2 for the price of one tickets available as we go to press, so be quick. This concert promises to exceed expectations. Ferry and the band are here for your pleasure, and to make a dollar of course, so if you have a chance to enjoy them in the flesh, do so, even if it may not be quite as intimate experience as 'Our Elle' may enjoy. From Avalon to Australia's country, Roxy's talent knows no bounds.

Photography by Eva Rinaldi


Elle Macpherson and Bryan Ferry













February 23, 2011

Virgin Airlines and Elle Macpherson: We love women in uniform, by Eva Rinaldi - 23rd February 2011


 
                                Who doesn't love a woman in uniform?

Australian Supermodel Elle Macpherson aka 'The Body' has just slipped into something more comfortable, or at least that's the wish of Virgin king of the world, Richard Branson and his media savvy team.

The 40 year plus bombshell has just flown in from a Crown Casino, Melbourne stop over, and is strutting her stuff on the catwalk with Virgin hostesses in Sydney sporting a red hot number that is bound to keep passengers and others up all night (and other reaching for the chequebooks and credit cards).

Macpherson has been busy hosting Britain's Next Top Model, but made time to show off the latest Virgin Airline number, designed by season one Project Runway winner Juli Grbac.

It wasn't surprising, the Virgin King insisted that of his real life hosties also got the media rub off from 'The Body', and the powers that be are expecting Virgin Airlines to experience a lift in numbers (plus more mainly positive news media coverage), but just quietly, they expect a couple of knockers also.

Elle was passionate and extremely emotive, appearing to hold back tears, as she spoke on missing her family in Australia and a sick family member. She still looked a million bucks was pure class.

Virgin Blue PR Danielle Keighery spoke on the new uniform making fresh happenings both in the air and on the ground, but assured us that the staff wouldn't change and would continue to be known for their friendliness and fun.

Sex still sells when done right, and few know how to do it better than Elle and RB (who didn't attend due to a ski accident).  Just how much business may have been mixed with pleasure is anyone's guess, but we know that Branson (and Packer friend and associate), Damian Aspinall, the UK gaming and nature entrepreneur, did a series of dates with Elle about a year ago, and Elle is very particular in her brands and men.

I think the matching of Elle and Virgin Airlines might just be quite a match up in heaven. Now all we need is a bit of Michael Buble and wedding bells might sing out in the sky.

Branson and Elle - Virgin's, we don't think so - but the hot red uniform sure lends itself to new beginnings and radiates class, sex, power and style, with just a dash of romance. 

What airline will you and yours be travelling on for your next overseas honeymoon. No need to tell us, we will take an educated guess darlings. Virgin continues to add to their world class 'body of work', remaining at the top of their game, despite the sometimes turbulent sector. Oh, did we mention, RB is also a member of the 'Mile High Club', but we are not endorsing you join it via his airline, unless you get a special invitation.







Photography by Eva Rinaldi




             
              Eva Rinaldi Photography http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography

February 20, 2011

Bowl-A-Rama comes to Bondi Beach



15 year old Brazilian professional skater, Pedro Barros has already opened his own skate complex, bagged two X Games medals and last year knocked out Bucky Lasek to win Bondi’s Bowl-A-Rama competition.

Pedro return's to Bondi to defend his title and take on another bowl-full of the world’s finest thrashers, including Steve Caballero, Omar Hassan, Bob Burnquist, Rune Glifberg, Sam Beckett, Tony Trujillo and Corbin Harris.


Bowl-A-Rama events will run from Wednesday, February 16, to Sunday, February 20, with the major competition at Bondi Skate Park on Saturday, February 19.
See http://www.bowlarama.com.au/.

VANS BOWL-A-RAMA™ BONDI
Steve Caballero
Pedro Barros
Bucky Lasek
Omar Hassan
Bob Burnquist
Rune Glifberg
Sam Beckett
Pat Ngoho
Otavio Neto
Jackson Pilz
Juergen Horwarth
Renton Millar
Jeff ‘Skunk’ Williams
Tony Trujillo (rumored)
Curren Caples
Corbin Harris

Plus loads more coming! See ya there










Eva Rinaldi Photography

You Tube

February 15, 2011

Michael Bublé: Sydney, Australia Loves You Like Crazy, by Eva Rinaldi - 14th February 2011

Photography by Eva Rinaldi


I'd been waiting for this night for what must be almost a decade.  Finally, my night...our Crazy Love night.

Michael teased me this past Thursday at the presser conducted at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. I could tell then that his concerts in Australia were going to be very special, and tonight - the evening of Valentines Day, I can confirm that they are.

Even though Sydney's Acer Arena holds over 20,000, Michael's gift helps make the audience feel they are getting treated to an intimate experience. Well, he certainly set the scene and warmed me up beautifully for my intimate experience later into the night. On that vein however, I can tell you that his 'Crazy Love' CD does help set the mood.

By my estimation, the jazz sensation is certainly worth $149 plus. Like the greats, you have to experience a live concert to truly appreciate the musical genius.

The multi-talented performer is now close to two million album sales in Australia, with 25 million achieved on a global scale. Yes, us Aussies are raving fans. This tour was Michael's eighth trip to Australia, so the love affair is most definitely a two way street.

My personal favorite number is 'Haven't Met You Yet' which is already five times platinum in Australia.

His songs inspire love, warmth and affection, which was perfect timing for me, having rekindled my relationship with my special man.

Some of Michael's interpretations of other artists that really did it for me on this Valentines evening were Sway, Kissing A Fool, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?, and Heartache Tonight.

The warmth and love vibrated via Michael was experienced by young and old, and I witnessed a young fan who must have only been about 10 years old present Michael with a gift early into the concert performances, and he magically incorporated this into the show, making all of us feel that we received the present too.

He shared his thoughts on love with "My songs have always been about love. Mine and everyone else's. But this time it was a little more extreme, and I dug deeper - way deeper."

I had read earlier in the week that Michael said "I just love getting in front of people. It's so important to be in touch with your audience. They've paid their money, I want them to be entertained. If they want to cry or laugh or dance or sing or yell, they can do whatever they want. My responsibility is just to take them away." Oh yes, you took me away.

Michael, from my heart thank you for helping add some 'Crazy Love' intimacy to my partners and own evening and life. I would also like to publicly thank Buble's publicity team, Dainty Consolidated Entertainment and Live Guide, for helping make me one of the blessed and fortunate few photographers in Sydney to capture your gift close up. My love now has more focus, and its thanks to you. Let the passion, talent and performer bring out the performance in you, and if your single, that's ok too.


http://www.michaelbuble.com/

http://www.dcegroup.com/

http://www.liveguide.com.au/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography

February 11, 2011

Heaven on Earth with Belinda Carlisle, by Eva Rinaldi - 10th February 2011


Belinda Carlisle


I'd been looking forward to this day for many years, hoping, praying, this childhood dream would come true. Today, it did!

Belinda Caristle is simply one of the greatest female performing artists off all time, and she's now right here in Sydney.

We're here at Coogee Beach, having waited with high anticipation for hours. No waiting for trains, as there's none to be found, but waiting and traveling on the road in search of rock gods and goddesses - Yes.

It's days and moments like this when its all worth it.

For the uninitiated Belinda Jo Carlisle was born on the 17th August 1958. She's one sexy and multi talented Leo.

It's only fitting that the Grammy Award-nominated American singer has come down under to Australia in Summer, but given the heatwave conditions that Sydneysiders have been through recently, if she brought some rain with her it would surely be warmly invited.

A bit of history... Bel (if I may call you that affectionately) first made a massive splash on the music scene as the lead vocalist of The Go-Go's, who made history way back when as the first all-female music group to write their own songs and play their own instruments to top the Billboard charts. That feat was considered nothing short of a miracle by the music industry at the time.

The Go-Go's are largely considered by some to be the most successful all-female band of all time.

As a key part of the Go-Go's, Carlisle sold more than 7 million albums, and later went solo that gave birth to such greats as "Mad About You," "I Get Weak," "Leave a Light On", "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" and my all time favorite, "Summer Rain".

A lesser known fact about this artistic genius is that her autobiography, 'Lips Unsealed', released in June of 2010, reached No. 27 on the prestigious New York Times Bestseller List and received numerous favorable reviews. The book covers the massive ups and downs of her life, and one gets the feeling she may be lucky to be alive.

Carlisle will be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this August, largely for her contribution to the music and larger entertainment industry. I for one have a strong feeling 'Bel' will be receiving a boat full of accolades in Australia, both from fans and critics.

Having now met and photographed one of the most iconic female performing artists of all time, I feel further inspired knowing that us ladies can give the blokes a good run for their money, even in arguably the toughest industry in the world - arts and entertainment.

Caristle performs at Sydney's Selina's nightclub, part of Coogee Bay Hotel this Saturday.

From my heart, Bel, thank you, and also to the great team at Lionel Midford Publicity for helping make this happen. Rock on.



Belinda Carlisle: Do You Feel The Way I Feel?, by Eva Rinaldi - 10th February 2011

I'd been looking forward to this day for many years, hoping, praying, this childhood dream would come true. Today, it did!

Belinda Caristle is simply one of the greatest female performing artists off all time, and she's now right here in Sydney.

We're here at Coogee Beach, having waited with high anticipation for hours. No waiting for trains, as there's none to be found, but waiting and traveling on the road in search of rock gods and goddesses - Yes.

It's days and moments like this when its all worth it.

For the uninitiated Belinda Jo Carlisle was born on the 17th August 1958. She's one sexy and multi talented Leo.

It's only fitting that the Grammy Award-nominated American singer has come down under to Australia in Summer, but given the heatwave conditions that Sydneysiders have been through recently, if she brought some rain with her it would surely be warmly invited.

A bit of history... Bel (if I may call you that affectionately) first made a massive splash on the music scene as the lead vocalist of The Go-Go's, who made history way back when as the first all-female music group to write their own songs and play their own instruments to top the Billboard charts. That feat was considered nothing short of a miracle by the music industry at the time.

The Go-Go's are largely considered by some to be the most successful all-female band of all time.

As a key part of the Go-Go's, Carlisle sold more than 7 million albums, and later went solo that gave birth to such greats as "Mad About You," "I Get Weak," "Leave a Light On", "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" and my all time favorite, "Summer Rain".

A lesser known fact about this artistic genius is that her autobiography, 'Lips Unsealed', released in June of 2010, reached No. 27 on the prestigious New York Times Bestseller List and received numerous favorable reviews. The book covers the massive ups and downs of her life, and one gets the feeling she may be lucky to be alive.

Carlisle will be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this August, largely for her contribution to the music and larger entertainment industry. I for one have a strong feeling 'Bel' will be receiving a boat full of accolades in Australia, both from fans and critics.

Having now met and photographed one of the most iconic female performing artists of all time, I feel further inspired knowing that us ladies can give the blokes a good run for their money, even in arguably the toughest industry in the world - arts and entertainment.

Caristle performs at Sydney's Selina's nightclub, part of Coogee Bay Hotel this Saturday.

From my heart, Bel, thank you, and also to the great team at Lionel Midford Publicity for helping make this happen. Rock on.



Photography by Eva Rinaldi



Belinda Carlisle

Lionel Midford Publicity

INF

Eva Rinaldi Photography