Often in hotels—no matter where they are in the world—a peaceful night isn’t always a given. Not so here. They had put me in a VIP suite on the top floor at the end of a hall where no one or nothing could disturb me. Even though I wasn’t able to go out on the town and enjoy Hollywood like I would have liked, it was okay. My friend, pianist Oksana, a regular performer at the Beverly Hills Hotel and less than five minutes from where I was staying, had invited me to come as her guest and hear her perform. This was the weekend the Mel Gibson story broke, and Oksana was named as one of the women that caused the breakup of Mel’s marriage. (As it turns out this Oksana is happily married to husband Alex and happens to be 4 months pregnant with their first child. The only relationship she has ever had with Mel was one of performer/guest at the Polo Lounge where she plays.) I knew the craziness surrounding her, while the media was sorting through the mess, was at a fevered pitch; so I decided to take a pass on that invitation, too. This was one of those times you just had to stick to business and save the pleasure for another day.

Saturday was here. Today was the day—the day for Joshua to ‘bring it’ and the day for Cory to capture it.

A cover is critical to any magazine. It can make or break an issue. It can make you want to open it and read what’s inside or not. Today, Cory would shoot the shot that would ultimately be chosen for the cover. I wanted it to be fabulous. I wanted the reader to see it and say, “Wow, that’s amazing.” Then, open it and read my interview—and the rest of the issue, of course! The cover and the feature story should go together like a Reese’s cup—peanut butter wrapped in chocolate—an ideal match. I wasn’t the least bit concerned. I had already discussed with the publisher the look we were trying to achieve. I had already gone over it with Cory and everyone was creatively on the same page. I had the utmost confidence in Cory’s skills and Joshua’s photogeniality to bring that vision to life. (I think I coined a new word here?)

I had been up for hours making calls, checking emails, and an occasional text—the usual tech stuff that makes you feel connected when you’re far from home. Mostly, though, I was tending to my injuries. We were now officially into day 3 of the aftermath of attack of the killer suitcase, and my leg was still showing the signs of the struggle. In fact, it was hot to the touch, something like a low-grade fever. I couldn’t afford to panic, and I sure wasn’t going to try and seek medical attention at this point, on a Saturday, when I’d made it this far and knew I’d be heading home early the next day.

This had to be a totally casual, dress-down, try and be as comfortable as you can be, day for me. There was no need for suits or fancy fair. My new pzpower baseball caps were hot off the press. They come in two colors: grey or black with black embroidery on one and fuchsia on the other. I had tossed a few in my carry-on bag and had given both Joshua and Cory hats yesterday. There was only one left. The black one with the fuchsia embroidered logo, paired with jeans and a simple neutral blouse would be my wardrobe choice. The jeans weren’t the skinny legs so they barely touched against the carefully wrapped dressing underneath, but not close enough to pull it loose. I threw on my gold hoops, a hammered gold necklace, my standard wrist wear and that was it.

Andre was due to pick me up mid-day at the hotel. He was exactly on time—an all too rare and refreshing quality. What a sweet man—classy and charming very much like Cory. I could instantly see how they could be connected. Being friends and photographers in L.A., he had worked together with Cory on countless projects in the past. This was a shoot where Cory wanted his participation and Andre was happy to oblige.

Andre was familiar with the best route to Cory’s house and lucky for us the chaotic L.A. traffic was shy of chaotic and just starting to build. We managed to zip our way through with no backups or problems. No sooner were we in the door when my Blackberry dinged and it was Joshua saying, “Almost there.” I held the phone down so Cory could read the message. He and Andre got busy setting up the space for this specific shoot.

The studio was the most welcoming atmosphere, and I knew Joshua would be able to shine in this environment.

I’ve been on a lot of photo shoots—some for others, some for me. Every one is different. Every photographer works differently from another. Some shoots are fun and some are a pain. Some are serious and some are seriously a disaster. There are times a photographer can take hundreds of shots and there won’t be a good one in the bunch. Other times you have difficulty choosing because so many are stunning. I was wishing for some stunners.

Everything was in place and ready to go when Joshua came through the open front door. The subject for any cover shoot has to bring their personality and energy to the shoot so when the camera clicks the photographer gets something worth sharing with the world. Joshua is the current champion of So You Think You Can Dance and is known for his incredible hip hop moves and his inspiring story. Natural Muscle is a magazine that reaches an audience of health and fitness enthusiasts. I am a motivational writer with a message of empowerment. To put Joshua on this cover represents my message, a fit and fabulous artist, and a symbol of the American dream in action. Cory’s job is to capture that philosophy. Joshua’s job is to give him something to capture.

I’ve got to say, Joshua was not 100% when Cory began. The initial photos were not “keepers” and Cory knew his subject was capable of much more than what he was giving. He seemed a little distracted, a little tired, and a little something that I’m not quite sure what it was. In my own unique style, I pointed out to Joshua what I was seeing. He told me he was getting over a professional disappointment that had recently occurred and was mad with himself for letting it get him down and a little out of his game. I reminded him what producer Nigel Lythgoe had told him and the top 6 dancers towards the end of the show. He said that they would face rejection—all dancers do, all people do—but he would have to be prepared and remain strong and carry on.

I told him he needed to really ‘bring it’ and focus solely on Cory and the moment. I reminded him how lucky and blessed he was to have someone of Cory’s caliber taking such an interest in him and going the extra mile that so many other photographers wouldn’t. It wasn’t long before he shifted into another gear and everything changed.

The shoot was quite an experience. Joshua took every direction and hit every mark time and again. Andre and Cory were in awe with every click as the movement they were attempting to catch was caught at its peak. I was there. I saw the poetry in motion. I saw the seemingly effortless effort Joshua exerted over and over. I’m not sure Joshua knows how wonderful he is. I’m not sure he has had the experience yet in his young career to know how far he can actually go. I’m not sure Cory knows how wonderful he is, either. I stood behind him with my little Cannon Power Shot and took my own set of pictures—the anatomy of a photo shoot. I was in awe of both of them.

In the end, we got the shots we wanted. The only thing I didn’t have was a shot of me with Joshua. On a good day, I’m not particularly photogenic. I don’t take good pictures—never have. Having said that, you can imagine how hard it was for me to agree to have my picture taken with Joshua feeling so ill-prepared? But, I couldn’t let this trip end without some small photo record that it happened. Reluctantly, I let Cory click off five shots—only five. That was enough. That would have to do.

Cory had opened his home and his studio to us for hours. He and Andre were the perfect host of a photo shoot that wasn’t typical by any means. I hope someday Joshua will have enough shoots under his hip hop hat to look back and realize was a special day this was.

Joshua packed his outfits and loaded them in his cute little sports car. He yelled goodbye again as he got in the car and headed down the road to take on the rest of his life. I was ready to head back to the hotel and Andre was ready to see I got there safe and in tact. I made Cory promise that when my next book was finished that I would come back and he would shoot me. He promised he would. I gave Cory a hug and we departed. There’s more to tell, but I think I’ll stop here.

Since my trip I’ve had time to reflect. The magazine is out, the cover is designed, the story is written, and it all came together as I hoped it would. My leg is still not okay, but I’m okay. I love what I do and am privileged to know my purpose in life. I went to L.A. to interview a young man with a dream who is living that dream. I didn’t let the events that could have gotten in the way get in the way. I didn’t let vanity or injury stop me from showing up and getting the job done. I met some incredible new faces along the way. I’m encouraged by the giving spirit of human beings in the midst of such trying times.

So yes, I am glad I went. I am glad I met Joshua. It was worth it. He is such a gem. I hope he enjoyed our time together as much as I did. I hope he remains in touch. I hope someday we can hook-up when he’s an even bigger star. I hope he remains humble and grateful and true to everything that he believed when his journey began. I hope you enjoy the cover and the story and appreciate what it took to bring it to you.

Pz~