Queen Universe Pageant TONIGHT !!! Who's Attending?

**Realgirls4me** · 11-12-2008

When the following group (pictured [found on a four story building off of Santa Monica Blvd. today]) first toured in Japan some 42 years ago, everything was set at the Buddakan Arena for the making supposedly of a "Live" album and an accompanying video -- VIDEO -- taping of them performing an entire concert. The subdued crowd noise, improved audio recording equipment, and multiple camera shots, assured that posterity would not be denied. Despite all the planning and anticipation that went into the recording and videotaping of this legendary group, they did not consider or could not foresee the wild card in the deck -- their performances. The group simply played terrible for both of their performances there. Though they had their moments, the group's performance simply did not merit a live album for public sale and consumption. Sadly, the opportunity to record an entire concert of theirs never came up again as they stopped performing live a couple of months later upon returning stateside.

What does the previous Beatles anecdote have to do with me taking pageant pictures Sunday night? Nothing, except that they share similar preparation and, unfortunately, a similar outcome.
Basically, I fucked up in that I prepared so well for this pageant in terms of buying a VIP ticket so I could have a front row seat; purchasing an extra camera battery ($52.00 mind you!) so I could keep the flow going and wouldn't miss any shots; and I sitting near the stage (directly UNDER the lectern) so I could catch every girl at her best.
What I could not anticipate was where the girls would stop and pose since it seemed that every single one of them had a different idea of how to present themselves. Often, I had my camera focused to one spot, only to have the contestant wisk by it. When those who did walk over to the right front of the stage to execute their three point pose over where I was seated, I would often catch them as they blinked or moved unexpectedly, thereby creating a fuzzy image. Despite being this close to the stage, I also found that my flash was woefully underpowered. There were very few shots I came away comfortable with, this Athena-like image of Yasmin being one of them.
I am going to send both Yasmin and Juliana the images I do have of them and let them decide what to do with them. It only seems fair after blowing it so much on so many shots.

Overall, I had a great time in Los Angeles once again, but damn how I wished the camera Gods had been with me that night. Had they been, my trip would have been perfect. Grrrrrrrr.

(sigh)

**Realgirls4me** · 11-12-2008

First pic: The woman in the black dress, whose name escapes me at the moment, is playing interpreter for contestant 21 in this pic.

Second: The leggy "Yuri" performing ... that woman's INCREDIBLE legs were on display last night at The Palms also (damn, that place is dark).

Third: Danielle Foxxx performing. I took about six shots of Danielle here, but this is unfortunately my best one. She was just moving way too fast for me to get a good shot.

**Realgirls4me** · 11-12-2008

Dinner time, but before I leave for a bit ...

First pic: More of those scrumptious Yuri legs performing.

Second Pic: Leslie "The Body" Monroy performing.

Third: Felicia handing Danielle her car keys.

(Be back later... )

**YasminLee** · 11-12-2008

here a pic

**Realgirls4me** · 11-12-2008

Hi, Yasmin.

By the way, with the exception of the bad pictures, I completely forgot to mention what a great time I had and how great it was to see everyone again, if only for a few seconds with some. It was great to see 'giXXer', Felicia, Danielle, Willie, Buddy, Bob, et all, again, and finally meet people in person for the first time such as the lovely, sexy 'Juliana' and the gentleman, 'LAGent4TS'.

Let me attempt to continue here...