The summer is getting hot in Las Vegas! So what better place to cool off then at a pool? Normally, I would have agreed with this statement…until I found out that Carmen Electra was going to be at Azure at the Palazzo. It seems the hottest part of the day is when Carmen Electra shows up.
So I get the chance to shoot photos at a blue carpet event. (Azure’s spin on the classic red carpet event.) I show up early only to see many of Las Vegas’ premier photographers already in place to shoot. I take my spot off to the side and wait for Carmen to show up.
Waiting is always fun with the other photographers. I get to hear stories of all the cool things they have shot. Another good aspect is getting the chance to talk about gear and techniques with other photogs. (Still working on mine.) With the vast wealth of knowledge these people have, I look forward to the conversation with them as much as I do shooting the carpet.
Killing time was really interesting at this event when some of the photographers kept glancing towards the ceiling just to see how many people walking into the room look up. The answer is a lot of people. You are probably wondering what ceiling and why everyone was looking? Well, the one day it decides to rain in Las Vegas is the day Carmen Electra was scheduled to walk outside on an outside blue carpet at Azure pool. The blue carpet got wet and no one wants Carmen trying to walk down a wet carpet. No worries, the crack team of the Palazzo quickly assembles a red carpet for the event inside the hallway and the photographers were having fun with the crowd.
As the fans squeeze in to see a glimpse of Carmen Electra, someone murmurs, “here she comes.” The photographers line up and look through their viewfinders, waiting for Carmen. The joke is on us, though, as a group of not-Carmen ladies walk by on their way to Azure. (I know it is Karma for looking at the ceiling … still funny though.) Shortly after the false start the real Carmen shows up and the strobes of light wash the backdrop. Screams of “I love you Carmen!” came from the ecstatic fans. Carman Electra is more stunning in person then she is on television. Sometimes I have a rough job.
When the shoot is over and I am waiting for the crowd to leave, I point out to another photographer this really tall guy. Now this is where I am a dork, because the other photographer gets really excited and says that is John Salley. Since I’m still not understanding what that name means, she tells me he played basketball on the Detroit Pistons and even on the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan. Now I understand that he is a retired basketball player.
John Salley was actually there to do an interview with Carmen Electra. The few photographers that were left were asked to turn off their flashes if they wished to continue taking photos. The interview went on, discussing a new project for John Salley. The event was drawing onlookers, and people walking by kept screaming at John Salley. Luckily, they were quickly shushed by the captivated crowd and by the camera crew. The interview finished, and Carmen was whisked away to her hosting duties at Azure. (Of course, on cue the clouds cleared and the sun came out.)
What a day it is going to be. Making my way out of the crowd, I asked some ladies passing by if they had come from Azure. I admit, I was curious about the venue Carmen was hosting at. All I got in response was giggles and smiles. Finally, one woman said it is a great place, but that if I was going to check it out, they suggest I leave my camera at home and wear a suit.
(Note to self, asking anyone about a pool while in Jeans and a shirt while holding a camera may not be the image I am going for.)
For more information regarding Azure at the Palazzo :
http://www.palazzo.com/Las-Vegas-Amenities/Azure/
For more information about Carman Electra :
For more information about John Salley and his new project :
As always I love hearing from my readers. So feel free to contact me at gginsberg@vegaskool.com. Let me know comments, complaints, or even suggestions. Have a great day and check out some of my other stories.
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