Cover Model for PHOENIX magazine – Asian Food Guide May 2013

Well, this was a surprise.

May issue of PHOENIX magazine.

Usually when PHOENIX magazine contacts me, it’s to cover an assignment.  But this time, when I missed calls from PHOENIX magazine and my agents at FORD Models, I thought it was either my lucky day for employment, or it was for the same project.

I was thrilled to be asked to model for their upcoming May issue.  PHOENIX magazine is so near and dear to my heart, they took a chance on me early in my career to shoot assignments for them and they were a bulk of my survival my first year of self-employment.  I couldn’t think of any other magazine I’d want to be on the cover of – if the opportunity ever came, although the thought honestly has never even crossed my mind.

The awesome Brandon Sullivan was the photographer – check out his portfolio, I feel so honored to have been photographed by him.  He’s so good that my agents were pretty excited too.  Brian of PHOENIX magazine joked that he’s never really hired someone based on race before in which I assured him that I rarely get hired for Caucasian roles – let’s be real.

The dress belongs to my great grandmother who I unfortunately never had the chance to meet.  Nevermind that this dress is all high water on me, I’m 5’8″ and the dress was quite snug.  I’m not typical little Chinese lady measurements.  I drank a lot of milk and I slept a lot, and my younger brother is over 6′ tall.  We’re a tall Chinese family.

Thanks to my  good friend and my wedding makeup artist, Lizzy Marsh for taking these behind the scene pictures and doing my hair and makeup for this shoot!  Lizzy knows me and my face so well, I always recommend her for every job or need I have.

Other dresses below were other options, Lizzy’s tools for beautifying me and some of the dishes I held.

Digital gives instant gratification.  This was just a few frames to test the lighting.  I look so subservient in that pose.

What a fun day!  Make sure you pick up the May issue of PHOENIX magazine.  Out on newsstands soon!

Diana Elizabeth can now say she has not only shot the cover of PHOENIX magazine in her lifetime, but now appeared on the cover.