Tag Archives: Adventures

September 6, 2011 · 2:17 am

ADVENTURES! My (Very) First Fashion Editorial

                         Images by Travis Levius.  All Rights Reserved.

I’ve learned firsthand this Spring that a challenge is the best way to grow- and equip one for more gratifying opportunities.  When I was approached by the Fashion Editor of Obvious Magazine, a respected online fashion/lifestyle publication, I was at once honored…and quietly intimidated.  He deemed my vision of the runway and Fashion Week coverage in London and NY good enough for an 8-page spread in the magazine.  I’ve never done a fashion shoot before.  Not even a “test.”  It wasn’t until a few weeks later when I found out on the-model-to-shoot’s Facebook page that it would also be the cover of the magazine.  Most people may not know that you can be fantastic at one photographic subject- but flounder at another.  I’ve never even had an opportunity to fail in a fashion shoot, let alone shoot a published one!  But I took on the challenge- as I’ve taken on every opportunity that seemed larger than me- and now I may be embarking on a photographic path that might lead me to the success I’ve dreamed of.

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(^ Love this one!)

View MORE of my first fashion featured AFTER THE JUMP

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April 4, 2011 · 9:00 am

NY Fashion Week F/W ’11 Show No. 1: Pamella Roland

                                     Images by Travis Levius.  All Rights Reserved.

This was the first show I photographed after coming IMMEDIATELY from the airport (I carried my luggage from the London trip with me throughout the time at Lincoln Center!)  It felt great to be back in my element…in the photo pit.

SEE MORE AFTER THE JUMP!!

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February 25, 2011 · 3:58 pm

ADVENTURES! Where IS Mister Levius? Five Unbelievable Months in Two Posts (Part 2)

Part 2: New York Fashion Week’s on the horizon- but stranded in London…did I make it against the odds?

I had only a week’s time to try and get everything together, and while the numerous NY Fashion Week invites brought me close, the perpetual money situation brought me so far.  I began asking friends and family for help but no one was able to give in time.  NYFW would start on a Thursday, and so by Friday I decided to do something absolutely crazy- travel to London’s Heathrow airport with $25 in my bank account and try to “make it happen.”

What was the outcome?  It surely took a lot of “bloodshed” to get to glory.  I approached a couple of airlines to try and fly that day or the next day with a round trip ticket, and they’d all give me a price that was non-negotiable.  Thankfully I never had to disclose how much I could give based on my bank account…for I surely would’ve been laughed at.

I had no access to Internet but for 20 minutes because of lack of funds (Wi-Fi at Heathrow cost a fortune).  The phone booths ate up my money when I tried to call to New York to let family know what was going on.  It was just one link of unfortunate lack after another…and I ended up staying over at night in an airport with no booked ticket and no money, trying to make it happen.

Make that 2 nights.  I spent a total of two and a half days sitting (and laying) on uncomfortable seats, with only 1 Nutri-Grain bar, some cereal crumbs, some cookies, and one to-go pasta dish to eat during that entire time.  And if you think I was not doubting or wavering I thought whether this was worth it or not, you’d be dead wrong.  This seemed so stupid!  There were so many times where I had just wanted to give in and just go back into London, at least resting on the fact that I’d be right there for London Fashion Week.  Yet again, something in me, I cannot develop into words, would “tug” at me and just wouldn’t let me give up.  Something was making me stay, and as “over it” as I was, I gave in.  It Continue reading →

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February 24, 2011 · 6:00 pm

ADVENTURES! Where IS Mister Levius? Five Unbelievable Months in Two Posts (Part 1)

 

Images by Travis Levius.  All Rights Reserved.

(Are you ready for this?)

Very few of you know what’s happened to me in the last few months…many more only know bits and pieces.  And you won’t find any info about my recent situations on my website…until now.

So what DID happen after shooting my first Fashion Weeks?

After a successful landing and experience shooting London Fashion Week in September- I unexpectedly became stuck.  A diminished budget and a standby flight surprise changed my whole itinerary for what was meant to be 10 days… into five months.

Scared, overwhelmed, but not hopeless, I sought out help from people I knew when I visited London 2 years ago while studying abroad.  There were many “close calls” as far as transitioning, but I never went one day homeless.

When money would get dangerously low, I’d get a donation (or paid work!) at the right time.  Ever heard of the idea of “an ‘on-time’ God”?  Well, I surely understood it in a whole new light.

Besides the super-stressful money and accommodation issues, I began establishing myself in the city I fell in love with three years ago- the networking, the making of amazing new friends, the photo opps, etc.  I was having the time of my life and didn’t need a lot of money to do so.  I’ve grown to love London even more and want to continue building my brand there.

All I had in those five months were 10 day’s worth of clothing and luggage (2 bags)- it showed me how little you really need to live off of to be content.

During the first few months, I really set out to try and do all I can to get back to New York by mid-December…and finally get some stability back in my life.  But as of December 2nd, something was “tugging” inside of me to stay.  A little afraid, I searched for answers by quieting my mind- should I stay or should I go?  I trusted what my intuition said and decided to stay- and freakishly had a lot of peace.

Ignoring the circumstances, I still set out to do what I had planned to do: shoot my second season of New York and Continue reading →

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December 31, 2010 · 12:40 pm

The Path: 2011…Sky is the Limit {Only If You Say So}

                    Image by Travis Levius.  All Rights Reserved.

There is something in the air…

Do you sense it too?  If you’re unsure, check the statuses of your friends on Facebook  and other social media sites.  Thirteen years ago it would’ve been enough to simply say “Happy New Year!”- but now everyone has their own spin of inspiration, wisdom, and ecnouragement attached to this upcoming period.  It’s evident that many don’t see this as another year…people are excited, and feel as if they are on the brink of something great in 2011.

Ha..people speak of the end of the world, when I feel humanity is actually starting to emerge in the right direction- using positive energy, a desire to live their best lives, a willingness to share uplifting words and experiences to others.  A higher collective consciousness perhaps?

  There is so much to say, so much I want to share, but Iwill keep this short: If you do feel 2011 is your year- RUN FOR IT.  Believe it and believe it wholeheartedly, and let no one deter or jinx the better you that is to emerge.  Personally, though I can truly say 2009 and 2010 were fantastic years, 2011 will be my TRUE year of greatness.  I fully believe everything that I’ve worked hard for, the challenges I’ve been through (and continuing to go through) will finally show its fruit and will show it abundantly.  

Readers, EXPECTANCY is what ushers your dreams and breakthroughs into reality.  So my charge for you is to EXPECT much, and GIVE much- giving as much of your Light and talents to your world so that the powers that be can truly honor your pursuits.

Cheers to a New Year…

Cheers to a New LIFE Ahead.

Live from London (and yes I am still here ;) )-

Travis L.

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December 13, 2010 · 10:04 pm

The Path: Excuses I Could’ve Made (Important Post!)

(CAUTION: This testimonial post might really set some people free.  TWEET this, EMAIL this, FACEBOOK this to anyone you think would benefit from this post!)

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In 2009, upon my college graduation, I had to make that necessary step of deciding my career, an occupation that would begin shaping my entire life path.  Soon after I received my Sociology diploma I decided, with only looking UP at how amazing I felt when I take photos and not DOWN at all the obstacles, that photography was the career I’d pursue.  A year later…I’ve become an international photographer with clients under my belt that others don’t acquire in 5 years in the profession.

BUT HOW WOULD THINGS HAVE BEEN IF I BEGAN TO MAKE EXCUSES?

The list below highlights true-story “setbacks” and “obstacles” that “threatened” my pursuits in this one-year span of following my dreams.  The responses, however, show me giving in to them.  Take a look:

  1. I don’t have a lot of money; getting all the equipment I need is impossible.
  2. I didn’t go to school for photography; I’m not qualified to shoot this.
  3. I’ve only been doing this for a year; no one will take me seriously.
  4. All I have is an inexpensive amateur-level camera and lens;  I can’t possibly do paid gigs with this.
  5. I don’t have my own personal computer- my desktop crashed  2 years ago; I can’t do photography without my own computer.
  6. Moreover, I don’t personally own Photoshop software; I can’t possibly get what I need done.
  7. Every single photographer has a $4,000+ professional system…all I have is a $700 one; I can’t shoot Fashion Week-  I’m going to look like such a novice.
  8. These potential event company clients I’ve researched are super-professional; I’m not going to call, they’ll probably find someone much more experienced.
  9. My budget is super-limited and, again, I don’t have my own personal laptop with Photoshop; forget going to London for Continue reading →

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November 7, 2010 · 10:00 pm

Stuff Successful People Like: “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen

The Book that Changed my Life (and Potentially Yours, Too)

 I read this classic, all-time best-selling, 60-page short essay collection penned by James Allen at the beginning of my career- er, journey- Summer 2009.  I didn’t read it for the purpose of being a better photographer; like everyone, I’ve experienced life’s ups and downs.  I wanted to read this book because, confirmed by the millions who have sung its praises for more than 100 years, I wanted to ensure a positive, peaceful, and clear path over my life.

It’s working.

I wholeheartedly urge everyone who may be reading this post to purchase a copy, borrow the book from one’s nearest library, or ask a friend who is lucky to own it and let him or her lend it to you.  This book will show you just how much power YOU have over the outcomes in your life, good and bad, just by the way you think.  Consider it the predecessor to the literary phenomenon (and rightfully so) “The Secret”…just less mystical and much more straightforward.  You’d be quite surprised how relevant and 100% readable this book is nearly 110 years later.

The message and the charge from gifted writer James Allen is very simple, but the outcome of applying its content in your life is guaranteed to be nothing less than tremendous.  Take it from me.

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September 23, 2010 · 5:22 am

ADVENTURES! Dream Complete: Made it to London Fashion Week!

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Surprise :)

I was cutting close.  Flights from NYC to London were beyond sold out, and I was already missing more than half of the Fashion Week.  Money, of course, was very tight, but thanks to the recent contributions I was able to afford what I needed for the trip (Thank You to all that helped!  I told you I wouldn’t let you down :) )

Literally 7 hours before the only flight I could do to Paris, France, my friend who worked for an airline was able to get me a deeply discounted rate.  I was so afraid I wouldn’t make it, but I packed anyway “in faith”- the flight was at 11:25am but thankfully got it booked…at 2am!  Talk about things turning around in the midnight hour…

I made the flight, arrived in Paris, and had to purchase a different flight ticket to London.  Thankfully both schedules were on-time, I only had a 2-hour window to re-check in and switch airlines at Charles de Gaulle, terminal travelling, baggage claiming and all!

I made it to London’s Luton Airport, took the train to Temple Station, and hightailed myself straight to London Fashion Week with all my bags! 

Thankfully my housing host Jin (a fellow photographer and Vivienne Westwood business intern who is shooting Fashion Week as well) helped me find a storage locker across the Thames so I can shoot/move around freely.

Then…it was off to the shows making my dreams come true!

Image by Travis Levius.  All Rights Reserved.

So many things things to write…so many photos to edit and POST…but this is a quick checkpoint to show you that, bottom line, your dreams CAN turn into reality if you simply go for it.

BE EMPOWERED.  BE INSPIRED.

 

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September 12, 2010 · 12:58 am

NEW YORK Fashion Week- Show No. 4! Jill Stuart (September 11th)

Images by Travis Levius.  All Rights Reserved.

VIEW MORE PICS AFTER THE JUMP

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August 17, 2010 · 9:00 pm

Adventures! Mister Levius Visits New York City

I was tempted to write a lengthy, intellectual description of the “new” New York City I experienced last week before my future “big” move- but I simply don’t have the time.  There are too many perspectives of this one City to describe in one post, so I will do my best to keep it short (for your convenience.)

To be honest, I had to warm up to the City on the first day.  Not because something about it was wrong – I was out-of-my-mind exhausted since I had but one-hour of sleep…on a plane.  My excitement preceded my biological demand for sufficient rest.

I first arrived in the bustling section of Harlem off of the MTA North train to meet my college friend who resides there.  It seemed like regular Harlem for a stretch of my trek, and then you’d turn a corner and see people you wouldn’t expect to see walking around, or look across the street and see a luxury condo midrise under construction.  People weren’t lying- times in Harlem ARE a-changin’.

{New Harlem}

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My head was spinning (not because I saw H&M stores downtown as frequent as Starbucks) as my college friend and I walked around the Flatiron District and Midtown. I was a little bummed to voluntarily forfeit my attendance to British songstress Corrine Bailey Rae’s concert performance; I knew I would pass out if I didn’t recharge and relax for an extended period.  I didn’t even bother taking my camera out 90% of the time- Mister Levius was beat.

{What I DID Capture}

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The second day went much smoother (I wasn’t half-dead!).  After a very nice family reunion in Long Island, I prepared to meet Vogue’s famous editor Andre Leon Talley’s personal photographer at the Brooklyn Museum’s monthly Block Continue reading →

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