Ethan Says

Nicki Minaj by Mike Ruiz (YRB)

In looooooooooove with these photos of Nicki Minaj by Mike Ruiz for YRB. Mike always turns it out! Definite props also go out to styling, hair & makeup (see credits). Check THREE MORE PHOTOS on the next page. Don't forget to click the smaller pix.

YRB: Once a foul-mouthed tough chick with a chip on her shoulder, Nicki Minaj has blossomed into one of rap’s most arresting emcees. Now, she’s ready to prove herself with the release of her highly anticipated debut, Pink Friday. [ Keep reading... ]

Photography: Mike Ruiz | Mike Ruiz @EthanSays

Mike Ruiz: Kellan Lutz for YRB

Twilight star Kellan Lutz strikes a few poses for the current issue of YRB Magazine. Shot by photographer by Mike Ruiz, the photos give only a glimpse of the ripped body that lies beneath. Yet, in this case, I think Kellan's dressed-to-kill looks are just as sexually appealing. Four MORE PHOTOS on the next page.

Photography: Mike Ruiz | Styling: Darius Baptist | Grooming: Jordan Long

Erika Jayne: 'One Hot Pleasure' (New Video)

Bona fide Queen of the Charts Erika Jayne Launches Pretty Mess Records and Releases New Single "One Hot Pleasure"

Vocal pop temptress & seductive songstress Erika Jayne is aiming to heat up this winter season with the launch of her own label, Pretty Mess Records. Currently working on new music for her second album (title TBA), the glamorous Jayne is giving a taste of what’s to come with the release of her new single “One Hot Pleasure”.

Written by Dave Audé & Luciana Caporaso (of the radio hit “I Like That” by Richard Vission & The Static Revenger starring Luciana) and Nick Clow, “One Hot Pleasure” sizzles just as the title of the song indicates. As the debut offering from her Pretty Mess Records, the song is being packaged with a striking video by Jayne’s creative director and MTV Video music nominee Mikey Minden and visual collaborator, famed photographer Mike Ruiz, with remixes by Dave Audé, Ralphi Rosario, Dirty Loud, Sultan & Ned and Los Angeles newcomer Mr. White.

The new single will be available on November 16th via Erika Jayne’s newly launched record, Pretty Mess Records.

Kelly Rowland by Mike Ruiz for YRB

Check out these diva-licious photos of Kelly Rowland by celebrity-photog Mike Ruiz for online magazine YRB. Donning a fierce new bob, studded mouse ears, hot pink feathered heels and best...giant lion shoulders by The Blonds, Kelly looks like a candidate for Next Gay Diva. And who's to say she's not!? MORE PHOTOS after the jump. Click'em all for a better view!

Photography: Mike Ruiz | In case you missed it: Mike Ruiz & The Blonds

Mike Ruiz: 'Transformations'

DON'T MISS the photography of Mike Ruiz at the Leslie/Lohman Gallery in NYC, running August 26-28. The celeb/fashion photog - and star of the upcoming reality show The A-List: New York - will be unveiling his latest solo exhibit "Transformations," a work representing celebrities alter egos, as interpreted by the photographer himself. A portion of all net proceeds from exhibit sales will go to the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation, an outlet for art work that is unambiguously gay and which is frequently denied access to mainstream venues.

For those that can't make it, here's a sneak peak at some of the photos that will be on display (MORE PHOTOS ON THE NEXT PAGE). For more info, visit the Leslie/Lohman Gallery. Hope to see ya there!

Mike Ruiz Transforms DJ Tracy Young into Pin-up Babe

Guess who? No it's not Dita Von Teese or Demi Moore. It's DJ Tracy Young. Celeb fashion photog Mike Ruiz worked his magic on the Atlanta Housewife gal pal, glamming her into a classic Hollywood pin-up babe. Tracy follows Kathy Griffin as Ruiz's latest celebrity transformation.

Tracy poses with A-Lister Rodiney Santiago (below). ANOTHER GLAMOR SHOT on the next page.

Photography: Mike Ruiz | Mike Ruiz @EthanSays

Celebrity Photographer Mike Ruiz Returns to Kathy Griffin's 'My Life on the D-List'

Celebrity photographer and reality TV star Mike Ruiz returns to Kathy Griffin’s Bravo show, My Life on the D-List, for a special guest appearance airing Tuesday, July 20th.

“Kathy and I have built such a great chemistry in and out of the photo studio,” explained Mike Ruiz, currently filming his own reality show for the LOGO network, The A-List. “We had so much fun filming this latest episode. It’s always raucous pandemonium with Kathy – and that’s why I love her. It’s been some time since we filmed so I’m excited to re-live our hilarious hijinks when the show airs next week.”

Mike Ruiz is a world-renowned celebrity photographer; famous for his close-up, back-lit portraits of stars including Kelly Clarkson, Prince and Adam Lambert. He has worked with comedian Kathy Griffin several times including shooting the cover of her comedy album, “For Your Consideration”, as well as all of the marketing and advertising images for My Life on the D-List. Most recently, his transformation of Kathy into pin-up sex kitten Bettie Page was featured on Access Hollywood.

In addition to his photography, Mike Ruiz has appeared as a celebrity judge on several reality television shows including Americas Next Top Model and Rupaul's Drag Race. He also appeared as a resident judge on Canada’s Next Top Model with Jay Manual.

Mike Ruiz’s varied and colorful portfolio of celebrity and fashion photography can be viewed at www.mikeruiz.com. Kathy Griffin’s My Life on the D-List airs on Bravo. Check local listings for show times.

Mike Ruiz & Kyle Ledeboer: BLU

Mike Ruiz directs super hot model Kyle Ledeboer in this spec commercial for a fragrance called BLU. The bottle design, by Luiz Perez, was based on Prada's Man Pour Homme.

Mike Ruiz Directs the Fabulous Phillipe Blond

Fashion photographer Mike Ruiz directs the fierce, foxy, drag designer Phillipe Blond (of the design duo 'The Blonds' with partner David Blond - famous for their over-the-top pieces seen on divas like Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Fergie, Adam Lambert, Katy Perry and Myley Cyrus) in this glamorously divine promo video.

Adam Lambert by Mike Ruiz for YRB

'The Talanted Adam Lambert' shows off some slick styles for YRB Magazine. The glam shots were taken by photographer Mike Ruiz for the mag's fashion section. Adam is currently in Europe promoting his latest album, For Your Entertainment. ONE MORE PHOTO on next page, a couple more at YRB.

Photography: Mike Ruiz | Styling: Darius Baptist | Grooming: Roberto Morelli | Hair: Davide Torchio for Cloutier Agency