"Bleeding Gold" Sneak-Peek

Photographer Feature Sneak-Peek from December Issue:

Melissa Cosper

By: Sky Braun

“My introduction into photography was mostly by accident. It started as a way to raise money to go on a mission trip to Africa and blossomed. Once there, I realized the need for perspective in America. America is the land of excess; people always wanting more and never happy with what they already have. While in Ghana, I experienced a life with the bare necessities and witnessed people who were genuinely happy, even though they had very little. I came away from that experience wanting to keep that perspective as much as possible.

I have a photo that I took while there that has been turned into a painting that hangs in my living room. It hangs there to remind me to be grateful for the little things, and to appreciate all the bonuses that life affords as an American citizen. At first glance, you might only see the dirt road and dilapidated buildings, but all I see is the beauty of the bold red dress and the contrast of the blue wall behind the little girl. It inspired me to continue to create and capture the beauty of life in all aspects.

What began as a hobby quickly became my passion. I began working as a professional photographer, which has since given me opportunities to travel the world, work with celebrities, and capture some of life’s most meaningful moments for many people.”

Sneak Peek - Next Issue's Spotlight Feature

By: Sky Braun, MFM Editor/Writer, (Instagram: @skybfree)

During NYFW I had the pleasure of meeting with fellow artist/photographer, Chad Cosper. As we walked through Soho in downtown Manhattan, he shared a project with me. It’s called “Climbing Walls,” and features Kentucky-residing Ekaterina Estes as the model. She is also officially the next “Spotlight Model” in MFM’s October issue, explained in a brief, yet powerful blurb that was also contributed by friend and artist, Chad Cosper:

“Deep in the heart of Bluegrass Country, lie remnants of America's darker past. Remains of 200 year old, ‘slave walls’ adorn the Kentucky landscape and serve as reminders of slave culture in the deep south. In the 1800's, black slave laborers became expert craftsmen in the art of building these beautiful fences with skills learned from Irish Immigrants. Although slavery was outlawed in America in the 1860's, it remains as one of our fastest growing epidemics. The global rise of human trafficking for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation enslave an estimated 27 million people across the globe. Kentucky model, Ekaterina Estes is bringing awareness to these issues. Ekaterina was born in Russia, in a rundown shack, to an alcoholic mother. At two days old she was left on the doorstep of a Russian orphanage. Although cared for, Ekaterina would later learn that other children in her orphanage generally faced one of two fates in life. Children were either adopted, or were released to the streets at 13 years old where most were bought and sold on the black-market and became victims of human trafficking. Fortunately, Ekaterina was adopted by a loving American family. Although life here in America hasn't been perfect, Ekaterina beat the odds, and escaped becoming a statistic. For many people around the world, the issue of human trafficking is very real. For more information about modern day slavery and how you can help in the fight, visit www.beautifuldream.tv or www.A21.org .”

I cannot wait to share more of Ekaterina's inspirational story with all of you. Be sure to check out the full feature in the next issue of McGlory Fashion Magazine.