Producing a China Star

Topic of the day: Stephanie's photo shoot

Last week, I photo documented one of my best friends from university, Stephanie, when she had her professional photo shoot (she's pursuing a part time entertainment career here in China). For more photos from the shoot, click here.

One fun note before I proceed any further: Last night, my dear colleague, Cynic, called me at midnight to verbally share with me the comments he left on some of my photos. His particular comment for this photo was:

Interesting set of photos....my question is, do we need any more "pop idols"?....personally, i think no....stephanie is a fairly good looking girl - no doubt.....but what diffrentiates her?....im just exploring in this crazy mind of mine what the justifications are for more bland music....i just want the poison to stop....

Needless to say, alcohol was involved. Thanks, Loser - it's been a while since I have received a drunk call - it was thoroughly entertaining! ;)

And now, a backgrounder of the shoot:

Everyone wants to be a star in China. Stephanie, an American born Chinese from Dallas, Texas, has returned to China to pursue a career in the Chinese entertainment industry. Already a young entrepreneur (she's starting her own fashion related company), Stephanie recently finished recording her first music demo and is currently talking to Channel V to (potentially) be a future v-jay.

With the help of two young friends - a 21 year old makeup artist and a 24 year old model turned fashion photographer - Stephanie held her first photo shoot.

The following series of pictures document Stephanie's photo shoot and the processes needed to turn a young girl into a star in modern day China.