Lucha VaVOOM – Cinco de Mayo

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Posted 18 May 2012 — by Michael Yanow
Category Burlesque, CA, California, Corsair, Karis, Los Angeles, Lucha libre, Lucha VaVOOM, Lucy Furr, Masked Wrestling, Mayan Theatre, Mexican Masked Wrestling, Newspaper, Photo Essay, Photography, Photojournalism, The Corsair, The Wau Wau Sisters
Wendy Waldman Yanow, Michael Price, Swikar Patel liked this post

I had the amazing opportunity to attend my second Lucha VaVOOM variety show on Friday, May 4 at the Mayan Theatre.  I covered the event for the Corsair [Newspaper].  Lucha VaVOOM is filled with non-stop action and humorous commentary from the hosts.

The show is not for the faint of heart.  Lucha libre [masked men wrestlers] in super tight tights followed by burlesque dancers revealing almost all to the crowd.  Lucha VaVOOM is a must for people over the age of over 21 in LA.  The shows happen roughly every 4 months for two nights.  Make sure to purchase your tickets and don’t be afraid to dress in costume.

Here is the story and layout that ran in Corsair.

Additional photos from the night.

Wrestler Angel Del Oro during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow Burlesque performer Karis during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow

The Wau Wau Sisters during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow
Burlesque performer Moana Santana during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow
A fan cheers on during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow
Wrestlers perform during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow
Burlesque performer Lucy Fur during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow
Ring announcer Alberto (center) during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow
Wrestler Angel Del Oro during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow
Wrestlers perform during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow
Wrestler Dr. Maldad during Lucha VaVoom's Cinco de Mayan show at the Mayan Theatre on May 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. Lucha VaVoom is a mixture of Lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling and striptease. Michael Yanow

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“Play Me, I’m Yours” Pianos in the City

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Posted 17 May 2012 — by Michael Yanow
Category Beach, CA, California, Downtown, Downtown Los Angeles, LA Live, Los Angeles, Outdoors, Photography, Photojournalism, Santa Monica, Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Street Photograph

Jennifer Woodard of Bakersfield plays a piano associated with the “Play Me, I’m Yours” art installation at the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, March 22, 2012 in Los Angeles. British artist Luke Jerram fostered the idea of having pianos in public spaces for the public to play in hoping to create dialogue about urban space.  It also happened to be her birthday, she turned 29.

Jennifer Woodard of Bakersfield gets up from playing a piano associated with the Jennifer Woodard of Bakersfield plays a piano associated with the

Maendaleo Vasser plays a piano associated with the
George Dozal plays a piano associated with the

George Dozal plays a piano associated with the ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ art installation at L.A. Live on Sunday, March 22, 2012 in Los Angeles.  British artist Luke Jerram fostered the idea of having pianos in public spaces for the public to play in hoping to create dialogue about urban space.

George Dozal plays a piano associated with the ‘Play Me, I’m Yours' art installation at L.A. Live on Sunday, March 22, 2012 in Los Angeles. British artist Luke Jerram fostered the idea of having pianos in public spaces for the public to play in hoping to create dialogue about urban space. George Dozal plays a piano associated with the
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Flower District

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Posted 17 May 2012 — by Michael Yanow
Category Downtown, Downtown Los Angeles, Flower, LA, Los Angeles, Market, Photography, Photojournalism, Street Photograph
Jonathan Pobre liked this post

Last Saturday I had time to kill before meeting friends for dinner in Little Tokyo.  I ventured to the flower district downtown LA.  The place was buzzing especially with mother’s day the next day.  The place was filled with wonderful colors and great fresh smells.  Here are my two favorite photos from my walk.

Los Angeles, May 12, 2012. A man pushes a cart full of sunflowers in the street in the flower distrct.
Los Angeles, May 12, 2012. A woman walks down the street with roses in the flower distrct.

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4th Annual Unique LA

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Posted 17 May 2012 — by Michael Yanow
Category Artists, CA, Caine's Arcade, California, California Market Center, Downtown, Downtown Los Angeles, LA, Los Angeles, Made In America, Music, Photo Essay, Photography, Photojournalism, Unique LA
Kristine Marie Saldaña liked this post

Over 325 designers and artists displayed their work for guests to purchase made in America goods at the 4th annual Unique LA at the California Market Center on May 12, 2012.

Los Angeles, May 12, 2012. Roman Leguizams age 4 claps after winning tickets at the ball drop at Caine's Arcade at the 4th annual Spring Show of Unique LA at the California Market Center. Over 325 designers and artists displayed their work for guests to purchase made in America goods. Michael Yanow Los Angeles, May 12, 2012. Diann Heinrichs tries her luck at the hook game as part of the Caine's Arcade at the 4th annual Spring Show of Unique LA at the California Market Center. Over 325 designers and artists displayed their work for guests to purchase made in America goods. Michael Yanow

Los Angeles, May 12, 2012. Vendors opened their doors for shoooers at the 4th annual Spring Show of Unique LA at the California Market Center. Over 325 designers and artists displayed their work for guests to purchase made in America goods. Michael Yanow
Los Angeles, May 12, 2012. Ann Rice of West LA tries on a wooden tie at the 4th annual Spring Show of Unique LA at the California Market Center. Rice descibes the tie as
Los Angeles, May 12, 2012. Designer Erika Easley of Gumball Poodle shows off her 'I Love LA' socks at the 4th annual Spring Show of Unique LA at the California Market Center. Over 325 designers and artists displayed their work for guests to purchase made in America goods.

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Awards and Recognition

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Posted 10 Apr 2012 — by Michael Yanow
Category Awards and Recognition, Brawl, CA, California, Corsair, Corsairs, JACC, LA, Los Angeles, Pepper Spray, Photo Essay, Photography, Photojournalism, President Tsang, Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles, Professional Photographer, Santa Monica College, SMC, Society of Professional Journalist, Sports Photography, Student Photojournalist of the Year, women’s lacrosse
Giancarlo Arzu, Silu Ma, Evelyn Rios-Massin, Shani Levy-McBay, Sam Gellman, Katie Strickland, Chewy Boii, Guy Mokia, Stephanie Lauren Johnson McCall liked this post

This month I was honored to receive 6 awards in recognition of my work as a photojournalist. The Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles awarded me the honor of “Student Photojournalist of the Year (2011)” singling out my work from among all the college students in Los Angeles. The award came with $1000 and a digital camera.

At the Journalism Association of Community Colleges 2012 State Convention I took home three awards. My photograph of women’s lacrosse placed first in the “Sports Action Photo” category.  My photograph of Santa Monica College’s President Tsang took an Honorable Mention for the category of “Bring-In Photo.” Lastly, my photograph of a Santa Monica College police officer holding pepper-spray after a post-game football brawl took second place for “News Photo.”

Women's Lacrosse michaelyanow-3

At the gathering of the Region 11 Society of Professional Journalists, I received First Place for Feature Photography in the category of 2-Year Colleges.   Cassandro (left) is thrown to the mat by Pirata Morgan (right) in the main event during Lucha VaVoom Halloween Ring of Terror at the Mayan Theater on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 in downtown Los Angeles, Calif. Michael Yanow

Finally, the Photographer’s Forum Magazine awarded me an Honorable Mention for my triathlon photo in their competition for “Best of College Photography.”   A competitor walks into the ocean before the start of the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon Presented by Herbalife on Sunday, September 25, 2011, in Venice Beach, Calif. Michael Yanow/Corsair

 

 

Needless to say, it’s been quite a month of awards and celebration. I’m proud of my work and excited to have it recognized by magazines and organizations/associations.


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SMC Quad Meet

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Posted 09 Apr 2012 — by Michael Yanow
Category Bakersfield College, CA, California, Camera, Cuesta College, Jr. College, JUCO, Los Angeles Valley College, Photography, Photojournalism, Pool, Quad Meet, Santa Monica, Santa Monica College, Santa Monica Swim Center, Santa Monica Swim Center, Sport, Sports, Sports Photography, Swimming, Water
Santa Monica College swimmer Aaron Clements swims the breaststroke in the Men's 400 yard medley relay at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, April 6, 2012 in Santa Monica Calif. SMC won first place. Michael Yanow Corsair

Santa Monica College swimmer Aaron Clements competes in the men's 400 yard individual medley relay at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, April 6, 2012 in Santa Monica Calif. Michael Yanow Corsair
Santa Monica College swimmer Michael Carden competes in the men's 400 yard medley relay at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, April 6, 2012 in Santa Monica Calif. SMC won first place. Michael Yanow Corsair
Santa Monica College swimmer Julietta Giner competes in the women's 200 yard individual medley at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, April 6, 2012 in Santa Monica Calif. Michael Yanow Corsair
Santa Monica College swimmer Julianne Allison competes in the women's 100 yard butterfly at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, April 6, 2012 in Santa Monica Calif. Michael Yanow Corsair
Santa Monica College swimmer Christian Savaria competes in the men's 200 yard butterfly at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, April 6, 2012 in Santa Monica Calif. Michael Yanow Corsair
Santa Monica College swimmer Christian Savaria takes a moment after finishing in the men's 200 yard butterfly at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, April 6, 2012 in Santa Monica Calif. Michael Yanow Corsair
Santa Monica College swimmer Alex Meyers competes in the men's 200 yard backstroke at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, April 6, 2012 in Santa Monica Calif. Michael Yanow Corsair

Santa Monica College swimmer Jackie Reid swims the butterfly in the Women's 400 yard medley relay at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, April 6, 2012 in Santa Monica Calif. SMC won first place. Michael Yanow Corsair

Photos from the quad meet at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, April 6, 2012 in Santa Monica Calif.  Santa Monica College, Cuesta College, Los Angeles Valley College, and Bakersfield College competed in  the quad meet.

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IAMDYNAMITE at the Viper Room

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Posted 09 Apr 2012 — by Michael Yanow
Category Band, CA, California, concert, Concert Photography, IAMDYNAMITE, LA, Los Angeles, Music, Photography, Photojournalism, Viper Room, West Hollywood
IAMDYNAMITE, the rocking and rhythmic barefoot duo of Christopher Martin on guitar and vocals and Chris Phillips on drums and vocals performing at the Viper Room on Thursday, April 5, 2012 in West Hollywood, Calif. Michael Yanow Corsair IAMDYNAMITE, the rocking and rhythmic barefoot duo of Christopher Martin on guitar and vocals and Chris Phillips on drums and vocals performing at the Viper Room on Thursday, April 5, 2012 in West Hollywood, Calif. Michael Yanow Corsair IAMDYNAMITE, the rocking and rhythmic barefoot duo of Christopher Martin on guitar and vocals and Chris Phillips on drums and vocals performing at the Viper Room on Thursday, April 5, 2012 in West Hollywood, Calif. Michael Yanow Corsair

IAMDYNAMITE, the rocking and rhythmic barefoot duo of Christopher Martin on guitar and Chris Phillips on drums performing at the Viper Room on Thursday, April 5, 2012 in West Hollywood, Calif.

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2012 Honda LA Marathon

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Posted 19 Mar 2012 — by Michael Yanow
Category 2012 Honda LA Marathon, CA, California, Camera, Dodger Stadium, Honda LA Marathon, LA, LA Half Marathon, LA Marathon, Los Angeles, Marathon, Photography, Photojournalism, shoes, Sports, Sports Photography, Student Run LA

All photos were taken at Dodger Stadium or within the first half mile along the course.  I had a prior commitment this year which only allowed me to photograph pre-race and the start.  I arrived at Dodger Stadium around 4:30am (woke up at 3:20am) and left as the last few runners took off from the start line.

An LA Marathon participant sits in Dodger Stadium under the orange hue before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/Corsair  An LA Marathon participant sits in Dodger Stadium under the orange hue before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon.

LA Marathon participants wait in Dodger Stadium under the orange hue from the LED banner before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/Corsair  LA Marathon student participants wait in Dodger Stadium under the orange hue from the LED banner before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon.

LA Marathon legacy runners hold the  LA Marathon legacy runners hold the “LA 27″ sign outside of Dodger Stadium before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon.  The legacy runners have participated in every LA Marathon since 1984.
LA Marathon participants walk in Dodger Stadium before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/Corsair  LA Marathon participants walk in Dodger Stadium before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon.
LA Marathon participants walk to the start line before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/Corsair  LA Marathon participants walk to the start line before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon.
Wheelchair competitors warm up on the course before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/Corsair  Wheelchair competitors warm up on the course before the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon.
Hand crank competitors moments after the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/Corsair  Hand crank competitors moments after the start of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon.
Elite women runners on the course of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/Corsair  Elite women runners on the course of the2012 Honda LA Marathon.
Runners on the course of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/Corsair  Runners on the course of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon.
Runners on the course of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/Corsair  Runners on the course of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon.

The last of the LA Marathon runners leave Dodge Stadium during the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/Corsair  The last of the LA Marathon runners leave Dodge Stadium during the 2012 Honda LA Marathon.

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The Mouth

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Posted 19 Mar 2012 — by Michael Yanow
Category Baseball, California, Clover Park, CROSSROADS SCHOOL, Photography, Photojournalism, Sports, Sports Photography, Windward

My first ever real time photographing baseball, I captured this great moment during a game between Crossroads and Windward in JV baseball on March 8 in Clover Park.  The player ended up dropping the ball for an error.

Windward vs Crossroad in an underclassman baseball game on March 6, 2012 in Santa Monica California. Michael Yanow/Corsair
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Roller Hockey

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Posted 04 Mar 2012 — by Michael Yanow
Category Hockey, LA, Los Angeles, Mar Vista, Mar Vista Park, Photography, Roller Hockey, Sport, Sports, Sports Photography, Street Photograph

70+ degrees in Southern California makes for a picture perfect day to play.  I stumbled across a group of men playing a game of pickup roller hockey at Mar Vista park in Los Angeles.  This reminded me of my college days in Minneapolis playing hockey in the park near my house.

This was my first-ever attempt at photographing any type of hockey.  Circling the rink was a fence designed to keep the ball inside, on the playing surface.  The only free and open area was by the player benches.  I positioned myself on the far side allowing me to have a clean look at the action while staying out of the way of the players sitting on the bench.  Near the end of the game I wandered outside the fence to capture the game from different positions.  I am happy I varied my shots.  I look forward to going back and continuing my work to capture the sport from different vantage points.

Skaters playing a game of pick up roller hockey at Mar Vista Recreation Center on March 3, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Skaters playing a game of pick up roller hockey at Mar Vista Recreation Center on March 3, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

Skaters playing a game of pick up roller hockey at Mar Vista Recreation Center on March 3, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.
Skaters playing a game of pick up roller hockey at Mar Vista Recreation Center on March 3, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.
Skaters playing a game of pick up roller hockey at Mar Vista Recreation Center on March 3, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.
Skaters playing a game of pick up roller hockey at Mar Vista Recreation Center on March 3, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. My luck, on the first play after pulling out my wide angle lens, two players crashed the boards for control of the puck.  This was the only time throughout the game players crashed the boards and I captured it!
Skaters playing a game of pick up roller hockey at Mar Vista Recreation Center on March 3, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.
Skaters playing a game of pick up roller hockey at Mar Vista Recreation Center on March 3, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

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