Moving Forward at the Speed of Light

2022 was one awesome year for Cloud Nine Higher. At this point last year (January 2022), I reflected on four fabulous pictorials in 2021. Rachal, Moxie, Breeana, and Whitney Be were indeed fabulous. Whitney Be would return for a reprise in January 2022 and then again in December 2022.

Depression stemming from other realms of my life stunted the growth of my illustrated blog. God wanted me to move forward. My spirit was willing, but my flesh was weak.

Change began on June 7 when Brittany of Fayetteville, having responded to a call for models on Facebook, came to Nashville to interview. The June 18 "American Summer" pictorial featuring Brittany and Khatt resulted in some magic on social media that carries forward to this day. As I write this blog post, a certain photo taken on the rooftop of The 500 Fifth in downtown Nashville is in a Facebook advertisement that has reached 27,425 users and attracted 1,016 page likes.

The fun was only beginning. When Brittany and Khatt arrived on June 18, I already had three photo shoots in the books for the year: Whitney Be, Moxie, and Mia Rochelle. 12 more followed "American Summer". The last one of the year was a first for Cloud Nine Higher, which I have now dubbed an online magazine: A trio photo shoot. The word "threesome" never came to mind. 😉

I took so many photos that the digital camera I purchased in 2020 just wore out. After 3500 or so photos, I would be worn out, too, if I were a camera. A new Canon EOS Rebel T7 is in my possession and is ready to roll.

I am proud of all my models. All are special people in their own right. They are not just pretty/handsome faces. They are a part of a movement inspired by God. Special thanks to Dakota Luna, Brandie, SimoneKnowsBest, and Derrick. These have been the rising stars of 2022, and I look forward to seeing a lot of them in 2023.

Simone and Derrick suggested backdrops and lighting for my photo shoots. I ordered a backdrop kit about 48 hours prior to the December 30 shoot. Amazon projected delivery during the first week of 2023, but the kit arrived on the morning of December 30, 2022. Dakota bought an executive ring light. Blessed with new equipment, I took the opportunity to begin the experience of learning to use it when Ally of Madison, Alabama debuted alongside existing dynasty members Dakota and Brandie.

The result was strong, but future results will be stronger. Ally and Brandie are both gorgeous, but they were not initially scheduled for this shoot. New models from the Fayetteville, Tennessee area had been recruited and were ready to debut. But plans changed during the week of the shoot. I love Dakota and Brandie but also need new faces to maintain a fresh product for my fans and followers.

Somehow, Ally was recruited and traveled to Nashville for eye-popping poses in the courtyard of the Batman building, Printers Alley, Snitch, and, finally, the lingerie portion of the shoot in my studio penthouse at The 500 Fifth.

Ally is a calm soul who comes out of her shell when she is in front of a camera. I don't know much about her except that she works with animals and that she loves animals.

She was an animal herself alongside Dakota and Brandie.

God is good. All the time. He blessed us abundantly on December 30, 2022. When the shoot was over and the trio headed south for home, I was tired.

But I was happy. And I am happy with the progress of Cloud Nine Higher.

James A. Rose

Publisher