Billboards: Instant Influencer with James Charles - Photos by Melina Pizano - 04/04/20

I received a message from fellow sports photographer/colleague, Amanda Wescott. She had recently taken portraits of James Charles for his new original show on YouTube, Instant Influencer with James Charles. Three billboards announcing the show went up in Hollywood. However, Amanda, who lives in New York, said she wouldn't be able to see her artwork in person due to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. She asked if I was available to photograph the billboards for her. Although the billboards would be up until May, I set out to Hollywood the following day. I easily found the billboards.

Perhaps it's the color or the style, but to me James Charles' pose stands out the most. It's a direction that comes from the photographer. Brilliant, confident, demanding one's attention without saying a word. The streets were bare due to the stay at home order. Nonetheless she should be proud of her artwork on display in the heart of Hollywood. Amanda has quickly become one of my favorite photographers. She has a creative eye that's unmatched. Give her a follow her on Instagram: @thisisamandaw and/or @kombatpanda.

After sharing the photos with Amanda she shared them on her Instagram with the following caption:

I may be inside in New York but I just saw my photos are getting some vitD in Los Angeles! Seeing them blown up in the heart of Hollywood just steps away from @capitolrecords is bonkers! ✨ #sograteful
.
.
.
Thank you to @melinapizano that basically risked her life to take these! 😘 You’re amazing
 

Billboards of YouTube’s new original show, Instant Influencer with James Charles, in Hollywood, CA. Portrait of James Charles by Amanda Wescott.

Amanda Wescott: Instant Influencer with James CharlesApril 4, 2020; Hollywood, CA, USA; Billboards of YouTube’s new original show, Instant Influencer with James Charles, in Hollywood, CA. Portrait of James Charles by Amanda Wescott. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano Amanda Wescott: Instant Influencer with James CharlesApril 4, 2020; Hollywood, CA, USA; Billboards of YouTube’s new original show, Instant Influencer with James Charles, in Hollywood, CA. Portrait of James Charles by Amanda Wescott. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano Amanda Wescott: Instant Influencer with James CharlesApril 4, 2020; Hollywood, CA, USA; Billboards of YouTube’s new original show, Instant Influencer with James Charles, in Hollywood, CA. Portrait of James Charles by Amanda Wescott. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano Amanda Wescott: Instant Influencer with James CharlesApril 4, 2020; Hollywood, CA, USA; Billboards of YouTube’s new original show, Instant Influencer with James Charles, in Hollywood, CA. Portrait of James Charles by Amanda Wescott. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano