Anthony Makes it Clear That He's the Boss, Not Karl Giant!

I explained to my staff that the book I wanted to make would cover 225 years of New Jersey as seen through the eyes of hair, fashion and makeup. I didn't have time or money on my side, but Olivia and I did have a vision that we wanted to share.

Jersey is rich in history of both people and iconic events that have helped shape this great state. Whether it be folklore like the Jersey Devil or Jersey's favorite son Sinatra, I wanted to cover it in the book. I knew we couldn't do everyrthing because it would be too much of an undertaking, so we decided on 25 looks. The problem was that we only had two days to shoot it in order to stay on time and on budget.

One of Karl's ideas was to use the same models over and over, but what better way to tell a Jersey story than to use the real Jersey people in our lives? But where I think Karl was truly losing focus was not on the model situation but by concentrating on periods instead of events. After all, John Travolta in a white suit is not Jersey!

Bringing in Karl was a good idea due to his experience, but I wondered if he realized that there were other people involved here. Karl was starting to take over, and I was too blind to the fact that I wanted to put out a book to see it. It took Cathy to make me realize that. Thank you, Cathy!

While I understood that Karl was shooting for free and letting us use his studio, this was not a Karl Giant book. I don't like him controlling ideas, but I was willing to compromise as long as he understood that I was the boss. There are certain pieces I wanted in this book, and I wouldn't bend for anyone. This book needed to tell a story even with limited text, and it will, no matter what ideas Karl writes down or tries to change. I could find another photographer if need be because I am willing to share control, not give it up.

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