Supermodel Cindy Crawford, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and Laker lover Dyan Cannon were among the photo buffs who popped in at the Edgemar Center for the Arts to check out some fab snaps taken by local shutterbug Lyndie Benson.
Also among Lyndie’s many admirers was her No. 1 fan, hubby Kenny G. “She’s a great photographer with a real talent” the wave music man mused “…and just think I knew her when.”
Over the years, Lyndie has taken photos of everyone from boxing champ Sugar Ray Leonard to beloved presidential pooch Buddy. Her latest collection is a walk on the wild side with a series of awesome images captured during a recent trek to Kenya. “Africa’s just magical for a photographer,” she said. “Everything’s right there in front of you.”
Lyndie’s creations included towering giraffes, tribal dancers, cheetahs stretching in the afternoon sun and her favorite-a massive elephant skull. “I really like that one,” said gallery owner Marco Karpdines, pointing to a profile of a Masai child in prayer. “It’s cohesive, it’s honest and really captures a moment in time.” Even a simple tree trunk has an amazing amount of texture, contrast and depth. The exhibit also includes a group of fascinating nudes with leggy models elegantly draped over massive boulders.
In this series, influence of her friend and mentor Herb Ritts is evident. “Cindy Crawford introduced me to Herb knowing I was a huge fan,” she explained. “Herb was amazing. He had this incredible way of making everyone look their best.”
Lyndie became interested in photography while on the road with her husband. Soon she found herself doing album covers and portraits, but it was only in recent years that she started taking photography seriously, leading to Moments-her first public exhibition.
So check out Lyndie’s pics; you just might find something suitable for framing.
The exhibit runs through July 14.
Z LIFE OF Z PARTY
The joint was jumping at the cabana room in Hollywood the other night as mega-rapster Jay-Z hosted a banging birthday bash for pal Steve Stoute. Fellow impresario P. Diddy was among the well wishers, as was Man in Black Will Smith, party princess Nicky Hilton, supermodel Tyra Banks and songbird Mary J. Blige. The J Man was one dapper dandy dressed in his crisp, cream colored linen suit and tangerine silk shirt. He was also eager to promote S. Carter-the latest in his line of fancy footwear. But it was dancing shoes that really got this gang going, as they grooved the night away with Guy, DJ Clark Kent and Doug E. Fresh. Phat!