Online Entertainment News - Myths About the Maligned Paparazzi

Old as they may be, the magazines and periodicals you browse through in your dentist's waiting room or at the hair dresser are endlessly fascinating, especially the celebrity photos, news articles and entertainment issues. If you love following the stars, political giants, and the lives of the rich and famous, then getting the latest celebrity news is also as easy now as going on line. No subscriptions are even necessary.

Numerous internet, entertainment, and celebrity gossip websites feature astoundingly interesting photographs of your favorite people. News stories revealing their lives, loves and illicit behaviors make each famous character come to life and sometimes the pictures really do speak louder than words. Each publication has its specialties and its own editorial personality. And all the fun stuff is reflected in imagery, story presentation and the interactive nature of the website with viewers, users, and advertisers.

But it's the photographs of the famous and the infamous in candid, unguarded moments that are the secrets to holding our rapt attention. Online entertainment news agencies have brought the evil paparazzi back into the limelight - surrounded by myth and perhaps unduly maligned.


The Mythical Paparazzi

What would we do without them?
Some of the most exciting features on celebrity entertainment news sites are the pictures taken by paparazzi photographers. The reputation of these perceived annoying invaders is well known and they have even been called mosquitoes because they can be so annoying. But it should be remembered that when we are enjoying the published stories and the great paparazzi photos of the people we find so fascinating in film, television, and news, we are actually enjoying the results of the hard work of the paparazzi. And many of the legends and myths about them can be dispelled.

Who are they really?
Paparazzi is an Italian term used to refer to photojournalists who specialize in candid photographs of celebrities, politicians and other prominent people. They are really skilled and imaginative picture takers who tend to be independent contractors, unaffiliated with mainstream media organizations. Given their more innovative natures and technical abilities, the paparazzi should really be considered free lance photographers. They not only supply their work to various publications and the media, but they are attached to celebrity internet sites or online news agencies.

Are they lawbreakers who are hated by the rich and famous?
Freelance photographers as a group are law abiding citizens and they are only permitted by the First Amendment to snap pictures of public figures as long as they (the celebs) are in public places. And if you think from all the vitriol that photo journalists are hated by their subjects, that's not entirely true either. Most celebrities understand that fantastic photos will keep them viewed in magazines and entertainment web sites. Many actually welcome and even invite the exposure.

Do the paparazzi really hang out in trees?
It's easier for a photographer to trace celebrities' schedules and either beat them to their events or wait outside their favorite coffee spots or gyms. But, even if the paparazzo does not climb a tree, the job is still not an easy one due to hours and hours of waiting around on sore feet in either freezing cold or the hot sun to get just the right angle or to meet a prominent person who may never show up.


Do they make a lot of money?
If the subject of the news articles is involved in a big scandal or the photographer gets a great shot of a celebrity doing something really extraordinary, there might be a higher value to the pictures. Every paparazzo dreams of such a scenario. A posed shot is not the goal. The ultimate challenge for the photographer is to catch the famed in normal movements like walking down a street or drinking coffee, giving a child a piggy-back ride, or holding hands with a loved one. There is more compensation for outstanding candid camera shots than for anything posed.


Are they all uneducated degenerates?
It may come as a surprise but most paparazzi are actually college graduates, former photo journalists, business owners, school teachers, and even doctors. They are drawn to the field because of their fascination with human interest stories and the resulting combination of creative photography with expert reporting - tantamount to the perfect storm that results in truly artistic journalism.

Next time you pick up that celebrity magazine or entertainment news publication at your dentist's office, local barber shop or hair salon - or you discover the fantastic views and viewpoints at your favorite online entertainment news stop, keep in mind that the mythological evil paparazzi had a major hand in bringing you that enjoyment. There is always more than one side to every story and a tall tale holds no interest in today's world without imaginative photography.

PAPSFIRST is an online entertainment news agency providing political and celebrity news for the diverse neighborhoods of the entire Washington, DC area. Their mission is to capture the humanistic side of politicians, celebrities, news figures and even B-List celebrities. Their contribution to the industry is with buzz-worthy and relevant news presented in a creative, eclectic style. They offer an unconventional, cutting edge approach that is not the typical salacious buzz or lackluster video, but is lens-ready and street-side, waiting to unveil the next captivating story.

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Model Off Duty: Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen

Model Off Duty: Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen
Swedish stunner Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen is a rare creature. Not only does she steal the spotlight with her wide-set eyes, high cheekbones, and signature pout, but she also eclipses the competition with a sartorial sense that is inspiringly unique. Unlike some strutters who shine in runway designs, but underwhelm us the second they slip back into their requisite moto-boots, Barth-Jorgensen's playful style, actualized from a mix of designer treats and high-street and vintage finds, displays a true love of fashion. Plus, the classic beauty's proclivity to "make" some of her own items (that's right, she just whips up one-of-kind jackets and dresses for fun!) clearly displays a devotion to the magical world in which she works. The combination of these daring dressing sensibilities and inherent talent—she walked a bevy of runway shows for S/S 11 including Chanel, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Rodarte, graces the pages of Vogue, W, and Love in hauntingly lovely spreads, and has her own blog full of behind-the-scenes photos—is what makes Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen the perfect subject for this month's Model Off Duty.


While Barth-Jorgensen's personal style—which is well-documented at The Fashion Spot—is too deliciously eclectic to force into any singular genre, we have noted that she often opts for a masterful mix that begins with American Apparel's Nylon Tricot Leggings ($34) and ends with an intriguing upper half! Take, for example, her outfit backstage at Sophia Kokosalaki's F/W 09 show (top row, right). The leggy model paired her super spandex with a bandleader-inspired Richard Chai vest, Topshop Unique lattice boots, and topped it all off with a self-made jacket for a quirky Sgt. Pepper-like look we love. The multi-tasking model also took the opportunity to spruce up her liquid leggings more recently when she posed for the camera backstage at the Valentino S/S 10 show (top row, far left). The beauteous Barth-Jorgensen selected a soft-hued, golden-brown scarf and top from Dries van Noten, and forewent her usual footwear for Valentino's Garavani Mia Sandals ($750) from the runway collection.

Still sticking to her tried-and-true American Apparel bottoms, but stepping up the MOD uniform with the addition of lace-up vintage boots from New York City's Screaming Mimis' boutique, Barth-Jorgensen channeled an androgynous vibe at the Haider Ackermann S/S 10 show (bottom row, far left). There, she contrasted the go-to base with sleek vintage favorites in the form of a white button-down shirt and an evening-appropriate cropped jacket. Barth-Jorgensen once again opted for a similar style equation (leggings + boots + upgraded outerwear) backstage at Lanvin's F/W 09 show (bottom row, center). This time the expert outfitter altered the legging silhouette by adding a Monki black dress and a luscious, silvery gray tiered Richard Chai jacket with a subtle brocade print—a prescient nod (we'd expect no less!) to the Baroque'n'Roll trend of this current season!

While the stylish Swede clearly has a knack for sprucing up her favorite leggings, she also has a few other tricks and silhouettes up her sleeve! Case in point: backstage at the Proenza Schouler F/W 09 show, Barth-Jorgensen threw together an edgy, cool-girl ensemble that's achingly, effortlessly chic (top row, center). Thinking outside the box, she used a Staerk bathing suit as her base and then added black-and-bleached The Second Skin Jeans ($55) from Cheap Monday, Proenza Schouler two-tone boots from their F/W 09 collection, and yet another self-designed jacket we wish she'd produce for sale! But Barth-Jorgensen's handsome handiwork is not just limited to outerwear; to run from show to show during Paris Fashion Week S/S 10, the savvy Swede slipped on a lovely dusty rose-colored dress she whipped up herself, and finished off the look with a vintage motorcycle jacket and her favorite pair of boots—strategically unlaced, of course (far right).

While much of Dorothea Barth-Jorgensen's wardrobe is one-of-a-kind, we've found some pieces that will give you a chance to recreate her chic, off-the-clock style! One of the primary items on your to-buy list should be a blazer; we like L.A.M.B's Crepe Blazer ($445) because it's similar in shape to Barth-Jorgensen's own design and either Kimchi Blue's Cutaway Cardigan Jacket ($58) or Silence and Noise's Tuxedo Blazer ($78) for a lighter option in the style of her Richard Chai topper. If you're looking for another jacket-centric option akin to the all-vintage ensemble Barth-Jorgensen wore backstage at Haider Ackermann, try layering Selected Femme's Cropped Blazer ($93) over a classic button-down like Theory's Larissa Top ($190) for a nearly identical look. Additionally, you'll need some pants to wear with all these jackets. The key is to pick something superslim and dark, whether that's a pair of American Apparel leggings or skinny jeans with some sheen, like J. Brand's 912 Low-Rise Pencil Leg Jeans ($198) in Venom. Aside from the blazer-and-skinnies combos, we also like Joie's Chateau Sandwashed Dress ($198), which boasts the same rich-blush hue as Barth-Jorgensen's handmade frock. Style it with a little leather (or leather-like) layer, such as Forever 21's Motor Leatherette Jacket ($25), and combat boots for a perfect pseudo-girly look.

Finally, our muse of the day clearly has a thing for her go-anywhere boots, so emulating her personal style means lace-ups are required! While Barth-Jorgensen's go-to pair is vintage—let her pick inspire your next trip to the flea market or local antique boutique—we found some in-stock options for your shopping pleasure. We think Oasis' Izzy Work Boots ($117.95), and either Miz Mooz's Jayne Boots ($160) or Aldo's Stallins Pointed Lace-Up Ankle Boots ($185) will give you that perfect MOD finishing touch!—Liza Kaplan

Celebrity Looks: Chace Crawford Hairstyle

Men's Fashion is much more than simply the clothes you wear. I'd say one of the most important parts of your style is your hairstyle. It tells alot about your personality. Today we are taking a look at a popular haircut trend made famous by Chace Crawford: The razor cut. Chace Crawford's hair is a great example of this cut. It is one of my favorites. Rather than using gel for styling ... use a high quality pomade.

Lady Gaga To Launch Own Scent

Want to smell like Lady Gaga? The Grammy Award-winning singer, who has recently appeared in a controversial meat dress, has signed a licensing deal with fragrance giant Coty Inc.

Senior VP of global marketing Stephen Mormoris told WWD that the agreement was finalized last week, with Gaga's first women's scent expected to be launched in spring 2012.

The first release will be under her name.

Gaga, who is known for her eccentric fashion as much as her chart-topping music, recently won eight moon men at the MTV Video Music Awards.

She follows other celebrities who have released their eponymous scents under the brand, including Celine Dion, David and Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry, Tim McGraw, Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain, and the women of "Desperate Housewives."