This actually started out as a Point&Click idea about a year ago. I've always been a big Michael Jackson fan since I was a kid. His music, his video, his moves...everything! So I thought of a way to translate that to a photo.

Michael is a part of all of us in one way or another so I thought about bringing that out in one of the many models that I've had the pleasure of working with. I teamed up with master hairstylists Angel & Asia of Christine's Salon (12222 Bissonet @ Cook Road, Houston TX 77099). I pitched the idea that I wanted to recreate the "Beat It" video as a photoshoot but replace the guys with girls. They instantly saw my vision and went to work even as far as surfing the net to find the infamous zipper jacket. They also came up with over 25 extras as well as provided the hairstyling and makeup service for all of them. Most of the extras were from the community and simply wanted to be a part of this tribute to Mike.

It was up to me to seek out the main character who was to play Michael himself. I needed someone pretty, slender, and able to mimic his moves convincingly. I had a few options but ended up choosing my good friend and model Elexia DeCosta with whom I had previously worked with on a project for The Art of Fashion. She has all the right elements including the naturally curly hair that could be easily styled to look like michaels. I called her and shared my idea and she was instantly on board. Unfortunately that was the day michael passed away.

After mourning and following the events following his death, we continued on with our plans and everything turned out great. We ran into a couple of obstacles on the day of the shoot, but with team work and patience we pulled through and created Beat It 2009.