Las Vegas photographer captures Strip’s iconic billboard photographs

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Jerry Metellus has photographed iconic billboards and branding campaigns in Las Vegas.

He says his path to success wasn’t typical. Metellus began as a dancer, captivated by the digital camera, the highlight and leisure. That early ardour led him to modeling and finally to images.

He labored on America’s Next Top Model a number of occasions.

“The first time I worked with them, I did the poster for the petite models,” Metellus stated. “Then they brought me back twice. The other time, Cycle 14, I did the hair wars, where all the models wore outdresses made of hair. And then the last one I did for them was the British invasion, where they had British models competing against American models.”

From Haiti to Las Vegas

Metellus was born in Haiti, a spot that formed him in some ways.

“In fact, my first six years of life, I lived under a dictatorship,” he stated.

He says his household made the selection to immigrate to New York, escaping hardship. Young Jerry arrived talking no English.

“But when they left, it was because things were dire over there,” he stated. “And we’re blessed.”

From New York to Montreal, Paris for seven years, the Bay Area, Italy and at last Las Vegas, Metellus says that journey formed his artistry and his potential to attach with topics.

He says his household instilled one thing deeper than resilience. They taught him excellence.

“Education was the number one thing. So he drilled that in us,” Metellus stated. “No matter what it is you do, excel at it. Mediocrity is not an option.”

Professional method

That philosophy extends to his craft.

“The fundamental difference between an amateur and a professional is an amateur takes an amazing photo by accident,” he stated. “I’ll take it by design.”

He says his work in entrance of the digital camera taught him easy methods to talk behind it. When he shoots, he makes use of instinct as a software, attempting to seize the true essence of his topics earlier than they ever step on set.

“So, this is one of my favorite things to do is work with artists of movement. So, dancers, Cirque artists,” Metellus stated. “And that’s my greatest joy. When we’re able to get that sweet, get that perfect shot. It’s amazing.”

Metellus says he embraces Las Vegas and adapts to its ever-changing panorama. He says he acknowledges that this metropolis caters to a worldwide viewers, so he focuses on capturing common experiences and emotions that resonate with shoppers and audiences worldwide.

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