Greetings everyone and welcome to my latest personal entertainment events journal that I call, “The Outsiders Guide to the Inside of Hollywood”. This blog is dedicated to Marvel’s “Iron Man 3″ and it’s co- star and one of my all time favorite blondes Gwyneth Paltrow. Last year, I covered the “Avengers” premiere, in Hollywood http://tinyurl.com/nxuttuj. My only regret was that Gwyneth Paltrow, was not in attendance that night. I knew when hearing of the “Iron Man 3” premiere in LA this could be my chance to photograph her on a carpet.
Gwyneth Paltrow Honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 12/13/2010
I did have a brief moment with Gwyneth, in December 2010 at her very emotional Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremony a few years ago. At some points she was in tears seeing some of her father’s old friends. I did manage to get her to wave at me in a candid shot. Then just before the “Iron Man 3” premiere, I found out that Gwyneth, would be signing her new vegetarian cook book “It’s All Good” in Los Angeles at the Barnes & Nobel I knew I had to cover it. I asked my agency too late about “Iron Man 3”, so I was overjoyed to find out that they were able to book it for me.
Gwyneth Paltrow “It’s All Good: Delicious, Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great” Book Signing at Barnes & Noble in Los Angeles on April 3, 2013
I got to the grove early knowing it was going to be a madhouse. I got there to find A list photographers who never shoot book signings there. Like always people started bickering. After we were permitted in the store photographers who just arrived started to cut the line. I was sure the set up was going to be the same, as it was when I did the Red Hot Chili Peppers book signing at the same store, where a small group were taken in at a time. As it got more crowded there was more bickering. I then saw a person I knew from Facebook. Her name is Lynne and she is probably one of the biggest Coldplay fans ever. Not only has she traveled the us but the globe seeing her favorite band play live. Gwyneth is married to the lead singer from Coldplay Chris Martin. After talking with Lynne, we were finally escorted in to the signing area. Once again everyone was fighting for line space. Finally a person from the store came out and said they were going to be going to a room for a quick photo opportunity with Gwyneth holding the book.
After waiting about 20 minutes my group was escorted into a room where Gwyneth came out and kindly thanked everyone for waiting. She looked amazing wearing an Isabel Marant dress. After a few minutes the shoot ended. I then saw Lynne again but she looked like she was in shock. I then found out that she had wandered off to the Children’s book section, and ran into her Idol Chris Martian and his and Gwyneth’s kids. This was her first time meeting her favorite artist. I was glad to have played a small role in her achieving her goal.
I then decided to buy a book, and have Gwyneth sign my book. After about a 30 minute wait I steeped up to the table. I must admit for the first time in a while I was starstruck. I told her how much I loved her work. She looked at me and smiled and thanked me. She even signed my book with love. It might not have been my longest celebrity encounter but it was one of my favorites. here a link where you can buy the book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/its-all-good-gwyneth-paltrow/1112412050?ean=9781455522712
Iron Man 3″ Premiere at the El Capitan Theatre Hollywood, CA
A few days after the book signing to my surprise I got confirmed to cover the “Iron Man 3” premiere as and independent photographer. I was going to still be submitting to PR Photos, but also two other sites I worked with. “Iron Man 3”, was going to be the unofficial kick off to the Summer Movie season. This is not the time of year for indie film fans. This is when the studios put out their for what they hope to be summer blockbusters. Just like the other Disney premieres I covered the studio shutdown Hollywood Boulevard. I arrived earlier than usual due to the extra security measures due to the Boston Marathon Bombing. The first thing I saw was a long red carpet stretched out down Hollywood Boulevard. It was great seeing a red carpet makes pictures look so much better.
“Avengers” director Joss Whedon was one of the first stars to walk the carpet. Disney actress, Bella Thorne, who has literally grown up before my eyes on many carpets looked amazing. Sir Ben Kingsley, was the first from the films cast to arrive with his wife. A few minutes later from the opposite end of the carpet I saw Gwyneth.
Gwyneth was dressed in a black and white Antonio Berardi dress. The dress caused an almost Janet Jackson moment. According to the Oscar winner, the risqué gown, which featured sheer panels on the side, was a last-minute decision. “I kind of had a disaster. I was doing a show and I changed there and I went I couldn’t wear underwear. I don’t think I can tell this story on TV,” the 40-year-old said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show April. 26. “Well, let’s just say everyone went scrambling for a razor.” Forget the controversy she looked spectacular!
Next up was Mr. Iron Man himself Robert Downey Jr., in a dapper suit with his wife Susan walked the carpet and posed for pictures together. Everyone looked great and was in high spirits for the world premiere. The premiere ended with a “Thor” reunion where actors Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston caught up and took photos together. For a fashion take on the premiere, check out the amazing Denise Berry, of Living Dee Life’s coverage here: http://livingdeelife.com/exclusive-iron-man-3-coverage
The film was quite enjoyable. Defiantly better than “Iron Man 2”. The film shows the emotional toll that a super hero can go through. The story made the character of Tony Stark seem more human. The film was able to surprise me with some interesting character changes. The film is a lot of fun and should be experienced on the big screen.
Thank you for checking out my latest celebrity experience blog. For more celebrity photos and stories follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Jonathanshensa or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.shensa.
The Outsiders Guide To The Inside Of Hollywood 