Stars Turn Out for ‘Naked Ambition’ Book Signing

LOS ANGELES — On Friday night, mainstream celebrity photographer Michael Grecco reunited with several of the subjects of his recently published coffee table tome, “Naked Ambition,” at a book signing event held at Book Soup on Sunset Blvd., in West Hollywood, Calif.

The photographs in the book were taken at the 2006 and 2007 annual Adult Entertainment Expo, held in Las Vegas, giving an unfiltered look at the adult celebrities and personalities gathered for the show.

“It’s been really positive,” Grecco told XBIZ of the response from mainstream consumers. “It’s been fun and people love it — it’s a great mix of good photos and words.”

In attendance at the book signing; rocker Dave Navarro, who penned a foreword for the book and author Lonn Friend, who co-wrote the introduction.

A golden bust of Elvis overlooked the counter where several starlets featured in the photos signed for a steady stream of book buyers including Wicked Picture contract stars Jessica Drake, Carmen Hart and Kristen Price.

Mohawked and tattooed actress Michelle Aston was wearing a copper and silver-colored latex design by Tressa Williams of Fierce Couture, who also designed a special corset-like cover for the “Naked Ambition” deluxe edition — retailing for $250.

In the book, Aston’s tattoo was color-enhanced with make-up. But, as with the other portraits, all of the subjects pictured were left untouched.

When asked how the performers were reacting to their photos, Grecco said, “Most of them dug it. We didn’t do any retouching. From an artistic standpoint, we kept it as a social document, so we weren’t retouching pictures. They shouldn’t look like commercial photographs. A couple of girls picked it up and went, ‘Hmmmm, I’m not retouched here.’ We definitely wanted that approach because we didn’t want it to look like a video box cover.”

Also on hand for the signing was classic star Randy West, and starlets Alektra Blue and Nautica Thorn.

Thorn was overheard telling West that her mom knew of him from his films.

“Well, your mom was probably primetime, back when I was primetime,” West replied, jokingly.

Producer/director Max Hardcore was there to sign as well, accompanied by starlet Layla; the pair was photographed together in the book.

Grecco said that he has also been working on a deal for a film documentary based on the making of the book. The movie followed him throughout the 2006 expo, as well as following the experiences of starlets Nautica Thorn, Joanna Angel and Déjà Vu contract performer Sunny Lane at the show.

He added also that he is hoping to have a booth at this year’s AEE where fans can purchase “Naked Ambition,” and then take it around the show floor to collect autographs of their favorite stars.

Beyond that, Grecco said his next project may capture an insider’s view of another type of entertainment media.

“I think the next one will be on politics,” Grecco said, trading the adult convention floor for the political one. “Absolutely, there are a lot of similarities.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Lady Dee Stars in Latest From Immoral

Lady Dee stars with Paul Stalker and Charlie Dean in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions.

Adult Time Drops 'Busting Porn Myths Vol. 1' Informational Video

Adult Time has released the first volume of its new Performer Center series, “Busting Porn Myths.”

Octavia Red Stars in Final Episode of Bree Mills' 'Escape From Camp Conversion' From Adult Time

Octavia Red stars in the final episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from Adult Time studio brand Girlcore.

Octokuro Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octokuro has made her Vampired debut alongside Sata Jones in “Vampirella Unleashed.”

Natalia Starr Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Natalia Starr stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Sabien DeMonia Drops Latest Evil Angel Directorial 'Depravation of Innocence'

Sabien DeMonia has dropped her latest directorial effort for Evil Angel, “Depravation of Innocence.”

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Cubbi Thompson stars with Small Hands in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "She’s Good with Her Mouth."

Elegant Angel Premieres Lilly Bell Showcase 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Show More