America’s Next Top Model Live made it’s way to Toronto at the Metro Convention Centre after debuting in Britain last year. The 3 day model expo type atmosphere included several runway shows on 2 stages and many booths and exhibits for shopping. The Schwarzkopf Professional Main Stage Fashion Show not only had the America’s Next Top Model All Stars including winner Lisa D’Amato strutting down the runway but included performances by Danny Fernandes, Karl Wolf and The Dancers of Toronto. My arms got a workout from the 30 minute straight fashion show (left monopod at home) and also my eyes as the mixed lighting was all over the place. Don’t get me wrong, it was great to look at but terrible to shoot in. Coloured spotlights moving in all directions and many instances directly down the runway straight at the camera. Also there was a large screen at the back of the runway that made for some unwanted glare and fringing when it was a bright white. I shot the first show on Friday and the last show on Sunday (8 shows total over three days on the main stage). I really didn’t want to shoot the main stage again on Sunday as the shows were pretty much the same except for a musical act or two but in the end a good reason to shoot it transpired. Frank (house videographer) allowed me to stand on his sole riser dead centre beside him. Why? Because I asked…and Frank’s a nice guy. Like anything in life, it never hurts to ask. I also decided on Friday, besides the first main stage show, I would cover one other fashion show on the much smaller Pandora Open Catwalk Stage and then shoot the rest of the fashion shows on the Pandora Open Catwalk Stage (which repeated on all three days) on Saturday, which I did. Sunday was reserved for some atmosphere/creative shots and for some networking. Overall a great weekend with good laughs from Raymond, Ron, Michael and Alan.
Schwarzkopf Professional Main Stage Fashion Show images from May 4th can be viewed here.
Triumph Lingerie Show images can be viewed here.
The Bay & American Apparel Fashion Show images can be viewed here.
Joey Bevan Fashion Show images can be viewed here.
Joey Bevan Lingerie Fashion Show images can be viewed here.
French Connection Fashion Show images can be viewed here.
Art of Fashion Fashion Show images featuring designer Albert Yeun can be viewed here.
American Apparel Fashion Show images can be viewed here.
Fashion Crimes Fashion Show images can be viewed here.
Schwarzkopf Professional Main Stage Fashion Show from May 6th can be viewed here.
WHAT TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHY ARE YOU CURRENTLY FOCUSING ON AND WHY?
On a personal level I have been hitting the streets of Parkdale where my studio is located and documenting people on the street. I get a chance to stop and look around me and observe what might otherwise elude me. People walk by fast and these moments get missed. There is a complex dynamic happening in Parkdale as it is gentrifying and holding out at the same time. There are days when you can feel the tension more than others from line ups at the soup kitchen to line ups for trendy restaurants. This is an ongoing project and may never end. I am planning a show. I also shoot in my studio and on location for commercial clients ranging from architectural, food/product to lifestyle.
TELL ME ABOUT A PHOTOGRAPHER WHO INSPIRES YOU
There are so many photographers I admire. These photographers inspired me to try photography: Irving Penn, Eugene Atget, Robert Frank, Berenice Abbott, Joel Peter-Witkin and Shelby Lee Adams.
FOR YOU, WHAT ARE THE BEST AND WORST PARTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY?
The best part of being a photographer is the access you get into spaces, places and people’s lives. It is never the same and you have to adapt to each new situation. It is soooo much better than working at a desk. I love editing too and finding more than you thought was in a a shot.
The worst part for me is being undervalued by other people. Some clients just don’t get the value that a photographer brings to a shoot. We are resourceful, creative and problem solvers. A good photographer should be paid accordingly.
WHAT IS THE LATEST PIECE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT THAT YOU HAVE ACQUIRED AND HOW IS IT USED FOR THE TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHY YOU DO?
300 watt Arri Fresnel lamp. I love adding a bit of HOT light to still life and product shots. It gives that hardness that a strobe can’t deliver.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAMERA?
I was living in Vancouver and bought a Mamiya C330 medium format camera and started shooting ads for a clothing store. I loved it and realized I needed to learn more so I moved to Toronto and assisted for 5 years in a commercial studio learning every format that existed before digital.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LENS IN YOUR BAG?
My wide Canon 16-35 f2.8L. It is sharp and sees everything.
WHAT, WHO OR WHERE WAS YOUR ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE?
I have had some great experiences being a photographer. I love the variety of work from shooting celebrities to documenting poverty in my own backyard. I have yet to have a really bad experience so in terms of the ultimate experience I am still waiting for it. I don’t know what it will be but I hope I am ready for it.
WHAT, WHO OR WHERE WOULD BE YOUR ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE?
I would love to shoot a magazine spread for Vanity Fair or spend some time with Appalachian Kentuckians.
WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO?
Mogwai, Kraftwerk, Katy Perry.
THANK YOU AND KEEP SHOOTING!
It was my first time covering FAT Alternative Fashion Week in Toronto and besides a couple of minor irritations, all went well and I enjoyed many of the designs and some entertaining shows. 48 designers spread out over 4 days made for a long week since the shows did not start until 8pm every night excluding one night which started at 9pm due to the issue of having no electricity. Yikes. So yes the usual disruption to eating, sleeping, time with my girlfriend etc was in full force.
Upon arriving on the first day I was surprised by the small size of the the media pit riser. Somehow we managed to cram on the riser like a circus act and I sat on my Pelican case left of the pit on the front edge. I thought I balanced myself quite well. However, I did eventually fall off (thankfully not during a show) and was saved by Melonie who had a spot just in front of me. Thank you once again Melonie. Somehow, with the foam pad that Alan Flores had lent me, my arse just sort of slipped right off. Anyway, I didn’t use the foam for the rest of the night and stood up for the rest of the week. Partly because I was afraid of falling off again but also because there was a bit of movement in the pit due to the presence of a couple of new photographers on the second day. Standing was the best option in order to save space and be more accommodating to other photographer’s positions. It also gave me an opportunity to shoot with two cameras on the third and fourth days. I had my back up D700 with my 35mm F2 around my neck and took many shots for a wide perspective. Overall the lighting was ok but the first day definitely had some inconsistent lighting on the runway. I stuck with ISO 1600 all week.
There some interesting installation exhibits and photography exhibits displayed to keep some of us interested between shows but not enough to keep me amused all week. There were, however, some very interesting short, arty fashion films before the runway shows that I would like to view again at the luxury of my own home. Hard to really appreciate the short films while standing cramped in the pit waiting for the runway show to begin.
Irritations? $7 beers and line ups for the washrooms. I also thought there were going to be live bands playing between the shows as some photographers had mentioned to me had happened at previous FAT shows. So I was a little disappointed that there were no live band performances.
Overall a good week that I enjoyed shooting and would love to cover the event again next year. Once again it was also great to see the usual gang in the pit.
Designers from Day 1 – LANDscapes can be viewed here.
Cosmic Green by Karey Shinn, B.E. Shields, Jade Sullivan-Vallentyne, Pat McDonagh Couture & The Consortium: Maria Manceva, Dolly Sophie, Patricia Kowalski, Albert Yeun, Mitra, Belinda Visag, Armour by Seema, Angela Sum, Asphyxia, Little. White. Dress., Chicedge Fashion Studio, Mackenzie Jones featuring Danielle Cameron.
Designers from Day 2 – CITYscapes can be viewed here.
Rachel Sin, DeMoyo, Wani by Saki Philip, Parade, Esther Perbandt, B.E. Shields, Victory & Vice, Raji Aujla, Woudenberg, Dilly Daisy, Monikova, Inna, Phoenix Vintage.
Designers from Day 3 – BODYscapes can be viewed here.
Body Part Clothing Company, Sylvia Cohen, Zent, Worth by David C Wigley, Briar Rose, House of Etiquette, Cinched Tight Corsets, Dianna Dinoble Starkers Corsetry, Jade Kinrade, Pope Joans, Pact Fashion, Sakhuja.
Designers from Day 4 – FUTUREscapes can be viewed here.
WallacePlayford, Hypoxia by Pippa Latex, Haphazard, Artifice Clothing, Pedram Karimi, Human Nature by Kallvis Gents, Brankopopovic, Von Bardonitz, Syuzanna Slastion, Garde Del Avante, Dystropolis by Wendy Ng, Happy V. Andrada
It’s been a while since I walked around Mount Pleasant Cemetery and I hate to admit it but I kind of missed this place. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not morbid, I just find it very peaceful. Here are a few keepers I made while listening to Mark Lanegan’s great new ablum Blues Funeral. Again, I’m not morbid.
Another fantastic day shooting the latest collection from Inna Clothing Company. I love being surprised at the studio when Kirill and Inna bring their designs. Today was no different as black, red and orange were the dominant colours with some touches of leather to go with their patented chic retro dresses. Danielle from Elmer Olsen Model Management looked stunning in these dresses and was an absolute pro to work with. There were many pieces and these were my favourites. BTW, most of these will be showing in a few weeks at F.A.T. so make sure you come and check out these brilliant designs on the runway!
Thanks to Lindsay Angela Martin for the splendid job of hair and make up.
Thanks to Colette for her assistance.
Special thanks to Kirill and Inna.
Soundtrack for the day started with Phoenix’ album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and continued for the rest of the afternoon with Kirill’s mix that included Deadmau5.
Finally some colour on my stroll at Edwards Gardens. It was a quick visit but I got a few shots to add to my portfolio. Sharon Van Etten’s latest album Tramp made for a beautiful soundtrack.
Awesome production for Bruno Ierullo’s fashion show at the International Centre in Toronto. B.I.’s Renegade 2013 Collection featured approximately 350 looks over the span of about 2 hours…straight. The 400 ft elevated runway had rock concert lighting and sound that definitely made for a fantastic show. I used about 36GB of memory for this one show which, to put in to perspective, was more GB than the 8 shows in one day at the World MasterCard FashionWeek. I shoot conservatively as well. Anyway, loved the show, even though my arse and legs cramped up pretty good from sitting on my Pelican case for the second hour.
Thanks to Alan Flores for securing me a media pass.
Thanks to Raymond Chow for lending me a CF card…again.
All images from the show can be viewed here.
Great week covering World MasterCard FashionWeek in Toronto at David Pecaut Square. I missed last season so it was exciting to be back. Once again I reconnected with many of the runway photographers from past shows and met many more new fantastic and talented photographers. Although I was not obligated by my client/agency to do so, I made a personal commitment to shoot all runway shows, main runway or studio. Yes it was a long week but I loved it and actually I was a lot more relaxed and less tired than previous seasons. 31 shows spread over 5 days and I felt like I could have done another week. Maybe it was the free beer tickets they were handing out everyday which I and a few other guilty photographers took advantage of…everyday.
A few notables at this fashion week. First off there was a record number of knucklehead spectators that crossed in front of the media pit, mid show. WTF!!! Also, a model who was in obvious discomfort in her heels walking down the runway decided to take her shoes off and left them right in the middle of the runway. WTF!!! Also I saw a record number of spectators with more than just point and shoots who flash bombed many of my images. I also noticed many iPad shooters in the crowds as well. Also, the number of photographers was definitely less than previous seasons (tightening of media accreditations?) and the media pit was definitely narrower than last time. Lastly, washrooms?!
Anyway the week had started with a bit of a hiccup as I received an industry pass as opposed to a media pass. After some clarification I was in and claimed my spot for the week, just left of the runway beside the house videographers. I was happy with my spot although I could have used a bit more reach (used my Nikon 70-200 2.8VRll). The first day had only 3 shows in the evening and the highlight for me on the first day were the luxurious designs from Pavoni.
Day 2 was the longest day of the week with 3 studio shows and 5 main runway shows. My spot in the studio was floor level just right of centre beside George Pimentel. Yes my “idol” George. For those of you that follow me and read my blog, you will know this is the truth.
I like the intimacy of the runway in the studio but the narrow runway made for some dangling feet from crossed legs on the edges of my photos. Annoying. For the main runway shows, I found myself alternating between standing up with a monopod, standing up with no monopod or sitting on my Pelican with my monopod. Definitely got more consistent shots sitting down but standing up I was able to move an additional 10 inches closer to centre. Anyway, got the shots I needed and captured fantastic repeat designers from previous seasons on this night, my favourite being Lucian Matis.
Day 3 was another long day incorporating 2 studio shows and 5 main runway shows. Thanks to Raymond Chow for lending me a CF card as I decided at the beginning of the week to shoot raw for all of the shows although I’ve always shot jpeg at fashion week due to the sheer number of images and speed of processing. With that you lose a bit of depth and colour so this time I decided to shoot raw. Anyway, it was the usual packed house for Joe Fresh but my favourite designer of the day was Cara Cheung with her edgy and glamourous designs.
Day 4 continued with 4 studio shows and 3 main runway shows. The biggest excitement on this day was George Pimentel’s new Nikon D4 unboxed. Yes, I had to touch the beast (not George) and snap a couple of shots. Awesome!! George kept saying in amazement after viewing the images on the back of his new camera, “Photography is over”. This day also had my favourite designers David Dixon and Pink Tartan. Neither disappointed but many thought the lighting for Pink Tartan was too dark. I kept it real leaving the lighting “as was” in post while many photographers brightened their images with mixed results.
Day 5 had 3 studio shows and 3 main runway shows with Arthur Mendonca being my favourite designer of the day.
With that, another fantastic week at the now World MasterCard FashionWeek was done. Many of us photographers had a few drinks after the last show and talked about the long week, upcoming fashion shows and the possibility of seeing each other again next season. Until next season enjoy the images from all of the shows.
The Basch It Up! design competition at 99 Gallery was a fantastic event to start Fashion Week in Toronto. Designer students from several colleges had the opportunity to create designs for the Basch label. It was a great opportunity to showcase the talents of the students and congratulations go to Sarah McGowan who took home the grand prize. The night continued with Wesley Badanjak’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection for Basch and Lovas.
It was also a great night to see the usual gang of runway photographers and chat about new gear, fashion and the upcoming World MasterCard Fashion Week.
A special thank you to Brill Communications.
All images from the Basch It Up! competition can be viewed here.
All images from the Basch Fall/Winter 2012 collection can be viewed here.
All images from the Lovas Fall/Winter 2012 collection can be viewed here.
While listening to Tindersticks’ fantastic new album The Something Rain on my iPod, I strolled around Edwards Gardens. It has been several months since I last made my rounds here and it felt great to absorb the colourless and serene surroundings. It’s always about taking a time out from the ‘noise’ of people and conversation as well as escaping the ‘energy’ from computers/t.v. Much needed and I was lucky enough to capture an image I liked during the afternoon.
WHAT TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHY ARE YOU CURRENTLY FOCUSING ON AND WHY?
I have worked as a Freelance Photographer in the fields of Portraiture, Architecture, Stills and Historical Processes such as Gum Bichromates, however currently I am focusing more on my Fine Art Photography – at night. It’s something I started experimenting with shooting at 16 and have come full circle to enjoying the experience these past few years, once again. The long exposures allow for truly being in the moment and I shoot this work with chrome, (yes, I still shoot slide film, everything on my website was shot with film 
). Kodachrome 64 was my go to favorite film forever but now I shoot with Velvia.
The majority of my personal work is captured at night, as this is when I am most inspired and has been an element of my work for over 20 years. There is mystery at night, and I feel that this body of work is an expression of a photographic meditation through a long exposure. I have been able to merge my two loves of Photography (picking up a camera at the age of 12) and Yoga, I began to practice in 1990, so 22 years ago, however I have been teaching this as well since 2006. The peace and tranquility in these scenes are what I hope will transcend for the viewer, so they might take away something as magnificent as belonging to something greater, or just something inspiring and as necessary as hope.
TELL ME ABOUT A PHOTOGRAPHER WHO INSPIRES YOU
In my University days studying Fine Art, we learned about the History of Photography. It was incredible seeing the first images ever created – it would be impossible to pick just one, I would say that I have been inspired by the early photographers, Nicephore Niepce, Julia Margaret Cameron, to the great classics, Andre Kertesz, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Irving Penn and in Fashion, which is where I started, Richard Avedon, Sarah Moon and Herb Ritts. It’s the way they were able to tell a story, with such depth, richness and truth.
FOR YOU, WHAT ARE THE BEST AND WORST PARTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY?
The best part of Photography is that connection I experience in the creating of the image, the magic, whether it’s in photographic meditation with nature or with a person – being in that flow, or the zone, it’s a beautiful dance of give and take. To me, they are both sacred however when another soul, allows me to capture their essence, this is an experience I do not take lightly and that’s why I take time with my portraits – to allow the person I am photographing to emerge and share their true self as they begin to feel the trust. Without this, their inner being, you can capture just the mere shell, and the image won’t have the energy, the gravitas that each of us carry within us, always.
The beauty of photography, for me is the creative process but like all things there is the practical element that is important as well, the yin and yang, without the other, one can not exist. If I really had to focus on my not so favorite part, it would be keeping up with the latest and most powerful computers and software at the studio and on the road. This is so essential in creating the data base of my life’s work, which is all digitized today, scanning all my film along with the raw files from digital shoots and the amount of storage this requires especially having to back everything up on different hard drives.
WHAT IS THE LATEST PIECE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT THAT YOU HAVE ACQUIRED AND HOW IS IT USED FOR THE TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHY YOU DO?
Coming from the world of film and television, I learned how to light with Fresnel tungsten and daylight balanced lights (like Mole-Richardson’s used in the Hollywood films of the the 40′s) so I was delighted to see a portable easy to use light called The Rotolight. I used it recently on a music video shoot and it worked beautifully. Created by brilliant designers in London from Pinewood Studios.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAMERA?
I picked up a camera when I was 12, more for documenting family events with a Kodak Instamatic that was a birthday present from my parents. But then I became fascinated with photography when I started experimenting with long exposures at night on a friend’s camera, an SLR that took 110 film. The first real camera, 35mm, I bought was a used Minolta XG7 and then a year later I upgraded to the X700. It was the perfect camera to buy at 17, light and affordable which allowed me to learn about photography and carry it everywhere. I also began a camera collection years ago and my oldest is from 1895.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LENS IN YOUR BAG?
My all time favorite lens is the 150mm F 2.8 from my Mamiya 645, fabulous for portraits when I was shooting medium format. Right now, while I’m traveling, my favorite lens is the EF24-70mm F 2.8 for my Canon 5D. And since I travel with my film camera as well, it’s a 28-85mm, as the portability of both these zoom lenses is priceless.
WHAT, WHO OR WHERE WAS YOUR ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE?
Again, it’s tricky to pick one – I feel that I have been so fortunate to do what I do, that each experience has been incredible. From all the people and performers I have photographed to all the places I have been, I can’t pick one…but if I had to, there was one that was so profound – I was hired to photograph a home birth and I was on call, just like the Mid-wife. The mother to be and I did a beautiful pregnancy shoot a few weeks before hand so she would feel comfortable with my presence at the time of her giving birth. Talk about the magic of the universe, from 5 people in the room, there emerged 6. I will always feel honoured for witnessing the birth of Paris who is a teenager today.
WHAT, WHO OR WHERE WOULD BE YOUR ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE?
That’s a tough one to answer, I love to travel, so wherever my next destination is, will be amazing. Every shoot is so special whether I’m photographing a person or a specific place and I am grateful for all the experiences I have had so far and that I will have in the future.
WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO?
After an amazing intimate concert down here in Florida, I have been loving the sounds of Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion.
THANK YOU AND KEEP SHOOTING!
Fun evening shooting some portraits of Claudine at the studio. Claudine needed some new pictures for an agency and in addition to head shots and some fashion/lifestyle type images, she also needed some hand shots. That was a first for me. Anyway, once we figured out the best angles for her hands it was a piece of cake. I don’t think I’ve ever said this before and definitely not in the studio, “Great hands!”
Music for the session included Amy Winehouse’s album Back to Black.
I received a phone call from Canadian born, New York based designer Lawrence Pizzi in November 2011 regarding a fashion show for New York Fashion Week. Although the details hadn’t been ironed out, he asked if I would cover a fashion event which would include several designers. I shot Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week last year where I met Lawrence and I loved his avant garde designs. The opportunity to shoot his designs again and to shoot at New York Fashion Week was an absolute no brainer for me. Fast forward a couple of months after numerous emails for media accreditation, details of the show, and research for hotels in NY, I was booked.
Code Purple was the name of the fashion event and it was closing out Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York. It is a project that incorporates designers, ING Acivewear and other key sponsors in the name of educating people about and protecting people from contracting malaria. The venue was the USS Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. What a spectacular place to host a fashion show! Crazy!! I found my spot in the pit pretty much center of the runway beside Getty Image photographer Neilson Barnard with whom I talked as we waited for the show to begin. The lighting was excellent but only if you avoided the edges of the runway which unfortunately many models didn’t do. The night was long incorporating four runway shows, three musical performances, an auction, several speeches and it also started 1.5 hours late. Anyway, it was a great event that included special guests Michael Franzese, Cynthia Bailey and the Nigerian Princess Kiesha Omilana.
A special thank you to Lawrence Pizzi. Paris??
All images of Lawrence Pizzi’s runway show can be viewed here.
All images of 5001 Flavors runway show can be viewed here.
All images of Che Elliott’s runway show can be viewed here.
All images of By Barak’s runway show can be viewed here.
All other miscellaneous runway images, special guests and performers can be viewed here.
I had a few hours to kill before shooting a fashion event for New York Fashion Week so I went for a walk around Soho, Tribeca and Greenwich Village. It had been a few years since I’d been in New York and walking familiar streets in a balmy 10 degrees celsius on this February day made for a nice return. It certainly put a bounce and swagger in my walk. I spent more time absorbing my surroundings and reflecting on how great it was to be away from Toronto shooting in New York than I did taking photographs although I did manage a few street shots. This man was not using the public phone but was on a cell phone desperately trying to save his relationship with his wife/girlfriend. I caught a bit of his dialogue as I walked by and took a shot and only realized later the irony of the advertisement.
Once again I had the privilege of shooting Inna Clothing’s latest designs for a lookbook. This was the third lookbook and again Inna and Kirill brought not only their patented chic retro style in their dresses, they also brought their professionalism and cool relaxed vibe. The day was long incorporating ten pieces plus two very stylish vinyl jackets, two different backdrops and a couple of pieces of retro furniture. We had scouted a retro furniture store originally to shoot in to get more of an editorial feel but we encountered several challenges and decided that the studio would be better. Alex L from Ford Model was stunningly beautiful in these dresses and my favourite shot of the day is the one of her in the white dress against the white background and the white prop. I love the clinical look and feel of this image.
Thank you to Lindsay Angela Martin for the awesome job with make up.
Thanks to Theo for the hairstyling.
Thanks to Colette for the BTS shots and her assistance.
Special thanks to Kirill and Inna for selecting me once again to shoot their fabulous designs!
Music for the day was mainly all three albums from The Weeknd plus an assorted mix courtesy of Theo.
Visit www.innacc.com for more information on Inna and Kirill and their designs.
Another gorgeous shot of Colette at the home studio. Besides Simone, Colette probably gets the most shots from my cameras. Having shot thousands of images of her we pretty much can bang off these types of photos within a couple of minutes. Natural light using my Nikon 50mm 1.4G.
Music for this quick snap was Destroyer’s latest album Kaputt. One of my faves of 2011!
Fantastic day shooting Bravomoda’s latest designs for his lookbook. The cool beach wear and accessories were worn by two extremely funny models who were also very easy to work with. Anastasia and Brandon (Model Management Group) worked really well together and I haven’t laughed that much at the studio on a shoot in a long time! The atmosphere was so chilled and relaxed it actually felt like we were all on a beach having a good time. This and the fact that I love Seun’s designs made for a great shoot. Here are a few of my favourites from the day.
Thanks to Cassandra G Forrester for the splendid job with make up.
Thanks to Colette for her assistance.
Music for today’s shoot was Anastasia’s dance/R&B/Hip Hop playlist from her iPod.
Check out www.bravo-moda.com for more info on Seun and his designs.
I know you photographers know what I’m talking about when I say I have that itchy finger and I just need to get out and shoot. Well I definitely had that feeling this Saturday and after contemplating what to shoot, I unfortunately jumped back into bed with my iPad and logged on to Facebook and Twitter. Good thing I did since my friends at Spellbound Hair Design had posted a fashion event that they were sponsoring at Splendid China Mall in Toronto. The Dazzle Me Fashion Show was showcasing several designers and after some quick research I decided to check out the scene. There was no mention of media passes or accreditation so I knew I would have no problems, my last minute decision to attend not withstanding. For the same reason I also thought I would easily get a good spot. My photographer friend Ryan came along for the adventure and we arrived about ten minutes before the event was to begin. There was a designated media pit area and many people had media passes hanging from their necks. Doh! I wasn’t too worried about the passes (some did not have passes and we would not be standing in the pit) but I was definitely worried about getting a decent spot in front of the runway. There was no way to get a good angle due to the number of photographers and videographers so I snagged a couple of the fold up chairs that were for the spectators and Ryan and I placed ourselves just right of centre behind everyone in the pit. Just before the show was about to start a security guard sternly informed us that we could not stand on the chairs for safety reasons and would not leave until we were off the chairs. Now what?! I had already cursed myself fifty times for not bringing my Pelican case (travelling light not knowing what to expect) which would have solved this problem since standing on it would have given me the height needed to shoot over everyone in the pit. A videographer mentioned to me and Ryan that there was a small table that we could use and with no other options we placed the 3 foot in diameter table behind everyone and balanced ourselves ready for the fashion show to begin. From where I was standing there was no way I was going to get a full body shot but at least at the end of the runway, I had a clean 3/4 shot of the model. The two photographers that were directly in front of me didn’t have the best pit etiquette and I had to battle their elbows, lens movements and head movements caused by their constant chimping. I also had to battle my 70-200 VRll which needs to be fixed badly since I used it last at the studio. Not sure exactly what is wrong with it but let’s just say the VR and focusing is a tad erratic. Lastly, I also had to battle infinite flash bombing from many of the other photographers. Feeling sorry for me yet? Because I could go on.
Anyway, I was able to get some good shots and enjoyed many of the designs from Angela Phung, Leanne Ramnarine and Cecilia Pan. Overall a great day and most importantly I solved the problem of the itchy finger.
Thanks to Ryan for hanging out with a junkie who needed to get his fix. Hope you were able to get some clear shots from your spot.
All of the photos from this fashion event can be viewed here.
I know I take too many pictures of my cat but I just can’t help myself. Here is another set I took on this morning while listening to Joe Henry’s album Tiny Voices.
WHAT TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHY ARE YOU CURRENTLY FOCUSING ON AND WHY?
I focused on wedding photography for the majority of 2011 for three reasons. 1) Shooting weddings is not an easy thing to do. After talking to many seasoned, professional photographers out there I found a lot of them agree with me and some chose not to shoot weddings at all. I look at this as a challenge and a way to improve my skills as an artist. A wedding photographer must be able to produce excellent images in all sorts of lighting conditions, is always pressed for time due to the unforeseen and sometimes unreasonable timelines, be a director in charge due to the necessity of managing people with a wide variety of personalities…the list could go on. Long story short, wedding photography forces a photographer to use all of his/her skills and there is no room for errors or weaknesses. 2) To be in the presence of family and friends all gathered to celebrate two people in love. Yes, it sounds cheesy but to be a part of the celebration is a very rewarding experience especially when you know you play a big part in the bride and groom’s special day and also in their future years when they look back to remember the event through your work. 3) Shooting weddings can also pay very well as long as you charge your proper worth. Having said all that focusing again on shooting fashion and editorials is one of my goals for 2012.
TELL ME ABOUT A PHOTOGRAPHER WHO INSPIRES YOU
It is hard for me to name just one. Sometimes I like to research some of the great photographers before our time. When I look at their work I see a common thread in that the images they produce are timeless. For portraiture some of my favourites are Yosuf Karsh, Irving Penn, Alfred Stieglitz and Richard Avedon. For fashion I admire the work of Steven Meisel, Peter Lindbergh, Mario Testino and Russell James.
FOR YOU, WHAT ARE THE BEST AND WORST PARTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY?
The best part of photography for me is that there are so many different types of photography out there. If I start to get bored with one genre I can always pick something else to shoot. The worst part of photography is that it is very expensive! I’m not saying every photographer needs all the latest and greatest toys but if you want the good stuff then you have to have deep pockets…if you know what I mean.
WHAT IS THE LATEST PIECE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT THAT YOU HAVE ACQUIRED AND HOW IS IT USED FOR THE TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHY YOU DO?
The latest photographic equipment I purchased was a pair of Photoflex StarFire flash units. For situations where you need portable lighting to shoot outdoors it is not always feasible or convenient to bring strobe light heads. I already own two Nikon Speedlights, however if I wanted to buy two more it would cost me almost $1000. The Photoflex StarFire flashes are great especially when using them as off camera light sources. The reason they are more affordable is that they do not have TTL functionality but if you are the type of shooter that likes to control the power manually then its hard to pass these up. I’ve used them to shoot portraits outside the studio as well as weddings.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAMERA?
Being the son of a photojournalist there was always a camera within reach at home. When my father came to Canada he started to shoot weddings and I tagged along as his assistant. That planted the seed and the rest is history. My first camera was a Yashica Electro GX. Basically it was a small 35mm rangefinder type camera.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LENS IN YOUR BAG?
My go to lens is a Nikon AF-S 24-70 f/2.8 and its on my camera body most of the time. My favourite lens however is my Nikon AF-S 70-200 f/2.8 VRll. Its sharp, focuses extremely fast and it truly is a workhorse of a lens.
WHAT, WHO OR WHERE WAS YOUR ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE?
Time was November 2005. Place was Italy. It was my first time in Europe and everywhere I turned there was always something worth shooting. The country, the people, the food…everything was beautiful! I couldn’t put my camera down and I filled so many memory cards. Yes, that was the ultimate experience alright but the sad part was that I was on my honeymoon and to this day I have never heard the end of it.
WHAT, WHO OR WHERE WOULD BE YOUR ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE?
I would love to shoot beside Russell James photographing the Victoria Secret Angels all around the globe. I would ask him to teach me the ropes and then I would work my butt off to impress everyone in the hopes that VS would hire me as one of their regular photographers! LOL
WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO?
Compilation of classic house anthems.
THANK YOU AND KEEP SHOOTING!
