Covered 3 days of |FAT| this year, held again at Daniels Spectrum in Toronto. Besides the first day which definitely had the feel of past |FAT| shows with regards to the designs and runway performances, the last two days definitely had a less alternative feel about them. Although there were amazing designers showcasing their designs, it felt like a regular fashion show. My thoughts anyway. Maybe all the shit happened on the two days that I missed. All good though and I enjoyed shooting runway again since it has been a couple of years. Also great to see the regulars in the pit and good to meet a few new photogs.

Click on the the designers to view all of my images from their runway shows.

Wallace Playford, Elizabeth Elwood, With Love Lingerie, Starkers Corsetry, Lococina, House of Etiquette, Henry Navarro, Pinkiebel, Amplify Apparel, Wolf N Crane, Neoteny Apparel, House of Poplyn, Odrea, Nuvango, Du Laree by Andy Jones, Iskon Mode, Happy Andrada, Fiona X. Sun, Lushyne, Oscar Mendoza, Sarah Splinter, Ryan Alexander and Marie Copps.

Covered Cocktail Crawl’s Fashion Show at the Spoke Club. The runway show included designers Narces, Atelier Guarin, Stephan Caras, Love Winter and L’Momo. Great designs especially by my fav from World MasterCard Fashion Week, Stephan Caras. The venue is a great place to host a runway show but man, this one definitely needed some extra lighting. ISO 6400 and it was still too dark. Anyway I managed to find a spot on the runway that had just enough light and also managed to avoid the barrage of flashes from the photographers and the patrons’ cameras. I was the only one shooting with no flash.

Thanks to Natasha and her team at Cocktail Crawl Social Club.

My images from the runway shows can be viewed here.

Startup Fashion Week is a new event in Toronto to provide startups in fashion design, fashion-tech and wearable-tech the appropriate skills, exposure, resource and valuable network opportunities. The three day event consists of conferences, workshops and of course runway showcases. I covered the runway showcase portion at HangLoose Media Studios with fantastic designs from Atelier Guarin, Klatt by Alanna Klatt, The Wild North, Maybe by Catalfo and Vanika. Overall it was a great event and I look forward to next year.

Thank you to the team at Startup Fashion Week and a special thanks to Jodi Goodfellow.

For more info about Startup Fashion Week visit their website at www.startupfashionweek.com.

Images from Atelier Guarin’s runway show can be viewed here.

Images from Klatt’s runway show can be viewed here.

Images from The Wild North’s runway show can be viewed here.

Images from Maybe by Catalfo’s runway show can be viewed here.

Images from Vanika’s runway show can be viewed here.

Raise The Rhythm held their annual show at the Danforth Music Hall. The usual mix of fashion, dance and music this year was to help raise funds and awareness for the Panov Program – Precision Chemotherapy for Sarcoma Cancer Research at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto. The show producers Dani Kagan, Jessica Domingo and Victoria Marshman always put on a fantastic show and this year they did not disappoint. Great venue (I shot a concert here not too long ago), I loved the theatre set up and lighting.

For more info on Raise The Rhythm visit their website at www.raisetherhythm.com.

All of my photos from the show with lists of performers and designers can be viewed here.

Special thanks to Dani, Jessica and Victoria.

Covered Philippine Fashion’s Biggest Night, the main runway event for Canada Philippine Fashion Week, once again and this year it was at the Royal York in downtown Toronto. There were amazing designs from over a dozen designers and these are some of my favourite looks. The venue was definitely better this year as there was a dedicated runway instead of a theatre style stage. It was absolutely packed and we photographers were a little tight in the pit, although I was able to sit on a regular chair while shooting for the whole show. Good thing too as it was the highest number of photos I have taken in a single event. I shoot pretty conservatively but the fashion shows just kept going on and on. 104GB later…

Runway images from Noel Crisostomo’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Roland Alzate’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Joana Almagro’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Emir Yamamoto’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Jaggy Glarino’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Renan Pacson’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Michael Leyva’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Kim Gan’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Ronaldo Arnaldo’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Jerome Salaya Ang’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Jinggo Inoncillo’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Joel Escober’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Jontie Martinez’ show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Norman Noriega’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Odelon Simpao’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Avel Bacudio’s show can be viewed here.

Runway images from Frederick Peralta’s show can be viewed here.

Covered FAT once again and this year it was held at Daniels Spectrum. It’s a great venue and the best part is I was only a 5 minute drive from home. Lots of great designers, performances and films spread over 5 days. I toughed it out for all the shows although I must admit it was fairly comfortable in the pit. No drama this year except for a couple of newbies thinking that they could just park themselves wherever they wanted even though we had marked our spots on the riser. That got straightened out pretty quick and the only other irritation was sitting on my Pelican case during the show. Also, the pit seemed less crowded this year although there were a few regulars which were great to connect with again. Anyway, thanks to the team at FAT who did a great. Enjoy the images.

Click on the designer to view the complete set of their runway show.

Wallace Playford, Eolith, Simone’s Rose, Seraghadaki, Starkers Corset, Vanika, Hasti, Jepri Studio, Du Laree by Andy Jones, Serino, Asphyxia, Amplify Apparel, Lazar Couture Inc, Amaryn Grace, Zoff, Sakhuja, Baby Steinberg, Adam X Atelier, Porte, Worth by David C Wigley, Benji WZW, Diodati, L’uomo Strano, Doreen TO, Copious, Henry Navarro Designs & Sakhuja, With Love Lingerie, Artifice Clothing, Masha Apparel, Pippa Latex, Atelier Wonder, YEN GEO, Sainte Genovefa & SS&Co, House of Etiquette, Niapsou Design, Nazbash, Melow Par Melissa Bolduc, House of Shields, YDNA Collection, Brit Wacher, Vandal, Mitra Ghavamian, Poplyn and Candydrip.

If you have been following my blog you know how much I love shooting the brilliantly produced the shOws in Toronto. The fantastic Canadian designers showcasing their FW2014 collection were Antonio Azzuolo, Steven Tai, Bellavance and Kaelen. Also this season the venue was at the Storys Building which made for a more intimate setting. Entertained once again by the interesting and fabulous designs and also great as usual to see the regulars in the pit.

Thanks to Brill Communications and Paola Fullerton and her team at the shOws.

All of my images from Antonio Azzuolo’s runway show can be viewed here.

All of my images from Steven Tai’s runway show can be viewed here.

All of my images from Bellavance’s runway show can be viewed here.

All of my images from Kaelen’s runway show can be viewed here.

Another season and once again I was privileged to shoot Inna Clothing Co.’s latest lookbook. I shot this collection at Atik Studio and apart from the dumping of snow the day before which caused a bit of an annoyance transporting my equipment, it was a great day of shooting. Some great designs once again, this one being my favourite as Elena from Next Models looks stunning in it.

Thanks to Buffy Shields for the hair and make up.

Thanks to Colette for her assistance and hanging on the end of the boom as a counter weight…lol.

Thanks to Atik Studio.

It’s been a while since I collaborated on a creative but I finally got a chance to do so by shooting some fashion turbans from designer Baby Steinberg. Aisha from Chacha Cosmetics contacted me and wanted to do a clean, almost beauty type shoot featuring these fashion turbans. I’ve worked with Aisha before and love her ideas, stylings and of course her fantastic make up artistry. As usual it was a great day and these two were my favs.

Thanks to models Sherry and Trace for toughing our the cold temp at the home studio and giving some good face!

Thanks to Chacha Cosmetics for the excellent hair and make up.

Thanks to Colette for her assistance and awesome reflector holding skills.

Thanks to Simone for only hissing twice at the guests.

Soundtrack for the shoot included Flume’s self titled album and the Verve Remix album, The First Ladies.

In what has become the start of the fashion season in Toronto over the last couple of years, the shOws once again was held at Andrew Richard Designs. This year the two night event showcased Bellavance, Calla Haynes, Jeremy Laing and Steven Tai. I love this event for many reasons, one of them being that Paolo Fullerton’s production with her team/partners/sponsors produce a top notch fashion event again and again. The venue is also excellent with great lighting and literally a five minute walk from my home (still drove though). Great to see the usual suspects in the pit.

Thanks to Brill Communications and the team from the shOws.

Images from the Bellavance show can be viewed here.

Images from Calla Haynes’s show can be viewed here.

Images from Steven Tai’s show can be viewed here.

Images from Jeremy Laing’s show can be viewed here.

Another great day shooting Inna Clothing’s latest collection. I have been shooting Inna & Kirill’s designs for a few years now and love being surprised with what they come up with. There were many gorgeous pieces from this Spring/Summer Collection and Kristin from Next Models was absolutely stunning. This was my favourite from the day.

It has been a while since I shot at the studio since I have been busy with event photography and it was great to get back into it. Thanks to Jessica from Studio 303.

Thanks to Buffy Shields for the hair and makeup.

Thanks to Colette for her assistance.

Covered Mercedes-Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week once again which was held at Statler City in Buffalo. I almost didn’t make it this year as I forgot my wallet. I realized this 45 minutes into the drive and I was already running late. So back home and out again barely making it on time. This is a great venue and I remembered it well from last year. Similar to last year, there were some shows in the Terrace Room first and then the Golden Ballroom. This year they also added a swimwear show at the Rendezvous (which is located in the same venue but in the lower level) which I didn’t shoot. I needed to get back to Toronto and it was already getting late. I know, I know, swimwear… Anyway there were some fantastic designs in the shows and Mercedes-Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week did another fantastic job making this a great event. Regardless of the super tight media pit in the Golden Ballroom and a loser who spilled their wine right in the middle of the runway just before the shows began, which I’m sure ruined many photographs (luckily for me I shot full length of the model just before the spillage) I had a fun evening. I also met several new photographers and chatted with some from last year.  Great people.

Thanks to Rick and the team from Mercedes-Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week.

Images from the Vincetta by Deanna Ansara show can be viewed here.

Images from the Rock n Roll People by Nikolai Nalu show can be viewed here.

Images from the Recyclin Bin by Maria Allen show can be viewed here.

Images from the Franci Jewelry by Nicole Morris show can be viewed here.

Images from the JimmyLee show can be viewed here.

Images from the Marc/Ellen New York by Brenda Liz & Jaime Torres show can be viewed here.

Images from the HVS by Bukola Are show can be viewed here.

I received an invite to cover Small Boutique Fashion Week once again and anytime I have an opportunity to go to NYC, it’s an absolute no brainer. I love NYC!! As usual during NY Fashion Week there are many runway shows all around the city and although I had invites for a couple of other shows, I ended up just shooting this one day marathon. Basically there were three showcases for the day (12pm, 4pm and 8pm) that included over 30 designers total. Each showcase was over an hour long and my legs and feet definitely got a workout while shooting. The venue was the Metropolitan Pavilion and as much as I like the venue, the lighting could have been a bit more even. All good though and I captured some fantastic designs. Once again I met some new photographers and reconnected with some from a year ago. After that 12hr day, I spent two great days visiting my favourite places in NYC.

Thanks to the team at SBFW.

Images from the Todd Anthony by Jacquelyn show can be viewed here.

Images from Nikki Angelique’s show can be viewed here.

Images form the Etched in Black show can be viewed here.

Images from the Black Russian Label show can be viewed here.

Images from the Simply Natural Clothing show can be viewed here.

Images from the Aestheddict show can be viewed here.

Images from the Mabella Chic show can be viewed here.

Images from the NYCC show can be viewed here.

Images from the LaLa show can be viewed here.

Images from the Duane Fish Menswear show can be viewed here.

Images from the Yoli Rapp show can be viewed here.

Images from the Maison Marie Jeanne show can be viewed here.

Images from the Elcy Cortorreal show can be viewed here.

Images form the Saphira show can be viewed here.

Images from the Undecillion show can be viewed here.

Images from Adrina Fanore’s show can be viewed here.

Images from the Looks to Envy show can be viewed here.

Images from Idrovo by Michelle Idrovo’s show can be viewed here.

Images from the Tidal Cool Creations show can be viewed here.

Images from the Insane Fabulosity show can be viewed here.

Images from the Icyuenvy show can be viewed here.

Images from the Kemonae show can be viewed here.

Images from the La Vinda Linda show can be viewed here.

Images from the Transformaswim show can be viewed here.

Images from the Purfashion by Zariana show can be viewed here.

Images from the RFB Latex show can be viewed here.

Images from Carissa Krametz’s show can be viewed here.

Images from Lou Flowers’ show can be viewed here.

Images from the Jmonee show can be viewed here.

Images from the Tanya B show can be viewed here.

Images from the Kourtney Jaeson Collection show can be viewed here.

Images from Megan Summerville’s show can be viewed here.

I received an invite to cover African Fashion Week Toronto and this being the first ever in Toronto, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was held at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre from August 15-18. The runway set up was in a theatre-like venue so the lighting was decent and adjusted for the better after the first set on Saturday. There was a four hour gap between runway shows which was a bit of a nuisance and also last minute changes in the designer line up that didn’t reflect what was posted on their website. Overall the shows were great and there were some fantastic designs. I look forward to next year’s show which I know will be even bigger and better.

Thanks to Erika and the team at African Fashion Week Toronto.

Images from Eloli Design can be viewed here.

Images from Mema Xclusive can be viewed here.

Images from Zeena Kay can be viewed here.

Images from Kaela Kay can be viewed here.

Images from Stephanie Owusu Ansah can be viewed here.

Images from Adebayo Jones can be viewed here.

Images from Glo Creations Batik Fashion can be viewed here.

Images from Mema Xclusive with Feri can be viewed here.

Images from Chinedesign can be viewed here.

Images from Metys can be viewed here.

Images from Nana Bediaki can be viewed here.

Images from Beni Boo can be viewed here.

Images from Black Trash can be viewed here.

Great event that showcased emerging designers with their spring/summer collections. The inaugural event was produced by the same people as Raise The Rhythm and once again they succeeded in making a fantastic event with some great designers and some amazing performers. The event was held at Six Degrees in Toronto and although the runway area was quite small, it made for a more intimate setting. I only wish the lighting had been better. There was basically a fraction of space at the beginning of the runway where I thought the lighting would be optimal. All good and I was able to get the shots needed.  For the flash popping, hard breathing tank beside me, take it easy man.

Designers: Leukos, Dorze Vita, Marka Designs, ZOFF, Vesika Pisces, Arnaldo Santos, Hylton House, Le Maison De Pascale, VerseTen, jlehsiek, Flights of Fancy and Whitney Linen.

Thanks to Jessica Domingo, Dani Kagan and Victoria Marshman.

All of my images can be viewed here.

Covered “Canada Philippine Fashion Week presents Gala Premiere: Philippine Fashion’s Biggest Night” which was held at Roy Thomson Hall. The show featured the Philippines’ and Canada’s most iconic designers John Ablaza, Francis Libiran, Noel Crisostomo, Roland Alzate, Leonard Co, Brian Maristela and Norman Noriega. Also included in the show were 14 top Philippine fashion designers in Pistahan De Couture. It was a great show with some fantastic designs! I was able to place myself pretty much anywhere in the venue (except for the seats of course) but found it difficult to find the best spot. It was not your typical runway show and the models walked across the large stage as opposed to towards the audience. Also, there were at least three models on stage at the same time (none of whom stopped at the same spots nor faced in the same direction when posing) which made it challenging to shoot. The lighting was also a bit of a challenge since it changed constantly. When you look at my photos you’ll think I shot in auto white balance but I didn’t and that was the lighting at this venue. All good though and I got some great images.

Tech note: This was the first time I used a 300mm 2.8. Not mine, I wish. As it was it was a loaner from NPS. Super fast focus and extremely sharp at f2.8. Love this lens! Settings for the night were ISO 1600 f2.8 1/160 to 1/500 custom WB.

Thanks to Charise and Canada Philippine Fashion Week.

Thanks also to Alan from FloresFoto.

Please visit www.canadaphilippinefashionweek.com for more information.

All of my images from the show can be viewed here.

Another fun, relaxed shoot for Bravomoda. Seun needed some images for his latest campaign which included several new pieces of his casual sports wear and accessories. Brandon and Jackie were great to work with and they made my job fairly easy. I worked with Brandon on a previous Bravomoda lookbook and not only is he a total pro, but the guy is hilarious and he had me laughing hysterically on a couple of occasions. For this campaign, Seun was looking for a natural, chilled setting depicting a couple and their friend lounging around their hip pad. In this case the hip pad was Seun’s and we moved things around to get the required look. Tight, small place to light but basically I used 3 strobes to light the scene. Elinchrom with Deep Octa as the main with an Elinchrom and a ten degree grid reflector and an Elinchrom with a soft box for fill light. The outdoor balcony shots were with one Elinchrom with a Deep Octa.

Thanks to Colette for her assistance.

Soundtrack for the shoot was from Seun’s R’n’B and club/dance collection that I’m sure woke up the neighbours.

This was my second time covering |FAT| Fashion Art Toronto and although I didn’t need to cover all of the runway shows, I did so once again. Some of my favourites included Inna Clothing Co, B.E. Shields, Wallace Playford, Cinched Tight, Starkers Corsetry, House of Etiquette and Y.D.N.A. There were also, as usual, interesting designs and presentations from many designers of whom I’d never heard before. This year there was a total of 42 runway shows spread over 5 nights with some performances, guest DJs and short films thrown into the mix. Definitely a long week with minimal sleep and major speed review/edits of over 7500 images.

This year there was also a new set up in the pit which made for some interesting first day conversation/discussion with some battling of positions. All good though and we were able to work it out and I ended up with a pretty good spot. Great to see the usual gang once again in the pit although many of the regulars were not present. Definitely had plenty of laughs with Raymond and Michael. Hey guys, how about that volunteer videographer?

Gear for the week was solely my D3s with 70-200 2.8VRll. I didn’t use a monopod but I definitely used some ear plugs (music was loud even between shows). Settings were ISO 1250, 1/640, f2.8 and custom white balance.

Until next year enjoy the images.

Uta Bekaia & Ideal Glass – The Purple Jester

Typical Friday Night

Niapsou

Aria Frances

Wallace Playford

Cinched Tight

Imke Sandra

Lubica

Fashion Takes Action Presenting Designers Nationwares, Local Buttons, Azadi Project

Pactfashion

Y.D.N.A.

Malafacha

Inna

Masha

Du Laree by Andy Jones

Belinda Visag

Happy Andrada

L’uomo Strano

Mitra Ghavamian

B.E. Shields

Henry Navarro Designs

Matiere Noire

M. Sexton

Futurstate

Dystropolis by Wendy Ng

Pedram Karimi

Nazbash/Hasti

The Wardrobe Stylist

Worth. by David C. Wigley

V-Franz

Mandeep Mangat

Craig Renaud presented by Seneca College

Wani by Saki Philip

Kollar Clothing

Workman Arts – Mad Couture Catwalk

Sparkle&Pomp

Haphazard – Faceless

Dianna Dinoble – Starkers Corsetry

House of Etiquette – Filthy Gorgeous

Asphyxia

Tarah Kennedy

Sakhuja

After some quick packing of gear and consuming of lunch in the car on the way to our location shoot, we arrived at The Edgewater Manor in Stoney Creek at 12pm. Although we had scouted this location a couple of months previously (made notes, took pictures, etc), there was still some testing that needed to be completed before actual shooting. For this reason I brought extra gear not knowing what would be needed (4 Elinchrom heads, several large modifiers, plus all of the regular studio accessories along with several lenses). We decided that 4 looks in basically 3 areas in the Edgewater Manor would be the goal for the afternoon. We had a hard line 4pm stop since the restaurant had to prepare for their customers that would be arriving by 6pm that evening. Kirill was looking for a more dark theme with a Victorian, minimalist futurism to match his designs and I set up my lighting and colour balance to achieve this. The images above were a few of my fav’s from the afternoon.

Tech notes;
Image 1 – Elinchrom RX600 with Deep Octa left of model as key light, Elinchrom RX300 with snoot from second floor towards model’s face for some fill and Elinchrom RX300 with 10 degree grid reflector on second floor pointing towards the back of model for some rim light. I had a hard time positioning the key light where it would not get in the way (awkwardness of the stairwell) as well as eliminating all of the ambient light coming through large windows and a glass door from the right of the model. D3s with 35mm.
Image 2 – Elinchrom RX600 with Deep Octa as key light and Elinchrom RX300 with snoot for hair light. D3s with 35mm.
Image 3 – Elinchrom RX600 with 10 degree grid reflector as the main light with Elinchrom RX300 with soft box to light up the railing. D3s with 70-200mm 2.8. For this image there was some time spent balancing my lights to capture the chandeliers, lighting of the railings behind the model and the need to eliminate the ambient light which was coming in pretty heavily from several large windows in front of the model.
Image 4 & 5 – Elinchrom RX600 with large soft box. D3s with 85mm 1.4.

Thanks once again to our gorgeous model DJ from Sutherland, Tasha Farrington for the fantastic styling, Buffy Shields for the awesome job with hair and make up and to Colette for her invaluable assistance.

Soundtrack for the afternoon included Red Hot Chili Peppers’ album Blood Sugar Sex Magik.

*shot on February 2, 2013*

Great pieces from Hilary MacMillan, a Canadian fashion designer from Toronto. She showcased her Fall/Winter collection at the Glass House | 99 Sudbury Street for her first runway presentation.

All of my images from the runway show can be viewed here.

Thanks to Magnet Creative.

Tech note: The lighting at this venue was basically non existent except for one spotlight early on on the runway. Although I concentrated on getting the one shot as the model walked into the spotlight, I did take several shots just before and after for the full length images. After viewing the images in Lightroom I decided not to use the images that were in the spotlight due to the contrasty, uneven light with heavy shadows. Although I probably could have evened out the lighting in Photoshop, I decided to do the usual speedy workflow/processing in Lightroom with some very dark images that came out pretty well…considering. I had my camera settings set for the exposure in the the spotlight – ISO4000, 2.8, 1/320 which was easily 4 to 5 stops too dark for the rest of the images outside of the spotlight.