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.

Covered Pet Shop Boys at the Sony Centre of Performing Arts for Quip Magazine. I had never shot at this venue and with a note from the promoters that we would be shooting from the soundboard, I picked up a 300mm 2.8 just to make sure I would get the reach. Fifteen minutes before getting escorted to the soundboard area we were informed that we would not be shooting from the soundboard but from the side of the stage. From prime centre spot to a crap side angle and to make matters worse, I had forgotten my monopod. Anyway, I was able to hand hold the 300mm 2.8 and got the shots needed.

Thanks to Quip Magazine.

All of my images can be viewed here.

*Shot on September 25, 2013*

Covered Grand Analog at the Wrong Bar for Quip Magazine. First up was an interview with the band before their set at a pizza joint across the street. We had 15 minutes with a couple of members from the band and the image above was shot during the interview. Although they look pretty serious, they were actually hilarious and really had me laughing. Great guys! This awesome hip hop band finally started their set at around 1:30am and cranked out their usual rock, dub, soul, reggae mix. The only disappointing part of the night was the lighting at the Wrong Bar. I knew I had to worry as the promoters did not have a flash restriction and although there were a couple of other photographers using flash, I maxed out my D3s once again to get these shots.

Thanks to Quip Magazine.

Visit Quip Magazine for the review of the show here.

All of my images can be viewed here.

*shot on November 16, 2013*

Although I have seen many concerts at Lees Palace, this was the first time shooting there. There was a great line up of bands tonight but I was especially looking forward to Cults. By the time they came on the place was jam-packed. They sounded great and their own light show added to their sound and mood. Love this band! I also thought that maybe next time I shoot at this venue I will shoot from the sound board area with a 70-200 2.8 as there was a clear view of the band from the (sunken) area in front of the high stage.

Thanks to Quip Magazine.

Visit Quip Magazine for a review of one of their recent shows here.

All of my images can be viewed here.

*shot on November 25, 2013*

Great band that was part of a triple bill at Lees Palace. Their set of dark groove oriented rock definitely got the crowd buzzing and primed for Cults.

All of my images can be viewed here.

*shot on November 25, 2013*

Opening the night at Lees Palace (with Sacco and Cults) was the dream pop sound of Mood Rings.

All of my images can be viewed here.

*shot on November 25, 2013*

Although I only knew of a couple of songs from JMSN, they played a great set at Wrong Bar opening for Grand Analog. Nothing like watching a great band in a full house with the crowd totally into the show. Hilarious also to watch the groupies in the front row.

All of my images can be viewed here.

Covered this cool trio from London that opened for Jessie Ware at the Phoenix for Quip Magazine. They played a short set of their rhythm heavy, experimental rock which I thought was pretty good.

Thanks to Quip Magazine.

Visit Quip Magazine for their interview of The Invisible here.

All of my images can be viewed here.

*Shot on November 7, 2013*

Covered the talented Jessy Lanza at the Garrison for Quip Magazine. I thought this time I would take a couple of primes to get some extra light at this super dark venue so it was the 85mm 1.4 and 50mm 1.4 that took duty. Before the show started there was a bit of light shining on stage but even still it was pretty dark. I thought for sure they would lighten it up a bit once Jessy came on stage. Wrong. In fact they dimmed the lights and left only one red spotlight on her. The xmas lights around the microphone gave more light than anything. What’s up with that? Anyway, I shot the first three songs at ISO 4000, 1.6 and 1/160 which I also had to brighten up in Lightroom. It was a good show regardless.

Thanks to Quip Magazine.

Visit Quip Magazine for the review of the show here.

All of my images can be viewed here.

*Shot on November 2, 2013*

Awesome night covering Alt-J at TD Echo Beach for Quip Magazine. This was my first time shooting at this venue and apart from the super tight media pit it’s a great venue. I’d never heard much about Alt-J but I have to tell you, I’m now a fan. Loved the music and the show and yes I grabbed their cd the next day.

Thanks to Quip Magazine.

Visit Quip Magazine for an artist profile here.

All of my images can be viewed here.

*shot on September 11 2013*

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.

Amazing night covering STRFKR at the Opera House for Quip Magazine. Great band with an awesome light show that unfortunately was missing from the first three songs while I was shooting. WTF!!! Anyway, I pushed my camera to the limit with the lighting as the only other photographer and I shook our heads realizing that the keeper rate for this show was going to be low. Regardless, I definitely got the shots needed and enjoyed the rest of the show.

Thanks to Quip Magazine.

Visit Quip Magazine for the review of the show here.

All of my images can be viewed here.

*shot on September 14 2013*

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.

Here are some images from a Brooklyn indie band that opened for STRFKR at the Opera House.

Complete set from the first three songs can be viewed here.

*shot on September 14 2013*

Great indie folk band from LA that opened for Alt-J at TD Echo Beach. They kept the lighting pretty low for this band with mainly some strong contrasty spotlights but at least it made for some good b&w shots.

All of my images can be viewed here.

*shot on September 11 2013*

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.

Covered Riot Fest in Toronto at Fort York for Quip Magazine. There were lots of bands for this two day festival and the one I looked forward to shooting the most was Dinosaur Jr. They definitely didn’t disappoint but holy crap were they ever loud! Biggest hype was Iggy And The Stooges and although they performed an awesome set, I was caught in some politics with regards to media. Due to the extra large amount of media we were separated into two groups for Iggy And The Stooges show and The Replacements show. The group I was in for Iggy didn’t make it into the pit. In fact we were stuck at a bad angel left of stage in an aisle that was only three feet wide within the crowd. Thank goodness I had my 70-200 since all of my shots of Iggy had to be captured with my camera held high above the patrons at 200mm. I left the focus point in the middle and aimed my camera as best I could. Man, was I pissed! Talk about a complete f*ck up. For The Replacements, I was with the other group which was in the pit, right of stage. We weren’t allowed to move from this spot and ended up behind some taller photographers with a crap angle. Anyway, apart from those two annoyances, it was a great festival with some awesome bands! And hey, I finally shot a festival this year where it didn’t rain.

Thanks to Quip Magazine.

Visit Quip Magazine for a review of the festival here.

Images of Every Time I Die can be viewed here.

Images of Pierce The Vei can be viewed here.

Images of A Day To Remember can be viewed here.

Images of Best Coast can be viewed here.

Images of Dinosaur Jr can be viewed here.

Images of Rocket From The Crypt can be viewed here.

Images of The Weakerthans can be viewed here.

Images of Iggy And The Stooges can be viewed here.

Images of The Replacements can be viewed here.

*shot on August 24th and 25th*

It was a couple of years ago that I covered Miss Uproar in Toronto and when I received an invitation to cover this event again I didn’t hesitate to accept. The opportunity to shoot Alice In Chains and Jane’s Addiction is an absolute no brainer. There were some amazing bands performing during the day but I was busy with my shooting obligations with Romantic Rock covering the shenanigans of the Miss Uproar contestants. Definitely some good fun and laughs while doing so. Once that was finished I was able to shoot Coheed And Cambria and Jane’s Addiction but not Alice In Chains. Yes I was pissed but only selected media were allowed to shoot them with a separate photo release that needed to be signed. Anyway, at least I was able to watch their show and they definitely rocked the house. Jane’s Addiction were absolutely awesome!!

Thanks to Emily from Romantic Rock.

Images from Coheed And Cambria and Jane’s Addiction 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.