The week definitely started to feel long after the first three days.  I had a similar feeling last season and at this point in begins to feel more like work than entertainment.  The cramps during shows continued but were alleviated somewhat by a foam pad that Ron lent to me to use on top my Pelican to soothe my arse.  Also definitely got some comfort and much needed energy from Sean (a great photographer that I met) providing a whole box of beef patties for all!

What really got the day going and adrenaline pumping was the first runway show by Basch by Brandon.  Not only were the designs fantastic but the models definitely gave it some serious attitude and fun which got the photographers snap happy.

The images above were from my favourite designer of the day, Lundstrom.

All images from Basch by Brandon can be viewed here.

All images from RUDSAK can be viewed here.

All images from Lundstrom can be viewed here.

All images from VAWK can be viewed here.

Although I didn’t get much sleep, I was definitely wide awake for the start of today since David Dixon was on the bill to close the night with his latest collection. Actually, I was excited for the days line up as it included LOVAS, one of my favourites from last season and the much anticipated Jay Manuel show.

Today’s line up also included two additional studio shows to go with the five runway shows.  I had avoided the first two days of studio shows as I had heard mixed reviews.  The lighting was not that good but the intimacy in the studio made for a unique experience.  Since I missed the first studio runway show on the first day, I most likely wouldn’t have had a great spot to shoot so I continued to sit out all of the studio runway shows for the week.  For a look at these shows, Raymond Chow from CanadaWears has them up on his site.  His shots are always fantastic and I enjoy looking at all of his images from runway shows throughout the year.  You can view his site here.

Gear wise I stayed with the same combo and was quite amazed at the hit rate that I was getting with regards to focusing.  Out of about 150 shots per show, I would say 3 would only be out of focus.  Pretty amazing.

Anyway, the day went great although the hype and elaborate runway for the Jay Manuel show delayed the shows for over an hour on an already delayed evening.

The images above are from the David Dixon show, my favourite from the day.

All images from the Duy show can be viewed here.

All images from the LOVAS show can be viewed here.

All images from the Comrags show can be viewed here.

All images from the ATTITUDE Jay Manuel show can be viewed here.

All images from the David Dixon show can be viewed here.

Once again media waited impatiently outside until approximately one hour before the first show.  We expected that all of the tape marking our spots would have been removed the night before, but miraculously it was still there.  With mutual respect among us photographers we took to our spots and decided this is how it would be for the week.

I set up my gear (D700 and 70-200 2.8 VR II) and thought about using the D300 instead to get more reach.  Although I had a good spot, the sweet spot in shooting the model in frame with my camera lens combo made for some distracting background.  I decided against the D300 last minute as I was shooting at ISO 1000 the night before and did not want the extra post work from the noise.  A 300mm 2.8 would have been perfect to go with the D700.  One day… Also regarding equipment, I decided this time to use a monopod and thank god I did for this day had 7 runway shows.

The lighting was all over the place today and the only time it was perfect was for the Shan show.  I get the whole mood that the designers are looking to incorporate in the shows but you think some great lighting would bring out the best of the designs for publications.  But wait..this is a show, not a photo shoot.  Anyway, us photographers bitched about the lighting for most of the day although most got fantastic images in the terrible light.

My body definitely took a beating on this long day and I had some serious leg cramps during a few shows.  Sitting on the Pelican case is not comfortable for any length of time!  Thanks to Ron for some food throughout the day to give some energy.

The images above are from my favourite designer of the day, Denis Gagnon.

All images from the Denis Gagnon show can be viewed here.

All images from the Shan show can be viewed here.

All images from the Chloe comme Parris show can be viewed here.

All images from the Korhani show can be viewed here.

All images from the Pink Tartan show can be viewed here.

All images from the Joe Fresh Style show can be viewed here.

All images from the Bustle show can be viewed here.

Many photographers, including myself, were upset that all media was not allowed into the Heritage Court building until one hour before the first runway show.  To make matters worse, the photographers who arrived very early and were lucky enough to enter the building and mark their spots in the pit and later leave the building, were surprised to hear that their taped spots had been removed and it was basically a free for all once they did open the doors.  It was also explained to us that our spots would not be marked for the week and everyday would be a free for all once the door opened an hour before the first show (except for specific media who would retain their spots).  WTF!!  Totally ridiculous!! Angry and cold we stood outside waiting for over 3 hours.  As nice a day as it was, it was still freezing and thankfully Steve had some special beverages to keep us warm.

All of the photographers were finally let in and you can just imagine the rush to get to the pit and find a decent spot.  I found a spot just right of centre on the second level of the bleachers.  Not a bad spot but I realized soon afterwards that most video cameras and George Pimentel’s spot (always centre of runway as official photographer) was left of the runway meaning the models were going to be walking up on the left of the runway at least for the first two shows.  We taped our spots most knowing that they would be removed by the evening and set up our equipment.  I said hello quickly to some familiar faces, complained like everyone else how ridiculous it was to wait outside, talked gear, and anxiously waited for the first show.

The first day only had two runway shows and one studio show and the images above are from the IZMA show.

All images from the Holt Renfrew show can be viewed here.

All images from the IZMA show can be viewed here.

Awesome day shooting the gorgeous Ina at the studio. I had intended that the final images be in black and white but again found myself liking the coloured photos as well. It was also one of those days where I shot too many images and overwhelmed myself in the selection process.  All good though and I ended with these as my top five.  The last image is of course for the alone…delicate…mad book.

Thanks to Colette for her assistance and the wind machine effect even though it caused more tears than glam. Note to self, get that damn wind machine!

Soundtrack for our shoot included Justin Timberlake’s Futuresex/Lovesounds album and and the Brand New Heavies album, Brother Sister. I was stumped by Ina’s request for Rihanna.  Sorry but…

Great night covering a Femme Fatale Media & Promotions fashion event at Prive Yorkville.  This time it was to showcase Honey Bunnys Lingerie and their Sweetheart Line.  This is the third time I have shot at this location and this time it was seriously jammed packed!  Two photographers and two videographers to cover the show and I still found myself getting bumped around like crazy.  Anyway, it was a fantastic show and all equipment and eyeballs remained intact.

More images can be viewed here.

Thanks to Emily from Femme Fatale Media & Promotions and the peeps at Prive.