Studio J

I love red dresses.  I love white dresses too.  …. and black ones.   Jonquil was hoping we wouldn’t be discovered by her co-workers with this red dress, shooting a fashion style session just outside her workplace (leading another life!).  I think we did escape their notice and if she was concerned about it, you would never guess by observing her.

We did attract a substantial contingent of supporters, well-wishers, choreographers, stylists, and a 2nd photographer in the neighbourhood.  Toronto’s homeless community was there for us!  Everyone was friendly and having fun.

We moved on to entertaining some folks at the beach, as 2 fully clothed people (one woman in red dress; one photographer sporting camera and lighting) frolicked in the lake.  Thank you so much for making my wish come true JQ!  I really wanted to shoot someone in the water this year.

…and a session video:

I first met Zelia Bester, a friendly, welcoming photographer when she introduced herself to me at an event in Guelph.  Zelia’s portrait studio specializes in maternity, baby and family photography.  You can visit the Zelia Bester Studios website here –> www.zeliabesterstudios.com

Her relaxed, easy going attitude convinced me that she wouldn’t need any coaching to realize that we would get more natural, unposed pictures by not directing and instructing her boys.  Zelia, Jakob, Markus and Mathew are close knit, adventurous, friendly and each one a unique character.  Here’s some from their session:

Their session video:

Denise, Kayla and I spent 2 days scoping out cool grafitti, browsing Chinatown, hanging out and people watching.  Aside from being my partner and daughter, Denise and Kayla are always willing to help me try out new ideas.  They usually both contribute many of their own ideas too and I’ve learned how well their ideas play out.

Note:  While I normally banish stripes and high contrast patterns from portrait sessions, I do make occasional exceptions.  When the aim of the images is riotous colours and shapes, a bright, striped dress fits right in.