November 18 Szoldier was the sole brand presenting at Forth. New items had been created and some pieces as early as the day before the show! Greg is a master for putting together the perfect garments, hats and bags – whether it’s custom tailored or for his clothing line. Check out more of his work and connect for your own personal pieces! It’s well worth it!
I had the chance to check out 2 fashion shows for Szoldier in the past 30 days, both were great events and really showed off the impressive fashion and style that Greg Blagoev has created for his brand. What I especially like is the exquisite tailoring with influences from European and Japanese military.
Photo by my good friend and fellow photographer Rhandi Governo, check out more of her work on Facebook or Instagram! Deer skin Hat, Polyurethane coated cotton vest, and brushed cotton twill pants by Szoldier.
Szoldier is a high-end clothing line from Canada. Greg Blagoev, creative director and designer for Szoldier, established the brand to represent an avant-garde style that makes reference to military and uniforms, technical sportswear, high-end street wear and luxury tailored garments and accessories. Each item is created with innovative tailoring techniques, traditional construction methods, high-quality materials and applying unique treatments and finishes that give the brand its distinct look. Szoldier garments and accessories are handmade in Canada at “The Nines Atelier”.
On October 15, The Space Online hosted my model friend Ashley and myself for a Halloween photoshoot. When I saw the environment they had set up, I knew that something unique could be made here. Definitely check them out, they are having a fundraiser event that will be open to the public here on October 28!
Halloween Vampiress with Model, Hair, and Makeup: Ashley; at The Space Online; and lingerie from The Foxy Shoppe; Photograph: Dano Tanaka
I love collaborating with The Foxy Shoppe whenever possible, this was a perfect chance and especially with Ashley’s old-school pinup tattoo with lingerie from the shop to show it off.
Halloween Vampiress with Model, Hair, and Makeup: Ashley; at The Space Online; Photograph: Dano Tanaka
The Space online created this video from the shoot. Thanks so much, it’s not often that I can get video from these projects.
Such a cute couple! It seems Vampiress Ashley has been keeping a victim for sometime
Halloween Vampiress with Model, Hair, and Makeup: Ashley; at The Space Online; Photograph: Dano Tanaka
“Shhhhh, it’ll be ok”, somehow I don’t believe her!
Halloween Vampiress with Model, Hair, and Makeup: Ashley; at The Space Online; Photograph: Dano Tanaka
Ashley brought her own lingerie for what she thought would be an appropriate Princess of Darkness.
Halloween Vampiress with Model, Hair, and Makeup: Ashley; at The Space Online; Photograph: Dano Tanaka
This last shot is my favorite, for these full length images I had to make Ashley another 8 inches taller to fill out the coffin space a little more…I think it works…what’s your favorite?
For the past 3 years in Winnipeg, there is a month-long festival for photographers called FlashPhotoFest for the full month of October. A photographer(s) is hosted at a venue to display their work for the month and viewers can tour the various shops, bars, and spaces. This year, 116 photographers showcased their work in 53 venues! The Foxy Shoppe hosted me and my work of course!
We had the opening on Oct 1, the same night as Nuit Blanche and had over 200 people come in and check out the work! Models and clients (many had their photos taken with their work) came in to see their prints on the walls as well as many people who happened to walk by and check out what was happening in the shop.
It was so busy that I didn’t make a video as I intended, plus I was exhausted from the setup, so here is a virtual showing. Warning! Some images are NSFW!
In total, there were 34 pieces added to the studio and the store (plus the many individual photos on our model wall and throughout the shop). In total 73% of the images were sold! Thank you to the clients, models, hair and makeup stylists that helped make this all possible (please check out! I absolutely must thank The Foxy Shoppe, not only as the Host Venue but in the support we’ve shared the past 3.5 years. The friendship and relationship during this time have been phenomenal. This would not have been the success it was without the lovely Lady Helen’s encouragement and work on this showing…thank you for keeping me on track! Also the printers that helped me through my deadlines have been amazing! For archival quality printing on paper or canvas, none are better thank Joelynn Fine Art and Canvas, Vantage Studios did a lot of great poster prints for me with exceptional service, thank you both!
If you’re in Winnipeg and you’d like to see the show, you still have until Oct 29 to check it out. The Foxy Shoppe is closed Oct 30 and 31 (Sunday/Monday). Hope to see you there!
Photography Credits
Spring Jump
Photograph, textured finish – 2013
Starring: Susan
Hair and Makeup: Susan
Dark Angel
Photograph – 2016
Starring: Susan
Hair and Makeup: Susan
Smoke Rings
Composite Photography – 2016
Starring: Accalia
Hair: Laura Warren
Makeup, and Styling: Accalia
On October 5 2016, graduates and alumni were part of their Annual New Designers Fashion Show presented by MC College! This was my second year for the Winnipeg show and it was an incredibly well attended event with so many from the Winnipeg fashion scene. From fashion bloggers, photographers, established local designers, and those representing the larger local garment creators of Nygard and Mondetta.
Here is some video of a few designers from this event, take a look at the images after the video and connect with the designers you love. Of course there was tons more photos from that night, I’ll leave that to each presenter to display their work.
Victoria’s Arctic Fashion
Victoria’s Arctic Fashion – MC College Winnipeg – 2016 New Designer Fashion Show – Photography: Dano Tanaka
It was an amazing night where the hard work of each graduate was very apparent. It was great to meet and chat with Joe Cairo – MC College President, Cheryl Harrison – VP of Operations, Anna McGregor – Director of the Winnipeg College, and Chinda Sin – Corporate Marketing Coordinator
If you’d like to check out more from MC College, connect with them via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Periscope, or their website.
I was in contact with Susan even before I moved to Winnipeg. Once I arrived it took us a while to connect, but since then every photoshoot we’ve done has made some fantastic images. During our photo sessions, I’d discover a bit more about her, and how amazing she’s made her life. She’s transformed herself and life to become a fitness competitor, a single mother of 2 boys, and the owner of Keebo Sports Supplements (St. Mary’s Road, Winnipeg). This blog will share some of that and her motivations with you.
From our first photoshoot together on a rainy day in May 2014 in the streets of Winnipeg. I was worried about her jumping over puddles, but she said she could do it…and she did! I created a textured print and she couldn’t help but take it for herself, I’m so happy she loves this image! The print is showcased in my 2016 Flashphotofest hosted by The Foxy Shoppe
November 9, 2010 was the day that I decided that I had to make some major changes in my life and lifestyle. It all started with an annual exam. I was called back to the office a few days later, I walked into the office, Dr came in with my file. I will never forget the words, “Susan, I reviewed your results. You have been gaining 17 pounds a year, your blood pressure, cholesterol & sugar levels are high, diabetes runs in your family, I am worried that you might be borderline diabetic.” She looked at me, “Susan, I can’t do this for you, you need to dig deep and WANT to change. Do you want to see your 2 little boys grow up? Do you want to one day attend their weddings? Never before seen, my shibari re-visioned project. I’ll have to release more from this project in the future, though I always want to go back to it! 2014 June
None of us are exempted for the inevitable however; we can do things to prevent death and disability sometimes. If you continue down this path you might not see your 50th birthday.” My Dr pulled out a chart and charted my age and height, at my age of 30, 5’8 and 257 pounds, I was now considered “Morbidly Obese.” morbidly obese, to me was those people who were confined to their beds and couldn’t get out of the house, how can it be me? I thought of my boys, Marco 7 and Davio 4. “They need me, I need them, WHY did I do this!!??” I said, that’s enough, I am either going to try or die trying.. I called in sick, walked into Weight Watchers and GoodLife and signed up!!! I got home and threw out everything in the pantry. 2015 March, I wanted to keep the image dark but played with using gels to highlight her definition. This was the day after her MABBA competition.
I was starting from scratch, I sat on the floor, my old pictures of a sexier me in my hands and I knew what was coming! My transformation journey was an intense process that required me to become regimented and dedicated. My family and friends were supportive. I remember my first day at the gym. I kept looking around and seeing all these fit people. I jumped on the treadmill, Wow was I outta shape. Week after week, month after month I worked out 3-4 days/week; I attended my meetings and slowly dropped weight. I finally got to 200 pounds. I started training with PT at Goodlife 3 days/ week. I kept stretching my goals. I was RT training, PT training, attending group classes & boot camps. 4 years later, I was down to 145 pounds! One of the many awesome photos we shot at Brickhouse Gym. 2015 May
I thought hard about what I want to accomplish Workout after workout. Meal plan after meal plan I trained and hit the stage in 2014 as a Bikini competitor. It was euphoric. I placed 3rd in Novice & Provincials. It was such a high. I accomplished what seemed impossible and I wasn’t going to STOP THERE. I am getting ready to jump on stage again…7 days away only this time as a FIGURE competitor. With the help of Darren (FREAK Fitness) again, I have brought an even bigger and more chiselled pkg! I never would have thought I would do this. I am working harder than I ever worked in my life! My diet is so strict, There are days that I feel like I am going to die but I am one stubborn girl and I won’t give up, I won’t give up on myself or my friends, my family or my FREAK FAMILY. Dark Angel – I loved how the darkness and color work together here! 2016 May
Another from the same day of shooting, I’m always surprised with the variety of cool costumes and clothes she brings to these shoot!
When she showed me the Wonder Woman costume, I knew that she’d make an awesome comic book cover. A real life Amazon!
I love shooting with Dano because he is very creative and always has very unique ideas. Shooting with Dano is very easy. He is great at critiquing and he knows how to angle a body in just the right way to make that image Incredible. I have worked with Dano for over 3 years and have always felt comfortable, so comfortable in fact that I even did a nude shoot with him. His level of professionalism and integrity far surpassed any other photographer that I have shot with. What I really enjoy about Susan is how she’ll push out of her comfort zone. She helped me out by modeling some outfits from The Foxy Shoppe, even in her “off-season” body!
Rocking the pinup style look!
So many cool and creative looks that we’ve been able to work together on! I’m sure there will be many more in the future! Look out for Susan, and there will be more updated photos in her model profile on this site. Thank you so much Susan for being a great supporter and friend!
Susan wanted to try some sensual but fun images with her off season body. I always hear how tough it is to become “soft” again and I’m sure she felt that these helped her embrace that.I think Susan is a natural for the Pin Up look!I feel her mix of muscle with complimenting soft curves still adds to a retro look in this series.
It makes me crazy that I feel the need to write this blog. Unfortunately I hear so many times from models about the poor experiences they’ve had with other photographers. This isn’t just a local to Winnipeg issue, I’ve heard stories relating to photoshoots in Edmonton as well as all over the world through contacts via instagram.
Photographer checklist
Seems pretty simple but here’s an easy list for the new or established photographer that for some reason isn’t getting repeat models or clients:
Be respectful
It’s fine to give compliments…and it’s even necessary to make sure the the subject knows that they are doing well, looking great, and improving. If you want to make a derogatory comment, or blatantly talk about their body parts in a sexual manner; of course that’s not cool!
Respect her space
Let the model make body/outfit adjustments, even better have a female assistant help make the changes. If you’re alone and there is minor things you have to do so she doesn’t get out of position….ask before you touch her! Then don’t be creepy about it…moving a hair that’s out of place doesn’t require a caress…same for a knee or foot, if it needs to be pushed over a bit I’ll essentially just point and push it a bit with a fingertip. No other touching is required.
There is no need to ask for dates during a shoot
You’re both there to do a job, also to have fun of course…but you can ruin a shoot if she’s feeling like you have alternative motives…if you don’t see it in her eyes for each shot, people viewing the images sure will.
Don’t pressure models for nude shoots!
Most people like to build a rapport, trust, and friendship before that’s even possible. Unless of course you deal with a professional nude model…but same professional rules apply.
Follow the plan and don’t take photos you’re not supposed to!
It’s happens often where I hear of a sexy, clothed photoshoot go wrong when the model falls out of her top/a nipple slips…if you didn’t talk about that or the models specifically says she doesn’t want that…simply don’t take the photo. She’ll knows what you did and is now wondering what this image looks like and where it’ll end up.
Have the model sign the model agreement at the end of the shoot
This often is an honest mistake, photographers don’t want to forget to get it, but how can the model agree to the use of images when the shoot hasn’t started yet, she hasn’t seen them?
Show the models the images on camera/at the end of the session
First I think this is just good manners and a good confidence boost to show how the images are looking. I’ll also make arrangements to go through the photos with them either right after the shoot, another day, or let them peruse sample photos in a private file sharing account. Whatever images they don’t feel comfortable with I delete. There is no loss and no reason to keep images they are not comfortable with.
Model/Client checklist
Here are some suggestions for when you’re deciding to work with a photographer:
Before planning anything, look at their portfolio
There should be examples of the quality, style, and skill level of the photographer. If you can’t imagine yourself pictured in their work for any reason then it’s unlikely you’ll be happy with your photos.
Meet in advance
Personally I like meeting before the shoot to get to know the person I’m working with, collaborate on ideas, and discuss boundaries for the photoshoot. If a meeting isn’t possible, then we’ll have a phone call. If for some reason the photographer doesn’t want to meet, that is a red flag!
References
Do you know anyone that’s worked with the photographer that you can talk to? In these days of social media it’s so easy to check out a fanpage or website to view comments, or even message a model that has some work shown to get their impressions.
Ask to bring a friend
Most photographers shouldn’t have an issue if you want to bring someone with you to the photoshoot. If there is any resistance, that could be a red flag. The main thing is that the guest shouldn’t interfere with the shoot, unless they are asked for help of course.
Read the model agreement
Does it state what the images will be used for and where will they be seen (in my agreements I specifically state I will not sell the images to stock photography website – that will be a future blog)? Ask questions to anything that sounds confusing for clarification. There should also be an addendum section where you can add your own stipulations. Some examples are and not limited to:
Images can never be online
Specific images to be approved before posting on social media
Post but do not link me on social media/website
No nude images on the internet
During the Photoshoot, YOU have rights!
If thewre is inappropriate touching/conversation, you can say you don’t like it.If things go to far for your comfort, you can always leave. You don’t have to put up with it and
That’s everything I can think of, I know people will say that it’s common sense…but there is no shortage of terrible experiences that I hear from models and clients.
What do you think? Is there anything that’s missed from this list?
May 6th I had the pleasure to help out with an event for The Laurel Centre (http://www.thelaurelcentre.com/home/) in Winnipeg with their Night of T.L.C. Fundraiser. It was a night of great Jazz music by the Brooke Van Ryssel Trio (https://www.facebook.com/brookevanrysselmusic), one of the best fashion shows I had attended, partly because of what the center works towards. http://thelaurelcentre.com/home/
“The Laurel Centre provides individual and group counselling to women who have experienced childhood and / or adolescent sexual abuse.“
Just a few of the outfits worn for this spring fashion show
They provided an amazing photobooth and show for me to photograph! It was a truly fantastic night!
Friends and family got together to give their support
As a male photographer I don’t get many chances to help the community through these organizations. It should be obvious that I’m a feminist, but find that as a man I’m frequently overlooked as someone that might like to volunteer. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with The Laurel Center for this cause. Thank you, and I’m so happy this event was such a success!
It’s been awhile since I’ve done a blog, but finally here it is. The inspiration for this entry is a mini project in the style of Art Nouveau! I had the realization that this design form is over 100 years old, and I wondered what that would look with today’s technology, using illustration and photo manipulation. After plenty of research, saving pins to Pinterest, and learning about the various style details, I decided to see what I could create in between my other photo projects. These images were created to be 19”x38” and look great in print! Thank you Joe-lynn Design Fine Art and Canvas Prints (facebook fanpage here)
First, I filtered through some of the many images that I already had to find one that would work with this style. A century ago, there was a new Japanese influence (actually termed, Japonism) in the West with the opening of Japan’s harbours for trade. Not only were goods and services exchanged…but also art. Artists such as Matisse, Van Goghs, Tissot, Renior, etc were influenced by the exposure of this new culture’s art and style. It made sense to use an image of our spring shoot that was in the Japanese theme. I had to use lots of nature, flowing lines, the right typeface for the period, tons of detail, making the photo look more like an illustration, plus the addition of texture and brush marks for the glue that would have been applied to an advertisement then. To me, this is the most accurate depiction of that style from the series. It was handy to reuse the illustrated flowers from my graphic design study with the Edmonton College of Art and Design – students keep those resources and always do nondestructive editing in Photoshop! Check Style Hunter Fox through her fanpage and Instagram.
For The Faery Tale – Angel Fox, I modernized the concept a bit by keeping the photo as a photo, not an illustration, keeping the image and style crisp. I enjoyed making all the details. The faery ring that surrounds her took quite a while but I found ways to speed up the processes. Although it’s a dark image, I think it still has a magical feel to it. The night sky, fairy dust, and lots of little faeries achieve that. Thanks so much Alison for a fun photoshoot last October and being a great friend! You can follow Angel Fox through Instagram.
Zombiechick – was a play to make something devilish…not as purely wholesome as the other pieces. It happened that I had a selection of slightly evil, but sexy images that I took at the beginning of the year with Alt model Zombiechick. It’s her style and I hope she likes it! Being a bit of a conspiracy enthusiast (I like hearing about the theories, I don’t necessarily believe in them), I added the Illuminati eye, and text written in Babylonian translated from English; David Bowie’s song “Blackstar”. Lots of details, but less of a “nature” theme than the typical style of art nouveau. I think it really works with the added wash and texture effects. Check out more From Zombie Chick through her Fanpage and Instagram accounts.
Tatianna is a stripped down version in its simplicity and the opposite in theme from Zombiechick. The photo was taken from a recent photoshoot, with Tatianna, whom I worked with for the first time. It’s always fun to take action photos of the model in motion, though tiring for her jumping so much! Watch for more of her photos on my Instagram and Facebook fanpage. For this image I added some very simple nature accents for the border. Blowing cherry blossom petals, and windbars seen in Japanese style tattoos. Though it doesn’t have the overflow of details that a lot of art nouveau typically has…I think the simplicity still reflects the style. Please follow Tatianna’s Instagram account!
I loved doing this mini project for myself! It’s great to take creative breaks, try and learn new techniques for improving my Photoshop workflow, and get back to my roots in graphic design using both Adobe Illustrator CS5 and Photoshop CC. Working as a photographer in Winnipeg, it can be bleak and freezing in the winter months…causing me to go outside even less than the rest of the year. This was a great distraction where it was necessary to take hours of research, plus trial and error for finding what works with the style. I’d love to make more images…and feedback from those who had seen sneak peeks, they felt these had a “tarot card” look, which makes sense. That gives me another avenue to potentially make more related images!
Let me know what you think of this set – and please connect to chat about your personal/business project or photoshoot!
When not in the photostudio, and especially on the cold Winnipeg winter nights, or hot summer days for that matter…The Mondano Martini evolved from the love of burnt, fine gin Martini’s that Style Hunter Fox and myself both share. Plus if you’ve been following my Instagram account, you may have seen that I can be a bit of #MartiniSnob.
After experimenting for at least 6 months – rating, tasting, and exploration into ideas of how to make it better. Style Hunter Fox found a gin the we both preferred…Williams Extra Dry Fine Gin – more fragrant in juniper than Hendricks…and so smooth! I felt that if we combined the Williams with another gin, we could make the bottle last longer (since it is a topshelf gin that isn’t sold in larger than 750ml bottles)… Discovering Gordon’s and it’s long history of fine distillery, it provided a clean additive. Still not completely satisfied, London No. 1 gin was a favourite choice…plus the added benefit of adding a slight blue tint when mixed.
Originally using vermouth, it was poured into the ice and shaker then shaken to slightly “coat” the materials…and dumped out. Another method, a small spritzer of vermouth over the glasses adding the vermouth at the end. Finally we decided that vermouth wasn’t needed at all and removed it from the recipe.
There was lots to experiment with the “burn”. I like to add a small amount of the burn alcohol to the glass, swirl it to coat the inside of the glass. Traditionally scotch is used, we tried Johnny Walker Red Label, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, then to Crown Royal. Jamison’s Irish Whiskey worked really well and does not distract from Williams. In the end we went with Drambuie…a far cry from scotch or whiskey…but there was a rare time where we didn’t have lemons for the peal, what was in the fridge was grapefruit…Drambuie seemed like it would add a complimentary flavour to flamed grapefruit peal oil…and it was a hit!
The process of making the Mondano Martini
I start by prepping the grapefruit peal, a thin slice with none of the fruit.
The peel is thick enough to produce a healthy squirt of oil to ignite over a flame. Personally, the temperature of the gin and glassware is really important. I prefer to store the shaker, martini glasses, and gin in the freezer (I’d love to try a -30C martini sometime). The idea is that we like the small ice chunks that are formed with the shaking process. However with everything so cold, there is nothing to melt…add in a small amount of water to crushed ice in the shaker before the gin, until these small chunks and crystals are formed. The gin is added, shake again – until your hands hurt from the cold (this “bruises” the gin and if you want to read why this might be ok, here is a cool article on that), prep the glasses with the burning process, prep the grapefruit zest, shake the gin again, and pour into the glasses, every last drop! Then ignite the oil from the lemon peel…it makes a bit of a show but really activates the flavours from the peal oil.
From there I expect the glass to be slightly uncomfortable to hold with the stem but not impossible – due to the cold. However indoors you have the first 5 min to enjoy a super cold beverage, then about 10 min of just a cool drink…but we wouldn’t want our lips stuck to the glass right?!
If you think there should be a video for how to make this, comment below!
anemptytextllineNovember, 2016
