December 2008 in Review....

December was an extremely busy month, and seemed to whirl by like an Ontario snow storm. There was a lot of photos taken, tons of snow to be shoveled, a bit of shopping, and lots of new friends, and models that produced some incredible photos in December.
I also got a chance to meet, and work with another photographer/model, in December. Through opening a new account on Face Book, I met Skye Kalosza. She has more friends on her Face Book account than... well she has alot of friends; and a profile filled with pretty glam photos, or some pretty glam models. We hooked up early this month to shoot two local models; Carley Faith, and Michelle MacKenzie. (see Carley in the second photo). It had been a long day before the three girls showed up, and I was a little lasking in energy, and apologize for that, but I extremely hope the girl wish to come back again. As for Skye; I believe she another young photographer with a great deal of energy, and a great eye for the world of glam. She is one to watch, and I certainly hope we'll get more chances to work together again in 2009...
As a professional fashion photographer, I make my living in the world and industry of high fashion; but I absolutely have a passion for shooting, and creating "art" photos. When the mood strikes me, and I can set aside a fair amount of time, I like to put together a collection of photos in hopes to show them in a gallery. In December I started a series of photos that I have simply called "The Chair". It is, for me, a better personal series of photos. A model, a chair, and a top.. we sit and talk, and I take random photos while we talk, and capture the mood, and body languge of the model (see the third photo). This Jan. I am shooting a series of photos in a collection that I have called "Dare to Bare - Bare to Care". It's a charity photo shoot, in which models have graciously decided to give both their time and body to helping me put together this series, and show it with all the money being raised, going directly to my favourite charity; The Make A Wish Foundation of Canada. The shoot is planned for the 18th of Jan., and so far, 18 beautiful people (some models, some not), have agreed to take part in helping raise as much money from one show to donate to this charity. This collection will be shown at either the Powerhouse, or Ago, in Toronto, and I will keep you all informed as to when, and how long the show will run. I would dearly appreciate everyone that can make time to view the showing to do so, and help add to the moneys to be donated.

You don't have to be a photographer to know that, when it comes to popular photos, one of the biggest draws is a new born baby. This December I had the previllge of being to the photographer to shoot Cali.. in the studio only 12 days after birth; proud parents Garry, and Amanda let me take some cute baby photos, and were kind enough to let me share them with you. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Rachel was back in the studio in December (with my trusted assistant Kevin - just Rachel's friend? :), and we got together with a new make up artist, Rachel Duff (new to me, but not new to the industry), and shoot some very cool "glam" make up photos. I really look forward to working Rachel, and...umm... Rachel again this year. By the way, Rachel Duff, has, and runs her own spa, in Hamilton. The name of it has slipped my mind at this moment, but I will find out and post it here for everyone shortly.

In December, I also returned to photos with wings.. and snow. I consider myself a very lucky photographer, to have models willing to brave the cold, and snow just for photos. Zoey sat in snow, Jenn went bare foot, and knelt in snow, and a new friend/model, Nina, dared the cold and snow in wings and a thin gown. As I have not had the opportunity to share her own photos with Nina as of yet, I can't post it for you to see.. (as a rule, I don't post any photo of a model without them first seeing and agreeing to the photos being shared). But, Nina is a stunningly cute little model (I say little in the nicest way, Nina is only five foot something, tall :). Nina will be back in the studio next weekend to help create an inspired work of art... and has gracious agreed to step out of her comfort zone to shot a "gothic pixie" photo, in which her entire outfit with be metal wings, and body paint. Thanks Nina, it's going to be fun, and an amazing photo. Kristen Demelo will be coming in to do the painting and make up. She is a good friend, and a great special effect make up artist.

And finally, the last shoot of December was in preparation for nearly three years. A long time ago, I met Laurie, a local model who has done very well for herself working with a local agency. After three years of trying to match our schedules, we finally found time in December. Laurie brought her friend, and very exciting model Myra with her, and we shot a fun series of the two girls in black dresses. (between the two girls, I am sure they could open a clothing store)
The girls came with a plan in mind, and I have to tell you, that the two of them were absolutely amazing, and so easy to shoot. I had a great deal of fun, and lots of photos in the short time that we had. I hope that it doesn't take another three years to get them both back in the studio :)

Well, I am sure that I have forgotten parts of Decemeber, and things that I got to do, and shoot.. but I did want to give you all a little of how the Christmas month looked to me.

Thank you for taking a little time, and reading..
If you are interested in having photos done.. be it modeling, or family portraits, please feel free to contact me directly.. 519-594-2291. If you have any questions or comments about any of my photos you can direct them to my email - markallans@hotmail.com