The Woods With Chantal & Jen

A couple weeks ago I spent a few very special hours with a few very special people.

I originally met Chantal at a fashion show that we were both modelling for closer to the beginning of my time in Calgary. It was a lingerie runway show. There were anywhere between 6-10 models present. I made contacts with a few girls from that show and have formed sustaining working/creating relationships that have lasted the span of my time here. I am blessed for these connections as there is nothing more calming and satisfying than to know I have a list of reliable girls that are interested and passionate in what they do. If ever I am in need I just give them a call and someone is always there for me. Just like they know I would be for them.

On a sadder note, I didn't meet Jen until MUCH later on. The reason that is sad is because I think she is so absolutely talented and seriously passionate about her craft. Our first concept was tribal, again in the woods, but very thematic with HMUA done by the amazing Glam & Beyond. The only thing that wasn't absolutely fabulous about that project was the mosquitoes that Jen and I were literally running from during our shoot at Fish creek. haha.

All photos in this Blog are credit to Jen Freedman Photography

Since being here in Calgary, I wanted to practice a bit with shooting more than 1 model. I find it a really helpful practice as I learn about correspondence and how to properly pose with a second model. All of my model friends have different personalities and styles of pose. Its a fun challenge to try and combine our posing styles and personalities to create something beautiful. The forest helps me. I find it easy to be my lighthearted, relaxed self in places that are open, green, and natural.

I'm really happy with the return from this shot. Chantal & I have quite different posing/modelling styles, yet I feel like we collaborated and corresponded very well. Jen also helped with that as she is amazing with direction & vision.

The vision for the stylizing was my own. I talked over the concepts with Chantal, and she brought pieces that corresponded with the look. I wanted to keep it light, and airy. Not over thought, not over stylized. Nature has a way of making things seem more light and simple than they would otherwise be. I didn't want to over complicate that. I went with denim & blacks as a loose palet. When sharing ideas and insights I find I really need to keep it simple, or else my vision is lost somewhere in the midst of all the detail.

The bralette tops are part of my lingerie collection & series. I've recruited Chantal to model some of my newest pieces & sets which will be shot before the end of the month. The more I make the more I want to make. With each piece the time I take to make it decreases. I feel nothing but encouragement towards my sewing projects. My excitement grows as I pick from a huge selection of beautiful models eager & willing to advocate my pieces for me.

I've got projects on projects planned with both of these individuals, who are so good at what they do that they make it easier for me to do what I do. I will always prefer to work with these types of contributors. I will always have time for the truly passionate & creative ones. I've drifted towards the more candid/editorial side of things because I like the real feeling of it. I love how real and honest fashion can be. I think that is something the fashion world brings that the creative world doesn't. The real life feeling.

Many times over the year I've felt photographers try to take advantage of my creative efforts. I won't be working with these types of photographers or GWC's anymore. That is unless their budget allows it. When I first moved here I knew the market here was at least 4 times as big as where I came from, but I didn't know there was such a mixed bag of artists, versus lost souls. Being as serious as I am about what I do, I can't imagine not feeling that way about my art. I have to put myself into another perspective to realize that some people won't hold this as a life long passion. Many people will drift in and out, and I must continue to do my best to seek out the genuine artists. As I ride out the rest of this year I will be doing all that I can to connect with the most passionate of artists & contributors. I'm no longer at a stage in my career where I feel I need to spend time contributing creative efforts where an equal effort is not being applied. Unless, again, their budget allows it :)