Scratched-out-outtake

Salon Magazine ~ September 2014

Salon Magazine is Canada’s leading publication for the professional beauty industry, so I’m really glad to be a part of their September issue alongside my talented colleagues listed below ;)

You may pick up a printed copy or download the digital PDF on your iPad through their website link below.  

Photographer: Tavis Gordon

Model: Zaliris Next Models 

Hair: Caffery Van Horne

Makeup: Sherlyn Torres

Wardrobe Stylist: Olivia

Salon Magazine Site

Global Wonders Jewelry 

This photo was shot in support of an important charity called SA Foundation.  They help to rehabilitate young women who have been victimized by sexual exploitation in places like India. By providing them with long term recovery programs, treatments & counseling, they are able to help them move forward.  Some women involved in the programs, create unique jewellery pieces (as shown on Arisa) and all proceeds help to advance the programs.  While on vacation in Mexico, Sher, Arisa and I donated our time to shoot this promotional photo. We were glad to be a part of this project and happy to contribute our talents to a great cause.  To find out more about SA Foundation and their jewellery line (Global Wonders) click the link below: 

www.safoundation.com 

www.sherlyntorres.com

www.arisacox.com

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globalwondersjewelry:

Toronto Storm

Anyone who was in Toronto last night knows we had a small storm. It came and left within a few hours but in that short timespan, it put on a show in the sky that had Toronto amazed.

The colours and cloud formations happening above were tweeted and instagramed by the thousands with everyone showing off their amazing pics.

Crystal Head Vodka

Glitches

High Park Cherry Blossom Trees/Sakura Trees

Yesterday was capped with a short visit to High Park.

The big draw at this time of the year are the cherry blossoms, which usually start to blossom in the beginning of May and stay full bloom for about a week. Lucky for my Fam and I, we passed through on the right day and took in the scenery at its best.

Instagram - Chapter One

A close friend once told me "happy people have projects". This phrase always stuck with me and is the reason I approach various media outlets (including my instagram) from a different angle. 

In a pessimistic world, having my own little on going project, although small, helps to provide satisfaction and allows me to do *me* - which is very important in an industry where "90% of your idea is good " but "we'll just change this, this and this" lol.

My approach was to work within a specific creative direction for 12 photos (one instagram block). Each photo needed to embody at least 3 of these 4 characteristics (repetitive, forms a pattern, abstract and black and white). Lastly, they all had to be shot and edited using only my iPhone. 

Instagram is definitely one of my favourite outlets, as it allows me to extend my love of photography outside of work. Maybe there's something you'd like to undertake. It doesn't have to be huge - just something you enjoy that won't disrupt life's daily responsibilities.

Paris Li Spring/Summer 2013 Ad Campaign

I had the pleasure of shooting a lookbook & ad campaign for a very talented, up & coming designer, Paris Li. 

Keshia Chanté 

Photo Tavis Gordon

Wardrobe Donovan Whyte

Makeup SherlynTorres

Jelena Photo Shoot

Photography Tavis Gordon  

Wardrobe Stylist Christine Vieira (Ford Artists)

M&H Rachel Smith (Ford Artists)

Red Rock

Mountains, Lizards and endless horizons are a few words that conjure up Red rock Canyon.  This amazing location played host to our Editorial shoot in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

We spent the day not only shooting, but also exploring, and experiencing a foreign environment.  Admittedly a city boy at heart, I’ve never desired to be anywhere else…but that attitude quickly changed. 

I can honestly say, the moment we stepped out and looked around, I was excited! Not only was this the perfect backdrop & weather for our shoot, but also to see things I’ve never experienced in my life (including rocky mountains) was a huge bonus!

There were a few areas setup for tourists but we decided to park the car and explore the unbeaten path.  I wish I could’ve taken more pics and explored more parts but I had a job at hand…and through that I did manage to climb 50 feet up a rocky mountain @ a 25º incline and a desert tree (lol).

The attached pics don’t do Red rock justice but that was not my intention - My plan was actually to use these for a candid page in the editorial layout. Unfortunately this was my first time using a Diana cam, which is why most of the shots have cropped heads haha.  These were the few I thought were decent.  

Using a Diana cam is different in many ways and getting used to it takes practice.  Having come from a DSLR background, I’m used to viewing the subject from the lens’ perspective. The Diana’s viewfinder, however, is located at the top right with no connection to the lens which is why you often end up with very inaccurate shots. 

On the bright side, I did take some great landscape shots using my DSLR which I’ve incorporated in a personal photo album. 

All in all, I don’t dislike the Diana pics, I actually think some of the mistakes are interesting and next time around they’ll be intentional.

Diana Cam Tips*

Frame your subjects carefully to avoid unintentional crops

Make sure to remove lens cap (SLR’s make that obvious)

Check your settings (e.g. exposure and focus) again, not as obvious as SLRs

Nuit Blanche 2012

Take the Night - Electro/pop band from Montreal (EMI)

This photo was taken on set while shooting behind the scenes of Take the Night's video for their latest single "Love Me in the Dark".  An amazing Director by the name of Marc André Debruyne was the link and reason why I had this sleek concrete backdrop to work with.  Since this shoot was on the fly, we had to make due with what we had, which meant crew chairs and a wall off set.  In total, I snapped 6 shots using available light...literally the fastest shoot ever, but it's never about the amount of frames, but rather getting "the shot".

2012's MMVA director of the year: Marc André Debruyne 

Photography: Tavis Gordon

Makeup and Hair: Sherlyn Torres