Another Photographer: Sai Sivanesan

April 29, 2011
Seasons of Discontent by Sai Sivanesan

Seasons of Discontent by Sai Sivanesan

I’ve always been drawn to Sai Sivanesan’s work. Part of that comes from knowing him since high school. He’s a hundred times the photographer I am and focuses mostly on fashion, which I only dabble in from time to time. I was happy to see his website was recently updated with new projects, one of which drew me right in because it was shot at one of my favourite places: the RC Harris Water Filtration Plant in Toronto. Doesn’t really sound all that exciting, eh? But I assure you it is. Built in the 1930s, it’s an art deco masterpiece. It looks like a castle! I’ve photographed at this spot often — check out some of my Waterworks photos on Flickr. Sai puts the location to great use, keeping much of the focus on the surrounding sterile concrete and railings rather than on the building itself which could distract the viewer too much.

A couple years ago I shot there with a model, Amanda, the results of which you can see below. I hope to get get back there again soon to shoot some Night Nudes.

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The Ongoing Saga of Katie B

April 19, 2011

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Katie B. Not the first time she’s been seen around these parts, but the first time in a long while that I’ve photographed her. Katie is a great friend and we’ve recently decided to try getting together to shoot photos  and hang out on a weekly basis. This was the very first test shot from our very first meet-up three weeks ago. I love it.

This was shot late in the day, after sunset. There was still light in the sky but it was fading fast, so I had to shoot this at ISO 1600. The bokeh seen in the background is from the mass of ugliness in Toronto known as Yonge-Dundas Square. It’s a hideous place which people here seem to think is on par with Times Square. But in reality it’s just a crapload of gaudy advertising and sensory overload.

NIGHTNUDES.ca has Launched!

March 22, 2011

I felt that my Night Nudes deserved a home of their own, so I’ve launched NIGHTNUDES.ca. I’ll be adding to this series a lot over the coming months. The photos seemed kind of out of place next to the “smiling girl in her underwear” photos that I post here so often, so now they can live on their own! The site will also serve as the home for a photo book that will be compiled down the road.

And if you’re interested in volunteering to be a part of the series, you’ll find more info on the Night Nudes site. Go check it out!

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More Published Work in Vantage

December 28, 2010

I once again shot some images for Vantage Greater Toronto magazine, the GTMA’s semi-regular publication. Last time I shot for Vantage, my subject was Toronto mayor David Miller; the subjects for this Winter 2010 issue weren’t as high profile but still challenging to shoot.

Traveling light and working fast is the name of the game here, so I used Speedlights, small stands, and small umbrellas to get the job done quickly.

First up was Promation Engineering’s CEO, Mark Zimny:

Next up was Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr:

Ad Campaign for The War On Christmas

November 24, 2010

Last week I showed you the poster art for the next Les Coquettes production, The War On Christmas. Below is the continuation of that campaign, as our talented and anonymous designer went to great lengths to devise poster art for most of the characters in the troupe based on my photos. I think they turned out really great and I love seeing my photos come alive in different ways. If you’re planning on coming to the show, don’t hesitate to get your tickets, as the early show is already sold out!

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Hair and makeup by Angela McQueen and Blonde Moxie, styling by Catherine Skinner.

Les Coquettes: The War on Christmas

November 17, 2010

Lilli Bubalotovich, La Minouche, The Barback, Georgie Gates, Billie Black, Charity Dawn, and Dante Inferno

I hate Christmas, so it’s only fitting that I’d be involved in this production. What you see above is the promotional poster for the next Les Coquettes show, taking place on December 12, 2010. It’s based around a 1940s USO theme, which should be fairly evident from the poster. All seven performers above were shot separately on a grey background, cut out, and then composited on to the poster. Have a look at what we started with:

That mailing tube made one heck of a good candy cane substitute. Tickets are on sale now — I expect to see all of you there!