2009 was a challenging year for many of us for obvious reasons. It was challenging for me in that I undertook a massive career change (corporate executive to photographer) right at the beginning of our little financial meltdown. However, I've been fortunate enough that I was able to spend this down cycle exploring and developing new skills, networking with innovative people I never would have met in my previous life and living my dream of creating images that would appeal to me and, I hoped, to many others.
I have a lot of people to thank for their support - including fashion designers, stylists, hair and makeup artists. Special thanks go to John and Ken from Superstein. Shortly after I met them, the guys entrusted me to shoot some models in their products and they have been very supportive ever since. I value the advice they've given me and look forward to working with my new friends going forward. In addition I need to thank my 'old' friends, particularly Rob and Curtis, who did not hesitate to help out whenever I needed extra hands. From managing lighting equipment to giving me business advice, Rob and Curtis have been there for me without hesitation.
Of course I could not have accomplished anything without the models I've worked with - many of them more than once, some of them several times. I have been continually impressed by the group of guys I've worked with - surprised (maybe I shouldn't have been...) at the talent they have. Many of these guys are gifted far beyond their looks - I've met singers who should be signed to music deals and artists who should have their own gallery shows. There's the model who has plans to be an underseas welder, the models who are schooling to become social workers, and others with goals to be sports stars, writers, fashion designers and, of course, supermodels.
In no particular order, I have to thank the 69 guys who've modelled for me, I've learned something from each of you and enjoyed the experience: Mardi, Stefano, Sergio, Claudiu, Roman, Christian, Ian, Marco, Orazio, Prez, Justin B, Justin H, Andrew, Anthony R, Ryan M, Marvin, David, Peter, Joe, Mike, Max, Leo, Nicolas, Cecil, Jason, Orlando, Jayden, Miles, Ethan, Criss, Javon, Sam, Johnny, Tim, Brandon, Roberto, Blayne, Sylvester, Leland, Mathew, Zack, Dylan, Matt, Kosta, Andrew C, Milan, Daniel R, Al, Jacob, Ryan L, Paris, Stephane, Michael R, Dimitri, Anthony M, Ryan S, Carlos, Chris R, Dalton, Sherif, Daniel A, Kehvyn, Edmond, Vadim, Greg, Jackson, Mark B, Felipe and last but certainly not least, Corry.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has followed me here, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and wherever else... I appreciate your feedback, comments and words of support.
2009 was spent focussing on honing my skills - watch out for many new and exciting activities and projects throughout 2010! Up first will be my new website, watch for that to come soon!
Have a great New Year's Eve and all my best for 2010!
