As another year comes to a close, I would like to acknowledge and thank the people who have helped me along my photographic journey in 2016. I have continued to foster previous clients/friendships and have made so many more this past year. I have liked being challenged by the amazing photographers in the Saskatoon Camera Club. Predictably, I have shot mostly Dance and Models this past year.
First and foremost I would like to thank the Dance community. At last count I had shot for 11 different dance groups/studios plus a few individual dancers from different studios. I don't want to list everyone in case I miss someone (but you know who you are)...I appreciate your support and hope we can continue to shoot again.
A few notables that I want to make special mention to: Jackie Latendresse for getting me started in the Dance community (with both Free Flow Dance and the Rosebud Burlesque troupe). Most everything I now do is some sort of a spinoff from these 2 groups.
Also to Ashley Berrns and Matt Gallant of Dance Ink for including me in their Family. I was able to do their recitals and school photos this year (I thoroughly enjoyed it, learned a lot, took notes for next year). We didn't get a chance to do our 'Creative' shoot this year...but hopefully soon. And, as always I very much appreciate them, and all they do for me. You both Rock.
I also want to thank Linda Coe-Kirkham at Dance Saskatchewan for letting me be part of Dance on the Saskatchewan. I always enjoy seeing and shooting the various dance groups over the 5 weeks.
Secondly I want to thank all the Models, Hair, and Makeup Artists that I shot with this past year. This is an area that I really enjoy...I love the whole creative aspect of it all and all the collaborative ideas that come from it. I find meeting and working with everyone has helped me break out of my shell (even if it was just a little bit). I enjoy getting to know each of you in the short time we have...I have shot a few of you multiple times, and have become good friends with a small group of you. Although most of the shoots were in the Studio this year, I did venture out and did a few location shoots too. Most of these were creative model shoots but also did a few Boudoir and Pinup shoots also.
A special shout out to Karen Marie and Matthew Hardy (and all the other models involved) who I have been collaborating with on a continuing project for the last few years...I always enjoy our shoots and look forward to more, in addition to finalizing the finished images. Also to Jo James who I have shot with multiple times...thanks for being a great model, helping with other shoots (stylist), and non-photography related things: teaching me to use chopsticks and prodding me to get out and exercise (she is a kick-a$$ Zumba instructor).
A few different shoots I had this year was a CD Cover (Artwork) for Andreea Moore's album, Haunted Former Lives, a shoot for a local Massage Therapist for his website, and a 2 day Boudoir shoot in a showhome. Also fun was doing individual shoots with Dancers, Tatiana Thompson and Marisa McDonald. Something new for me also was shooting the 'Swinging with the Stars' Gala.
In 2017 I want to be a part of more collaborative, creative ventures with Hair, MUA's, and models/dancers. In the Studio, I want to work on getting more creative with my lighting, posing, and styling (Jo?). Also, would like to try to get out to more fun, creative location shoots. In the past I have done, among others, back alley and abandoned building locations. If you have anything/anyplace in mind or a special theme you want to try, please shoot me a message and we'll see if we can plan something. I promise to blog more, giving more photos and behind-the scenes information about my shoots. Also I would consider putting on a workshop (maybe Studio lighting or Compositing) if enough interest was shown. I want to push my boundaries, challenge myself to be more creative and out of my box. I hope to continue to shoot with all of you, and meet many more people in 2017.
Lastly, I would like to thank my wife, Nicole for being so supportive and understanding about my passion for photography and what I choose to shoot...I'm sure she would rather have me shooting landscapes and still life.
Best Wishes...Ken Greenhorn Photography.