A few weeks ago, I met up with Sebastien Descormiers, for a photoshoot in downtown Montreal. We met at Square Philips and took some photos around the statue, then headed for a nearby alley for some more grunge-style photos. He used to work in a nearby building and knew how to get up on the roof. So we went up, exploring. I loved the fire escape and the rooftop for an urban shoot. Lots of rust and debris and bricks: great textures and lines…

Unfortunately, I left one of my camera bags lower down when I went up to shoot on the roof. And when I came back it was gone! Boo. Thankfully, there was not too much equipment in it. But I certainly learned a lesson about urban photoshoots: Watch your stuff!

I’m glad we got some good photos out of the experience, even if the theft was a bit of a downer. Here are a few of my favourites:

Here’s some photos from another early morning shoot. This time at the stadium grounds. Rodrigo was great and tried a bunch of ideas (jump shots, fighting, breathing smoke…lol!).

But man, getting up so early is hard! I think now the sun’s out later, I will just do shoots in the evening…argh…

Each morning on my way to work, I’d been sighing at the sweet winter light–knowing I didn’t have time to shoot in it. I decided that next chance I got, if I found some willing models, I’d get up early and do a mini-shoot before work. Hum…coffeeeee required. So last week, I met up with Chelsea Woodhouse–a lovely early bird of a model–and we ventured out at about 6:30 in the morning for a shoot in the Plateau. There are so many cute areas in that neighbourhood…we headed for Parc Lafontaine, chasing the rising sun. So, here’s a scoop on sunny winter mornings–they’re painfully cold! I’d applaud my courageous model, but I’m afraid all my fingers fell off from frostbite.

Here’s a mini-slideshow of my faves:

On Saturday, I went to the Studio4fun on St-Hubert street for an informal workshop with Mark of LeahAndMark.com. He’s a very down-to-earth and friendly photographer from one of the Carolina’s (maybe South?), who was in Montreal with his wife. While she attended a conference, he spent some of his free time getting to know Montreal and shooting with photographers and models from here. I think that’s awesome. And I also think it’s awesome that he gave his time to teach a mini-workshop to a bunch of strangers.

It just goes to show that being generous is a great way to get the word out about your photography, cause here I am, being all fan-club-like and spreading the news. Hey, I’m always looking for new heroes.

Read Mark’s blog post about the workshop

I enjoyed the relaxed shooting atmosphere and the chance to meet some new models and photographers. Here are a few of my favourite shots of the afternoon:

It was my first time shooting with Marie-Pier, who’s from Quebec City. She brought a funky pair of glasses and lots of sequins.

Mon premier shoot avec Marie-Pier: une fille qui aime les paillettes à profusion et qui a du talent en masse.