June 2012

TGIW | HOW MUCH DID THAT PHOTO COST?

by Shelley on June 27, 2012

Yes, it’s the million dollar question. How much?

In the next few TGIW’s I’m going to breakdown the costs of some of my favourite photographs.

Below is an epic creative by Matt Barnes. Any fan of Matt’s appreciates his obsessive attention to detail, but what they might not see is the dollar value to each and every little thing he’s strategically placed in his frame. While Matt dreams up his fantastical tale, Tara, his producer and right hand lady helps the dream come true.

For this particular creative Matt had some help from his friends over at Vistek. Also, all his lovely assistants volunteered their time, and doubled up as the talent in this one. Prepare yourself for the Yeti.

ACTUAL EXPENSES
Producer $300
Equipment Rental $400
Yeti $5000
Props $3000
Wardrobe $1000
Location Fee $500
Meals & Craft $550
Auto/Truck Rentals $1200
TOTAL $11950

VOLUNTEERS/DONATED
Equipment $1200
Digital Capture $1000
Assistants $2000
Props $3000
Talent (Were the assistants)
Prop Stylist $3500
Producer $500

WOULD BE TOTAL $23150

TGIW
xo

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IN PRINT | The Lion’s Den Is No Sweat For Mr. Barnes

by Matt on June 22, 2012

Big news to close out the week coming from the That’s the Spot gang, as yesterday word came from on high that Matt’s collaboration with BBDO New York for Gillette snagged itself a Silver Press Lion.

This is Matt’s second win at Cannes, both times having worked with BBDO on the awarded projects. Here’s a look at the Dry Armpit Affair, Dry Armpit Bluff, & Dry Armpit Informant in all their sweaty silver glory.

Photographer: Matt Barnes
Client: Gillette
Agency: BBDO New York
Chief Creative Officer: David Lubars
Creative Director(s): Raj Kamble & Paul Vinod
Executive Creative Director: Toygar Bazarkaya
Art Director: Daniel Aykurt
Copywriter: Apoorva Kale

A HUGE congrats to Matt and the team from BBDO on their Silver Lion, but before we go here’s a look at a shot from the pre-light for the Dry Armpit Bluff image, featuring Matt’s assistant Spenser.

All Images © Matt Barnes

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TGIW | Today I Am Thirsty

by Shelley on June 20, 2012

God created man. Man created beer. (Or something like that). Either way, we at Westside Studio love everything about the golden brew. We love to drink it, but we especially love to take pictures of this magnificent beverage.

Stay cool today friends!
TGIW
xo

Shanghoon | Molson Canadian

Frank Hoedl | Carling

Tyler Gray | Red Baron

Matt Barnes | Molson Canadian

Chris Gordaneer | Guiness

Shanghoon | Miller

Derek Shapton

Matt Barnes | Budweiser

Vicky Lam

Frank Hoedl | Carling

Tyler Gray | Budweiser

Shanghoon | Labatt Blue

Derek Shapton

Matt Barnes | Bud Light

Shanghoon | Kokanee

Chris Gordaneer | Guiness

Matt Barnes

Shanghoon | Molson M

A young Shelley with her eye on the prize.
All Images © Respective Photographers

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IN PRINT | Chris & Tom Get It Up In A Minute

by Matt on June 19, 2012

As anyone who has ever been on a camping trip can attest, typically the worst job to have when spending a night out in the hinterland is to be on tent duty. Whether it be due to a missing tent-pole, or the overly detailed yet highly complicated set up instructions, it’s a task that can cause even the most patient of people to see red and question their decision to get their Jeremiah Johnson on. However; thanks to the innovative engineers at Coleman, the tent set up blues are a thing of the past thanks to their new 60 second pop up tent, the Coleman Instant Tent.

That’s right, thanks to Coleman you can be enjoying a beverage next to your fully set up tent in less time than it took to rummage through your party stacker cooler for the coldest can. Who better to showcase this triumph in tenting than than a couple of men who are no stranger to gettin’ it done nice and quick; ladies and gents, directing duo Chris Gordaneer & Tom Nesbitt.

BEAVERS

BADGER

Director(s): Chris Gordaneer & Tom Nesbitt
Client: Coleman
Agency: Y&R
Art Director: Lisa Mok
Copywriter: Matt Fraracci
Executive Creative Director: Israel Diaz
VP Director of Broadcast: Diane Kirk
D.O.P: Tico Poulakakis
Editor: Aaron Dark
Executive Producer: Joan Bell
Head of Sales: Marni Luftspring
Line Producer: Marie Walsh

Here’s a little BTS peek at the day courtesy of Director Tom Nesbitt.

Videos © Chris Gordaneer & Tom Nesbitt

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NEWS | The NMAs Make It Rain

by Matt on June 18, 2012

Earlier this month The Carlu played host to the 35th annual National Magazine Awards, a Canadian foundation who’s objective it is to make it rain recognition on the individuals who excelled that year in both print and digital publications. Amongst the 700 or so members of the Canadian magazine industry at The Carlu that night, there were a couple of Westsiders; who hopefully brought their umbrellas for todays post.

First up is Mr. Derek Shapton, who was awarded Silver in the Portraiture category for his work with MORE Magazine; photographing Brenda Waudby for their feature article on one of Pathologist Charles Smith’s victims.

There’s more story to the portraits by way of Planet Shapton, who was also nominated in the Words & Pictures category for work shot for Cottage Life.

Next to the winners circle is Ms. Nikki Ormerod, who you may remember took a sunny summers sail along the Toronto waterfront for The Grid last August, in order to create a 1,100 image panoramic of the city shore line. Nikki and the team at The Grid (Vanessa Wyse, Lara Zarum, Jacqueline Perlin, Diana Monge, Nana Arbova, & Laas Turnbull) took home a Silver in the Words & Pictures category.

To make the viewing experience of such a vast image a bit easier on your bandwidth, The Grid has this nice video of Nikki’s journey; so if your stuck inside, sit back, relax, and take a quick ride along the water.

Bringing us home is Matt Barnes, who’s work with The Grid’s Vanessa Wyse, Got Spunk, received a downpour of recognition taking home the Gold in three design categories: Magazine Cover, Art Direction for a Single Magazine Article, and Art Direction for an Entire Issue.

Congrats all around to Derek, Nikki, and Matt for gettin’ rained on, and a big shout out to both The Walrus and The Grid, who took home 12 and 6 awards, respectively.

All Images © Respective Photographers

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IN PRINT | Mr. Gray Goes Back To School

by Matt on June 14, 2012

Smarty pants Tyler Gray‘s got some new work for Western University on show and lucky for us he’s here with all the goods.

Take it away Mr. Gray.

First and foremost, I would like to apologize (on behalf of all of us) to Andrew for making you “Rock Out” wearing the Michael Jackson glove for over an hour. Time heals all wounds.

I received a phone call from Scott (a graphic designer friend of mine at Western U) outlining this idea they had to shoot a throw back campaign for Western’s homecoming festivities this fall. From the brief discussion over the phone and without seeing layouts I immediately jumped at the idea after hearing the words “Michael Jackson glove” and “Roller Skates”.

The whole idea was based around the thought of “reliving” the experience had at Western. Herb Ballantyne, Mustangs QB and Class of ’46′s dream was relived by current Mustangs QB and Class of ’13, Donnie Marshall.

Judy Alaszkiewicz, MA ’80 and Women’s Athletic Alumni was relived by Dena Gouweloos, BA ’14

and Gary Groulx, Alumni Association Board was relived by University Student Counsel President Andrew Forgione BA ’12.

I found a whole new level of respect for the football players of “back in the day”, after getting an up close look at the flimsy leather helmets they wore and were essentially playing for pride, glory, and not much more.

A HUGE shout out to Scott, Terry, the whole team at Western for pitching in and pulling all of this together, and of coarse all the talent for taking time out of their days to swing by for a little fun. I think we all had a blast!

Fortunately we can make our own educated decision on the days ‘blast-fulness’ as Professor Gray has provided us with some behind the scenes images from his day spent on campus.

Here’s a look at how Western is using the images for their upcoming Homecoming.

All Images © Tyler Gray

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TGIW | Cool Cars

by Shelley on June 13, 2012

There’s something very romantic about a beautiful car, especially something vintage. I’ve always had a soft spot for the muscle car and it seems I’m not the only one.

Take a drive down and check out some cool cars by some cool cats.

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IN PRINT | Mr. Barnes Puts the Kids to Work

by Matt on June 12, 2012

If you can’t cover the bills, who will?

Your kids, that’s who. At least that’s what Matt Barnes and Paul Riss will have you believing after you get a look at their new print campaign for Manulife Financial’s Synergy insurance plan. By combining your life, disability, and critical illness insurance into one neat little green box, people like Mr. Small Firm Lawyer – who recently fell off a ladder – doesn’t have to tell Junior to hit the pavement and start billing some hours; and as Matt shows us, Junior isn’t down with his pop’s paperwork.

Photographer: Matt Barnes
Client: Manulife Financial
Agency: DDB
Art Director: Paul Riss
Sylist: Donna Irvine
Hair/Make-Up: Sandra Yang

The kids may have been required to play adults for the purpose of the shoot, but behind the scenes on a Matt Barnes set there’s always some kids play to be captured. Here’s a peek at the youngin’s day spent with the big kid.

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TGIW | HOLIDAY-ING PHOTO TAKING!

by Caitlin on June 6, 2012

Hello Wednesday! You took waaaay to long to get here. Especially with Shelley away, sad face, it makes my days feel empty. But she’s out East gallivanting around (and hanging out with Lamas).

Ah, summer, well, almost summer, the time for holidays! I’m taking off next week and can’t wait to just unwind and recharge. Many of us take time off to do what we love, shoot awesome photos!! It’s a real unique time for Photographers to explore and travel to places they’ve never been before. It’s a very creative time, shoot what you love with no one giving you guidance or telling you how it needs to look. I find many of our guys (and gals) come back with some really inspiring work that they are really proud of.

My advise, TRAVEL! For yourself, for your work! It can be an incredibly rewarding experience and a chance to see the work a little differently your camera lens. You’re outside your comfort zone, problem solving in places you’re unfamiliar with, it’s a great challenge for any shooter!

Check out some of the sweetest holiday photos from our Westsiders…

TYLER GRAY | Lisbon, Portugal

CHRIS GORDANEER | Calgary, Alberta

Ireland

Calgary, Alberta

RYAN ENN HUGHES | Hawaii

GEORGE SIMHONI | Italy

Italy

VICKY LAM | Beijing, China

Kearney, Ontario

Phan Rang, Vietnam

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IN PRINT | Derek & Matt Get All Dressed Up

by Matt on June 5, 2012

Two tales to tell you about today dear reader; brought together under the umbrella of dapperness, we shine the spotlight on two men who, while differing in styles, are both photographically fashionable in their own right. Derek Shapton brings fight club to the corporate portrait, while Matt Barnes gets a few dingers out of a Sharp-ly dressed Blue Jay.

Our first stop is Planet Shapton, where Derek shares a bit of thought behind his upcoming images.

Brian Richer and Kei Ng from Castor Design were told by their PR company to come up with some new portraits — the website we worked on together has been a giant hit (it’s just won a FWA, and has also been nominated in numerous categories at the Cannes advertising awards), and with all the attention, they’ve also had an inevitable flood of PR photo requests. Brian and Kei are not particularly corporate individuals, so we thought it would be fun to take some business-style portraits and put a bit of a different spin on them. Inspired by photos of mobsters, and playoff hockey interviews where stitched-up goons appear on live TV wearing $5000 suits, we went into the studio with the exact same setup I’ve used on many AR headshots and played dress-up for an afternoon. I think the results speak for themselves. Special thanks to Andrea Heldman for the outstanding SFX work.

In keeping with the genteel, we come to our second stop; The Passing Shot, where thanks to Sharp Magazine, Matt got to have the Rogers Center all to himself while shooting Jays’ slugger, Jose Bautista. Styled by Donovan Whyte of Judy Inc, #19 certainly plays the part, outfitted in Hugo Boss complemented by a ‘Capeland‘ watch. Fine wears indeed.