The Studio Collective
Halifax, Nova scotia
Six photographers…all with different backgrounds and skillsets but all with one thing in common…a strong passion for portrait photography. All of us at one point in time had worked with one another in various workshops across the country and all held a mutual respect for each other.
Each one of us brings a different dynamic to the group…we all took a different route to where we are today. One common theme was that we all wanted to improve upon our portrait work and more specifically, studio portrait work.
Model: Alyssa Landmann Photographer: Ian Proctor
The How..
The idea of this group was first hatched over a cold beer on a warm summer’s night in PEI at a Dave Brosha Workshop. Dana and I had discussed the idea many times but never moved ahead with it. Enter Mark, newly arrived from Ontario where he had participated in something similar with another talented group of photographers. We extended the invitation to Cheryl, Adrienne and Erin and after completing the workshop, the three of us returned home to the Halifax and surrounding areas and the idea came to life.
The challenges were evident right from the beginning. First off…none of us lived close to each other so finding a location central enough would be the biggest hurdle. Secondly…once we had a space how often should we get together? Agreement landed on once a month and that we would need a quorum of at least 3 of us to make the rental space affordable. Dana and I started a search for space very soon after our return but it became evident that affordable space would be a challenge in a city growing as fast as Halifax and the surrounding area. I had already been searching the area around Upper Tantallon and by chance stumbled over a dance studio that looked promising. That lead didn’t work out but the studio owner referred me to another location and our space was confirmed. We will craft our art in a large meeting room in the St. Margret Centre in Upper Tantallon.
The Why…
Collaboration with other photographers in my humble opinion is an absolute requirement to improve. If the mix of personalities and skillsets is conducive, good things will be created. Our original intent was to create a different theme each month but it became apparent that with the variance in attendance, we would stick to trying to have two or three models and just go with the flow. We all have enough gear to equip multiple studios so that was never an issue but how we use the gear required the collaborative discussions. Studio gear is now way more portable and easier to use so gone are the days of elaborate lighting set ups and bulky equipment.
All of us came into this group with different styles and skill levels but all wanting to improve and learn from each other. Be it technical or simply style related, the enjoyment of spending time with likeminded photographers appealed to all of us. If the truth be known…the day is a wonderful social experience as well…as previously mentioned…we are spread out over a large portion of the province and don’t get to see each other that often!
Model: Oli…one of the first models we worked with as a group. Photographer: Ian Proctor
Model: Alyssa Landmann Photographer: Erin Falkenham with assist from Cheryl Doucet
Model: Simon Park Photographer: Adrienne Comeau
Model: Thomas Murray Photographer: Cheryl Doucet
Model: Marcel Falkenham Photographer: Mark Heine
Model: Rodney Weisner Photographer: Dana Pitts
Since we all are spread out through the province, we came up with the idea that regardless of having a permanent location in Upper Tantallon, we should move the group around if the opportunity arose. One such adventure took us to a great old barn located in Aylesford NS, owned by a friend of mine and now a friend of all of us. The space lead to some very creative work and a good day was had by all…even the models seemed to have as much fun working as we did shooting.
BTS with Mark Heine and Rebecca
BTS with Dana and Simon working with some wonderful natural light.
Model: Rebecca Photographer: Adrienne Comeau
Most of our gatherings take place at would be best described as our “pop-up” studio at the St. Margaret Centre in Upper Tantallon. Although not totally ideal, the space is easily transformed into a workable space that allows us to set up two backgrounds and allow for two photographers to be working at the same time. Once we established appropriate protocols and polite rules of engagement we were off to the races and the creativity was evident. Having all worked in workshop environments in the past we respect the clock and try not to monopolize time with the model. When one setup is done, we all work together to set up the next idea as a team…makes for a quick turnover while our models are changing or doing make-up.
A great example of the two backdrop set up producing amazing portraits can be shown by the images below….both created almost at the same moment only feet apart but neither one interfering with the other.
The first image was created by Erin Falkenham with assist from Cheryl Doucet and the second image was created just feet away by Dana Pitts. The model only had to walk less than 15 feet to be in either image.
Model: Alyssa Landmann Photographer: Erin Falkenham, assisted by Cheryl Doucet
Model: Alyssa Landmann Photographer: Dana Pitts
Cheryl working with Alyssa
When models are late or changing we take advantage of the time and sometimes photograph each other. Mark and Cheryl.
We try and not take ourselves too seriously…we have have a great deal of fun. Erin was missing this day and was probably thankful after seeing this image!
Collaboration among photographers can be hit or miss but the results from the Collective we created has made all of us better photographers. We love the social aspect of getting together to catch up and create together. It keeps our skills sharp and we push each other to be more creative and expand our horizons.
My advice to those of you thinking this would work for you is simple…find a space, find some good humans to work with and go create amazing images. You won’t regret the outcome and regardless of your age or experience…you will learn something new, have some laughs and hopefully create something you will be proud of. Don’t over think it…have fun and let the creativity lead the way.
Model: Mark Heine Photographer: Erin Falkenham
Model: Rodney Weisner Photographer: Mark Heine
Model: The “Vivster”…one of Erin’s many talented daughters. Photographer: Ian Proctor
Model: Alyssa Landmann Photographer: Mark Heine
Model: Garrett MacLeod Photographer: Cheryl Doucet
Model: Oli Photographer: Dana Pitts
Model: Simon Park Photographer: Cheryl Doucet
Model: Amanda Feener Photographer: Adrienne Comeau
Model: Viv (The Vivster) Falkenham Photographer: Erin Falkenham
Model: Cassidy Meagan Photographer: Ian Proctor
Model: Paul Girvan Photographer: Dana Pitts
Model: Zackary Daigle Photographer: Ian Proctor
Model: Ryan Fraser Photographer: Cheryl Doucet
Follow the Studio Collective Members individually here: