Written Dec. 2022

If you are a working photographer, enthusiast, or just looking for passport photos, it is very likely that you've visited the stalwart camera shop; Downtown Camera. Located in Toronto's downtown core, I've been visiting them for 10 years. During my visits, I had the pleasure of brief interactions with George at the cash register. About 3 years ago, I finally gathered the courage to ask if I could make his portrait. George graciously accepted and our friendship began.

The pandemic stilted our plans for these pictures, but George and I still managed to spend some time together one on one, chatting about life as he kept me company in the darkroom. I eventually broke it to him that I wanted to do a calendar of images depicting him as different characters. He seemed wary, but enthused. 

My long time collaborator and friend, stylist Nariman Janghorban chose to draw inspiration from a common obsession of ours: the TV show Frasier. The show's wit and humour was not limited to the excellent writing and tremendous delivery from it's actors, but could be seen in the wardrobe choices as well. The costumes were believably real, but exaggerated in a manner that suited a television show. These caricatural sensibilities informed these thorough, layered ensembles George is pictured in.  

Combining my penchant for portraiture, Nariman's knack for detail and realism in his styling work, with an earnest and evocative subject like George, we're proud to present these elegant, humorous and classic images to take viewers through their year. 

The calendar is 12"x18", white wiro bound with a hanger. 14 pages.

This project is currently for sale, available in the website store.

$40 CAD