One of the great things I love about being a photographer, is having the creative freedom to create new projects at any given moment. One of my passion projects was shooting the annual calendar for the Pacific Ink & Art Expo (PIAE). However, it's been quite some time since I created a new calendar as it became difficult for me to plan such a project while also traveling overseas.
My last calendar was the 2016 Hawaii Tattoo Model's Calendar shot in 2015. I had funded the whole project out of pocket, produced every image and every page, and I saw it to print. Thankfully, I had a great team behind me that supported me in every way. For the third year in a row, I was able to collaborate with models I had worked with in the past, as well as new talents who showed great interest in the project. The calendar definitely put a spotlight on specific models, which was great because I believed they deserved it. Despite how time-consuming, exhausting, and draining it was behind-the-scenes, it was exciting to hold a finished product, share it with the world, and say, "We created this together!"
Like anything in life, projects like this start with an idea. A vision and plan are usually written on paper, and the creator has the ability to turn it into a reality, or let it just exist on paper - where most ideas sit. In order to make it a reality, the creator has to understand how much of an investment is required. That is: real dedication, commitment, effort, financial backing, and especially time... lots of it. Nobody said creating something from nothing was an easy task. But, you'll never know where a project will take you, so you might as well give it your all.
From these calendar projects (2014 to 2016), I've collected thousands of images that seldom see the light of day. Retouching images can take hours at a time, and because I don't get commissioned or paid to edit, the images go into my archives until I have a free moment to really work on them. Often times, I revisit the images 1-3 years after they've been shot. I'm trying to get better at that, but sometimes, real life gets in the way.
These past couple of days though, I've been able to focus on editing one of my calendar sessions of featured model and tattoo artist, Mare (Mary Landen). She became one of my favorite models to work with back in 2015. Not only is she a talented artist, but she is also a formally trained ballet dancer (which is apparent in some of her images.) Scroll down to see the most recent edits! I hope you enjoy!
Every 1-2 weeks I will try to post a new set of images that look back on these calendar sessions! Please bear with me.
Mare De La Noir (2015)
Model: Mary "Mare" Landen @maredelanoir
Green Swimsuit by Beach Glass Bikinis - Handmade in Kaua'i
Photo Light Assistant: Chelsea Bellflower
SET I
SET II
XO, BRITTEN
If you are interested in working with me, I am currently on Oahu till mid-April 2017.
Email me for bookings: brittenphoto@gmail.com or contact me here.