Group Photoshoot – Women’s Expressions 2013 Calendar

Behind the Scene

The group photo shoot logistics were presented to the calendar models a week before the big shoot. The shoot would take place in a bathroom setting. The models would be dressed in a towel and would carry a red accessory. A male model would be sitting in the bathtub with bubbles covering his body. Would he be naked? That was the question… Gill, our male model, couldn’t wait to be surrounded by the lovely calendar models. He profoundly expressed that he was a very lucky man and that he would do anything to contribute to a successful shoot. For him, this calendar had a purpose… to help women and children in need. What more could he ask for than to contribute to this charitable gift?

Gill’s personality was sure to make everyone feel comfortable in their towel attire, even though the models had not met him. Gill was selected as our male model for his spiritual insight. After visiting his Facebook page, we saw that Gill had initiated a mission in Africa to help underprivileged youth and that he was a kindergarten teacher. Additionally, we noticed that he was a member of the band and that they were in the process of creating an album. We had the chance to listen to their music and, may I say, they were very good! Gill puts on a good show and is very entertaining on stage. He was definitely the perfect guy for this shoot, no doubt about it. He had something special to offer.

View the Group photos for the calendar cover as follows:

There was only one week to go, and we had a great deal of preparation to do. For that reason, the event coordinator took charge of everything and carried out all the necessary errands for the ‘Big Day’. As for the food, drinks, and equipment, we counted on Brian. It was a full-day event, and there were many tasks to be done behind the scenes.  Brian would be perfect for this job. Everyone loves him, and he always makes sure everything has been taken care of so that we can concentrate on the technical aspect of the photo shoot for the Women’s Expressions calendar.

On the day of the shoot, we started at 5 a.m. with a cup of coffee. Some equipment was prepared in advance and was ready to be transported on-site, such as the hair products, the brushes, the hair straightener, the hair blower, the bobby pins, the make-up and the eye brushes, just to name a few. There were food containers and coolers for soft drinks, water and champagne (to celebrate the success of this shoot). Brian made last-minute errands and picked up cheese trays, meat, baguettes, cake, and, we need not forget, two dozen red roses, which were a crucial element of the shoot.  

Upon our arrival at the shoot location, which was at a friend’s house (Gilles), we unpacked everything. Just as the technical team was completing the set-up, the models started showing up right on schedule. As the ladies arrived, Amélie immediately started applying make-up on their lovely faces. Her perfectionism made these models true cover girls fit for a magazine. For 5 consecutive hours, Amélie completed her works of art. Even though she was having some back issues and was walking with a cane, Amélie kept on working. I call this dedication!

Meanwhile, our photographer, Marc, was trying to figure out the possible camera angles and the lighting.  He kept calculating and recalculating to figure out how we could fit 10 women in the bathroom and get a perfect shot. The technical team and the models helped Marc here and there… Marc was overwhelmed with all the shots that had to be taken that day. On top of it all, the models’ arrival and the popular background music were making the house very noisy. Marc had to concentrate through all of this chaos.

Marc’s tasks were heavy:

• Individual headshots of everyone, including the technical team members for the website
• Group photos for the calendar cover
• Last but not least, the bathroom shots for the month of December

It was undoubtedly a challenging day for Marc, but his determination and expertise prevailed, ensuring that everything came together beautifully. His skill and commitment made the seemingly impossible task not only possible but also successful.  

Capturing the Essence: The Photoshoot’s Remarkable Outcome

As seen in the Women’s Expressions calendar, the photo shoot was a resounding success, with every frame capturing the essence of femininity, empowerment, and beauty. The choice of the bathroom as the backdrop for this enchanting session was nothing short of inspiring. It transformed an everyday setting into a canvas of artistry, where the models gracefully adorned their towels and accentuated their attire with a bold touch of red. The synergy of the team’s dedication and the models’ enthusiasm truly made it a magical moment, and it radiates from every photograph.

The bathroom setting, with its intimate and personal connotations, added a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to the photos, making them more relatable and emotionally resonant. It showcased the innate beauty and strength of the women involved, bringing forth their unique stories and individuality. This successful photoshoot not only resulted in stunning images but also served as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the shared mission of Women’s Expressions. It’s a visual journey that transcends mere pictures; it’s a celebration of womanhood in all its forms, forever etched in the pages of the calendar.

Expressing Heartfelt Thanks to the Women’s Expressions Team and Models

The Women’s Expressions organization is truly fortunate to have such an outstanding team of dedicated individuals who play a pivotal role in its mission. Here are the remarkable team members:

• Amélie, Art Director (originally the make-up artist)
• Nadine, Public Relations and Marketing Director
• Marc, Photographer
• Ginette, Operations and Technical Assistant
• Brian, Event Coordinator
• Jo-Anne, Founder and Editor in Chief

Each of these marvellous individuals contributes their unique skills and passion to Women’s Expressions, playing a vital role in advancing its mission and bringing its vision to life. Their devotion is unmistakable, and they are the heart and soul of the organization.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers and models who have made this photoshoot not only enjoyable but also incredibly special. Your contributions and dedication have truly enriched this experience. Thank you!

Article by Joanne
Edited by Coreen B.