Telluride AIDS Benefit | Model Photo 2011

This year's theme, "Force + Grace," was another really fun concept to dream up, sketch out and photograph... A central spine of models choreographed to transfer forces top to bottom, complimented by the graceful poses of the dancers weaving on either side:

As always, the models were a dream to work with... Special thanks to this year's amazing Fashion Show choreographer/directors Katy Parnello and Amanda Carlson for their assistance in directing the shoot.

I feel so blessed for the opportunity to be involved in the promotion and fundraising for this unique and special event.  Gratitude abounds for everything the board and community behind the Telluride AIDS Benefit does to make this event not only an impressive high quality and ridiculously fun experience, but also a huge success with its financial contribution -- funds which go directly to saving lives and helping improve the quality of life for children and people effected by AIDS from the Western Slope to Africa.

Watch here for photos from the always amazing TAB Gala Fashion Show!

Dreaming of the NEXT in a Series... 2011

2010 Telluride AIDS Benefit Model photo, Outside the Box (framed as two separate prints, with the inner box set behind the outer):

Imagining for this year's photo has begun... Hint: this year's theme "Force and Grace"... stay tuned!

Favorite Photos from 2010 | Part V: Events

(click and zoom in to see images larger)

Art Dress by Nicole Finger

Nicole Finger, an incredibly talented painter (and lovely person) from Telluride, Colorado, asked me to photograph her this past weekend wearing the fruits of her latest passion, couture painting.

It began last year with an original creation for the Ah Haa Auction: a bold safari themed dress which she modeled during the live auction, adorned with a huge, live snake draped across her shoulders!

This year's spectacular dress (the second in what I certainly hope will be a long line of Nicole's art dresses!) takes a retro and artful turn, its inspiration being Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss."  The fabric is intricately painted with shimmering colors and then hand jeweled.

The piece will be auctioned during the live auction part of this Friday night's annual Ah Haa School "Artopia" fundraiser in Telluride.

Sparkles beautifully in late afternoon Colorado light... and on such a gorgeous artist!

Telluride AIDS Benefit - Model Photos coming!

Can't give away this year's Annual Model Photo until it is revealed at the Art Auction on Friday night next week, but here is a teaser of this year's (now an annual tradition of mine) "butt shot."  (2) uniquely framed prints will be auctioned during the silent auction again this year.

The models were FANTASTIC sports and it genuinely felt like everyone had a great time at this year's shoot!  I heard an update that the framing on our main model photo is going to look fantastic, and I'm VERY excited to see it!  We are trying to think outside the box a bit with this one (with the photo concept AND the framing)... it has been quite a collaborative effort to pull this off.  Very excited for next week's events in Telluride - hope to see you there!

Dreaming of the next in a series...

Array, 2009

Behind the Models, 2008

Ah, what to do when you have scores of beautiful, local fashion show models, all donating their time and energy to an incredible cause... who all happen to be willing to pose for you, nude, in the pursuit of creating art for an auction to raise money for AIDS education and care?

'Tis that time of year again, the incredible, annual Telluride AIDS Benefit Gala Fashion Show is almost upon us.  This year's models are now auditioning, couture is being collected, donors and volunteers alike are all in a flurry of preparation, and me, I am busy dreaming up the next in the series of these fundraiser photographs with great anticipation!

Stay tuned for more!!