Beautiful

Beautiful.

We each have a vision of what “beautiful” is. When we look at a set of photos, there are always a few that jump out at us isn’t there? The truth is, every single person has a beautiful side and someone that can find it can capture it.

I feel in many ways beauty shines most brightly through those that love themselves but I also feel that those lacking self-confidence and worth are equally as beautiful in their unique way.  It can take time to reverse the thought patterns a person has locked in place. When someone looks in the mirror and doesn’t feel they are good enough to have their photo taken, that is a challenge I thrive on. I often receive emails from girls who are timid asking to book a shoot. They start off revealing their nervousness and the thought that I likely only work with experienced models. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The majority of ladies I work with are regular people, many with the same fears and insecurities others experience. I have had the honour of traveling around North America working with hundreds of first time “models”. I have worked with victims of domestic abuse who feel worthless. Each person is beautiful when they see themselves through my eyes. Does the camera have the power to undo years of negative self-image? You bet it does!! A quality portrait can be the foundation to a new life. That’s exciting!!

(2011 David Ford Choice Award winner Chelsea is one of the most beautiful athletes I have photographed.)

Each of us has friends that battle inner demons daily. How often do we reach out and share a positive word?  One simple word can make all the difference in a person’s day. I challenge each of you to say one kind word a day to someone on social media. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Thank you for reading,

David

David Ford Photographs Male Athletes Too

This past weekend at a fitness championship in Edmonton I was approached by one of the male bodybuilders asking if I would be open to working with him on a shoot. I said, "Sure!" He continued to share that he had spoken with a few people and was told my concentration is on female athletes and that I don't photograph male athletes. I stepped back surprised.

When I paused and gave it some thought I realized most of the work I do is for magazines and I rarely promote that, or the fact that almost half the athletes I photograph are male. I haven't really promoted a tear sheet in well over a year even though  I get dozens on a regular basis. Those who know me know I'm never one to toot my own horn as it isn't my style but I think it should be common knowledge that I work with both girls and guys. 

 

 

 

 (A few samples of recent tear sheets)

Let's quickly fix that misconception. I've been fortunate to work with many of the top male athletes in the world including UFC fighters Cain Velasquez, Georges St. Pierre, Tito Ortiz, Josh Koscheck, Ryan Bader to name a few and male physique athletes such as Stan McQuay, Jerome "Hollywood" Ferguson,  James Ellis, Kyle Clarke, Micah Lacerte, Matus Valent, Lind Walter, Rob Riches, Shane O'Neill, Obi Obidike and countless others. The thing is, when I photograph male athletes, they have a very good chance of getting published so the magazines prefer we don't post images anywhere online for public viewing. 

A lot of my "public" work is indeed with female athletes. If it's a cover or a model feature, the girls quickly know if they are being included in an upcoming issue as I have to interview them and get their information. Most of the guys, however, are used in editorials which can sometimes take a few months to a couple years to reach print. 

A number of girls already know that I photograph guys and have taken advantage of the opportunities available. I have had quite a few girls purchase photo packages for their boyfriends which is a great idea especially this time of year. I have worked with first time athletes to seasoned pros and am very comfortable regardless of the style someone is looking to shoot. It's not all workout photos I focus on. Many guys have come to me to shoot model portfolios which includes suits, club wear and swimwear. 

If you are a male athlete, or know a male athlete that would like some great photos to capture the hard work they have done, or if they have the look and build suitable for magazine submissions, by all means drop me a message and I'm sure we can arrange something around upcoming shows and events that will be a lot of fun. How cool would it be ladies to see your man featured in a magazine? Guys, how great would it feel to see you featured in a training layout?

I look forward to working with many of you in the coming months and in 2012. Be sure to book your date soon as the show dates are beginning to book.

About the photos: Every issue of Status Fitness and other magazines I get 20 to 50 tear sheets, the majority of these are male athletes. I only have access to a couple issues and grabbed a few spreads as examples to post above. I also included a few project images not necessarily published.