Abstract Nudes 2008

Finally had some time to work on the lastest additions to my Abstract Nudes series. There is a good possibility that I will premiere this series at this year's Exposure Festival. There is discussion currently underway for me to do a solo show at 29 Armstrong. I love the venue/store so I'm very excited.

Here are a few of the images I'm considering for the exhibit, I'm very interested to see everyone's reaction -- please feel free to leave me a comment. I'd love to hear what you think.

2008 AIDS Walk for Life

For the third consecutive year, I participated in the AIDS Walk for Life. With the sponsorship of the following friends and family, I was able to raise over $1000 in donations. So on behalf of HIV Edmonton, I'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU to:

Vince Parnell and Doug Allard $40.00
Steve Atamaniuk $20.00
Darcy Blais $20.00
Bradley Sewalt Boman $100.00
Lauren Boulanger $20.00
Rob Browatzke $20.00
Katie Cheung $50.00
Ross Correia of Boots $100.00
Sean Dallas $30.00
Mathieu Dinarzo $5.00
Garrett Falls $20.00
Chris Hamilton $20.00
Frank & Mary Jackson $25.00
Jennifer Katz $200.00
Daren Kavich $20.00
Danielle Koekman $20.00
Claude Leblance $5.00
Jenny Ling $20.00
Michael Mackie $10.00
Todd Makey $5.00
Ryan Mayer $30.00
James McBride $25.00
Cijay Morgan $40.00
Anna Pilisko $20.00
Andrea Rabinovitch $20.00
Jonny Reardon $10.00
Julia and Degan Richards $35.00
Thomas Rose $20.00
Ed Sarka $20.00
Debra Bachman-Smith $40.00
Aman Takhar $20.00
Chrissy Thompson $20.00
John Wright $50.00

... all of you did something really good for a very worthwhile cause.
I can't express how appreciative I am for your support and generousity!

Outlooks 2008 September issue

Photo Shoot with James & Scott

I did a photo shoot today with James & Scott, both of whom I've shot individually on numerous occasions. The primary reason I shot them together was for my abstract nudes series, but I was also able to capture some very strong images that stand on their own. This is one such example.

Dustin

After 3 years of hounding him (and two and half years of dating) Dustin, my ex, finally agreed to do a photo shoot with me. Apprehensive that I wouldn't know his best angles and that he wouldn't take direction well, the photos were incredible despite his fears. The camera loves this man and the photos came out as steaming hot as I always knew they would. I do have "a good eye!" Just the one, but that's all I need.

Drumheller, Alberta

Had the wonderful opportunity to go to Drumheller with my dear friend and fellow photographer, John Hallum, who was in Alberta for a quick visit. We were joined (and driven) by another wonderfully generous friend, Mary Louise who hosted us in Calgary. My friend/model Myron rounded out the expedition crew to the land of hoodoos.

We arrived in Drumheller around 1pm on a blisteringly bright afternoon so we spent a good part of that battling families and rugrats at the Tyrell Museum waiting for better light to do our shoots. It was my first time at the museum and I loved it, although I was predisposed as I've always had an interest in archaeology and paleontology. Then after a delightful picnic lunch we made our way to Horseshoe Canyon (with thanx to Val Brandt for suggesting the location) to shoot the incredible landscape and for me, some nudes.

Here's a sample of some of the shots.

This blog is 89% good (and only 11% evil)

Once again, thanx to my deeply obtuse friend, Kathy Mene, I'm am now able to rest assured that my blog is suitable for the whole family (and Christians too) because it is scientifically proven to be 89% good. See for yourself.



However ... on a happier note for my photography website, jacksonphotografix.com


(which tells me I must be doing something right with my artwork)

Nicholas & Nathan's Wedding - Edmonton

Although I don't really like shooting weddings, I pretty much always say yes to friends! Here's what I thought was the definitive photo for the day -- taken in the parking garage on the way back to their hotel room after doing the traditional wedding photos at the Legislature grounds.

Photo Shoot with Cameron

After first discovering Cameron's photo from a cover of Outlooks Magazine, followed by a couple years of talking online, Cameron and I finally managed to be in the same city at the same time and thus were able to do a long-awaited photo shoot. We had talked about doing a shoot while Cameron was living in Calgary but I never was able to coordinate it. Now he lives in Vancouver, but fortunately was in Edmonton for work and had a couple of hours to spare. The shoot went phenomenally well - he has continued to sculpt his body in what can only be described as a physique photographer's dream. To make a long story short, Cameron was well worth the wait. I hope to do more with him again -- next time in Vancouver.

Photo Shoot with David

I met this handsome father of two through a mutual friend here in Edmonton a couple weeks back. Happily, after mentioning that I would like to use him as one my models, David agreed to do his very first shoot. He proved to be a natural and we got some very provocative images.

This shot happened quite by accident but I loved its simplicity and its testament to the beauty of the masculine form.

Kind words

It's always nice to receive feedback about your work. Here was a sweet email message that was sent to me this week:

"Your work is more than just incredible, Jackson. You have a wonderful eye for composition and the human form. Kudos to you, and thank you for your kindness in allowing me to see your portfolio."

Chip from Orlando, Florida

Gone ... but not forgotten

I have to confess that being remembered does bring me a certain amount of joy. For instance, this year even after having moved away from NYC for three years now, I was still mentioned in both Mark Nelson'sweekly gay entertainment and culture newsletter and also in the House of Aviance newsletter by the Mother of the House, Juan. Further south, my pal DJ Giaco who was spinning for the BearMex party in Mexico City as part of the gay pride celebrations, dedicated two of my favourite songs; Belo Horizonti and Magalenha, as part of his playlist on Saturday, June 28th (my actual birthday)!

Camp - Symon's Valley Ranch, Calgary 2008

After spending four days celebrating my birthday at the ARGRA Rodeo, I came home dirty, sunburnt, mosquito-bitten, hungover and very happy. Special thanx to Dougie & Vince for the birthday dinner and fruitcake, a sexy new friend named Luke, and the Heathers (Daryn & Ed) who kept me laughing the entire time. And although this photo isn't exactly everyone's version of "camp" it certainly was mine.



Camp 2008
Symon's Valley Ranch, Calgary
model: Daryn Grassick
special thanx to Shiwana Millionaire

Latitude 53 Rooftop Patio

As one of the members of the Steering Committee of this year's Exposure Festival, I attended the Latitude 53 Rooftop Patio tonight to host this week's installment of this fun and successful Thursday after-work series of parties. Although the weather threatened to rain at any moment, I want to thank those of my friends who attended, helped support Exposure 2008, and take in the art, refreshments, and music.

I shot the event so that we could post these photos to the Exposure Festival blog, which I encourage you to check out.

Vue Magazine

One of my new friends, Ted Kerr, has written an article for Vue Magazine on Edmonton's Pride 2008 and the news editor, Scott Harris, has selected one of my photos from Pride 2007 to accompany the editorial. This marks the first time (officially, last year one of my photos ran in the Pride insert) that my work will appear in this local weekly.

Cleis Press Book Covers

Once again, I am very pleased that Cleis Press, out of San Francisco, has selected another three of my photos to be used as book covers for upcoming titles; Bears, Best Gay Bondage Erotica, and Leathermen.

The Workers' Art Show 2008

Here are the four pieces I exhibited at The Workers' Art Show at The Artery. The show was produced by the May Week Labour Arts Festival from April 27 until today. Special thanx to Thomas Gale, the curator, who included me in this year group show as there are a finite number of opportunities to exhibit my photography here in Edmonton.

Photo shoot with Stray

Expect more from this model ... this shoot left us both wanting to do more photos together in the future.

Service 69 ad

Here is one of the group photos I did in Mexico City for my friend Rodrigo's agency Service 69 which has been used in a magazine advertisement.

u4men.com

Here's the kind of email I love to receive:

Just wanted to let you know that I think your stuff is great! I would love for you to consider being featured in our magazine and magsite. We reach about 9800 guys a week and it's really growing. Take a look and let me know what you think.... If you have any project ideas, would love to hear them as well . Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Best to you Mate!

I checked out their site and it is intelligent, professional, well designed and a wonderful opportunity for gay artists to showcase their work. Of course, I responded that I'd love to work with them so I'll post any further news when I hear back. In the meantime, check out their website u4men.com for yourself.