We need a professional photographer and big, beautiful models

Because the wealth of talent in Toronto is beyond my imagining, and because those who read this blog seem extraordinarily well connected, I'm asking for your help with this really cool thing...

Jillian and I are writing Big Girl Knits 2, and this time, we're managing our own photoshoot. The shoot will be this October 2-4 in Toronto and will be on location all over the city, possibly with a little studio work as well.

BGK2 is to be published by the same publisher who did the first book, Potter Craft [a division of Random House]. We think it's cool that our pubisher is giving us this kind of creative control and we are now looking for partners to help us get the job done.

We need to find a great fashion photographer who knows how to make women of all sizes and shapes look gorgeous, is a good partner to work with and has a kickass portfolio [our publisher needs to see it to give their approval] and their own equipment. Print-quality digital is fine.

We're open to looking at 4th year students at Ryerson [or other great photo schools] or recent graduates. If you or someone you know has a really good portfolio and gets the Big Girl Knits message, we want to see your work.

The Big Girl Knits message is simply this: women of all sizes are beautiful. It's our goal to help them make the most of whatever they want to show off and minimize the rest.

We're also looking for photogenic, attractive women, size 18-20, for the same dates. Modelling experience is preferred, but if you're a natural beauty and have photos to show that you can do the job, please introduce yourself. We need at least two models of different body types.

Please pass this call for portfolios/headshots around to those you think might be interested and suitable for the assignment. Sample photos and/or URLs may be sent to us at:
The girls

The photographer and models will be paid for their work and fully credited in the book. Because of time constraints, we will acknowledge all e-mail, but will only contact those whose qualifications meet our specs for an interview.

Thank you all for your help! Spread the word!