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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Calendar Girls 2008 - Risque but no nudity!
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10/18/2007 08:34:44 PM · #1
A few months ago I did a DPC interview and I mentioned that I had a couple of major projects underway. Well now I can reveal one of them.

10 months ago I was approached by a group of women at the local Blue Care Home and Community Care. They wanted to raise funds, initially to replace their bus as whenever they rode on the bus in the rain, they had to hold umbrellas above their heads to stop the rain hitting them. Their idea was to do a Calendar Girls project. What is the big deal you ask? Well they ranged from 60 years to 92 years. YUP!! Half of these women used walking frames to get around. But they wanted to do it.

So we did.

Over the next 10 months we worked hard on the project with ideas, costumes brought in from USA and London, props being made, locations organised, the Mayor's appearance (he initially was willing to go nude until I said NO!), the Fireman (he is getting heaps now..lol!), assistants, portable studio setups, makeup artists and hairdressers and of course...the models. Even the animals in the shots.

Most of these types of calendars stick with sepia or black and white to keep in with the old peoples theme. They also tend to hang around old peoples daily activites...like housework, knitting etc. So we broke all the rules. We went with bright, over the top colour, with all fantasty themes. We showed life and fun.

Just before one of the models shoots, that particular model moved to another town (age does bring unpredicatability) so the centres bus driver stepped in. She is 34....which really pulled the age average down. But she was fantastic nonetheless.

The whole project was kept under wraps....until this week. It was launched on Wednesday. The ladies were fantastic and even though it was initially going to be much more revealing then what it is (we had to pull back because of the companies backing this project), the support from the town has been phenonemal. Even the Council gave them a grant for the project.

One lady has had both breasts removed from Cancer....and after whispering this fact to me before her shoot, she promptly dropped her top and asked 'can you please give me some breats on the computer'. For her alone....this calendar is worth it.

One of the ladies is 92 years of age and has 112 grandchildren. She is the playboy bunny!!!!

I am known to wear tattoos, that I change around as necessary. And over time the ladies started asking for me to give them tattoos too. So I did. They really opened up and had a ball with this shoot.

The paper got involved in the launch and ran with it, way more than we expected. One of the Radio Stations organised for the Co-Ordinator and myself to go into the Radio Studio and launch the Calendar on 'The Morning Show' on the morning of the launch. So we did.

In December we are going National with a spread in the 'Take 5' magazine. I have to do a Christmas shoot with one of the ladies and lots of tinsel for the story.

The Calendar is now being sold in about 40 different shops across the area. People of all ages and gender are going mad over this Calendar....they are having such a fantastic laugh with it. Businesses are displaying this calendar for all to see. There is nothing shamefull about it. These ladies are alive and happy.

One lady was recognised out of costume, in a shopping center within an hour of the launch. The Mayor is grinning like a Chesire Cat...he has even been approached for his autograph. The Fireman is copping heaps from his fellow firemen. And the shops are selling out.

So folks...have a good look...and be damn proud that these women are willing to show the world that they are still human and still have fun.

I have not put these images under nude as there is absolutely nothing showing. Just enjoy and laugh with them. They are!!

Here are the images I have uploaded for this story.


The Front Page


The Article


The first 8 pages of the calendar.


The last 8 pages of the calendar.


The Sponsors and about page.


10/18/2007 08:38:27 PM · #2
What a blast! Great pics Judi!
10/18/2007 08:42:13 PM · #3
Too cool Judi-boo.
10/18/2007 08:45:54 PM · #4
I am grinning from ear to ear with delight.
What a wonderful idea, effort and outcome! Well done!
10/18/2007 08:49:49 PM · #5
Congrats Judi, some nice shots their and looks like everyone is getting a kick out of it
10/18/2007 09:16:17 PM · #6
Bloody Fantastic!

WTG Judi and the models!
10/18/2007 09:20:52 PM · #7
Congratulations on a job well done.
10/18/2007 09:27:38 PM · #8
AWESOME Judi!!!!! Great Job!!!!
10/18/2007 09:37:58 PM · #9
I do not EVEN need to view those images to be proud & happy for you Judi... but I sure am going to enjoy it anyway! I just know that you were a major reason for their liveliness and enjoyment, and I too am grinning from ear to ear with joy.

Thank you, just for being 'you'!

ETA - Are these for sale on your website, or elsewhere? ;)

Message edited by author 2007-10-18 21:59:50.
10/18/2007 09:40:09 PM · #10
These are soooooo cute! I bet this was so much fun to do.
10/18/2007 10:32:37 PM · #11
What a wonderfully fun project, Judi - it turned out marvelously! Well done!
10/18/2007 11:31:06 PM · #12
OMG! That is awesome Judi!! WEll done and hats off to you and the models :D

-dave
10/18/2007 11:40:31 PM · #13
Fantastic project! Congrats to you and your lovely models!!!
10/18/2007 11:42:26 PM · #14
Congrats! What a great way to help them. :)
10/18/2007 11:52:59 PM · #15
That looks great Judi! What a fun project.
10/18/2007 11:59:31 PM · #16
Thankyou so much everyone. The project was heaps of fun. It is available online via the link below. I initially wanted it through Paypal...but because of their stupid Postage setup I couldn't arrange it so I could do different postages for quantities and locations, without a lot of hassle for the customer.

So I have just made it an email order after which you will receive the correct invoice total and the paypal address. You can also see larger versions of each page via the link.

So have fun.

Online Orders
10/19/2007 01:49:14 AM · #17
bump
10/19/2007 01:52:10 AM · #18
Read every word! Great story and wonderful work! I am glad everyone had a great time and what press coverage! :-D
10/19/2007 01:57:34 AM · #19
C O N G R A T U L A T I O S.....

WOW... WOW... WOW...way to go Judi, as this is absolutely FANTASTIC.

I am sure the town and it people will make a success of this wonderful fund raising evenadventure.
You ideas and photos are just BRILLIANT, and I am very proud of you.

Well done Aussie girl.....

Message edited by author 2007-10-19 01:59:52.
10/19/2007 02:43:45 AM · #20
Wonderful work Judi!
10/19/2007 03:16:19 AM · #21
What a delightful project! It looks as though all enjoyed it very much, too. Congrats to you, Judi!
10/19/2007 04:25:01 AM · #22
Great job, Judi.

If anyone hasn't seen it, I recommend the English film mentioned, Calendar Girls.

10/19/2007 04:32:45 AM · #23
Thanks everyone. I have just received word that two of the Babes were interviewed on the ABC radio this morning. The 'Take 5' magazine also interviewed one of the other Babes this afternoon. I will do my shoot for the magazine in the next couple of weeks.

The Calendar will be seen nationally in December.

The town is rocking over this....!
10/19/2007 05:02:43 AM · #24
Well done you creative woman! SO COOL!
10/19/2007 06:12:11 AM · #25
Congratulations Judi
A great project - and extremely well done. It is a credit to you. An unusual and inspiring job. Well done.
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