The Crew of Shoot for the Sun™ Season 1 | Canada
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Martin Traz

Shoot for the Sun™ Founder / Director / Producer
With SFTS since: 2008


Martin Traz is the producer/director, and founded Shoot for the Sun™ in 2008 to create one of a kind quality controlled and legitimate opportunities for novice and independent models. Traz established Shoot for the Sun™ (SFTS) as the brand that will set a new standard where models feel safe and respected for their individual contributions for both their beauty as well as their intellectual capacity. Where the models can trust their image and likeness will be represented tastefully with class; and where each model has an opportunity to not only be represented on a global stage but have something personal to themselves to take away from the experience, whether it be an increase in self esteem or a discovery within themselves to strive for new ambitions.

Having attended many networking events in his lifetime and seen the exponential opportunities that are created out of building long lasting relationships with like minded people in a common industry; Traz emphasizes the importance of building an interpersonal, open, friendly family like environment on each and every SFTS production.  Traz uses this approach during the selection of every cast and crew member to gradually build an exclusive network/club/family around the world by the name of TRAZ Girls.

Traz has a strong passion for film production, and it was obvious to him that incorporating cinematography into Shoot for the Sun™ would not only be inevitable, but more importantly it would be one of the most important elements for SFTS and it’s models. The Shoot for the Sun™ episodes capture the character behind each model as well as the behind the scenes to each production. Each episode builds a story behind the product and exposes the brand to a much larger audience creating an awareness of the brand to a new male and female viewing demographic. 

Traz is committed to his passions, and is relentless for creating change and making a difference. Through Shoot for the Sun™ he hopes to bring opportunities to young models around the world who have never dreamed of having such an opportunity possible for themselves. He hopes that Shoot for the Sun™ will be a visionary leader in creating a trend of opportunities for undiscovered talent around the world.

"Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art. There is a masterpiece hidden within each and every ambitious woman and I hope to bring it to the surface for both her and the world to see" - Martin Traz

Read more about Martin Traz: Discover Martin Traz
Visit Martin Traz's official model agency website: TRAZ Girls
Visit Martin Traz's official production company website: TRAZ Productions, LLC
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Quang Luong

Shoot for the Sun™ Co-Producer & Lead Photographer
With SFTS since: 2008


Born in Vietnam and currently living in Canada, Quang Luong uses his passion for photography, web design and computers to create timeless artistic multimedia pieces. Quang’s approach to photography focuses on the elements of seduction and class to capture the perfect balance of each woman’s unique alluring and dominant character.  Specializing in sexy glamour shoots Quang’s work has been published in UMM Magazine, Oxygen, Womens Health, Playboy casting as well as launching model debuts for Playboy TV.

Quang was recruited by Martin Traz as his Shoot for the Sun™ co-producer and lead photographer for his keen eye for beauty, high quality photography skills, and a common ground for a strong reliable work ethic. Beyond his commitment as the SFTS lead photographer Quang sits on the SFTS casting panel, as well as assists with the creative brainstorming of the final product design and output. Thank to Quang’s personal invested approach to guide each model during her shoot with care and detail; he has created the environment in which makes SFTS one of the most desirable dream photo shoots for any model to aspire to be a part of.

“We don’t work with a lot of crew [on Shoot for the Sun™], but the quality beats the quantity. Every member on the crew multitasks several responsibilities at once and works very well with each other to make the production happen. Organizing anything can be daunting when you can’t predict how the weather patterns are going to effect your shoot, timing, and traffic for transportation by land, sea and air. Martin, Nathan and the team really deserve a big thank you for all their continues hard work to organize these [SFTS] shoots despite unforeseen obstacles. I look forward to seeing what the future brings to Shoot for the Sun™.” – Quang Luong

Visit Quang Loung's official photography website: Quang.ca Photography
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Elissa Love

Shoot for the Sun™ Production Coordinator & Model Mentor
With SFTS since: 2009


Hailing from Toronto in Canada, Elissa Love joined the Shoot for the Sun™ team originally as a model contestant during the 2009 pilot project. With her she brought a large knowledge base of the modeling world in pageant competitions as well as print and promotional modeling experience. Elissa’s ambitious, hard working interpersonal personality won over fans and media companies nation wide; as well as created a natural bond with the cast and crew she worked around.  She was asked to continue her modeling appearance within SFTS for Season 1 | Canada as well as was nominated to join the company on a production side as both a Production Coordinator as well as a mentor for the other models. Elissa accepted the new responsibilities in mid 2010 and came on board on both sides of the camera to help launch the first season of Shoot for the Sun™.

Elissa is a true ambitious business woman when it comes to developing her modeling career. She successfully markets herself to clients internationally and can be found jet setting across Canada’s and USA’s major cities to complete modeling assignments in the print and promotional industries. Whether it is posing for international calendar print publications or working a promotion on a yacht in South Beach, Elissa has proved to bring a significant amount of knowledge to the SFTS brand. She uses this experience to be on location for all of the SFTS model’s shoots as a mentor to them, and help guide them to showcase not only their beautiful image, but a winning attitude.

“I am very privileged and excited to be back this year to work with a new cast of exotic women and professional crew. I didn’t think anything was going to top last years helicopters over the Rocky Mountains to hidden shoot locations, however Shoot for the Sun™ continues to grow and amaze with their dream photo shoots. It was really nice to not just model this year, and to be a part of everything to help everyobody pull it together. To me it is a great opportunity to be able to help out the other models who may have never had a real shoot like this before and make them feel comfortable. A million thank you’s go out to Martin Traz the CEO and founder of Shoot for the Sun™ for continuing his relentless work to bring these opportunities for aspiring models to life with an amazing first season!” – Elissa Love

Visit Elissa Love's fan site: Elissa Love Fan Site
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Nathan Leslie

Shoot for the Sun™ Transportation & Security Manager
With SFTS since: 2009


Nathan Leslie originally came on board Shoot for the Sun™ during the pilot as an employee for one of the sponsoring companies. His commitment to first class professional limo driving made him the ideal candidate to transport and accompany the team of models to their shoot locations with courtesy, respect and red carpet service. Given Nathan’s previous background experience in security also meant that no matter if it was a SFTS pageant, production shoot or a promotional event for the brand, all of the well being and safety for each and every cast and crew member was always well taken care of.

Nathan took a vested interest in the SFTS brand when he expressed his desire to continue working with the brand’s development for its future seasons. He believes in creating life long memorable experiences and strong connections with the people he comes into contact with; and thus showing an appreciation for Shoot for the Sun™’s mission to do the same.  Since the pilot Nathan has come on board the brand as the Security Manager and Transportation Coordinator. He contributes his knowledge of first class transportation service and security detail for Shoot for the Sun™ to ensure each production arrives on time, in style, and finishes up without incidents.

“From a transportation standpoint I have had the experience to drive in some of the most amazing shoot locations. The models and the crew are always very friendly and very accommodating despite some of our timelines which sometimes would push every limit imaginable in terms of arriving on time for sunrises and getting up at ungodly hours to get the models ready and make it for an early morning sunrise.  One of the greatest rewards with working on Shoot for the Sun™ is being on a team that looks after its people, and watching the crew help the models produce either their first or their biggest photo shoots. When Martin Traz puts on a production, you can’t beat it. There was not a moment yet [on SFTS] that I would want to miss or change” – Nathan Leslie

Visit Nathan's official company website: Arrow Limousine & Sedan Service
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Nicole Zehr

Shoot for the Sun™ Make Up Artist & Hair Stylist
With SFTS since: 2010


Nicole Zehr graduated from Complections International Academy of Make Up Artistry in Toronto with specialized skills in hair and make up for: film & television, fashion, bridal, theatre and creature sfx. Her diverse skill set made her an ideal candidate for the position of Hair Styist and Make Up Artist for Shoot for the Sun™. At a small coffee shop in Vancouver’s west end Nicole met with Shoot for the Sun™ producer/director Martin Traz to showcase her album of work. While Traz flipped through her photos Nicole expressed her ambitious conviction to bring out a high class finish to the models while incorporating the natural surroundings of their shoot locations. Traz knew he had found the perfect person for the spot and Nicole joined the SFTS team in mid 2010 in time for Season 1 | Canada.

The combination of using top quality make up products and applicators, as well as a picky eye for perfection emits her talents in the final product. Nicole is always on location and on time during the shoots despite the weather conditions, time of day or lack of sleep to ensure that the models continue to look the same way they did through out their shoot as they did when they left her hair and make up chair. Nicole’s determination to always give 100% is relentless; and she receives the much deserved praise from each and every model that has a chance to be sculpted by her magic.

“The shoot ideas were great and the shoot locations were fantastic; which made it that much more exciting to be a part of this project [SFTS]. All of the models were shot right after their hair and make up was done which was ideal for me, because not much touch ups were needed when they were on location. If we keep on getting amazing models like we had this time than my job is super easy, and I look forward doing this again.” – Nicole Zehr

Visit Nicole Zehr's fan site: Nicole Zehr Makeup Artist and Hairstylist
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Patrick Caracas

Shoot for the Sun™ A Roll Cinematographer
With SFTS since: 2010


Patrick Caracas was born in Brazil and moved to Vancouver in Canada to pursue his passion within the film industry. When Patrick applied to be the cinematographer for Shoot for the Sun™ he found himself vying up for the position amongst a long list of applicants eager to work on a project where beautiful models and exotic shoot locations were on the agenda. However what made him stand out was his passion for travel as well as his kind, giving attitude. Previously Patrick had travelled East Asia for a year by motor bike while make a documentary style movie about East Asian culture. During his travels he welcomed the company of a little boy from Mongolia whom had never in his life left his little village; as he took him on his road trip to show him new parts of his own country he never had the chance to see. It was this unselfish, giving attitude that fit the SFTS culture.

Patrick has also had plenty of experience on all fronts of cinematography. He is experienced with conducting interviews, capturing unique shots with creative angles, as well as educated in post production of audio and video. Brining these assets together Patrick ensures that the final product of all the SFTS episodes has a quality, creatively fresh, and engaging product for the Shoot for the Sun™ viewing fan base.

“I was really excited to do this shoot because I knew there would be lots of cool angels we could explore and just have a lot of fun with it. It was really easy to work with the models, easier than I expected I actually; I mean they were all pretty to look at, so it wasn’t too hard to shoot them. But even during the cold environments they just shook it off and made every shot count, and look good” – Patrick Caracas  

Patrick's official demo reel site: Coming Soon
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________