Editorial Portrait - Vic Kusaka for Vancouver Foundation
Excited to have had the opportunity to work on this portrait with Vancouver Foundation and Alice Cho (Art Direction + Design) back in the summer.
Story
The commissioned portrait was of Vic Kusaka for an article in the Vancouver Foundation 2024 magazine. His late uncle, Dr Shuichi Kusaka, an accomplished physicist was the first Japanese Canadian to receive the Governor General's medal. Victor and his seven siblings started the Kusaka & Iwata Family Fund at Vancouver Foundation. The fund will support the library and annual science fair at Britannia Secondary School - Shuichi's alma mater.
Location
Given the history and where the funds were to go, I paid a visit to Brittania Secondary in Vancouver and had 2 locations in mind, the library and science lab. After a bit of planning with Alice, we decided on the library. It had large windows and beautiful light coming in. How fitting as well as Vic was a Principal for many years.
Being in the school brought back nostalgic vibes.
Props + Wardrobe
After being briefed a little on the history and story, we worked to figure out what props might elevate the portrait and take the story a bit further. I’d asked if Vic had any portraits of his uncle which might make a nice touch since we were going to be back at his Uncle’s school. We chose this one with his uncle in a white/cream suit. Vic brought a similar style and colour jacket.
Vic was such a champ through this session - it was one of the hottest weeks we had in Vancouver this summer and here he was in a suit.
Preserving a Brilliant Legacy by Peggy Lam, Vancouver Foundation.
Vic going down memory lane as we wrapped our shoot and were on our way out. He’s holding his uncle’s framed portrait.
Behind the Scenes
Our art director, Alice (pictured above), was great to work with to plan and come up with an image that best accompanied this article.
Thank you to my assistant Victoria for helping with all the little things that help ensure a smooth session and for helping capture behind the scenes photos.