Members of the local fashion industry were full of praise for late photographer Calvin French, who passed away after a battle with cancer on Thursday evening.
Soca artistes, models, fashion designers and journalists paid tribute to the photographer on social media following his death.
Destra Garcia posted several photographs shot by French while also posting a picture alongside him.
She said on Instagram, “So long my friend, you have been an irreplaceable part of my journey.”
Others within the fashion industry remembered French’s drive to raise its standard.
“No shoot will be the same without Calvin. He was extraordinary, he was out of the box,” said model co-ordinator Nigel Celestine, who recalled several memories over a 24-year friendship with the late photographer during a phone interview with the T&T Guardian.
Saying French was was pivotal in the moulding his career, Celestine added, “It’s void, it’s just a matter, of his smile, his energy, his creative passion. His ability to bring out the best in me.
“We always had our creative differences but Calvin and I were always able to meet at a point at the end of the day, we would look at what we created and he would always appreciate my input and I would appreciate his. It was just a matter of creating magic with an extraordinary talent photographer and a dear friend.
“His ability to pull out the best in me, the best in the models, the best in any creative person involved, that’s how I will remember him.”
Celestine said he was grateful he had a chance to speak with the fashion photographer on Wednesday, one day before he passed. He said their last conversation once again proved to be one of encouragement.
Local fashion designer Peter Elias praised French’s commitment to the local fashion industry
“We lost a good guy. He was very generous, and he was very committed to raising the standards within the local fashion industry,” Elias said.
Former Miss T&T Universe Avionne Mark was one of several models who hailed French’s work over the years.
Mark said she lost a mentor and a friend, as French did many of her introductory shoots.
“He guided me in my career as a model and also pushed me in my journey to become Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago.
Overall, he inspired me to be more! His contribution to the fashion industry locally and internationally will always be remembered and appreciated. I will miss him dearly.”