KATIE TRAVERSO
I remember the first day I met Katie. Rico had hired Cory and I to shoot some content for his Calendar project. The shoot was being held in Hamilton at a waterfall. I had just picked up Rico and we headed down to Oakville to pickup Katie.
She had come out of the house running with her bag of outfits in hand. When she got in the car, her first words were “I’m soooo sorry! I tried to get ready as fast as I can”. There was so much sincerity in her voice and coupled with her amazing smile, the only logical response was “It’s ok. Don’t worry about it.”
We chatted along the way to the falls. Her personality was so pleasant and warm. The drive to the shoot location felt like only a few minutes. We had a lot of great laughs along the way.
As a model, I had a lot of respect for Katie. She wanted nothing more than to achieve the absolute best shot we could and would stop at nothing to get it. She had a certain drive that you see in the movers and shakers of this world. I knew she would become great at anything she put her mind to.
I also remember her reaction when we stopped at Five Guys Burgers on the way home from the shoot. She had never been there. She was like a kid at a candy store. Loved everything there and wanted to make this a regular location for eating out. While eating, we discussed many other photography opportunities.
We did keep in touch quite a bit after that shoot. A great friendship was in the works. I did contact her for a studio shoot some time later. Once again, her determination showed through as she struggled to make sure she was able to make it down for the shoot. Never once did she call to cancel. Orangeville to Mississauga is quite a trip without a car of your own to drive.
The images we created that night at the studio were among the best I had ever shot. She was just a fantastic model who could pose and show expressions perfectly.
In December, we went to Paul Buceta’s Pool Party in the Dominican. We partied, had amazing photo shoots and partied some more. Met a lot of new people while there as well. Some of whom we kept in contact even after the trip.
Here is a video from that trip along with a slideshow afterwards…
We were always in touch with each other via Facebook or Text Messaging. I was never one to talk for hours on a phone.
We were texting Sunday night February 05, 2012 until about 11:30pm. She had wanted to meet up and hang out as we hadn’t seen each other in some time. I was at a Super Bowl party and was not available to accomodate.
I found out Monday morning that she was involved in an accident in which she lost her life. I felt sick to my stomach. The news really hit me hard. She had become a very good friend to me by this time.
She was such an angelic person, always putting others first before her. Her beautiful sparkly eyes and that wonderful smile was enough to heal any situation. She had a lot going for her, her acting, her modeling etc. She has definitely touched my heart and I’m sure has touched many many more in her short life. She will be missed greatly. The world has lost another gem.
Rest In Peace Katie! You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Lovely memorial! I didn’t have the good fortune to have met her, but I really wish I had. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories.
It only seems like yesterday that you contacted us about being involved in our Toronto International Swimsuit Calendar 2013. I remember last September when we went to pick you up in Oakville. You really had a presence to you Katie.
I am thank-ful to have met such a wonderful soul like yours. Yanki and I will always remember shooting you in Hamilton and how well the shoot went. You was always full of life and had this amazing smile that would make your pictures stand out.
I know we will meet in the near future. I will never forget your warm loving smile and pressence. Katie, you contacted me last week about the pictures for the swimsuit calendar. I will pay tribute to you and will ask your family if they still want your wishes of you being in our calendar.
Thanks for all the love and joy you fullfilled in each and one of us. Im just so garetful that I met a soul like yours. You will truly be missed. Katie Traverso you are one of a kind.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RIP-Our-Beautiful-Angel-Katie-Traverso/378895222123866
memorial for Katie. RIP Angel <3
wow yanki…that was so touching. You guys created beautiful images together which is a reflection of your chemistry. Such a shame, and I’m so sorry you lost a friend and the world lost someone so special.
Reading that was so touching and very emotional…She was lucky to have a friend like you xoxo