Trina Koster

Trina combined her passion for photography and teaching to create the thriving creative space that is Trina Koster Photography Studio (est. 1995). She has studied with the likes of Mary Ellen Mark, Keith Carter, Mauro Fiorese, Andrea Modica, Will Crockett, Suzie Lake, Craig Stevens and Christopher James, holding the belief that the creative journey is ongoing for each of us. Her images seek to capture the fleeting moments when her subjects reveal the intriguing complexities, quirkiness and beauty of being human. Trina holds her Bachelor of Arts from University of Guelph, Ontario. She loves to share her passion for image making, and to introduce her students to new ways of seeing and understanding the world through photography. A deep believer in ongoing learning and growth, she regularly takes professional development workshops and travels every year to the Photo Expo Plus in Manhattan, one of the world’s largest photo festivals. In November 2008, Trina travelled with master stylists Derrick Rutherford and Julio Rodriguez to Cuba to collaborate on a body-painting project with surrealists Cuban painters. This was an unforgettable journey to continue Trina ongoing “Healing Flower Project”. From each of these adventures, Trina returns full of inspiration and eager to help others connect with creativity. For additional information and images check out these sites: trinakoster.com, tkhealingimages.com

Derrick Rutherford

Derrick is recognized as one of Canada’s leading stylists and is part of a new generation of hair designers responsible for shaping today’s hair industry. As part of the Matrix International Design Team, Derrick travels the globe sharing his creativity and precision cutting techniques with stylists eager to expand their knowledge and skill. Derrick’s talent coupled with his friendly personality and warm stage presence makes him a popular, sought-after instructior. Derrick has advanced his own career through active participation with the Matrix Education Team and has reached the highest level of achievement, serving now as a member of the distinguished Matrix International Design Team. Derrick puts his belief into action at his own salon where as Artistic Director, he nurtures and coaches his artistic team, helping them achieve the highest level of confidence within their own sense of creativity. Oprah Winfrey – Make Overs for “Locks of Love”, Sundance Film Festival – Premier Magazine and New York Fashion Week – In Style Magazine are a few of the examples of how Derrick is living proof that stylists have the ability and opportunity to take their talents beyond the salon and onto the international stage.

Julio Rodriguez

Julio started his career as a stylist back home in New Jersey. Our resident Jersey Boy took his love of color in Fine Arts, and used it to his advantage as a true hair artist. Julio’s career highlights include styling the hair of Hispanic megastars such as Michelle Rodriguez, Justina Machado, Pilar Montenegro, & Maria Conchita Alonzo. He has worked backstage for Imitation of Christ at New York City’s famed Fashion Week and Boston’s Disco Ball with Betsey Johnson. His educational work for Matrix as a Guest Artist has taken him to every major city across the whole United States and abroad to Europe. He has worked for Matrix in the Czech Republic, Hungary and most recently Italy. He continuously works on photo shoots, and has been published in Modern Salon as well as European magazines. Julio continues his drive for education with his work as a Guest Artist for Logics DNA. “I love the hairdressing industry because it allows me to create beauty on a different canvas daily, either working behind the scenes with models or with our wonderful clients in the salon!”