Themes Collection

Here is the first installment of the "Themes Collection" photo project.

More to come...

We breathe the same air and share the same sky

Firstly,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
my fellow blog readers, who have e-mailed me with their nice comments on my work.
P.S Its always a pleasure receiving your e-mails.
Again thanks!

About a month ago, i started a new photo project on
the lives of mentally challenged people.

I spent too many years putting aside this project,
Always too busy with life, with business and responsibilities.
I just simply never took the time…

So, with Determination, I set off.
I didn’t really know what to expect or what I was getting myself into.
I just knew that I finally needed to make this project happen.

What happened will forever change the way I look at people again.
This experience has touched me in ways that I never thought possible.
Or could ever truly express into words.
It has made me realize more than ever that.

"We breathe the same air and share the same sky."

About 2 weeks ago, i did a slide presentation of the first series of these images.
It was for the "Musical Line" event.
The response from the audience was outstanding.
It was a wonderful and memorable evening.

Some of you have asked me to post the slide presentation in my blog.
So for those of you interested in seeing the slide show,
Simply follow the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzK9wr6Zctc

Martin

Photoshoot with Manon

An afternoon with Alexa & Olivier

Gabrielle & Anabelle

Just getting back on top of things. Projects here, photo shoot there...lol
Keeping busy as a photographer is a "good" kind of busy!
It gets me going i can tell you that :)

Earlier this month, i shot some photos of Gabrielle & Anabelle.
It`s been almost a year since our last photo shoot.
Again they were terrific to work with, very cooperative and patient for young children.
It was a fun filled afternoon!
Looking forward in photographing them again very soon.
More to come...

The Faucet Project

In a playful mood...

Dax-Olivier is sooo into it when he plays, that he reminds me of myself when i was younger.
I really wanted to capture and convey the spirit of him playing.
Therefore i used minimal lighting to emphasize the mood and atmosphere.

This was an afternoon well spent!!

Is technology killing the basis of photography?

Is technology killing the basis of photography?

A few days ago, i was searching for an old image that i had taken a few years ago. Unable to locate the image through my many boxes of old transparency films. I knew it was hidden somewhere...so

where was it?

All along as i was looking for that slide, i came across so many of my favorite past images. I
spent the whole night browsing through hundreds and hundreds of slide films. The heat of the
light box, the tired eyes..even the smell of film brought a sense of nostalgia in me.

Then a thought occurred to me...
Is technology killing the basis of photography?

We can all agree that "film" has become a thing of the past.
We no longer use it.
Its no longer selling.
The majority of people nowadays are using digital cameras.

For us photographers, we now think in "pixels" and "resolution".
We use words such as "sensors" and "memory cards".

I`m pretty sure that some of you have already asked themselves the question
:"Where is my old film camera?:"

My question is...
:"When is the last time you`ve used a film camera?:"

Keep in mind that i`m not against digital photography.
I truly love this new technology and totally embrace it.


So coming back to my story of when i was looking at my old slides,
I really miss the aspect of film, the sense of not knowing how your pictures would come out. The grueling and impatient wait for the films to get back from the photo lab.
And when you finally got to see them for the first time, you were thrilled with excitement.
Thrilled with "ohhhh`s and ahhhh`s" and sometimes disappointed because some of them were either too blurry, dark or overexposed etc...


Then, we gathered all of the favorite ones and away they went in a portfolio or photo album.
Simple as that!
And then we were off to shot the next roll and so on...

We never trowed out the prints we did not want.
The "delete" button was not there yet.
We kept the prints or the slides we wanted, and stored the rest of them rejects
safely somewhere.
We kept them (just in case), and the more i think about it, we kept them
because of their meaning and importance.
Those rejected prints or slides were part of a series.
Therefore, they had value and were also treasured.
Whether your a professional photographer, an amateur, the average person, we can somewhat
all relate to this.


Pro digital equipment cost at least twice as much as film gear, and
the digital work flow is very time consuming.
On the other hand, its very convenient, fast and reliable.
The main advantage is the instant sharing of images made via internet, e-mail etc...
Its a great tool and we all love it.
Its instantaneous... click click Click...shoot shoot..upload
and Voila, the whole world gets to see them in a matter of seconds.

However, there is a few downfalls to all of this amazing technology.
Those downfalls are basically how we work and how we evaluate digital photography.
There is a few little things that we should all be aware off.
Like..well first of all, can you believe that those precious images are stored inside
a memory card?
Sounds a bit sci-fi doesn't it??
We are so used to it that we don`t even think about stuff like that anymore.
Maybe we should?

Digital makes us shot pictures like crazy (because we can).
Everybody can, we all do.
The simplicity of going click click click...whoooo hooo were on a roll!!

But wait...

You mentioned something about a downfall?
What could it be?

You guessed it!
Now let me introduced to you a very good friend
of mine going by the name of "Delete".
That`s right, his name is delete and he will guide you where you need to go :)

This is where we need to draw the line and step up.
I`m not saying that deleting your images are bad, but to the contrary.
It`s a matter of how and why to delete.
Deleting an image on the fly is easy. Let`s face it, We all do it, to the point where it becomes second nature.
We also do it for the simple fact that some elements in the photo did not work out.
But guess what? Maybe it did work out...

Then, once those images are uploaded to a pc, we have the task of sorting through all of those
hundred and hundreds of images. Afterward, we sort them out, delete the bads, keep the goods,
separating them in folders and so on.
Sounds like fun doesn't it?
But we all do it, right?

In addition we then format all of the memory cards and presto!
They are ready for more!

In the process of doing all of this work,
We become our own photo editors.
I noticed that people in general have become
more selective when it comes down to selecting their own photos.
Why?
Because there is so many to choose from.
The more storage on the card, the more pictures we take.
Image after images, all piled up.
From all sorts of angles, lighting or expression.
Were always on the look out for the "killer" shot.

My philosophy behind digital is that i treat it as
if it was film. I sometimes purposely shot only 36 images or so (just like film).
When you limit the amount of frames and set it to a reasonable minimum, you
are into what i call "film mode".
The minute you limit yourself to only a few shots,
that's when everything falls into place and you take control of your images.

The bottom line is do we really need 150 images of the same subject?
When we know were only going to choose maybe about 20 out of them?
And ending up with only 1 favorite...

Your approach changes as a result of not being able to "click click click" like crazy.
And the beauty of this is that we are actually beginning to see again.
Taking our time to craft a photo rather than shooting like crazy missing the perfect moment.
Again, by minimizing the numbers of images, we become meticulous, critical and attentive to our
surroundings when photographing.
It makes sense because we are restricting and forcing at the same time.

If we treat digital photography like it was film, then we are treating our eyes to what it used to
be.

By all means, this new technology of image making is fascinating.
Its ever growing and constantly evolving and i`m certainly taking advantage of it.

In retrospect, a photo today will still be a photo tomorrow.
But will the photos of tomorrow look like the photos from today?

Which leads me again to this question,
Is technology killing the basis of photography?

The beauty within...

Illumination

New year...new beginning

Its the end of another year...
Flew by like the rest of them :)

The new year is slowly approaching, walking in giant steps.
Its letting us know that it will bring along new adventures, a new life and plenty more
memorable moments.

Happy New Year to all!

Dax-Olivier @ 20 months

Here are some recent pics of Dax-Olivier @ 20 months

Maternity shoot

I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with this wonderful couple.

Maternity photo sessions is something that i enjoy doing.
The nature of a maternity session allows you to "take your time".
Simply because its a more "relaxed" kind of photo session. So you can really play around and experiment with the light a little bit more.
It also allows you to slow down and prepare each and every shot.

I`m already looking forward to my next maternity photo session!
They are so much fun to do!

Photo session with Denise Leblanc

Here is some pics of a photo shoot that i did last winter, with motivational speaker Denise Leblanc.
She has recently launched her website and is currently inviting people to attend her workshops.

Denise`s spirit and devotion is truly remarkable!
For those of you interested in a new perspective of life,
Please follow this link below:
http://www.ameya.ca/

First snow....

Wow :)
Its been ages since i last updated my blog!
Better get down to it :)

I have been working like crazy during the last few months ...nothing new right?
:)
I`m currently finishing up the weddings i shot this summer.
They all look fantastic! Can`t wait to post some of them!

Meanwhile...here is a shot from my office window...witnessing the very first snow of the year.

Where did the summer go....

Dax-Olivier (Recent Pics)

Dax-Olivier @13months!!!
:)

Moncton Mingus Band (Photo Session)

This photo shoot was extremely fun to do. I truly love doing band photos!
A lot of nice shots came out from this session.

Its not often that i get the chance to be entertained with music while i`m photographing :)
Thanks for the music guys! I really enjoyed seeing you guys play.

Looking forward to your next gig.

P.S For those of you who enjoys and appreciate jazz,
Its worth checking out these guys out:
http://www.myspace.com/monctonmingusband

An afternoon with Heidi & Mike and baby Marissa

Quality Of Light

There is a striking difference in the quality of light in both of these photographs.
It only took about 10 minutes for the clouds to clear and the sunset light to appear.

There is a major difference in the look and feel between both images.
The first one convey a feeling of sombre, dark and dreamy. While the other one conveys a feeling of liveliness, hope and warmth.

Its amazing how the quality of light can transform a rather dull scene to a splendid one.

Dax-Olivier @ 9 months & 2 weeks

Dax-Olivier @ 9 months & 2 weeks

An afternoon with Annabelle & Gabrielle

An afternoon with Annabelle & Gabrielle....

Winter Photography

Congratulations/Felicitation!!

Congratulations Mathieu & Chantal for the little miracle!
Felicitation Mathieu et Chantal pour le petit miracle!

The Memory Remains

Extra minutes...

Last August, i was asked to take some photographs of the Acadian Day festivities. I was very happy to attend the ceremony because i knew that there was going to be a lot of photo opportunities. When i got there, the festivities had already begun. So i quickly started to photograph, afraid to miss anything. Away i went....click click click....

Soon after i was taking photographs like crazy, i sat down to relax a bit.
My eyes were still browsing the scene, looking for shoots.
:"Should i leave now...i said:"
At that moment, i was about to leave, thinking that i had all the shoots covered. So i decided to stay because i knew in my mind that its impossible to have everything covered. Little did i know that the next few shoots were going to be the best ones.

Always keep in mind that happy accidents can occur while taking photographs. The lesson here is to never assume that you have enough pictures or have seen everything.
Take the few extra minutes to browse around and really feel the space. You will likely end up with images that you will keep and remember always.

Just like this photo.
:)

Dax-Olivier @ 6 Months

Newly added pictures

I hope everyone is doing great :)
I have been extremely busy with numerous photo sessions and will soon put new pictures to this blog. I would also like to mention that i added new pictures to my website as well.
To view click here:
http://www.martincormier.com/

Bye for now,
Martin

Dax-Olivier @ 4 months & 18 days

Dax-Olivier @ 4 months & 18 days

Passing Opportunities

Bonne Fete Des Acadiens/Happy Acadians Day

Bonne Fete Des Acadiens/Happy Acadians Day

Dax-Olivier at 3 months & 12 days

Collection of photos of Dax- Olivier @ 3 months & 12 days.

SUMMERTIME!!!!

SUMMERTIME!!!

Always look around your subject matter :)

Dax-Oliver at 10 weeks and 3 days

"Blue skies smiling at me"

Self-Assignment and thinking sideways

Giving yourself self-assignments can help you to improve and challenge your photo skills. I often give myself these photo assignments simply because it trains and improves my "eye". The idea behind this, is to visualize outside the box in order to come up with interesting photographs. Rather than trying to come up with "masterpieces". Throughout the years, I have learned a great deal about the concept of visual design, simply by observing the world around me.

When is the last time you went under your kitchen table? When is the last time you have really looked at a flower very closely? When is the last time you looked out from your window for more than 5 minutes? When is the last time you looked underneath your shoes?

Questions like these will definitely create a sense of curiosity in your photographs. Followed by a sense of openness and awareness from the world around you.

Think and visualize outside the box :)
A new world awaits you.

Natural Lighting

One of the main ingredient that goes into making great photographs is the use of natural light. Im very fortunate to have lots of windows in my kitchen. Simply because i use the windows as my main light source for my studio. At the right time of day (usually around 4pm), the light coming in from my windows lights up my kitchen very well. The beauty of natural lighting is really evident, especially when photographing people. Not only that its good for the skin tone, it also helps to maintain the highlighted color and tone. "Even light", thats how i call it :)

Breathtaking sunset (June 2th 2007)

The sunset sky last Saturday was AMAZING!!
Here are the results of a few images i made that night.

P.S These pictures haven`t been manipulated in any way shape or form. They haven`t been re-touched. These are all straight shoots.

Camera setting : ISO 100, F-stop 4.5
Exposure time : 1/125

Touch Of Spring

Dax-Oliver @ 5 weeks

My new photography book

I`m pleased to announce that my first photography book has been published :)
And it is currently on sale online at this link:
click or copy this link below:
http://www.lulu.com/content/837966/

Music & Photography

"My 2 favorite things in life.
Music & Photography".

Here is a band photo session that i have done this past winter with " Les Fous Tziganes".
It is always a pleasure for me to do a band photo session. For the simple fact that musicians are open minded individuals and they are not afraid to be themselves in front of the camera.

:)

For those who enjoy gypsy and world music,
click on this link:

www.myspace.com/foustziganes

Subject with Visual Design

I really like the idea and the complexity of these pictures. The 2 last shots could easily have been done without a person in it. However, with the addition of a person as a subject, it adds a focal point to the image. Thus making the image a little bit more captivating.

Playing with visual design is always fun. Especially when you can tell your subject (person) to move in a certain spot :)

** Photos taken in Havelock N.B
On the "Havelock Bridge" **

Dax-Olivier at 3 weeks

Dax-Olivier (at 3 weeks)
:)

Fun at the playground with "visual designs"!!

Today, i felt like i was kid again!

On my way home from a meeting today, i drove by this playground at a local school. Luckily, i had my camera with me. The vivid colors of the bars and the swings really strucked my eye. So i had to stop to take a few shots. As soon as i walked in the "sand-filled" playground, i suddenly felt like i was a kid again! Looking upwards at the sky, daydreaming with the clouds. Taking the time to enjoy the beautiful visual display that the playground provided me with.

The picture possibilities was endless. The different types of shadows on the sand formed by the monkey bars was visually interesting (i could have stayed there for hours). I deliberately underexposed my shots to maintain the black tone of the falling shadows.

All in all today i had loads of fun taking pictures :)
After all, i was in a playground right :)

Night Photography (Series)

F/5.6
Exposure time : 0.8 seconds
ISO : 100

Long exposure (Series 2)

*Warning*
If you ever attempt this kind of shot, remember to keep one eye at the wheel :)

Camera settings :
F-4.5
Exposure time - 2 sec
ISO - 100

Everyday objects...

Everyday objects can be turned into interesting photographs. Its a matter of taking the time to "actually" look at our surrounding.

Long Exposure (Series)

This is one of the many long exposure (night photography) images in my collection. It`s also one of my favorite, mainly because of the blue-ish cast and the strong contrast lighting (created by the street lights). This image was shot at 1/30th of a second at night.

2 Months ago, I went out for a drive to take some pictures of the snowy-foggy-day. Lighting wise, (it wasn`t very good). It was cloudy and the sky was too grey. Already satisfied with the shoots I had taken earlier in the day, I called it the day and decided to head home. As I reached down to grab my tripod ready to leave, I stood up besides my car and this is what I saw. The antenna and the exterior lines of my car, plus the background of the fences made it visually interesting. So I grab my tripod, made this shoot, and away I went. Soon after I got home, I reviewed this shoot up close on my computer and thought it was a nicely well composed photo but I really didn`t paid any attention to it. A few weeks later, while sorting and editing my pictures, I came across this shoot again. It made me realized what had attracted me to this shoot in the first place. Was it the scene, the mood or the soft light? Why do I like this picture? Why does it stand out? Does it need an explanation?

Conclusion:

“Pictures don`t always need to be masterpieces”.

Digital-Photo-Art

Over the past few years , i`ve been experimenting a lot with photo-manipulation (a different approach to my regular photography). It`s amusing to take an ordinary shoot and to alter the picture into something else. It`s sort of like "painting on a photograph". I also refer to them as "digital-photo-art", which makes senses because they are in fact "digital art"
:)

I will post some of them as i go...
Here are a few that i`ve done lately....

A la prochaine,
Martin

Dax-Olivier

More pictures of Dax :)
And many more to come :)

First photos of Dax-Olivier Pellerin Cormier