Brian Tremblay Photography's Blog

An Important Factor When Choosing Your Photographer

2012-01-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

Whether it's a family portrait, wedding or commercial photography for your business you should always interview your photographer candidates that you are interested in doing the work you want commissioned. It's hoped that your deciding factor will be the quality of the work, how they present the finished images to you and that you really like the personality of the photographer you've chosen. But, there's one more factor that should be very important when choosing a photographer, no matter for what event or instance you want photographed and that's liability insurance.

Photographer's employ a variety of pieces of equipment that, if knocked over, can be very dangerous. If that equipment injures someone or damages property, the client will have no protection from the results of that damage. Photographers are often notorious in their photo sessions for having many cords lying about - either in the studio or on location. It would take much for someone to become entangled and trip on them.

In the commercial photography business, a photographer may not even be allowed to come onto the location of a business or industrial site without a liability certificate from their insurance company. An example from my own experience was when I wanted to take pictures on the stairs of a public building. They granted my request, but I had to show I had a liability certificate and I was covered if myself or one of my models became injured while on their property.

Although much of this is a case of few and far between, it isn't entirely impossible. But, it's something you should ask about in order to have complete and utter piece of mind. And, in my opinion, if the work is professional, the presentation is professional then the final mark confirming the individual is a professional is that they have thought about this last detail and taken care of that also.

A Few From Christmas Cheer

2011-12-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

Here are few images from the Christmas Cheer portraits I did again this year. The families who had their portrait done also brought a toy (or toys) that I brought down to the Christmas Cheer depot here in Sault Ste Marie.

Renée & Norm's Wedding

2011-11-28T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a peak from the last wedding of my season.

A great couple and I had lots of fun. Hope to get more like these folks in the coming season.

Enjoy!

A Unique Family Portrait

2011-10-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

Many people always say they want something different when it comes to a family portrait, but when you give them that, they realize it's not really what they wanted after all. They wanted traditional. They want to be all toothy smiles in every photo. None of them really want to create an artistic, moody image that will hang forever on their walls. Well, that was true until I ran into this very cool family.

The mom came to me with some ideas and samples of some photographers work that I admire. They were the guys that influenced me! I knew right then and there we were going to make some incredible art together. The best part was when she told me she trusted me and I could do what ever I wanted! Now that's a great client.

I'd like to share some of these images with you.

Celia & Paul's Engagment Portraits

2011-10-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here are a few from a recent engagement portrait session. Enjoy!

A Girl and Her Horse

2011-09-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

Once again this year I was asked to create a portrait that involved a horse. This young lady had a beautiful animal and she wanted to commemorate her time with him. I was fortunate that the client chose me to do that.

These were done at the stables where the horse was housed in a little area that was very idyllic with wonderful and a large pond.

Interestingly enough horse are very similar to photographing children. They'll let you take your photo, but you have to take it their way! With a lot of coaxing and treats we got the horse to do almost what was looking for. Sometimes on the fly, I got what I want.

Enjoy!

Danny & Lisa's Engagement Portraits

2011-09-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

Danny and Lisa are good friends of ours. I've known Danny for a long time. He's a great guy, great mechanic and the drummer for our band. Lisa, I hope to get to know more as these two grow old together. They are a great couple and provide loads of laughs. I hope my wife and I can hang out with them more in the future.

They honoured me by hiring me to photograph their wedding. It was one of the most fun weddings I've photographed in a long time. It was even more fun when Danny wanted to incorporate his FLH Harley Davidson motor bike into the engagement photos (we did for the wedding photos too!).

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I did taking them.

Much love and respect to wonderful couple.

World Wide Photo Walk Coming To Sault Ste Marie

2011-08-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty excited to announce this, but I will be leading the World Wide Photo Walk here in Sault Ste Marie on October 2, 2011. I've read about this online before and wanted to participate, but it didn't fit in to my schedule. This year it does and I jumped on submitting my application right away!

You can read more about the Photo Walk taking place locally here: http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/sault-ste-marie-on-canada-city-hall-to-old-stone-house-back/
You can sign up there too!

I chose a route that will keep it to about two hours. We'll hopefully see a little fall colours, great scenes, history, architecture, textures, patterns and all the general fun stuff that makes a great photograph. Then we'll meet back at Docks around lunch time where we can have a bite to eat and share our photographs. There will also be a Flickr group where you can upload your favourite images from the walk and, as part of the leader's responsibilities, I will choose a favourite from the walk. That person will win a copy of Scott Kelby's book Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It and they'll also be entered to win the big grand prize stuff!!

Don't forget - this is for any and all skill levels! And for any all camera types. You can bring your DSLR, point-and-shoot, or even your phone - what ever you use is up to you! The point is to get together, shoot, have fun, get some exercise and talk about photography. I know on my walk abouts around town, my favourite camera to shoot with has been my iPhone. It's my go to camera when I need to do a snap shot. Considering the apps that are available it has become very versatile.

If you've been a reader of my blogs (I hope you have!) you'll know I'm not about the gear. As I said before too many would be photographers are too interested in the gear. It's always the first question they ask: what kind of camera do you use? My answer is always: does it matter? You wouldn't ask Jackson Pollock: why kind of brush or what brand of paint do you use? It doesn't matter!

So forget about all that stuff and just come out have fun! I look forward to seeing you on Oct 2 and if you have any questions about the walk you can contact me through the sign up page.

The Work of "Tribute"

2011-08-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I talked about an exhibit I was working on that would profile people in or from Sault Ste Marie that I admired greatly. The goal was to use the exhibit of photographs as a fund raiser for the new hospital. In that posting I didn't reveal any of the images because I wanted it all to be fresh and new when they were shown to the public for the first time.

Unfortunately, the exhibit didn't go as planned at all. Here's briefly what happened.

I approached the Art Gallery of Algoma with a proposal to present a series of about forty portraits of people in and from our city. Each would be accompanied with a "bio plaque" that would tell about the person and why I chose to photograph them. My plan was to sell sponsorship for each photograph and the net proceeds from that would go to the hospital foundation to help with the new hospital. Along the way to completing the project the art gallery's director retired. An interim one was appointed. They also got a new curator. Then a new director came along and when I checked in with the new director regarding the Tribute show they had no record of it. After much wrangling I was given a date for the show, but in the meantime the art gallery was renovated. The gallery where Tribute was to hang was split into two galleries and the room they wanted to put the photos in would only allow me to hang about ten of them. That would greatly reduce the revenue I was planning on trying to raise.

After approaching local companies for sponsorship, I received no support for the exhibit. Sure, I still could have hung the images, but it was about raising funds for the hospital. The show was canceled.

So, I'd like to present some of those images from the Tribute exhibit here to you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did creating them.

Some of My Personal Work

2011-08-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

I've said this before and I'll say it again: I don't know why anyone would hire a photographer who does not create photography that isn't for clients and is just for themselves. Most importantly, are they putting that art work out there in galleries for the public to see? I think that's important for any photographer that they create their own work and show it. I think it's important for the client to hire a photographer who does that because then they are getting someone who will set themselves apart from the crowd giving them great photography.

With that said, here are a few of my images that I've recently done. Hopefully coming to a gallery near you :)

Lauren & Robert's Engagement Session On The Beach

2011-07-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

I love shooting engagement portraits on the beach and I love shooting them even more when I have a couple that is so enthusiastic about it too. As you can tell, this is one couple in love. Enjoy!

New Portraits

2011-07-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

My passion has always been, but is growing large for the in studio black and white portrait. I know I've gone on and on about this, but there is just something about a studio portrait that gets me. Here are some I've created recently. I hope you enjoy them too. And if you'd like to find out how I can create one of these for you, please, give me a call.

Oh, and one outdoor portrait that I like too!

Commercial Business Portraits

2011-06-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy creating corporate images for promotion and advertising. I enjoy it even more when I work with a great art director who has laid out a brand standard that allows me to create the perfect image for the company. I love it when a company realizes the importance of investing in quality images for their advertising and promotional purposes.

Here are a few shots from a recent session I did for a local company.

Musician Promotional Photos

2011-06-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Every once and a while a local musician will recognize the value of hiring a fellow professional to produce quality images of them for their promotional purposes. Recently I had the pleasure of creating some images for Catherine Taddo a local artist who's working on a new CD.

After some planning we came up with this concept and I think it's going to work out great for her CD.

I wish her all the best with her music!

Display Panels

2011-05-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know how "new" these are, but they really have caught on in popularity.

These panels come in 20" and 30" lengths and area great way to display a series of images that can be collaged together to tell a story. This method is most popular with my Watch Me Grow Baby Portrait program, but has caught on with maternity portraits as well as others.

You can display the 30" model in horizontal or vertical and can fit in any decor! They are also super affordable and an inexpensive alternative to traditional framing.

Found A New Camera

2011-05-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

I never thought it would come to this, but I have finally made the move to an iPhone. In a effort to try out some new social networking apps and to keep connected with family who also have iPhones I caved in and got one. Bell Mobility came through and did make the up grade easier. Never thought I'd say that either.

But the most fun I've been having is with the camera that is built into the camera. With the help of some apps (applications for you folks new to this) I can take a reasonably good resolution photograph and create a very good quality print. I was amazed when I saw the first print come off my printer! Since then it's been my "go to" camera for just walking around and looking for fun things to photograph. I've even been so bold as to create some portraits with the iPhone.

Just a note: I did not edit these images in my computer with Photoshop at all. All the editing was done in camera!

I thought I'd share a few images with you here. Enjoy!

Some New Portraits

2011-04-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

As you know I'm always trying new things when it comes to my portraiture and continuing to strive to create a portrait that could not only hang in your home, but would just as comfortable in a gallery.
Recently I had the pleasure of creating some portraits that I hope fulfill that.

I like employ extreme areas of dark and light in my portraits. I was told by a friend that it's something called "chiaroscuro". The New Oxford Americian dictionary defines it as such:
the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting.
• an effect of contrasted light and shadow created by light falling unevenly or from a particular direction on something

I had no idea I was using that technique until someone told me! I just knew I like the look of it.

Here are few shots from those sessions. I hope you like them.

Photographic Happenings At The Studio

2011-04-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hello folks!

It's been fun here with all the cool pet photos I've done. As I mentioned before, I don't have a dog, so I get to live vicariously through my clients pets.

This last batch of pet portraits we did resulted in cat food and cat litter donations for The Animal Assistance Group As you can see we had some really cool subjects to photograph.

If you're interested in having your pet photographed by me, I'll be doing it again in October. So sign up for my email list to be the first to find out when it will happen!

And thrown into the mix was a very beautiful expectant mother portrait session. I just love creating these portraits because it allows me to create with great freedom and in a style I really enjoy. I hope you enjoy them too!

The great part is that I end up photographing the children also all the way through their first year. When you look back on the maternity portraits it makes me smile.

Little Ones!

2011-03-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

I love it when clients keep bringing me their children over and over again to be photographed! Sometimes it's the same child, siblings or all together. Either way, it's lots of fun!

These are the children of some long time clients. Some of these kids I've photographed in maternity portraits and now they're toddlers! Where does the time go?

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did photographing them!

Asylum Country

2011-03-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

Here are three aspiring musicians who hope to make it in the country music business. Their band goes by the name of Asylum Country. These gentleman needed a quick promo shot in preparation for hitting the road. Even though it was a quick little session - an hour of which was taken up waiting for a sleepy drummer to arrive - but I think I captured them. Enjoy!

New Additions to the Tatau Series

2011-03-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you a few more shots that I will be including in the Tatau series of images. Enjoy!

Pet Portraits Are Back

2011-03-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

The special is called Pets Are People Too and I'm sure that's the way we all feel about the furry friends we have in our family!

On March 25 & 26 I have my pet portrait special running again and this time it will benefit The Animal Assistance Group. For $25 and a donation of cat food and cat litter you will receive a fifteen minute session with your pet (and any one you want to put in with the pet) and a 5x7 print. The sessions are paid for in advance to confirm the booking.

I want to tell you the story of the power of a portrait - even if it is of just a pet.

I had a client bring in their dog to be photographed. He was an amazing animal and I had fun playing with him (I live vicariously through my clients dogs since I don't have one). He did really well during his session. The client came back to view and order the images and by the time she came back to pick up her prints, I was informed that the dog had passed away. The client was so glad she had the portrait done because un beknownst to me, the dog wasn't doing well.

I've experienced that with portrait clients also. So, think about how much you'll treasure you pets portrait for years to come!

Another Tattoo To Share

2011-02-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

Just a quick little posting showing you a favourite tattoo. I just love the work and detail in this piece! My friend was kind enough to pose for me. I hope you enjoy it too.

New Tattoo Images

2011-02-09T11:55:00.000-08:00

I'm still working on my series of tattoo images. The series is called Tatau - the Samoan word from which it is believed the word tattoo derived. Here area few more from a recent session. If you, or someone you know, has large tattoos I would be interested in adding them to the collection. Enjoy!

Wedding Happenings

2011-02-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

With the wedding season approaching and the phone starting to ring with all the couples planning weddings - and me in the process of getting images ready to be bound into albums, I thought I'd share a few from a wedding that happened last year.

Enjoy!

A Favourite Portrait Subject

2011-02-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

Ted has come to me before for a portrait. It's been some time since his last session. This time he had a specific idea in mind. He wanted to be photographed in silhouette. I've done these before, but it's been a long time.

This one was executed simply by putting my huge softbox behind him and flashing it into the camera. To make the subject even darker I just stopped it down further. The results are interesting.

I wanted to share this portrait with you. I love shooting this way. That is, not being afraid of the shadow and letting those lines of experience really bring out the character of the subject. Enjoy!

Experimenting With Some Portraits

2011-01-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy just shooting stuff for myself. I find inspiration all over the place and I'm fortunate to have folks who also enjoy posing.

These shots are from two sessions. One is a burlesque performer who was looking for some promotional shots. I got inspired by her costumes and make up and it went beyond what I originally planned! The other is me taking a photograph of the subject reflected in the viewfinder of an old (VERY old) camera. Then we did a couple of fun portraits using some lighting I don't get to try too often.

I hope you enjoy them!

Photography Advice and Portfolio Reviews

2011-01-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

I get many emails and phone calls asking for photographic advice, portfolio reviews or to participate in various projects. I want to help, but when you're in business sometimes it just isn't practical. I would be spending valuable time giving my time for free when I could be spending it working for my paying clients. So, since I've reached that point in my career, I've decided that I will offer portfolio review and photography advice. Rates start at $120 per hour. You can contact me at my website http://www.tremblayphoto.com or http://www.tremblayfinephotography.com to schedule something. I am available on Skype or telephone.

I look forward to helping you with your career and photography!

My New Book

2011-01-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

Photographic book publishing through a traditional publisher can be a daunting, if not entirely impossible task, considering today's climate. But, there are many ways around it especially when you are showing a very narrow niche subject matter.

This book called Sault Sainte Marie - An Artist's View Of His Home. This book shows a selection of images I have created of the city. These are not travelogue type photos. In some cases they are artistic interpretations of the architecture and landscape. It is available for purchase online here http://www.blurb.com/books/1898106

Here is also a preview of the book.

Sault Sainte Marie by Brian Tremblay | Make Your Own Book

I hope you enjoy the images and you'll purchase a copy of the book to support the project. They make a great gift for visiting friends and for those that have moved away.

More Christmas Portrait Happenings

2010-12-28T10:38:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who made this a better than average Christmas here at the studio. It was nice to see people who realized that we have weathered the supposed storm better than anyone else. Your patronage has helped me want to continue my life's vocation.

Here are some photos that folks had created for Christmas. Enjoy!

Christmas Portrait Happenings

2010-12-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

In November I did a portrait promotion to get some toy donations for our Christmas Cheer Depot. It went pretty good and I hope what was brought in made some kids Christmas a little better than it might have been.

I want to share a few photos that some folks have created for Christmas this year. There's a lot of love in these photos. I hope you enjoy them and they warm the cockles (what is a cockle anyway?) of your heart!

Help Portrait At The Sault Ste Marie Soup Kitchen

2010-12-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Help Portrait was started by photographer Jeremy Cowart . Photographers from all over the world get together to find people in their community who are in need, take their portrait and give it to them for free.

Here's a video that helps explain it quit nicely:

This year I decided to get involved, so I approached the Sault Ste Marie Soup Kitchen Community Centre and they were thrilled to participate.

We didn't have a lot of families show up for portraits, but those that did were thrilled to have their portrait done. As is mentioned on the Help Portrait site it's not about the photographs I created, so I'm not going to show them here.

I have never spent a lot of time in places that provide help to those who are in need. Without knowing it I was probably sheltering myself from these places. Kind of an "out of site, out of mind" thing. After spending a few hours there it has certainly been an eye opener for me.

I saw the working poor.

I saw children who appeared to be able to take care of themselves far too well at such a young age.

I saw a staff who is committed to trying to make a difference in these people's lives.

I know I won't be too quick to complain about my lot in life. When you think it's bad, it isn't. When you think it can't get worse, it can get still get a whole lot worse.

I don't know if my photographs of these people are going to make a whole lot of difference, but I hope they do. Next time you see the Soup Kitchen asking for donations, help them out.

"The Times They Are A Changing..."

2010-11-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

*I'm not sure what Mr. Zimmerman meant when he wrote that song so many decades ago. I do know that this world has change significantly. Information is shared with the speed of light. Celebrities are made of the most ordinary people who do absolutely nothing extraordinary. In some extreme cases mediocrity is rewarded and sometimes it's even praised. People are made famous, or infamous, for mystifying and unknown reasons. In her song, Steve McQueen, Cheryl Crow put it quite succinctly:

We got rockstars in the Whitehouse
All our popstars look like porn
All my heroes hit the highway
They don't hang out here no more

It has seriously become more about marketing, networking and hype than it has about real talent, skill and determination. I face the same thing in my own business.

Even photography has it's "rock stars". I don't like the term. Mostly because most rock stars carry some real talent. Many in the photography industry have become one because of many other factors other than that. The bottom line is that it's changed our industry completely. It has empowered so many to try and make the move in becoming a photographer. To some this has hurt the industry. It kind of watered it down and turned photography into a commodity. To others they say it's a wonderful time to be a photographer. In my opinion, it does not preclude someone from becoming really good at what they do.

If you're one of those people who have looked at photographer working and said, "That's a good job!" Then I have few words of advice.

1) If you're starting out, or fresh out of photography college, don't be in too much of a rush to get out there and hang up your shingle and start looking for work. Take a long look at yourself. You should be real comfortable as to who you are, where you're going, what you hope to achieve and most importantly: what you will and won't do. Don't take on any job just because it's a job. Have a long look at your work and hold it up to photographers you admire. Does it look like theirs? Does it have a unique style? Are there areas you can improve upon to bring it up to snuff as they say? Be hard on yourself!

2) I'm sure you've all heard that in order to become really good at something you have to put 10,000 hours into it. I don't know if it's true, but it's a good yard stick to use. Like the old joke goes: how do you get to Carnagie Hall? Practice! Practice! Practice! If you're not shooting every day, if you're not trying new techniques daily, if you're trying to get by on minimal equipment but trying to produce work that requires more than what you have, then you're selling yourself short!

3) Shoot for yourself. It's great to have clients, but if you're not out creating just for you then you are truly not a professional who is trying to be the best they can be for their clients.

4) This is tied into #3 - discover what subject truly, truly, truly gets you excited. It should almost be like falling in love or lusting after something you just have to have. You are incessant about the subject matter. You seek it out, you covet it and you want to photograph it. And most of all, you want to show those images - and not just on the Internet. Find that passionate subject matter and you will have found your soul.

5) If you're going to start charging money for your work - be it assignment, fine art, prints, etc. - then it's now become a business. And if that's the case then treat it like a business! Learn how to run a business. Learn how to charge fees like a business. I don't know where this quote came from (if someone could tell me it would be great), but I think it is very appropriate: Treat it like a hobby and it will pay you like a hobby; treat it like business and it will pay you like a business. You better be able to switch hats from business person to artist and be able to go back and forth. If not you will perish and be run over by real businesses.

6) Stop shooting for free! Sure, we've all done it. I do it for charity. But if someone asks you to come and photograph their kids birthday party (I don't care if they are a friend!) then you need to charge for that! I'll say it again: you need to charge anyone who wants to engage your services! Just because they are friends or family doesn't mean they get a free ride. It cheapens what you do and cheapens the entire industry.

7) Be able to walk away from the deal. If you are asked to quote on a job and the client comes back and says that it's too expensive or they can't pay that, then you should hear what they do want to pay and decide if it's up to your standards and if not - walk away. The client will use all kinds of excuses and insults like: we never paid that much before, we only pay this much for the work, the other photographer was so much cheaper than you. Don't let your ego get bruised, preserve your business dignity and walk away.

There you have it. That's my take on the state of the business and some of the things you'll need to consider if you plan on making it in this business. And as the great comedian, Bob Zany, says: if I've offended anyone here today - how about that!

Chamber Award Video

2010-11-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

This is the video clip that they played at the Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce awards dinner.

I was pretty excited and humble to receive this award. Thanks to all my great customers!

A Creative with Toni

2010-11-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

Here is another great young lady in front of the camera that has also let me indulge my ideas with her as subject. Toni is new to modeling, but I think she'll be back. She's very comfortable in front of the camera. Initially I started out trying a new strip light that they got in at the camera store next door and it then lead to a few outfit changes and some fun.

I hope you enjoy the images!

Jessica

2010-11-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

This young lady has modeled for me off and on for a year or so. She indulges my creativity and together we've made some great images. She has gone off to the big city and has started to work in the movie and entertainment business. I think you'll agree when I say that we'll be seeing more of her in the business soon!

Daisy & Buddy

2010-11-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of the funniest dogs you'll ever meet! Daisy and Buddy came out to my Pets Are People Too pet portrait promotion. I had so much fun and laughed a lot when I saw the images I had to share them. I hope you enjoy them as much as I, and their owner, did!

Krista & Joe

2010-11-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

As I get caught up with incoming orders from weddings, I get to remember some great weddings I did. Here's a few from Krista & Joe's wedding. Another great couple I enjoyed so much and I hope you do too!

Pets Are People Too - Part II

2010-10-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just this month I had another pet portrait promotion to raise some canned food donations for the humane society. Once again we had a great array of dogs for me to photography and play with! Here's a sneak peak of a few othem. More to come later!

Renee and Norm's Engagement Session

2010-10-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a few from another one of my great couples that I get to photograph their wedding next year!

Renee and Norm have these wonderful dogs (big sucky babies!) and we just had to include them.

Enjoy!

In The Clock Tower

2010-10-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

Besides creating work for clients I like to shoot stuff just for me.

I'm always on the look out for cool locations to shoot in and one of those cool places I've always wanted to shoot in was the clock tower of the Sault Ste Marie Museum. The curator there was gracious enough to allow me a bit of time up there to create these shots.

My model was a young lady named Jennifer who, believe it or not, is not a professional model, but just an enthusiast who likes to have fun and create some cool images. The make up artist on this shoot was Francesca who did a wonderful job! And the crew would not be complete without a great assistant and that was Kaitlyn.

After makeup at my studio, we trekked across the street to the museum and we're shown to the roof. It was quite the challenge negotiating the narrow (VERY narrow) steel staircase that took us to the roof. Then we followed the path to the clock tower itself. After climbing a small wooden staircase we were inside!

The clock is very impressive with it's ancient workings. We all had to be very conscious when we walked about so we didn't bump our heads on the mechanism or other obstacles. I'll give our model big kudos for negotiating the wooden stairway in heels!

Besides taking a few shots with the available light I brought along my Travelite 750 studio flash unit and to power that my Vagabond II battery pack. The flash was shot into a 60" umbrella. I'm a huge fan of shooting with one light. I'm not afraid of shadows and love to incorporate them in all my shots. The classical painters only had one light source that usually came from a window and I think that one light gives it that same painterly quality to images.

Inspiration for these images came from the many photographers who created the Guess jeans ads.

I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed creating them. Leave a comment and connect on your thoughts!

Some Great Thoughts On Becoming A Photographer

2010-10-04T08:56:00.001-07:00

This is going to be a real short post.

It's starting to be a recurring theme in my posts and in other photographer's blog posts. The other photographers have said it so much better than I have.

If you are really serious about photography and want to start creating a photography business, then I suggest you read the following two blog posts.

Read this one first:
http://www.zarias.com/over-saturated-market-you-say-you-can-blame-me/#comments

Then read this one:
http://www.zarias.com/cheap-photographers-only-kill-themselves-not-the-industry/#comments

If you want to discuss this kind of stuff about your photography I'd love to connect with me. Give me a call.

Rock Band Portraits - A Session with Turner UP!

2010-09-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

These guys are a local party band called Turner UP! and play the bars around town, but they are now turning their talents to doing some recording. I'm always looking for new challenges in lighting and since I've acquired a Vagabond II battery pack it's given me the freedom to bring my studio flashes outdoors in locations with absolutely no electrical power.

The shoot was planned for about 7:30pm and as the sun went down we were left with a very dark cloudy sky. Which is what we were looking for exactly! We felt it set the mood wonderfully for these guys.

The shots were taken at downtown park along our beautiful waterfront.

An industrial sculpture served as a backdrop from some of the shots. I used a Calumet Travelite 750 mono block flash unit power by the Vagabond power inverter battery back. Attached to the 750 was a sixty inch umbrella. I love using a single light source for my images; especially the outdoor types like this. With the flash set to 1/4 power (a good starting point), I dialed in the ambient light and we were set!

By the time we reached the water front walk way we were starting to loose the light. I had to bump up the ISO in order to capture the glow of the lights and our city hall in the back ground. I did my best to try and make Sault Ste Marie look a bit like Hollywood.

Once the individual shots were done it was pretty dark, but not before we did one more group shot with the USA and the St. Mary's river as a back drop.

In the end everyone was happy and I am very grateful to the band and it's members: Rob, Scott, Len, Brent, and Jeff for indulging me in this creative little experiment. If you're looking for some cool and unusual shots we should get together and talk about using the dusk sky and scenery as a backdrop to really make your shots ROCK!

The Piece of Equipment All Photographers Should Have

2010-09-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Kind of like a Capitol One commercial, but instead I'll ask: what's in your camera bag? I'm sure there are all kinds of things from filters to cables to digital storage media of some kind. But the one thing you should all have in your camera bags is a LensPen.

The lens pen is quick and handy little device that has a cleaning cloth tip on one end and a soft bristled brush on the other. It's great for cleaning your lens glass - front and back.

The cleaning tip holds a special LensPen cleaning compound. All you do is put the tip against the lens surface, apply gentle pressure on the lens and using smooth circular motions, any smudges will be removed instantly with LensPen. The cap has a reservoir that keeps the cleaning tip replenished.

The LensPen is safe for all lenses and has lasted for 500 cleanings without any noticeable change in cleaning quality. I've seen these pens priced anywhere from $10 - $15 Canadian depending on the model you purchase. I have a couple of them just to make sure there's always one available.

These will make sure that your lens stays clean and your images will stay sharp. They're also great for cleaning your viewing screen on the camera and I've even wiggled mine into the eye piece to clean that.

Don't cheap out after spending so much money on great cameras lenses; make sure you have something to keep them clean and working properly.

Pets Are People Too!!

2010-09-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

Back in July I did my first pet photography promotion. I called it "Pets Are People Too!" since that's the way I feel about my own pets.

We had a really great time photographing eveyone's dogs (only dogs show up) and part of the promotion was to get wet food donations for the Sault Ste Marie Humane Society. They have no problem getting dry food for the animals, but they do need canned food and treats all the time. I thought this would make a wonderful opportunity for them and I thought we did pretty well!

A lot of folks told me they missed it because of the timing, so I thought I'd run it again and this time extend the hours a little. So, on October 22 from 12pm - 7pm and October 23 from 12pm to 6pm I will be holding the Pets Are People Too pet portrait promotion again.

Here's what you get: $25 (+HST) and six cans of cat or dog food and a bag of treats gets you a fifteen minute session with your pet (can be a cat, dog, chicken, reptile - I love 'em all!) and 5x7 print. I will have print specials available for ordering at your big screen viewing session. Call 705-942-5419 to book your session (paid in advance).

Here are a few shots from the July session. After I was done it made me want to run out and get a dog of my own (I have cats), but it wouldn't be fair to the pooch since we're not home during the day much.

Hope to see you (yes you can be in the shots too!) and your pet in October!

A Beautiful August Wedding

2010-09-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

It's not often that I do two weddings in one day. The rare occasion happens when I'll get a couple who has a small affair and is finished early in the day and then I'll get another couple who will have an evening wedding. This day in August was one of those days!

Here's a few shots from Shauna and Drew's day. They were a great couple and were lots of fun. I was very honoured that they chose me to photograph their day.

This couple lives all the way in Alberta and found me via my website. It's unusual that I book couples without meeting them, but the logistics, in this case, were impossible.

I lucked out to land these beautiful people and I'm having a great time going through them and getting their preview album ready.

We did some at a great wilderness park here in town and then decided to use some of the urban settings that I love so much!

I'll soon post some image from the second wedding that day.

I hope you enjoy the images too and if you are planning a wedding I'd love to talk to you!

Wedding Happenings At Brian Tremblay Photography

2010-08-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

I've been very fortunate this year to have some of the best wedding clients I've ever had. They give me complete creative control and freedom to do what I do and how I want to do it. They trust me to give them what I like to do best.

I've also had the opportunity to do some after shots with the couple in the "trash the dress" style that has become popular in the last few years.

With wedding photography taking a style that has become "trendy" I've decided to stick to my guns with how I photograph weddings. If you asked me to put a label on it I don't think I could. It's just "Brian's Style". Nothing more. Some like and some don't. I guess that's old age for you. I don't try to please everyone. I only try to please me. No one else. If I'm not happy with what I did, then there's no reason the client should be.

If you're planning a wedding I'd like to talk to you about what I do and what I bring to the party. It's all about having fun, so let's plan some fun.

Musician's Portraits Exhibit At Bottoms Up Lounge

2010-08-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

On August 11 I was again fortunate to have a showing of some of my personal work at Bottoms Up Lounge (above Vincenzo's Restaurant on Queen Street East in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario) of some personal work of mine. The show was entitled: So You Want To Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star: Portraits of Musicians and Their Instruments.

Lori Lanoce at Bottoms Up Lounge has graciously decided to support artists by making her space available to local artists who have work to exhibit. The shows are only for one night. She likes to call them One Night Stands (appropriate since all the bands who play there are doing one night stands). If you join my Facebook page you can can see all the images from the small show.

Besides doing the obvious of creating promotional photos for musicians, I wanted to blend my love of music and photographic art. Although some contemporaries would call it "cliché" that I have included a musician's instrument in the image I felt the portraits were as much about the instrument as they were about the person who plays it.

I hope I can continue this series and show it again one day in a larger venue and scale.

Photography and Music

2010-08-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how many of you know that I write and record my own music. I've been playing guitar for a while; even longer if you take it back to my teenage years. Since the time I was thirteen I stopped and started playing guitar about five times. I've sold my equipment, bought it again, quit; and bought it again and maybe even did it one more time since then. It's been an up and down bumpy ride. Some have asked why I quit and started again so much. To be honest, it was probably a severe case of insecurity. I always looked at other players around me and felt I wasn't good enough and didn't want to embarass myself. I quit one time because it became too much of a business and with my wife developing a case of nodes on her vocal chords it was a good enough excuse to stop. Each time I quit and started again I had to play a serious game of catch up to try and get my chops back again. I'm probably no where near where I could be, but feeling like I suck did more harm than good to my music.

Once I got past age forty I decide to pick it up again. My wife's voice was better, so we decided to put something together. Since then our little duo has turned into a full blow band again. Buffalo Alice has always been my wife and I as the core of the group with a rotating group of players that came and gone.

A few years ago I decided I would resurect some old songs I had. I arrange for some studio time and went on to produce Road Hockey. I got some nice publicity thanks to the Sault Star, but I came to find out that even if you think you did a really great job on the recording it's still tough to get people to part with ten or fifteen dollars to actually buy your music. I still didn't take no for an answer and decided to record another CD. My latest offering is called Steel Man. There are links below so you an purchase the albums.

I hope you'll go and have a listen to some of the songs and I would greatly appreciate it if you purchased one (or even both!) of the CD's. Don't forget, you can find me on iTunes and you can sample some of the songs at my Myspace page

Do You Do "Nudies"?

2010-07-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

It is the twenty first century. We have come a long way over the last century. We have come a long way in the civil rights movement. Prejudices and ignorance are no longer tolerated (although some of this still goes on) and we have become more accepting of people's life styles, view points and backgrounds. Yet, I still experience an interesting prejudice every once and a while.

It's no secret that I have photographed the nude form. I do it with pride and I show that work online and in galleries. I treat the nude sensitively, seductively, erotically, but always artistically. I've had my work reviewed by galleries and publications who have all agreed with that assessment of my work. They may or may not have wanted to exhibit it, but they appreciated it. Yet, when others see a bare back or a thy they automatically attach a negative connotation to the image, and more often, to the photographer (me) who took it. In my opinion, that opinion, is ignorant and uninformed.

Once and a while I will get an inquiry that is, for the most part, innocent. They will call or ask when they see me in person if I "do nudies". It makes me chuckle. It's like I'm living within the first two decades of the twentieth century when an ankle was considered scandalous and womens swimwear covered them from head to toe. Are they asking to come to my secret peep show and drop a nickel into the nickelodeon and get a glimpse of what they have only heard about? In the end it makes me shake my head in disgust and ask: haven't we grown up as a society yet? Are we still thinking that our children are going to be driven over edge by a breast or - heaven forbid - full frontal nudity?

In Sault Ste Marie (where I live) I experienced just how ignorant people can be when three new statues were installed outside of a community sports centre's wall. The statues were stylized nude forms in bronze depicting figures in sports like stances. All very beautiful, artistic and innocent. And then the phone calls to the city began about how out raged they were at the audacity of the city to allow such things to be displayed on a public building. I had to look at a calendar because I couldn't believe it was the 21st century!

So here's the bottom line: you don't like it? Don't look! No different than a television program. Don't like it - change the channel. Don't like the lyrics in a certain song - don't listen to it. But please don't put labels on people who create it or those who posed for it and those who enjoy the art form. Mostly, don't try to censor what I can see, read, or listen to.

I believe in a complete separation of church and state. I believe the government has their hand in our lives far too much. I don't believe in censorship of any kind. We are adults; we can make our own decisions for ourselves. We don't need the help of religion or government.

Karsh - He Had The Worries Too

2010-06-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, my favourite photographer is Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh. To me he was the master of light and shadow. He approached his subjects from a very traditional perspective. He would follow the light and pose of the great painters such as Rembrandt. In the Pictorialist tradition, he felt that the photo was just about the subject, but it also said something of the photographer who created the portrait.

While reading I noticed that Karsh had suffered from the same worries that many of us photographers worry about today. There was concern about how Kodak was putting photography into the hands of everyone and how they were also many people who were setting up photography studios. He worried about money and where his next sitting was going to come from. He had bouts of depression and also great euphoria. But, also like photographers of today, he knew that he had to step up his game. He knew that in order to make a living he had to cater to the more affluent people who could afford his rates. He also knew that he had to become the best at his craft and separate his work from the rest in order to be recognized as a great portrait photographer.

Today it's no different. We struggle with digital photography and the wide spread conception that anyone can do it provided they have a "good camera". As business people we worry about where the next dollar is going to come from. As creative people we are like children. We're not easy to live with and our minds are always going in one direction or another sometimes causing us to appear unfocused or distracted. And when we're in a slump, we're in slump!

But we continue on. We don't quit. We try to become the best at what we can be. We create for us first and - believe it or not - the client second. We're always learning and trying new things. And we all want to be the best. Anyone who doesn't want those things is less than a professional.

So say the French: Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.

Some Wedding Tips From An Insider

2010-06-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

I've been shooting weddings for a while. I've seen it all. Everything from the couple who has a great time and it's like hanging out with old friends to the micro manager bride who freaks out over the placement of certain amenities at the reception and telling me every shot to take as the day progressed. By the way, who do think got better photos? You guessed it.

So, I'm going to offer my five cents on things I think you could do if you're planning a wedding to make things go a little smoother which will result in less stress, which will result in you having fun and getting great photos!

Insider Tip #1: Do not have small children in the wedding party. I know it's cute. I know your sister really wants you to have her kid be the flower girl, but having a two year old in a wedding party and expecting them to behave all day is unrealistic! For that matter, I've seen eight year old's behave worse than toddlers. You'll be much happier when the child isn't screaming and not posing for at least one photograph of the wedding party.

Insider Tip #2: Make sure you have proper transportation for you and the wedding party and you have it booked for the entire day! I've often encountered this at weddings where the couple (in order to save on the budget) will limit the amount of time the limo can be available. Don't do it! Three things you shouldn't skimp on for your wedding: the food, the photography and the transportation. What ends up happening is that the photos are rushed because the clock is ticking or the couple can't take advantage of some of the cool locations that we had talked about shooting at.

Insider Tip #3: Don't stand outside the church greeting everyone as they leave. You'll be seeing them again at the reception receiving line anyway. Go straight from the church into your transportation.

Insider Tip #4: Don't forget to tell the family you want in your wedding photos where we are going take said photos. Nothing worse than not having a photo of grandma and grandpa because they had no idea where the photos were being taken.

Insider Tip #5: Don't sweat the small stuff and have fun! Put on the wedding for you and don't worry about what everyone else thinks. If the flowers are a little off don't let it ruin your day. Contact the florist when it's all over and work it out then. And all the rest of the small things that can turn you sour. Believe me - it shows up in the photographs!

That's just my five cents on how to have a happier wedding and great photographs. Drop by the website if you're planning a wedding because I'd love show you what I enjoy doing and would like to do for you.

Are You Trusting Your Business To A Snapshot!?

2010-05-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

In our weekly shopper newspaper they have a full page section which showcases professional services. Everything from hairdressers to real estate agents to financial planners. Sometimes - actually most of the time - I shake my head and wonder why anyone would allow themselves to be photographed like they are being admitted to prison! I should know! I used to work in a prison!

I've blogged about this before, but I feel it has to be said because obviously my message isn't getting through. Remember: you are your business and your business is you. If you want to attract good customers, if you want to be taken seriously and if you want to be portrayed as a professional then take the care to have your photograph taken by a professional.

Here are some fine examples of some folks I've photographed recently. They saw the need to spend money on a good photograph of themselves because they know if reflects on their business and who they are. Don't forget, it doesn't just have to be for business. I've photographed politicians and would be politicians.

Once you have your portrait you should use it everywhere. On your business cards, your stationary, your website, and most obviously - on your all your advertising and marketing. You can also use it if you are issuing press releases about you or your business. If you send them electronically you can attach the image or if you mail them out, include a CD.

Don't forget, it doesn't have to be a portrait in the studio. I can photograph you on location at your place of business or at a place that more reflects your personality and makes you more comfortable. The sky is the limit when it comes to ideas to where you can create that portrait.

So, next time you find yourself stepping into the mall photo booth or going to have a passport photo taken that you plan on using to advertise with stop! Take a step back; then curl up your fist and punch yourself in the head! You don't want to make that mistake. One that could ruin your reputation and your business.

The Long And Winding Road

2010-05-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

I've been doing this for a very long time. This being photography. I started my business, like a lot of potential photographers, part time. It was 1993. By that time I was becoming disillusioned with the job of corrections officer and I knew I needed something else. After about one or two years of developing my skills and my business I decided I was going to quit my full time job by 1999. In 1998 I had an opportunity to leave and I did. It was almost to the date that I started in corrections.

My business and my personal life experienced all kinds of ups and downs. I was told I had depression (I beat that dragon), both my parents passed away within eighteen months of each other, and my I was near bankrupt. It's a long story as to how I change it all, but I changed it. Things got better. Things got great as a matter of fact!

Now here I am twelve years after going full time and I'm still standing. The landscape (no pun intended) of photography has changed. The digital age changed the game. So many people are buying up digital SLR's and decide that they too want to bestow the title of photographer on themselves. It's brought rise to a style of photography called "lifestyle" for portraits and weddings. And here is where it all comes crumbling down for me. To me, most of it is a conveinent way to hide the fact that they don't know how to properly pose and light their subjects. I still believe in a comfortable, but proper pose. I still believe in taking the time to light a subject. I still believe that learning the craft is important.

As comfortable as I am with my work I still have doubts. Some days when you pick up the camera you question on whether or not you still have "it". You question whether or not the client can see that you put your heart and soul into it. You question if they see value in your work. Being in Sault Ste Marie - that weird wonderland we call home - makes you even more doubtful.

Then there's that one click of the shutter or a really nice compliment from a client that makes it all worth while. That's what keeps me going. As I get older it's now all about satisfying me first. I've been fortunate that my clients like it too.

Comments like this are what make it all worth while:
"So excited to see the photos! I can't wait to have some on the computer to brag about haha!!! you will be getting many new clients because i am showing all of my friends!!!!
Thanks for everything, I had so much fun!!!"

To Thyne Own Self Be True

2010-05-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

I have just come back from Toronto where I had my art portfolio reviewed at the Contact Photography Festival. This is different photography than what you see on this website. You can view this stuff at http://www.tremblayfinephotography.com This work is very personal to me. I don't create it for anyone but me. I believe it is the photography that defines me. I have come under much criticism and scrutiny for displaying this type of imagery. I've been called everything from a pornographer to a creep for creating these images. At one time I was concerned about these labels put on me by the ignorant and uneducated, but as I get older I just don't - for lack of a better word - give a shit what anyone thinks of me or my work. I'm quite comfortable in who I am, what I do, how I do it and how I handle my subjects and clients - with the utmost professionalism.

At this get together at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto I had my work reviewed by people who came from as far away as England and the United States to offer their opinions (we got to choose which reviewer we'd like to see) on our work. They work in the photography business as magazine editors, gallery curators, agents, artist's reps. They choose what is "in" and what "isn't". Deciding which people to review my work was difficult because I knew I didn't fit into this thing they call "contemporary photography". The reviews took place over two days.

Now that all is said and done, here are the results of my reviews. I shall present them in short point form notes paraphrased comments I received.

My work is done in a classic style. You would think that's a good thing, but it's not. As I was told by the Art Gallery of Ontario: they already have classic imagery. Show us something new.
Many commented that my work looks like it could have been shot in the twenties, thirties or forties. It's timeless. You'd think that's a good thing, but it's not. They want to see the times reflected in the work.
My work doesn't say anything. I shouldn't take a picture for the sake of taking a picture. I should have a definitive statement in my photographs. Wow. That certainly took all the fun out of photography now didn't it? But I like the idea of planning an image rather then just finding something and taking a picture of it. Which is done WAY too often today.
They could all see the influences of the photographers I admire (Avedon, Weston, Farber, Maplethorpe, Newton, Penn). You'd think that's a good thing, but it's not. They've seen it before so they want to see something new.
You can shoot digital, but don't make it look like you're shooting digital. Actually seeing the Photoshop technique you used is a bad thing. I like that comment and it's something I will continue to strive to do. My subjects may not like it because it will show them as they really are and not as they "think" they are.

What it all boils down to is: do you fit into today's brand of "contemporary photography"? I clearly do not. Yes, I've heard so many artists say how they don't fit into contemporary photography, but I REALLY don't! They told me I didn't! And from what I've seen of this contemporary photography, I'm glad I don't.

I would love to provide you with examples from some of the photographers I saw; especially those who attend Ryerson University's photography program, but suffice to say if you look up contemporary photography via Google you'll see plenty of examples.

What has become of this all is that I am now more confident and comfortable in my skin as a photographer. I learned my craft slowly and from many photographers - some directly and some via admiration of their work.

My last reviewer said something that has stuck with me. I'm paraphrasing. She said she wonders if the stuff that is being turned out by this generation of photographers is going to be hanging in twenty years. I doubt it. It's a passing fad and I believe has no staying power. I'm confident my stuff will still be hanging twenty years from now.

Boudoir Is Back!

2010-04-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've done this type of photography. At one time it was very popular. It's gone by many names like: intimate, glamour (the infamous Glamour Shots - UGH!), etc. But the name that has stuck is: boudoir. It's soft, sexy, romantic, seductive, always in good taste and most important - lots of fun. I've recently had the opportunity to photograph a few very beautiful women to build a sample portfolio. Here are just a few, but watch for a brand new section to be added to my website showing a full line of these images and an album on Facebook page dedicated to the style of Boudoir/Pin Up photography. Enjoy!

Galleries - Put It Out There

2010-04-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Another gallery show is complete. This one was at La Petite Mort Gallery in Ottawa where I showed pieces from my tattoo series.

This was the strangest show that I've had. It was only for twenty four hours and occupied one wall of the gallery. There was a nice flow of people who came through, but nothing fantastic in the numbers. But, I do always enjoy the opportunity to show my work and introduce it to new people. The nice part is that a friend purchased one of my prints from the series after the show. Very cool because it's the first one of the series to be sold!

I now have some of my work hanging at a friend's gallery in Arnprior, Ontario. Lily Creek Art and Photography Studio is owned by my friend Shannon who is a wonderful artist herself. She has kindly taken on some of my scenic work and has three of the Tatau series. If you are in the area, please visit because it's a beautiful place.

This year I'm going to participate in the Contact Photo festival in Toronto. They are offering portfolio reviews by people who are in business of hiring photographers for galleries, magazines and other publications.

I'm anxious to have my work evaluated by these people and see how I stand up on the international scene. I'm sure it will be an eye opener.

With the proliferation of people buying cameras today and so many deciding to print some business cards and be in the business I've wondered how many are serious about what they are doing. I've always felt that you can't compare a part time photographer to one who makes their living at it. If the part timer was that confident in their own work they would be able to set up shop and do it full time. How else can you take yourself seriously as a photographer?

Displaying your work in the local mall is one thing, but taking it to the next level and putting before an audience who has no idea who you are to see if they accept it is entirely another thing. Again, at some point, I think you have to decide if you're serious and the only way to test your resolve is to take the chance and put it out there. Be it galleries of setting up a store front.

Is Your Wedding a Battle Zone?

2010-03-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

The title of this post is kind of weird, I know. When I'm at bridal shows speaking to brides or during our consultations I hear the comment, "I don't like to be posed". As an example the brides will often pull out examples from the latest bridal magazine showing how "natural" the images look. I have to remind them that what they are looking at are very set up and posed photos. Also, the people in those photos are not real couples. They are professional models. They get paid to make the photos look like it's a real wedding and look "natural".

The digital age has lead to a "quantity; not quality" mentality. There's no film, so it must be less expensive to take more photographs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Too many photographers have taken the "spray and pray" method. They put the camera on the fastest setting it has and start shooting into the crowd. Then, during the long hours of editing, they will come up with something that might pass muster. I take a different approach.

I believe in creating timeless, well directed images where you look your best and you would be proud to hang the image on your wall or put on display in your album. I believe in making my subjects comfortable. I believe in having a lot of fun while taking your photographs. I strongly believe that quality wins out over quantity anytime! I believe my clients choose me because they believe those things too.

My clients also want something more than a CD of images. They want finished images displayed in beautiful albums that they will cherish. They want prints that they can hang on a wall and eventually hand down to their children. Remember those wedding photos of your grandparents or, better yet, your great great grandparents? Those were posed and have become collectables amongst families.

So that is my question: Is your wedding a battle zone? Of course not! Then you don't need to hire a photo journalist style photographer to capture your wedding. Why take a chance with the "spray and pray" method?

A Profound Experience

2010-03-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

On February 24, 210 I had a profound experience. I was asked to deliver the keynote address to a group of business people and entrepreneurs that were brought together by the Royal Bank of Canada and the Sault Ste Marie Enterprise Centre. After the event I got some great compliments from some of the folks in attendance and even days after words. It was a great feeling knowing that something I said really helped and inspired some people. All I knew was that I had to do it again.

Teaching, inspiring and helping entrepreneurs has now become a great passion for me. I feel that economic recovery will not be accomplished with bailouts or through large corporations coming into our cities and setting up manufacturing plants. Economic recovery will come from the people that I get to talk to - the entrepreneur, solo-preneur and small business people. The recovery can be perpetuated by the people of the cities if they support them by buying, shopping and hiring them! The people of the cities that have these entrepreneurs have to understand their participation is paramount!

I've always enjoyed getting up and talking about business and how I've come to be where I am. As well as the experiences I've had in learning how to market my business. I've done it for the Chamber of Commerce and I've done it for the Community Development Corporation. I love lighting the spark in people to get them to go out there and start their own business. I love showing them how to get the word out about their business.

I have even put all my thoughts on marketing and business into a book. It's called Grass Roots Marketing and it's not the be all and end all to marketing, but it is real in that I tell how I believe I got to where I am and I even include somethings that didn't work for me.

If you, or someone you know is planning a corporate event, meeting or client appreciation event and would like to add something special to it, please contact me and let me show what I can bring to an event. Non-profits and other organizations are welcome too. I'd love to share my passion with you and your people.

Brian
brian@tremblayphoto.com

Portrait Happenings and Other Stories

2010-03-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

Very soon I'll be introducing a new section to my website that will show case a style of portraiture that I hope you'll all like.

It's not that it's very different from what I'm doing, but some of the differences is that that it's very real. Real in that it's about the individual. There are no cheesy smiles. Sometimes the client may not even look at the camera. The lighting is probably darker and more contrasty than my usual stuff. The retouching is kept to a minimum. Every line tells a story. With some of the images the story is told by what the person is wearing. Be it a uniform, a hat or what they're holding. It's real and it's about them.

This is a fine art style portrait. The posing, expression and gaze of the subject is no different than that then if they were being painted. It's the kind of portraiture I've always enjoyed doing this kind of work. I've felt that the images I created using this style are those that could easily hang in a gallery or, for that matter, in anyone's home. They are an art piece.

Clients who want this kind of portraiture have come into the consultation and just said, "Tell me what to wear and I'll leave the rest up to you." I'm honoured in the trust they put into me. I'm excited because so many people have come to me saying they want something different, but what they are really look for is a professional snap shot and not a portrait with lighting and style that will make people stop and look at it.

Watch for the announcement on the new gallery section coming!

Some of you may have been following me on Twitter. I do apologize, but I've decided to delete my account. Unfortunately some people felt that since I was in businesses for myself they felt I didn't have the right to not allow some people follow my Twitter account (I had blocked individuals who were annoying me or groups who's philosophies I did not agree with). I couldn't understand that logic. It's like saying I have to listen to crank phone calls or allow Peeping Toms look in my windows. I'm on Facebook and you can find my fan page here .

Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Parade

2010-02-14T13:30:00.001-08:00

I don't usually get too angry or too political in this blog, but I can no longer sit idly by.

Due to the ignorant remarks of a certain city counsellor, the downtown area of Sault Ste Marie has come back in the news and has spawned a plethora of citizens to speak up with what they think are the reasons why downtown isn't as successful as they think it should be.

This entry is in response to an editorial by Craig Huckerby of Soo News (soonews.ca) about how the downtown can be improved. I was angered, once again, by the complaining about how our downtown doesn’t live up to his (or other’s) expectations There seems to be plenty of idea slinging, but no idea doing. Unfortunately, I’m beginning to find this typical of many a Sault-ite.

For as many idea people as there are in this city it lacks an entrepreneurial spirit. We are always trying to find a way to suck on the government teet rather than build our ideas ourselves. We want an elected federal government representative that is of the governing party so they can funnel cash to the city to improve it, but we don't want attempt to do it ourselves. It's always take, take, take, from the coffers but we don't step up to the plate and attempt to do it on our own.

The biggest complaint I hear is that downtown businesses are not open late enough. Once again, a thoughtless complaint without ever wondering why that is. Simple. The people of this city don’t shop downtown! They would rather go to the big box stores and get a cheap bargain. You want to improve the downtown then start by spending some money with the merchants who are here! Stop calling local stores and say things like, "well I can buy this online for X dollars cheaper!" Of course you can and there’s usually a reason why! What you're saving somewhere else, when spent at a local merchant who sells the same product, can make all the difference in keeping a business alive.

The big box and corporate stores are not the builders and supporters of the community. The “mom and pop” businesses are the ones who answer the call. We are there when charities are looking for support for fundraisers. We are there when a citizen is fighting for their life and the kind people of the community try to raise funds to help them in their time of strife. They come to local merchants for donations of services and goods to help raise money. I can tell you from experience that large corporate stores are unable to do that due to the hoops they make one jump through in order to get a donation. The locally owned and operated stores are their when your childrens sports teams need sponsors and your sick need healing.

Yet, we bite the hand that feeds us. We don’t think of patronizing those businesses who have given their backing to the local charity or individual facing a huge round of chemotherapy. Next time you’re at one of these fund raising events make note of who has given. Then, when you’re about to go out and spend your hard earned dollars, remember those businesses. You’ll probably find many of them are in the downtown.

Have I shopped online? Have I shopped at a corporate store. Yes. I do make a sincere and honest effort to spend my dollars with a homegrown merchant first. I try to spend with real businesses and not someone who “does it on the side”. I don’t hop on a bus for a day trip with other shoppers and travel to some other city to spend my money.

There are plenty of "arm chair quarterbacks" who love to sit at their keyboards and point fingers. They use anonymous message boards to spew their anonymous opinions. That’s so they don’t have to be held accountable. That’s the cowards way. True courage takes the guts to put your name to your ideas, own them and to try to make them work on your own. And if they fail to have the fortitude not to blame government, big business, or some other nebulous force. Take one hundred percent of the responsibility yourself as to your success and/or failure. That’s courage.

Courage is having a strong feeling of pride in your community and expressing some of that pride by patronizing the businesses who have been started by our friends, families and neighbours.

Stop comparing the city to how it was “back then” or in 1910. It’s best to get over that mindset because it’s never going to be like that again. We want forward thinking and we want growth, but our words and actions don’t show that we are thinking to the future.

Marketing - Are You Prepared?

2010-02-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

I've always had a passion for marketing and promotion. It was something I learned from trial and error. A lot of errors and plenty of trials. I've spent plenty of money on course and resource materials. None of which are the be all and end all of marketing, but everyone did hold a tidbit that I used and exploited.

I've now had the opportunity to speak to several entrepreneurial groups about marketing. Now I'm doing it again coming February 24/10. If you click on the invite here you can get all the skinny on how to get their and what's happening.

This talk is not about marketing ideas. If you're looking for that you best not come. What it is about is taking responsibility for the fate of your business. Don't blame government, the big corporation in the sky or god. It's all you and you alone that control how your business functions today.

I'll be talking about what you need to be doing before you even have to start marketing your business. How you need to be a certain state of preparedness before you can even think about putting it out there. You'll learn that a print is not marketing campaign. That media sales people only sell space or time; not ideas. Most importantly you'll learn how to choose what media is best for you.

Take the time to register for this. There's food, there's networking and you'll learn something.

Into The Soul

2010-01-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

I started off the new year most excellently with the opening of the first time showing my work in Toronto.

STUDIO VOGUE Gallery is my representative for my art work. Joyce and Paul are great people. They treat their artists right and are genuinely interested in helping them succeed.

It was a great turn out and I was most happy to see some folks that I know who are in the Toronto area come out and see the show.

It was a great honour to be showing with these great artists. Painters, sculptures, mixed media and my photography all came together very well.

I would like to thank the models that helped me make my visions come true for this show. I hope one day to take this to the next level and make the Tatau exhibit a solo show.

Happenings Here Around Christmas

2009-12-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season - photographically - is officially over. I had a great time and I have great clients! I love them!

I just wanted to share with you all some of the shots that I've done in November and December.

I want to thank you all for a wonderful Christmas season. This year has been one of the best ever!

I have to reflect back on the past years and count how fortunate I have been to have become a photographer. When I think back on it, photography has been a part of my life for a very long time. It was in 1998 that I made the leap of faith to take myself seriously and pursue it full time.

There are many with a camera out there working hard to master the craft. I can tell you there are no short cuts. But the ultimate test is when you can leave your steady pay cheque job and go after your dream. Then you know you have the confidence in yourself and your work. It's liberating!!

I look forward to the coming year. I'm always wanting to learn from other photographers and I'm hoping to have an opportunity to learn from a professional I admire and to bring those techniques back home to create cool, unique and edgey images for you.

You Know You're Getting Old When...

2009-12-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be forty eight in a few months. I don't feel forty eight. Some say I don't look it. The only time I'm reminded of my age is when I get a connection from the past that makes me think about where I was and how far I've come.

For instance: this coming year I will be photographing a young lady's wedding who's mother I went to high school with.

In order to help mentor young photographic artists I have made myself available as a placement for the school co-operative education program. I've had a few students pass through the studio. Some have gone on to pursue photography or art in college. This past September I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful bride who was my first co-op student. She didn't turn out to be a photographer, but she turned out to take a hell of a great photograph!

This are the kind of things that make me realize that I've aged a little. By the same token, I get a warm and fuzzy feeling inside when they come back to me and commission me to create some great art at their weddings and I hope they continue to come to me to create images of their new families.

I have great clients and it goes beyond taking photographs of them and with them.

Everyone Is Photogenic

2009-11-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

The most common comment I get when I meet new clients who are preparing for a portrait is, "I'm not very photogenic you know." My response is always, "Everyone is photogenic." And I believe that with my very heart and soul. I see beauty in many, many ways.

I also like to ask folks who say that, "What do you consider photogenic?" They don't have an immediate answer. People think what is photogenic are the faces and bodies you see in magazines. Mostly fashion magazines. These, unfortunately, give you a very distorted view of beauty and what is beautiful.

Look at the portraits of my hero Yousuf Karsh. His iconic image of Sir Winston Churchill shows a very photogenic person. His portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt - again incredibly photogenic. But these two people are not what some would think of as a photogenic person.

I see every subject that comes before me in a way that they probably don't see themselves. I like to let folks be themselves in front of the camera. If they smile, great. If not, that's ok too. Getting to know the person in front of my lens is very important.

There is beauty in many things and many people. I see it all the time and everywhere and like to show people how I see it in them.

The Las Vegas Trip

2009-10-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

In June I had finally got to Las Vegas. I had been planning the trip for more than a year and dreaming about it for a lot longer than that. June may not have been the best time to go to Vegas because it is extremely hot in the summer there. On average it was 40 - 47ºC most days! Yeah, I know, a dry heat. Still, very uncomfortable.

I brought the camera hoping it would turn into a photographic cornucopia. Maybe if that was the soul purpose of my trek, but when you're there for the first time and dazzled by all the lights - creating art is the last thing on your mind!

It was fun initially. Walking the strip, visiting a lot of the attractions and eating some great food. I can say that the service and the food is the best any where I have traveled. Our own city who prides itself on being a tourist attraction could take a few lessons on how to provide exceptional service. And a few lessons on how a pleasing personality really can make the difference between great service and bad experience.

I guess I was a bit disillusioned as to what to expect in Las Vegas. I had heard and seen the stories of the shows, the entertainment, and the lounges in Vegas. Stories of high rollers, nice cocktail lounges with a great jazz singer or a comedy show in an intimate setting. I came prepared for the look and feel of a classic Las Vegas. It may have been there, but I didn't find it.

What I did find was a cross between Disney Land and Daytona Beach on spring break. The streets were teaming with kids of just barely drinking age toting ridiculously large novelty drink glasses filled with grossly sweet concoctions. Instead of lounges there were beer pong tournaments. Instead of taking a nice walk along The Strip you had to run a gauntlet of, what appeared to be recently arrived immigrants stuffing cards advertising hookers and other pleasures of the flesh in your face. And then there were the baby strollers being pushed around at midnight or later on the street. I mean, who brings their small children to Las Vegas!? The days of the $4.99 buffet are long gone.

Don't get me wrong, I had a good time. The dinners I had at The Wynn and at Aureole in the Mandalay Bay were second to none! The service was incredible! The Bette Middler show was a close to a classic show as I would get (Oi Vegas she said!). And The Beatles Love show was amazing. As was Penn & Teller. But I think I would have like to have been here when the mob ran Vegas.

I got to listen to some of the greats who used to play Las Vegas talk about the good old days in a documentary. Steve Lawrence, Bob Newhart, Joan Rivers and Keely Smith from Louis Prima's show all were there when entertainment was king. They told stories of how men couldn't get into a show room or restaurant without a jacket and tie. Women wore their best to shows and lounges. It was affair to be dressed for! My mother-in-law told me when she first went to Vegas in 1959 it was very much like that. It may sound a bit old fashioned, but I think it said something about the quality of the entertainment and the venues. They played the lounges and the prestigious showrooms. Shows went from midnight until six in the morning. As Joan Rivers put it: if you blew up Vegas you would have taken out everyone in entertainment.

When the "boys" ran Vegas the money was made at the casinos. Comping was part of the business. Live entertainment was king. There was no corporate mentality. That is until Howard Hughes came in and started buying up hotels. He bought the Desert Inn, The Frontier and the Sands. Corporate mentality took over and now the coffee shop had to make money, the restaurant had to make money. Every avenue in the hotel had to show a bigger profit. More and more large corporations bought up Vegas and everything changed.

It was fun going to some of the classic casinos from the old days. The Riviera (where the gaming scenes from the movie Casino were shot). The Flamingo (Bugsy Segal's place). The Saraha. The Tropicana and The Golden Nugget. But now I've done Vegas and I can say I probably won't be back.

Everyone should experience it.

The Classics

2009-10-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

    I’ve always loved the classics. Doesn’t matter what kind of classic.

    Classics in music. No one ever can or ever will touch The Beatles. Nothing in whatever form of music television or pop radio can. I don’t care how much it sells. And it’s not just The Beatles. There are far too many to name here, but a few such as: Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Peter Frampton, The Guess Who, The Band, The Easy Beats (Google them trust me!), Sly and The Family Stone and The Who to name a very few. If it wasn’t for what they did nothing would have come after in the shape it did. They were the originators and the innovators.

    Classics in comedy. George Carlin, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Bob Zany, Richard Prior and Steve Martin to name a few. Their stuff was funny then; it’s still funny now. Nothing else to say.

    On a more personal note, I love the sound of a classic guitar. Can’t say I own many, but I do strive for those that deliver that tone that was delivered by the greats who handled those axes so long ago and some still do.

    And even more personal, I love the classics in photography. Each of the names I mention here will be a link. Click on them and you’ll see their work. Or, more appropriately, feel their work. Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Yusef Karsh, Arnold Newman, Helmut Newton and Annie Liebowvitz. They didn’t just “snap” and picture, they created an incredible image. There was some thought behind it. They learned, what used to be, a trade. They learned how to light. They learned the quality and value that light had. And most importantly they learned how to manipulate it and control it to achieve their art.

    There are many who are still creating skillfully lit images and photographs. Greg Gorman, Robert Farber, Jerry Avenaim, Mary Ellen Mark, Joyce Tenneson and this brand new photographer on the scene, Joey Lawrence. Their work is unique, untouchable and inspirational. All of the above are who and what I turn to when I’m looking to learn and create inspirational images. They are who I turn to when I create work for clients.

    There are many photographers today. Purchasing a “good camera” has given many the impetus to hang out a shingle and be in business. That’s what a lot of us did. They don’t have to learn how to light or even use proper photographic techniques to achieve their image. They carry their cameras like wild west gunslingers and the minute they see an image they draw and fire off plethora of frames. It’s spray and pray. They just put it on automatic (or one of the many fully automatic modes) and go! The new term is “lifestyle” or “photo journalism”. There are some out there that do it very well. I appreciate and respect it. But it’s not for me.

    In weddings the trend is to shoot fast and furious. No set ups; no lighting. Sometimes that works. The battle cry is: “I don’t want to pose.” In portraiture the subject is followed around like a movie star with an annoying paparazzi chasing them with a camera. Images are no longer hung on walls for all to look at who come to the home, but displayed on electronic picture frames where the images change constantly so the viewer won’t be bored. Again, I respect it, but it’s not for me.

    I believe there is no substitute for a well posed, well lit photograph. I believe you don’t have to smile to make a great photograph. I believe you can pose your subject and still make them look natural. I believe photographs look best when printed on photographic paper and displayed in fine frames or in lush albums. I believe in keeping a tradition rather than replacing it in favour of a new one. I believed that classics will endure and their will be no substitute for a well crafted piece of art.

    Does this mean that I may become a dinosaur? Maybe. I’m ok with that. I made a major career change in 1998 that affected me mentally and financially. Now that I’m where I want to be I’m not going to compromise only to end up hating the work I produce. I hope my clients – new and old – will like what I love to do.

Devaluing Photography

2009-10-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

I've have admired this young photographer named Joey Lawrence (no not THAT Joey Lawrence)! He goes by Joey L to avoid confusion I think. He is nineteen years old and has been shooting since he was in high school and has developed some amazing techniques. I didn't shoot like that when I was his age and I don't shoot like that now that I'm old enough to be this kids father! But, I'm always trying to learn.

I purchased Joey's new learning DVD (http://learnfromjoey.com). I highly recommend it, but you better have some relatively decent flash units to learn this type of photography. Watch here as I try to put some techniques to use from the photographers I admire like Joey and this guy, Zack Arias.

In the business lecture portion of Joey's learning DVD he talks about taking on photographic work for free. He says he's fifty-fifty split on how he feels about that. Clients may sometimes ask if you'll work pro bono in order to build your portfolio and gain great exposure for your photography. His thoughts are that, yes, sometimes that can work out for you, but you need to evaluate how high profile the job is and will it truly get you work. The other half of this young man's philosophy is that if you take jobs for free you completely and utterly devalue the photography industry as a whole. I am of these two minds also.

The one rule I always have to keep in mind is that I have NEVER got a job offer or a job from a photo credit. In Sault Ste Marie no one has been able to offer me a high profile enough job to want to take it. I do photography for free for the Sault Area Hospital foundation. It's simple head shot stuff of their board members and foundation staff. I hope someday to come up with something that will really attract attention to the foundation with some cool, creative photography.

Now, I know what some of you new photographers are saying: "Yeah, but I'm trying to build my portfolio and I need subjects!" True. But after three to six months, with careful choices of subject matter and set ups, you should have enough to show. Now it's time to put a price on your work. Pricing is a whole new subject and one far too large to post here. But, if you have questions, give me a call and I'll see what I can do to help.

So, my advice to you? Sooner or later the portfolio and sample building has to stop. Sooner or later you're going to have to start charging for your work. If you intend to keep on doing this and make a living at it, then you have to charge properly. Even if you're a person with a full time day job (why you would want to take on another one I have no idea!) you should charge properly for your work. If you do then we can all keep our jobs and we can all enjoys the benefits of getting paid for something we enjoy!

Great Advice On How To Prepare For Your Headshots

2009-10-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

Photographer Jerry Avenaim is a great photographer and one that I admire. He's very approachable and, as a photographer, can learn from Jerry one-on-one - which I hope to do in the new year sometime.

He has shot a ton of celebrities and works with a lot of folks in the entertainment industry. In the link I'm going to provide below, Jerry discusses how to properly prepare for a headshot shoot. In my opinion, it's great advice on how to prepare for a portrait period!

Anyway, here's the link to Jerry's blog posting. Enjoy!

http://blog.avenaim.com/2008/11/13/actor-headshots-photography/

Photos From A CD Project

2009-10-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

Our drummer, and my friend, Ed Young has graciously hired me to photograph him for his up coming CD project. Ed is a wonderful musician and a great songwriter. He's someone I admire greatly for his personality and his musicianship.

I enjoy projects like this because it wasn't like other commercial photography projects that I have been hired for in the past. Don't get me wrong, they're all fun to shoot, but you are usually doing the job with an art director looking over your shoulder. Which is fine because they sign off on the images as approved the minute you show them to them.

But photographing musicians, like models, is the ultimate in creative freedom. Some will come to you with a concept idea, but then you're left to your own devices. And that rocks!

Taking photos of musicians, live or studio type shots, are one of my favourite things to shoot. It's too bad I don't get hired very often to do them. I know some of them see it as an expense, where others see it as an investment. I would have to agree with the later. The band has spent tons of money (hopefully) on recording and getting their sound just right, but then they'll leave their professional image to the lowest bidder or to no bidder at all!

I hope I'll get a chance to photograph more of some of my favourite subjects. I got some great ideas to shoot bands and musicians and I know they'll love it!

Posing For A Photographer's Art Can Be Theraputic?

2009-10-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I have an art website at http://www.tremblayfinephotography.com. Most, I find, the models who pose for this are strong and confident women. They understand it's not about perfect bodies and gladly do it "just because they can". Others do it as a challenge for themselves and consider it a theraputic milestone and face their fears.

I also do some Boudoir photography(some call it glamour or boudoir photography). The clients who come to me for this type of portrait come for many reasons. Some want to mark a milestone in their life (like weight loss or a new found independence). I've had a lady who was going through cancer treatment and wanted to do this for herself and some who are cancer survives and want to celebrate. A few do it for a certain someone special in their life, but most pose because it's for them.

Here's an article that takes an in depth look at using photography as a form of therapy. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/women_shealth/6255773/Posing-naked-for-a-womens-magazine-felt-brave-and-shocking.html

What Is A Winner?

2009-09-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

A winner does it. A loser talks about it.

The winner is always a part of the solution to the problem, while the loser is always a part of the problem.

The winner sees an answer for every problem, while the loser sees a problem for every answer.

The winner says, “Let me do it for you!” while the loser says, “That’s NOT my job!”

The winner says, “It may be difficult, but it is possible.” The loser says, “It may be possible, but it is too difficult.”

A winner says, “I fell.” A loser says, “Somebody pushed me.”

When a winner makes a mistake he says,”I was Wrong”; When a Loser makes a mistake he says,”It wasn’t my fault”.

Winners see possibilities. Losers see problems.

Winners believe in winning. Losers believe for them to win someone has to lose.

Are you a winner or a looser?

Expectant Mother Portraits

2009-09-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Cara is an old friend. I've known her since she was fifteen years old. I took her photograph for a modeling school and she had been my muse for some time. She has always been wise beyond her years.

Then she got married and I was fortunate enough to be the one to photograph that day. I then realized how long I'd know her and it was like seeing my own kid get married.

Now she's pregnant with child number two and once again has let me create some very cool maternity portraits. I'm sure you can see why I always enjoyed photographing her.

Funny Baby Faces

2009-09-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you get kids that have facial expressions that are way beyond their years. These two were no exception.

I wish I had some thought bubbles like in the comic books to go with these images. They certainly look like I caught them in the middle of an interesting thought that's for sure.

These babies were part of my Watch Me Grow program where we create images - starting at new born - every three months and then present the parents with a beautiful plaqued panel with an image from each session.

They make great baby shower gifts too.

Watch for more funny baby faces!

Aperture North Photography Workshops Website is LIVE!!

2009-09-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

It has finally happened, but I am proud to announce the launch of the Aperture North Photography Workshops website!

I have enjoyed teaching about my passion and my life's vocation. I've taught a few college level courses and I've taught how to use point and shoot camera's to senior citizens. It's always been fun! I've decided to provide inspiration and instruction with my art photography. And, for those who just got that new SLR and are not sure how to get it to take great photos (really it's violinist and not the violin) I have a beginner's photography course.

Please check out the website and if you are interested in any of the workshops, please call or drop me a line with any questions you may have.

Thank you again and I hope to see you in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario one day!

The New Tattoo

2009-08-27T14:43:00.001-07:00

It's been a little while, but I finally got another tattoo!

This one is right below my first and it is of a medal my grandfather received in WWI called the Croix de Guerre. Wikipedia describes the medal as such: The croix de guerre is a military decoration of both France and Belgium; it may either be bestowed as a unit award or to individuals who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with enemy forces. The medal is also awarded to those who have been "mentioned in despatches", meaning a heroic deed was performed meriting a citation from an individual's headquarters unit.

I have no idea as to how or why my grandfather received this medal. I do remember my mother telling me about how her father (who fought with the Belgian army) stood in the trenches for days on end and sometimes in water up to his waist. Trench warfare was, in my opinion, the most brutal of all fighting in the twentieth century.

This tatoo goes below the emblem of my father's unit in WWII - the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. You can read about this tattoo in a previous post.

A big thank you to Shelayne at Anipeg Tattoo for her artistry and great company while getting the tattoo. I highly recommend their shop.

You can click on the images to enlarge them.

Aperture North Photography Workshops

2009-08-21T17:50:00.001-07:00

I, by no means, am the be all and end all when it comes to photography knowledge. It's taken a lot of years of wasted film and various experimentation to find out what works for me. Eventually, after sixteen years, I found something that allows me to realize my vision. I'm confident when I press the shutter button.

When ever I've had the opportunity to teach about photography I've always enjoyed it. I've taught at a college level for a very short while. I've had classes to enthusiasts with everything from point and shoot cameras to DSLR's. With the encouragement of friends and colleagues I've decided to take my teachings global and start offering workshops.

Aperture North Photography Workshops will come online in September of this year. The website will give an outline of the two workshops I plan to offer in 2010. One will be a fine art nude workshop. In this workshop we will cover photographing one of the most difficult subjects in photography. We'll have a day of photography working with models in the studio setting and in an outdoor setting. The next day we will be treated to a guest speaker from our local art gallery who will talk on how to prepare your work for gallery submission and what galleries are looking for. Then, in the afternoon you'll be treated to a viewing of the Art Gallery of Algoma's Steichen portfolio.

The next workshop will concentrate on photographing the splendor of the fall colours of Algoma country. You will be taken on a day trip that will take you up to the Agawa Canyon which has many photographic opportunities. On day two there will be a walking tour of Kinsmen Park with it's waterfalls, rivers and great colours.

The workshop curriculum isn't one hundred percent complete yet. These workshops are not for the beginner. One should have a good understanding of their camera and it's functions and how to control f-stops and shutter speeds. These workshops are meant to inspire and move your work in a new direction and provide you with new art work.

Please stay tuned to here and I suggest you sign up for my newsletter so you can know more as the workshops develop. If you are a model reading this and would be interested in this kind of work, I will be needing paid models for the workshop. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you at the first workshop.

Kiersten and Nathan's Wedding

2009-08-20T13:24:00.001-07:00

Here are few shots from some folks I had a blast with. Kiersten was an outstanding bride! I think many other brides could take a lesson from her on how to be organized and yet still be so light hearted and have a lot of fun! Too many get stressed over the smallest and silliest of things, that in the end, really don't matter. Enjoy these images as much as I did creating them.

Julie and Dom

2009-08-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

Here are a few from Julie and Dom's wedding that took place in July. We got to play in some fun locations and utilizing a few spots I had never shot in before. Always good to break the mold. Check out the shots from the ferris wheel!

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

Amanda & Chris' Wedding

2009-07-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

Here's the wedding that started out July. A great couple who made it real easy on me to take photos of them. Their wedding was on the fourth, but I've been swamped and I'm just getting around to showing off some of these. Enjoy!

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

Event + Response = Outcome

2009-07-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

I want to tackle a topic that made all the difference in my business and personal life once I embraced it. And that’s taking responsibility for your life and business.

As entrepreneurs we are faced with many challenges in the business world. I think the biggest challenge we have to over come is blaming outside circumstances for our lot in life and business. When I accepted that I was the cause of all my experience and I gave up blaming and complaining and took responsibility for my successes and my failures. I acknowledged that I have created everything in my life and I can take charge of creating the type of life and business that I want. It was very difficult to do because we are conditioned to blame someone or something else when things don’t work out right. We blame the media, our parents, spouses, clients, just about anything.

“Ninety-nine percent of all failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses.” George Washington Carver.

Some business people just love to complain or make excuses as to why their business isn’t doing very well. They’ll blame the economy, “big box” stores, government or city hall. These are victim stories. In order to be successful we have to give them up forever! I came across an equation in the Jack Canfield book, The Success Principles, that made sense to me. I’d like to pass it on to you in hopes it will help you like it did me.

E + R = O
(Event + Response = Outcome)

What it boils down to is that every time you experience success or failure, sadness or happiness it is the result of how you responded to earlier events in your life. In every outcome you can make two choices:

1) You can blame whatever event (or outside circumstance) that has happened to you or your business for your lack of results. It’s like missing the big putt during your golf game and blaming the club.

2)Or, you can change how you respond to what ever those events are until you get the outcome you want. Yes, it’s as simple as that. We can change our thinking, change our advertising, remerchandising our stores, change our window display, brainstorm and think of new ways to reach our clients or use some of the many chamber events to network more. We can control these things.

If you want different results, then you have to change the way you respond to things. I know when I reached a wall with my business I was full of excuses. My big thing was blaming department store photography studios for taking business away from me. Then my wife said something that she says often to me: what are you going to do about it? That set me on a new mind set. I was proactive rather than reactive.

I decided to invest in some marketing materials that I had my eye on. They refreshed my brain and got me thinking about things I could do to improve my current circumstances. I enlisted the help of a friend to have a look at my studio and how I could make it more inviting. He was great and I immediately implemented some redecorating suggestions (costing me all of $200) and I felt invigorated. Most importantly my clients noticed it right away.

I did some research on marketing information and changed some of the ways I do business and provided new and better value for my clients. I gave them a product they just couldn’t get anywhere else. I decided to show them the value they got by dealing with a professional photographer instead of a department store. I haven’t stopped since those few years ago. I reinvent myself and my business on a regular basis. No more blaming. I change my responses to the circumstances.

Successful people believer that they create their lives. Not life happens to them. Unsuccessful people blame, justify their situation and complain. Change your beliefs and you change your behaviors. Change your behaviors and you change your results. Change your results and you change your life.

Remember: Unsuccessful people say – life (or another four letter word) just happens. Successful people say – I create my life.

My suggested reading is Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”. If you haven’t read it I suggest you do. It’s essential for any entrepreneur.

Viva Las Vegas - Kinda :)

2009-07-11T12:57:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my wife and I took a vacation to Las Vegas. Or, as Bette Midler says, "Oi Vegas!" It was a fun trip, but now that I've done it I won't go back. More on this later.

What we did while there - like a lot of couples do - is get married. Actually, we're already married. Since our fifteenth wedding anniversary was the following week decided to renew our wedding vows at the famous A Little White Wedding Chapel. Many a celebrity has been married there and these folks have turned it into a small industry. The place is kind of like a factory!
Here are a few photos from that event.

Beauty and the Beast

2009-06-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

I have had the great priviledge to be invited to show my work at the Abbey for the Arts in North Lancaster, Ontario. The show will be entitled "Beauty and the Beast". The image attached is the promotional information for the show. You can click on it to enlarge

To give you a sneak peak, I have attached a few of the images that will be available at that show and sale. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge them.

These images are frame to 18x24 and sell for $500. Each is a limited edition of 10. Drop me an email or call 705-942-5419 if you wish to purchase one.

May Weddings

2009-05-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well, the first round of weddings for the season are done. May had freezing cold temperatures and gale force winds. Bridal parties froze, I stressed out because I didn't get the weather I wanted, but in the end it all got done to the best of our abilities. Here are few shots from those weddings. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge them. Thank you to Chantal and Mark, Alanna and Scott, Lisa and James.

Stimulate the Economy by Watching South Park

2009-05-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

We all keep hearing about the black cloud that hangs above our head like the Sword of Damocles. Like the news always is it thrives on our thirst for bad news. I want to bring you some good news. We can change the economy!! Yes we can - as U.S. President Obama said.

But I won't go into a long, drawn out explanation on how we can change the economy. I think the solution to the problem was best shown in the South Park Episode called Magaritaville. I will leave you a link where you can watch it. It will take sometime, but it will help you to solve the economic crisis.

Hopefully you have high speed - it's worth the wait!

http://www.megavideo.com/?v=EDTU2234

Enjoy!

We Need To Be Happy

2009-04-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I'm not going to bore you with stories of just my photography and happenings at the studio. I'm going to start including posts of things that inspire me and have taught me things. I hope you will learn from them to. I would like to hear your thoughts.

Check out this video from comedian Louis CK. With all the doom and gloom that's out there and how sorry we all feel for ourselves, this really puts things in perspective.

Artist's Reception At The Cube Gallery

2009-04-13T19:38:00.001-07:00

I'm back from the opening reception for the Water show at the Cube Gallery in Ottawa. Don Monet, the gallery owner, has a great space there and I'm honoured that he allowed me to be a part of this group show. There were some great and amazing art pieces there. I was very fortunate to be in that kind of company. Here are some snaps taken by my great friend Doris.

Babies on the Blog

2009-04-08T14:15:00.001-07:00

And in the studio! Had to share a few shots of some of the cuties I have been photographing at the studio lately.

Upcoming Art Shows

2009-02-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

I have recently been accepted into my first out of town gallery showing in Ottawa at The Cube Gallery. I'm very excited to get my art work out to a whole new world.

I don't often get to show this kind of work and I'm excited when do.

The Cube Gallery will show some of my pieces from a series entitled "Bodies of Water".

At my first out of town solo show in Cornwall, Ontario at a The Abbey for the Arts I will be showing some of my classic figure study work.

If you are in the are I hope you'll come out and see the work.

I Believe In What I Do

2009-01-23T13:42:00.000-08:00

The photographic digital revolution is here to stay. I'm sure it will grow as years come. I also believe we have come upon a renaissance when it comes to photography. With digital photography we (photographers) are trying to achieve what we had when we had film. We want the same look and effects that we got from those types of film we used to use.

The viewing of photographic images is done on a computer screen more than it is done on walls or in albums and books. That is a shame. Computer screens and digital photo frames do not show photographs, or any art for that matter, properly. The colours are usually wrong, muted or blown out so bad that they don't look real. Everything looks flat.

I do not create images for display on computer screens or digital photo frames. I create art pieces that are meant to be shown on walls, in leather bound albums or hard cover coffee table books. Anyone who wants anything less than that would most likely do better with another photographer.

Sometimes I will get asked if I can give the client a disk of the images. Unfortunately I do not. Why? See the reasons above. I control how my images will be printed and give my clients nothing less than what I would put on my own walls.

I am so grateful that I have clients who see the value of photographic art work. I am honoured that they would put my work on their walls.

Valentine's Day Portraits - It's Not Just For Girls!

2009-01-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

Every once and while I will get a request from a couple to create a portrait for them that is, shall we say, a little on this side of sexy. Many couples are passionate about their relationships and find one of the unique ways to express their love for one another is to capture it with a portrait of the two of them.

I enjoy working with people who have creative minds and understand the process of translating a feeling onto a photograph.

And then there are the ladies who want to create something special for someone special in their life. They're tired of typical Valentine's Day gifts. They give the ultimate expression of themselves and I think that says love!

Many photographers will call this type of photography as "boudoir" or "glamour". I like to call it "Intimate Portraiture". It is intimate because the subject is showing a side of themselves that isn't normally shown.

Many times the photos are taken just for themselves. They reached a milestone in their lives and will mark the occasion with a cool portrait that isn't just a headshot.

Many of my clients have even decorated their homes with an artistic portrait done in a fine art figure study style.

There's still time to have something ready for Valentine's Day or maybe you just didn't get what you want and would like to spend some of that Christmas money on yourself. Give me a call and we can start to create your Intimate Portrait.

The Chef

2008-12-30T10:46:00.000-08:00

I recently did a photo session for a young man who just achieved his red seal as a chef. To comemorate this occasion he had a portrait done in his working outfit and various acoutrement of the trade.

He also understands the power of a portrait when you planning on marketing yourself in the work force or once you have landed your job - to promote the fact you are a professional who loves his work and inviting potential clients to come to his place.

I think, no matter what business you're in, you should have a professional portrait that you can use to promote who you are and what you do. It can be used in all your promotional material, or the materials the company you work for has.

Clients buy from people. They will buy from those people they have an established relationship with trust. Building that trust and relationship can start with a portrait of yourself. You can build your clientel and business with an effective professional portrait.

Those who should consider a portrait are real estate agents, financial planners, actors, chefs, musicians, music teachers. Any one who sells services and establishes long term relationships with their customer should have this kind of portrait.

Give me a call and I can show what I can do for you!

The Value Of A Portrait

2008-12-17T18:45:00.001-08:00

“I try to photograph people's spirits and thoughts. As to the soul-taking by the photographer, I don't feel I take away, but rather that the sitter and I give to each other. It becomes an act of mutual participation.” Yousef Karsh

As someone who makes his living from his passion (that being photography) I also feel I'm responsible for creating something that I believe in. I believe in the value that I am giving the client. It is a value much more than the dollar amount that is paid to me. Sometimes that value is not realized until it's gone.

When the people that are in the photograph are no longer with us we see the value. When family can not be together to celebrate holidays and we look to the portrait on the wall - we see the value. I believe that I am pouring my heart and soul into creating a piece that will keep memories alive and will provide comfort.

I have just experienced the value of a photograph. A clients mother had passed away and it was one of my photographs that provided the memory that will be displayed at the wake and in the obituary. I've had the honour of having many of my portraits provide a lasting memory of someone deceased. Even closer to home, I was grateful that I had created the portraits of my mother and father because now they are gone.

It's more than just pointing a camera. The poses are engineered so everyone will look their best. As the master Kash said in the opening quote: it is an act of mutual participation.

Sometimes a photograph will help someone. It might instill confidence in soul that is lacking such. Sometimes it will reflect a sense of pride and accomplishment. Some of the best portraits that I have ever created are done after I've sat and chatted with the subject. Not about the portrait, but about them or things going on around them.

I'd like to create that kind of portrait for you. Something real. Not one that falls within the parameters of what many think a portrait should be: a perfect smile, staring intently into the camera, even flat lighting. The camera does not lie. It shows the real you. The soul. Let me photograph your "spirits and thoughts".

Some Funny Portraits

2008-12-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Every once and while people will ask me why professional photography costs what it does. I don't have to answer that question very often because I have great clients and they love what I create for them.

But, I think I'm going to start to show them some photos that might work like an "apples and oranges" kind of comparison. Then my answer will be: because I don't take photos like this...

The glasses came with a free bottle of Brut cologne.

The Purvis family made several stops along the Oregon Trail to document their six-month journey. This photo was taken just two weeks before the dysentery took Momma to Jesus.

Dawn and her recently exhumed sister, Gorgotha, pose with Scraps.

Grapefruit smuggling isn't a crime, but posing it in profile should be.

If you happen to have a portrait that looks something like this on your walls, give me a call and I can help you update the portrait and make you proud to show off your family.

Meeting Cool People

2008-11-10T13:49:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to put this post up for a while, but things have been hopping and busy around the studio (I'm very grateful to say!).

I haven't met too many famous people in my life, but I do want to start meeting a few. At least those I have met I haven't had the presence of mind to get a photograph with them. Go figure, and I'm a photographer (the cobbler's children always go shoeless). Wish I had a camera when I met Bob Zany!

Well, here's a couple. This is a shot of me and Michael Losier. Michael is the best selling author of the the book "The Law of Attraction". I've read it and it's got some great info in it. Michael was in town in April and I photographed his event. Michael is like Oprah's buddy because she loves his book and even has him on a satellite radio program of hers. Not be be upstaged, my flash is conveniently blocking out the title of his book!

Here's me and Dr. Roberta Bondar. If you aren't aware, she is Canada's first woman in space and I'm proud to day from Sault Ste Marie. I got to meet Dr. Bondar again when she spoke in October at our Chamber of Commerce annual general membership meeting.

She has also kindly said yes to allow me to photograph her some time for the Tribute exhibit. Now, we just have to nail down a date and time!

Many of you will know who this crew is! These folks are the stars of A&E's Miami Ink. No, I did not get to meet them, but I did have a connection with one of the former producers of the show. He's from Sault Ste Marie also.

I told Chris' (he's the producer) parents how much I liked the show one day in casual conversation. Low and behold, they told me their son was a producer for the show.

A few days later Chris' dad came in and handed me an envelope with these personalized photographs! I was thrilled. Especially since Kat said she "loved me". Yeah, that's right, you can read it! I should enlarge the shot that says "Brian's on break! Go Away!" and use it as my "Be Back Soon" sign.

I did apply to be on the show, but didn't make it. Oh well, some day...

The Band At Work

2008-11-06T12:40:00.001-08:00

As April Wine said, "rock 'n' roll is a vicious game". Well, not really. It's a fun game. But sometimes getting people to come out to hear you perform is a challenge.

Maybe we should dress up in weird costumes and fart fire? Wait, I've done that already (I mean the part about the costumes!).

Here are few shots taken by my friend Carol when we were playing at Amici's Restaurant. I think ten people came to see us for that entire weekend. It's so much fun playing to tables and chairs. But, we always have a good time!

The band members are me, Mark Brandow (bass), Ed Young (drums) and my wife Lynn (keyboards). Our next gig is coming up on November 29/08 at the Legion on Great Northern Road. No, you do not have to be a member to come and watch us play.

We like to think this is music you grew up with and not grew out of. You'll hear all kinds of fun tunes from artists like The Beatles, Carol King, Carly Simon, The Who, The Byrds, KD Lang, Ricky Nelson, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, KT Tunstall, and some of my original tunes from the album Road Hockey.

Please join us if you can and don't forget to pop by my website and sign up for my newsletter and you can hear all about what's going on with me, the band and my studio.

I'm On The Scoop!

2008-10-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Once again I'm very fortunate to have been spotlighted in the media. You can hear me being interviewed by Julie Hryniewicz -Hache. Julie has a radio progam on soonews.ca and she is Sault Ste Marie's first and only motivational speaker.

You can here my interview at http://soonews.ca/loadvideo.php?id=2095 and you can find out about Julie's business at http://www.makeitworkseminars.com/

A New "Old" Website

2008-10-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

I searched my archives, but I couldn't find anything about my new website. At this point, I think it's my new "old" website, so please, bear with me.

The website is located at www.tremblayfinephotography.com. This site is not to be confused with my "bread and butter" website at www.tremblayphoto.com. Tremblay Fine Photography is showcasing my personal work and some of my commercial work. I am marketing this site to prospective clients that might be interested in the type of photography shown there. It has a few different sections in it many that show the work I've had at various galleries. All the images are for sale.

One of my current on going projects is I am photographing people with large colourful tattoos. I've put a few samples of some of those images in this blog posting.

I intend to make a gallery exhibit of these images. Initially the project started with the idea that the body would be in black and white and I would leave the tattoos in colour. But, that concept has varied depending on the subject matter.

My biggest challenge is searching for people with the tattoos that

would be suitable for exhibit. I have advertised at a local tattoo shop and through word of mouth through some of my subjects I have found some great tattooed people.

More often than not I get subjects who have the same kind of tatoos. I have plenty of women with the little "butt topper" tattoos at the small of their backs. What I am looking for are those who have large colour tattoos or those placed in unique places on their body. Then I can incorporate an interesting pose that will highlight the tattoo.
When someone comes to me interested in working with the project the first thing many of them are concerned about is how much nudity is involved. My only answer is: as much as you are comfortable showing. As you can see here, there are many examples of simplistic and descrete to full nudity - the choice is up to the subject matter. The examples will show that all forms are handle with respect and descretion.

So, if you or anyone you know has many or large and colourful tattoos, please have them contact me. They will get the photo session for free and a free 11x14 print of the image I choose for the exhibit. There is a non-negotiable model release that must be signed also.

Fall Colour Portraits

2008-10-15T09:38:00.001-07:00

The fall colours were quite amazing this year. And I've had many families take advantage of them and we've created some great portraits that show case them and the beauty of the land.

Kinsmen Park has always has been a favourite place of mine for creating photos for weddings or

portraits. As a matter of fact, the park has been a favourite place since I was kid.

It used to have a wonderful beach that lead to the small pond/lake that built their from damn at the lower part of the small river that runs through the park. Unfortunately, the beach has been replaced by grass and swimming is done at your own risk because the local health unit has deemed the bacteria levels too high and dangerous. I remember the dock that used to be there. There was a proper change area, washrooms, and a small confection stand where you could get french fries, ice cream and other snacks that made a trip to the beach just perfect. Then there was the huge stair case that used to lead to the parking area atop the hill. It's sad that it no longer exists like that any more. Now it all lies in ruins.

Christmas is coming and now is the time to start thinking about gifts for the season or the every popular Christmas cards that I offer. Or, maybe you have children away at school and you've begun to feel that empty nest syndrome. Wouldn't it be nice to solidify the family unit with a portrait that captures the love you have for your family? Schedule it when your children are home for the holidays.

Ask me about the richness of a fine art black and white portrait how you can have something that is the ultimate decor piece for your fine home.