My Photographic Philosophy:
I believe a great photo is the results of many factures including a good eye and luck. Having a good eye is being able to see a picture in things. Luck is being at the right location at the right time. Besides these two things: composition, subject, location, time of day, quality of light, equipment, uniqueness, humor, proper camera settings all play an important part. And finally, no picture is complete without post processing to bring out the best qualities of the image.
My Journey:It started at a young age in the 70s when I purchased my first camera, a Polaroid One Step. It wasn’t the world's best camera by any fetch of the imagination but I found it incredible that I could take a picture and then one minute later see the results.
In the early 80s, while living in the Canadian Rockies, I purchased a Pentax K1000 35mm camera.
Then in 2000, I put my old faithful film 35mm Pentax on the shelf and took the leap to the digital world with mostly point & shoot cameras for the next 10 years.
In 2007 I made the move to a DSLR to a Sony Alpha 100.
I am now shooting with a Nikon D800 and a Nikon Mirrorless Z50 with the dream of going to a full frame Z series at some point in the future. I use a Nikon Mirrorless J1 with an underwater casing and a Olympus TG5 tough for underwater photography.
My Education:
In the early 80’s, I took an introduction to photography course to learn the foundation of photography.
One of my favorite learning resources is Lynda.com where I follows a variety of photography courses on techniques, composition and photo post processing.
I recently completed a photography course led by Maurice Henri in Moncton to reinforce my photographic skills.
I enjoy reading photography books and magazines. Besides many photographic and artist websites I follow I enjoy searching YouTube for videos to improve my photographic skills or learn new ones.
My Primary Interest:
My primary fields of interest are nature, food, travel and underwater photography (which mimics my interest in life). I have visited over 30 countries and documented various cultures, people, nature and architecture with my photographs.
Focus Camera Club:
I have been a member of the Moncton Focus Camera club since 2013, and has given presentations to club members on several occasions. I have participated in the club contest and have constantly finish in the top 10 for best photographer of the year. I came in second on 2 occasion. The club is a great place to meet other photographers and learn from member and guest presentation. Please visit the club website to learn more about it.
Andre LeBlanc