There has been much speculation about the way technology has changed our “industry” in the arts. I brought to question this in my last post. ~If you’re still curious, (as I expect we all are) watch this video (or at this part of it), for an incredibly inspirational feeling about the evolution of creativity. Enjoy.
In just the last few years, our world has become flooded with imagery; not that it hasn’t been floating all around us already, but alas we are fully submerged. Due to defining contemporary technologies and the disposition of mediums in this accelerated day, the quality of a memory becomes lost in the digital sea. Can anyone guess what new technology and new medium I’m referencing? Well, specifically the technology is apple’s sly new camera, I mean computer, I mean phone… yeah that’s it, the iPhone and the licentious medium is… yeah you’re right, it couldn’t be anything else but the social media site, Facebook.
With the quick click of your cat’s favorite chew toy and with the easy access to relatively good resolution in a just as easily disposable and non wallet tugging way, creates a serving dish for hundreds of your ‘closest’ friends to be notified about your questionably composed, poorly lit, insipid, ungarnished meal of…well I don’t really know what that is exactly but I do know that 20 minutes later I’ll be notified about an image of an empty plate with the caption “that was so good!” revealing you did indeed, finish your vegetables this evening.
The point I’m making here is that we’ve become obsessed with documenting every second of our lives. Now, the entire society can see the satisfying addiction of what this sirens song had caught professional photographer’s for nearly the last two centuries. But, back then (dating “far” into the time machine as 10 years ago) a photographer focused on their niche and the photography was valued, and well studied. They learned about the magic of light, the matters of culture, the presence of emotion, and about the silent moments between. The world of today has become impulsive with their ids striking more rapidly than ever before, demanding the quickest, cheapest way of going about any process in their life.
Unfortunately, photography has become a leader in this realm. The standards have diminished increasingly just as fast as their Freudian structural hyperactivity. Don’t get my wrong, I’m all for change. I love evolution and the innovative designers of our world. Photography is a platform for another construction to leap off from, like everything that has come before (just look at the concept of our mentioned star, the phone. Look what a “phone” can do now!) I’m just saying that we should be careful not to take away the precious vulnerability of a memory.
My life revolves around studying imagery of the past, of our present, and creating in my mind the imagery of our future. My conscious thought is trained to see every day life as a photograph while I sit and review actual photographs over and over again, and every once in awhile an image will stop me. It will evoke a deep routed feeling and momentarily complex my engines. I, as many other visionaries do, will sit with the photograph, and wonder what it has done to me. And why has it done this to me? Images like this reminds me of what is so unique to human beings. It is the fact that we feel compassion. This emotion links us to the entire human race and to all living beings on this planet. A photograph of a child struck with wonderment while the world around her less engaged, moving more quickly through their lives is the siren that captured photographers before, an emotion of one moment in time.
“Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man.”
~Edward Steichen
Simply look with perceptive eyes at the world about you, and trust to your own reactions and convictions. Ask yourself “Does this subject move me to feel, think and dream? Can I visualize a print – my own personal statement of what I feel and want to convey – from the subject before me?”
~Ansel Adams
My friends, be cautious of your visual information drifting through the endless waves of the digital sea. The flow denotes turbulence.
State of Wonderment
New Years is about fresh beginnings, new job endeavors, new passions and a time to start being proactive about doing, yeah, you know, that something you’ve always wanted to do…
Pick up your camera and join Master photographer, Louise Michaud in a fun, informative, career jumping weekend workshop in Wedding Photography. Located in the historic district of Salem, MA, the studio of Louise Michaud Photographer is a perfect setting for an inspiring experience.
During the course of the workshop, Louise takes you to some of her favorite shooting locations in the near by parts for a hands on posing and lighting demo. As a great addition to the workshop, a local church is used for a learning session on the how to of gracefully chasing a bride and groom down the isle. Louise will help you gain knowledge of the technical aspects of wedding photography like using an on and off camera flash, natural light and when to use fill flash and reflectors (allowing space for you creative visions), as well as walking you through “booking a client” business forms, and work flow organization.
Join Louise for a pleasant weekend to enhance your career, photographic skills and creative energy so that you can make your passions a reality!
Further details can be found under the “workshop” section of www.louisemichaud.com
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If you thought that the people who set up a room full of dominoes to have them knocked over later was amazing, you haven’t seen anything yet.
There are no computer graphics or digital tricks in these images. Everything that you see happened in real time exactly as you see it.
The recording required 606 takes and in the first 605 takes there always was something, usually of minor importance, that didn’t work. It was necessary for the recording team to install the set-up time after time and it took several weeks working day and night to achieve this effect. The recording cost 6 million dollars and it took 3 months to finish, including the engineering design of the sequence.
The duration of the video is only 2 minutes, but every time that Honda shows the commercial on British television, they make enough money to support any of us for the rest of our lives. However, this commercial has turned out to be the most displayed in the history of the Internet.
Honda execs think that it will pay for itself simply because of the free showings.
When Honda senior execs viewed it, they immediately approved it without hesitation — including costs.
Everything you see in the sequence (besides the walls, floor, ramp and untouched Honda Accord) is part of two automobiles.
The voice is that of Garrison Keiller.
The commercial was so well received by Honda execs when they saw it, that their first comment was how amazing the computer graphics were.
They almost fell out of their chairs when told that the recording was real without any graphics manipulation.
A Toast is most formally known as an expression of honor used during a celebration. A Toast is uniting, with its messages of goodwill. In these fast turning pages of life, we often forget to slow down, come together, and receive the enjoyment of family. This is the one time of year where we get a glimpse of this reminder, feels its rejuvenating effects, and its centering elements. This post is a visual of two people’s bond joined internationally, as they found love through exploring globally, while uniting separate cultures, with equal values. Remember to remain positive, and to love, through this season.
Happy Holidays,
Louise Michaud
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A blissful fall wedding occasion filled with friends, family, laughter and love, right here in Salem, MA!
With the holidays approaching, we give gifts of inspiration and joy. If a new camera (or camera accessory) is on your list for a special someone, let’s not forget that (like men should stop and ask for directions) we could all use a little help sometimes.
Louise Michaud Photographer is offering Gift Certificates for private sessions (one on ones) that are completely custom made for your loved ones needs. This ranges anywhere from basic camera knowledge through pro photography, including off camera flash, selective focus, natural light, etc.
For $150.00 you will have a 2 hour, one on one with Louise Michaud.
Please feel free to email Louise Michaud at louise@louisemichaud.com any time or call the studio at 978-594-1728, Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm for any questions!
Enjoy life’s changes, for they are the reminders of our value.
The Bar Mitzvah was a particularly special occasion for me to photograph; I captured this (newly announced) man’s parent’s wedding day 16 years ago.
There is nothing like capturing pure joy from an innocent to remind you of what is important in life as the season begins to change into “the most wonderful time of the year”.
The end of a season brings new beginnings as this September wedded couple embarks on their beautiful journey together
