cory photographique
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philosophy
cre'a'tive [def'n]: the ability to create; originality and expressiveness; imagination.
I take photos because photos are nothing but a frozen moment, an impression, in time. And life itself is just an endless collection of moments and impressions. Each of these moments leaves us with an impression. From impressions arise a myriad of thoughts. Some thoughts you like, some you may not like. Some you choose to remember, while other thoughts fall into the black hole of the mind, to be forgotten forever, dissolving into the void. Or do they?
Why do we remember the thoughts we do? What attracts us to that impression? What attracts us to that image? What of that image? Is it beautiful? Tasteful? Does it fill you with joy? Happiness? Or do you find it repulsive? What do you consider ugly? How do you define beauty? Can something so ugly and repulsive be beautiful?
There is a beauty in everything we see and interact with. But if something repulses you, then why? It only reflects something in you. Take a look, see for yourself. Or do you find the same image lovely and beautful? If so, then why? Something in you reflects that as well. But how often do we remember those impressions? Not as often as we should. If something is ugly, we should remember that, too.
Define beauty. Define ugly. Because really, in the end, everything just is. It is us who attaches an impression of that moment to our existence. The moment itself does not know anything about being beautiful or ugly. It just is. Therefore you can find a moment beautiful and ugly simultaneously.
I see order and I see chaos simultaneously. I see ugly and beauty simultaneously. I find those moments awesome - "full of awe".
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services
architecture
art
commercial
event coverage
fashion
landscape
portfolio
portrait
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photo credits
movie work:
film short: "Stick Up"
music video: "You Are Starlight"
commission work
Catherine "Scathing" Jones: photo for opening image of story for Gallery Magazine (06/1994)
Rev. Angelica Taggert: cover photo for personal book: "Thank God It's Friday"
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my style
People fascinate me the most. The human form can tell a story.
I go for abstract points of view. I see the obscure. I like to take objects out of context.
I prefer to shoot in Black&White. I like the detail it offers. If something needs to be in colour then I shoot slide.
I shoot film because there's something about film that digital cannot do. Somehow there's a certain "punch", a depth, that digital lacks. Besides, when it comes to shooting medium format then digital can't even compare.
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about me
I think I was first attracted to photography at an early age when I used a "Brownie". In 1991 I started with my Pentax.
In the beginning I taught myself about f/stops, composure, depth of field and film speeds by taking notes, studying them, and having my shots critiqued by professionals. I hung out with photographers, talked "shop", read books on photography, and took lots of photos!
I now study photography.
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my gear
I love my gear! When I travel I carry everything in one pack: two 35 mm systems, medium format system, flashes, light meters, tripod, and numerous accessories.
I never know where I'm going to be, or what I'm going to shoot, so I like to be prepared for any situation or subject.
I prefer to shoot outdoors, urban settings. So because I live on the West Coast of B.C., where it tends to rain a fair amount, my gear needs the best protection. Also, carrying as much gear as I do means it can get heavy. The solution for my requirements: LowePro Nature Trekker AW II backpack.
So when it is all said and done, this is what I shoot with:
Mamiya C220 6x6
Canon Rebel EOS
Pentax ME Super
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photography tips
make sure the image is in focus. If in doubt, use a tripod (something solid like a Manfrotto ;)
put something of <u>interest</u> in the photo, and get in <u>close</u>.
imagine dividing the image you see into thirds (horizontally & vertically), put the subject of interest some where along those lines. never put a horizon dead middle, put it up or down, about 1/3.
if clouds are grey, leave them out!
to give a photo more <u>punch</u> (i.e. a landscape) put something red in the photo. If not red, then yellow. If not yellow, then blue.
just before you take the shot, do a quick scan around the periphery of the viewfinder. Get rid of clutter around the edges. If necessary, move in closer.
when photographing a single person, shoot vertically. When two, or more, people shoot horizontally.
be aware of time of day. Morning sun has a <u>different colour</u> than afternoon sun.
good side light adds shadows, and shadows create depth.
Of course, these are not "rules", just <u>guidelines</u>. Believe me, I've broken and/or bent lots of these rules :)
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