Interview with my Flickr friend Denis Collette

How did you first get interested in photography? And are you self taught?

As the owner of an ad agency and design studio, I had to work with a lot of photographers in different specialities and I was facinated by this medium! In the 70’s, I made some experiments in BW with my own laboratory for about two years. I’d bought the complete collection of Life magazine and I learned with that! So yes, I am self taught. It’s only May 1st 2006 that I came back to this passion!


Do you have a favourite walk around lens? If so, what is it?

When I work with the my son’s 5D, my favortite lens is a 28/135mm… but for the moment I’m addicted to my new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera with his extraordinary 18x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilizer and his Leica wide-angle 28mmm lens… a magical piece of equipment for reflections!

What equipment and software do you use?

On the camera side, I sometimes use a Sony DSC-828, the Panasonic Lumix TZI magic for the close up and a Nikon FM2… a tank for the North Pole at -40C… Ho! Ho! Ho!
On the software side, I use iPhoto and Photoshop CS3!


Which one item of equipment is the most important for you?

My FZ18!


How do you decide on locations and subjects?

First, the majority of my pictures are taken on my homeland… I use a similar approach as Thoreau… For me, photography is a metaphysical approach… I don’t decide on subjects… it’s the light who decides… and when my heart says… « OK Woodsman »… I shoot!!! :))

What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

You won’t believe me but it’s my wild river! LOL


What continues to inspire you as a photographic artist?

The light… the light… the light… it’s magical and deeply spiritual… the light is my only church… when I follow the light it is like a prayer… a meditation… after an hour of shooting I’m in peace with all the Creation!

What is the one thing that you have not captured on camera you feel you need to express?

I have no personnal needs…. I have no other needs than to follow the light… as I said before… I don’t decide… the light decides for me!!!


What other artists have influenced your work?

My son, Christophe… you can see his website here :
http://www.christophecollette.com/
He shoots with his heart!

My daughter-in-law, the soulmate of Christophe, Josée Pednault… she’s a great visual artist and photographer… you can see her work here :
http://www.joseepedneault.com/

… all the impressionist painters!

… and a lot of Flickr friends!

What other talents do you possess besides photography?

The graphic design… but in photography, I try not to take the photo/concepts… it would be too close to my job!
The I Ching… for more than twenty years, I deeply studied these first chineese writings in the world… When you go deeper, you discover that we’re all connected and that the others are us! When you hurt others… you hurt yourself… when you love others… you love yourself!!! :))
Drawing, painting, cooking!!!
And is there another area of talent you would like to explore?
No… just with the photography I would need of two lifes to explore all what I want to do!!!


Have you met other flick rites in person, and how was the experience?

No… I’m still too young! :))


Any words of advice for those who would like to dig deeper into photography?

Be yourself… you’re unique!

Of all the photos you've taken, what is your favorite and why?

My favorite isn’t done yet !!! :))) But if you ask me my favorite I posted here… I’d certainly say this one : http://www.flickr.com/photos/deniscollette/447696249/in/set-72157594583184319/
This reflection was seen more than 100 000 times in the weekend I posted it… and a week later I received the contact of Al Gore’s office.

If you could change anything on flickr, what would it be?

Nothing! It’s the better place to share our work in the world!

These are the photos that Denis want to share with us in this interview:

1) Giverny spirit XXV!



2) My Wild Arts Bridge/Mon Pont des Arts!!! :)))



3) Shhhhhhhhhhhhh…!



Thanks to Dennis for his kindness, attitude, alertness (to any photo in Explore of his contacts)
and for showings us his ineffable Wild River. He is also a good Flickr pal, so dont'hesitate to visit his stream and add him as your contact!

flickr.com/people/deniscollette/

angie_real aka Angela Lobefaro