27 November, 2007

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

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'd an apparition near my Wild River... an interview by an angel!!!
Thank you my dear Angela!

Anonymous said...

Very interesting interview between two great photographers. And also a great blog where you can find fantastic captures and amazing people. Thank you Angela for this

Bindu said...

Denis is a icon in flickr.....
great interview.........

genevieve.van.doren said...

Ce qui est le plus important pour Denis,c'est sa rivière sauvage,qu'il photographie sous toutes ses coutures...et bien lui prends car ses photos sont superbes !!! Il joue avec la lumière et ca lui va bien !!! La nature est son élément et ca ce voit...Il puise aussi une force immense dans les joies de sa famille et il en est tres fier...Bravo Denis et merçi à Angela !!!

Anonymous said...

Angela, thank you for this interview. It has just confirmed many things I knew or felt about Denis... :)

Denis is displaying a rare talent: He's able to share his tremendous joy over the lights in his river with an unknown but still growing number of flickrites and he has an enthusiasm for the beauty which sweeps you off your feet!
Bonne continuation, mon ami; tu es merveilleux et je loue le jour je te trouvais!
Kiki / On flickr photos I am: Vol-au-Vent

Anonymous said...

Denis is a fantastic human being and photographer I really love to visit and appreciate, through the link on his page, I arrived here... I love this idea, dear Angie. Congratulations. I'll visit your Flickr and all pages of Flickr friends you show here.
Hugs, all joy and luck for you!

Juca

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jucafii/

Larisa Cevallos said...

this a lovely interview and it had to be made with a photographer like Deniss. Thanks for this and thanks denis for sharing your son's amazing website!

Unknown said...

Denis is so right: The light is the artist, who creates every picture. We just see it and push the button.

Anonymous said...

Denis is pure inspiration - as a person and as an artist

Anonymous said...

Denis is pure inspiration - as a person and as an artist