The photographic life of Chris Plante

Inspirational Monday

Larry Thompson

Night Photographer
This week I would like to feature a photographer whom I feel somewhat connected to. He was kind enough to give me a link to my very first website that I had back in 2000.  Many of his subject matter is of old buildings in the oil and gas industry. I had also worked in the oil refineries in Alberta. He is the Night Photographer, Larry Thompson.

Larry’s photography was something that I had never seen before. The technique he used is called, “painting light”. I had no idea what “painting light” meant or looked like, let alone, know the technique. What I did know is that the night images were completely different and very interesting compared to “conventional” photography. Larry’s night photographs are ghostly reminders of our past. His subject matter is usually ghost towns, abandoned buildings, old farm equipment and such. His technique brings the old items back to life.

Larry inspired me to attempt some night photography myself. Basically, you need to go out when the moon is full and far away from city lights that create light pollution. Then using slide film(though digital is possible now) with very long exposures(up to 4 minutes), you “paint” the subject with light from a flash light or multiple blasts from a Flash. This technique leaves a lot of room for creativity.

I am also drawn toward night photography because of the solitude. I find shooting by myself at night a nice way to spend time with myself. Nobody is waiting for me. I can take my time and try out new techniques without worrying about a model getting bored.

Larry has been getting quite popular in recent years. The other night I had seen him being interviewed on an arts magazine tv show. He is also been featured on several magazines, including my favourite mag called Photolife.

I am pleased to see Larry’s success grow over the last 8 years from his humble beginings in 2000. I have followed him the whole way. Visit Larry here.


James Neeley

James Neeley

I am not a big fan of HDR(High Dynamic Range) photography. I find too many people over do the the photo effects to the point of the image looking like a painting. To me, this kind of blurs the line between “photograph” and “digital art”. James Neeley is a landscape photographer who does use HDR but in a subtle way. He does not over do the effects so his images still look like photographs. In my opinion, he does not butcher images with HDR as some people do.

HDR is not the only aspect of photography that James excels at. I find his compositions use great lines, perspective, and use of reflections. You would not know it but James does not do photography for a living but I think he easily could. That does not mean he doesn’t have prints for sale. Check his blog or his Flickr photostream.


Snorri Gunnarsson

Snorri Gunnarsson
Ooops, I am a little late in the day for “Inspirational Monday” but I made it in time before midnight. I am sure you will enjoy the photographs of todays inspiration. I came across him on Flickr.

I admit that I am partial to BC photographers. I suppose that it’s because I like cheering for the ‘home team’ but also because BC is a beautiful place to take photographs.  Nobody quite expresses this as Snorri Gunnarsson. He is a transplant of of Iceland now living in Victoria, BC. He captures the west coast as not many others can. Looking at his photo’s inspires me to get out to the coast and start shooting. He reminds me that, yes,  I do live a very beautiful and lively place. Check him out.

http://snorrigunnarsson.com/


Blue Olive Photography

Blue Olive PhotographyI have missed a few “Inspirational Mondays” as I was in Thailand with limited internet access. Have no fear! I am back home and ready to pick off where I left off.

Blue Olive Photography is Reilly & Miranda Lievers. I tend to enjoy surfing local photographers websites out of pure interest. This couple are based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Their style falls in line with what is popular these days. Their images could be called sassy, refreshing, fun, urban, and indulgent. I would not go as far as calling them “unique”. There seems to be many other wedding photographers that have a similiar style as Blue Olive Photography. If clients are looking for a certain style, I suppose you would lean toward THAT style. Regardless whether I think that their style is just a trend or not, I really think the style is FUN! The sessions must be an absolute hoot for both couple and photographers.

I also tip my hat to Blue Olive Photography for their website design. It is not the typical black, grey, or sometimes white colour scheme. They use, of all colours available…. a BLUE colour palette! Imagine that! The colours do give an impression of “fresh”, which emulates their photographic style. I also think the site is easy to navigate and is very pretty. I like the design that was obviously produced by a pro or at least an amatuer who is talented.

Did I mention they have won multiple awards?

Click here for their site.


David DuChemin

 David DuChemin’s link on lower right of this page. I put his link there because I use him as a source of inspiration. I am also a regular reader of his blog. David is a “National Geographic” calibre of travel photographer. Plain and simple, his images just make your jaw drop. David’s photographs are stunning images of beauty while hitting with a slug of  emotion. David likes people and it shows in his photography. He is also a humanitarian making a small bit of difference in this sometimes nasty world. Go visit him and see the world and the interesting people in it!

Pixelated Image

By the way, this post was scheduled in case I dont’ have time to write or lack of internet connection on Monday.  Monday, I will be in Bangkok heading out on a train to Chang Mai in the evening.


Ryan Brenizer

I stumbled upon this young gun on Flickr. Ryan is a multi-talented photographer from New York who will shoot anything. He seems to be mainly a Wedding and Portrait photographer but also does Commercial photography. Ryan is also an official blogger for Amazon.

I also love his website. It is easy to navigate and he has great little phrases upon entering each gallery. There are words give you an understanding of his “vision”. It’s a very great marketing tool that made me want to hire him. So, go take a look and get moved by his vision.

Ryan Benziner


Stunning outdoor photography

Well, here I am again on a Monday looking for another talented photographer. I came across Michael Clark’s site a week or two ago. I had to bookmark it as he shoots absolutely stunning shots. He also shoots subject matter that I am very interested in, outdoor activities.  Anyways, dont waste anymore time here. Click the image below for some eye candy from this award winning photographer.

Michael Clark


Inspirational Monday!

As an excercise for myself, I will be searching out photographers on the web that I think are great then post their sites here on Mondays! They need not be a Pro as there are many good Amatuers too. I do this on occasion anyways but I feel it should be done on a schedualed basis as I can do this at home or on the road. I got the idea from Photolife magazine. They have a spot that features Emerging Artists. I really enjoy that part of the magazine. I will not seek out emerging artists on purspose but I want to find photographers that inspire me.  Artists that have a “wow” factor to their images. I will be searching for images that I can learn from. It’s a good excersice to view other’s work to get ideas and inspiration.

For the first photographer to feature. Drum roll please!….

Marc Koegel is a landscape/nude photographer from Vancouver, BC. B&W photography needs to be approached from a “different angle” so to speak. A successful B&W photo relies on lighting and texture, which Marc captures. His landscape photo’s have a silky silver quality to them.  His nudes have soft textures of light and dark creating form. He has a definite style.

Visit Marc at http://www.silverlandscapes.com/
Silver Landscapes


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