Episode 14 – Guy LeBlanc – Memramcook, New Brunswick

Podcast Episode #14 – Oct 15, 2022

In this podcast interview we will be talking to Guy LeBlanc, an Amateur Portrait and Nature Photographer, currently based in Memramcook, New Brunswick.

You Can Learn Photography Podcast Episode 14 – Guy LeBlanc (mp3)

©Guy LeBlanc

Hi, my name is Guy LeBlanc, born December 8, 1982, the 5th of 6 siblings. For as long as I can remember there was photography in the family. My mom and dad had wanted to record their family growing up. My mom bought a Canon TX and took a basic photography class. I still have my mom’s old camera. I think my first camera was a simple point and shoot with 35mm film. So, I’ve always been interested in photography but never enough to study it and take it very seriously. My interest really developed and took off in 2016. I was going through a transition period in my life after suffering a Post Traumatic Stress Injury due to accumulated incidents at work. I wouldn’t leave the house except to exercise my dog.

With this turn of events, I became very close friend with my neighbor Norbert Dupuis as he would come over to exercise his dog with mine. I should mention that Norbert has studied and done photography for over 40 years. After several months of having dog play dates every day, Norbert suddenly asked me if I was interested in learning photography. My reply was, I don’t have a camera and can’t afford one. That didn’t deter Norbert, he simply told me to take out my cell phone and I started learning the basics of photography. After seeing how eager I was to learn, Norbert did the most generous act of kindness. He gave me my first digital camera. It was a Canon Rebel; I believe the first of the rebel series. He no longer used it as he had upgraded. This is when my love and passion really took off. I must say that I owe a great deal of gratitude towards Norbert for what he did for me. Photography has helped me greatly in my recovery. Other than photography in my spare time I like to build model cars, play guitar, go hiking, bird watching.

I don’t have an official business yet, but I do post on Facebook @Guy&TangoPhotography. I got the name from a friend whom I had ask for help to come up with a name for my page. She mentioned I should name it whatever I had taken most pictures of, that was easy. My dog Tango, and the name was put together.

You can follow Guy’s work and learn more from the following link:
■ Facebook: @Guy&TangoPhotography

The photographer Guy mentioned for inspiration with Horse images, during the podcast, is “Josee Talbot” who can be found via the following links:
■ Website: talbotphotoart.ca
■ Facebook: TalbotPhotoArt

From your podcast app click on this link to the images which will automatically use your browser.

The Music snippets that you hear in the intro and outro of the podcast is from “upbeat-motivation-corporate” by M-Dewala on Pixabay Music.

October 2022 Theme Challenge – “Fall Colour”

This month I encourage you get outdoors to experience the fresh cool air and create an image taking advantage of the Fall Colour. Spend the time to enjoy nature, be patient and you will be rewarded with not only great images but exciting experiences.

When shooting Fall Colour consider your shutter speed in relation to the amount of wind because the leaves move with the wind. In the images below you can see the water is calm providing reflections because there was not much wind, therefore your shutter speed can be a bit slower allowing for a lower ISO for a higher quality result.

Watch your RGB histogram, it’s easy to over expose the Red channel because of the vivid colour. An overcast damp day provides perfect conditions, use a circular polarizer to minimize the reflection from the leaves to get a more saturated colour with better contrast.

Don’t limit yourself by just using a wide angle lens, use a longer focal length (zoom lens) to isolate the scene and reach places you are not able to physically get closer to.

Fall is a great time to photograph waterfalls as well. Use your polarizing filter to minimize reflections and select a shutter speed that smooths the water but still maintains texture in the water. To get slower shutter speeds, go earlier in the morning or later in the day when there is less light, or try using a 2 stop or 3 stop neutral density filter. Take the wide angle shots but also get those intimate shots as well by using a longer focal length or getting closer to the subject.

If the opportunity arises, capture a portrait. Remember if you are taking a portrait of someone you don’t know ask them if it’s ok, and you may also want to get their email address so you can send them the photo.

As always check the result on the camera display by zooming in and around the image to make sure it’s sharp, review the RGB histogram, and check the composition for minimal distractions to make sure everything is just right before you consider being finished taking your image(s).

Students are encouraged to develop their ability to tell a story or invoke an emotion, as well as how to plan and troubleshoot while creating their images. As such it’s important to not only create the image but to also include a “title”, and write a short paragraph about; how they came up with the idea, any interesting back ground that compelled them to make the image, and describe any techniques on how they overcame any obstacles.

As always with our monthly theme challenges we try to seek out an instructional resource, below are some YouTube video links to help with some important tips, hints and ideas.
Fall Colour Photography instructional aids:
■ 7 Photo Ideas to instantly Improve your Autumn photography: by Nigel Danson (15min 17sec)
■ 5 photography Tips to ensure your Autumn Photos are Amazing: by Nigel Danson (10min 44sec)
■ Photography in the Woods | Autumn Colour: by Thomas Heaton (21min 16sec)
■ Autumn Landscape Photography Tips and Techniques: by Landscape Photography iQ (5min 36sec)

An important part of improving your photography is practice, which is one aspect of the monthly theme challenge, in addition you have an opportunity to learn about different genres, techniques and tips.