The circus is in town !

Thanks to the generosity and the endless talent of Laury-Ann Miller and Guillaume Blais, the project “The Circus Within” is back on track. And really, the true talent is in front of the lens, believe me!

The first time we’ve met, we did a session in a restaurant and I wasn’t really satisfied with the lack of people around us. It makes everything look too staged. So out we went !

Even though it’s not as easy as it seems to find interesting spots to shoot, the first problem we encounter was, of course, having authorizations to shoot. So, the beauty of our little operation is that we’re quick and efficient. And the photo beside is a good example of this. We found the spot, I checked the light and asked our talented artists  to check if lady inspiration was there. And then, two minutes later, we were done.

So, there were no worries when a private security agent comes and ask us to leave. “Everything is is the can, buddy!”

This one really redefines the expression : “I’ll  pick you up for lunch.” This photo was taken at the Place des Festivals. What’s really interesting to me about this shot is that it’s not at all what I was aiming for. This “frame” was part of a longer movement where Guillaume throws Laury-Ann up in the air (you’ll see this shot in the Gallery). Basically, the lesson here is that a large part of what makes you successful you just can’t control. I’ve only just started to accept that there’s a big element of chance in photography : being there at the right moment, shooting without even looking at the settings on your camera and hoping for the best (although this could bring a lot of trouble in post, believe me).

The second beautiful thing about this shot is that Guillaume seems so peaceful. I guess it’s that smile. Even though I don’t doubt the fact that he has relaxed into his movement, there’s an amazing contrast between holding someone up in the air like he’s doing and thinking :”Hmmm, I might have a sandwich later since I think I’m starting to be a little hungry.” Although, for the record, Laury-Ann is light as a feather. But, all of this aside, there’s a beautiful contrast about this shot that I love.

This one we owe to Laury-Ann’s attention. That’s the fun of exposing yourself to many opportunities. We we’re basically walking through a small mall downtown when she noticed the bright red of this sofa inside a shop for man suits.

So, we did what we do best : we’ve entered and ask the shop keeper if we could jump on his beautiful, posh sofa! I showed him a couple of earlier shots we’d taken and, next thing you know, there we were, pretending to shop for 300$ shirts and suits!

Five minutes later, we had what we wanted without breaking anything.

To see the rest of the pictures, go to GALLERY, and click on the CIRCUS WITHIN link.