equanimity imaging — photography


Jacques Raymond

I am a self-taught photographer. In the late 60's, I had my first experience in a wet lab with a BW film and got the bug. For years, I had only a Canon SLR with a FD 50 f1.4. It is only later that I acquired other prime lenses (28mm and 135mm).

In 1988 I moved to Calgary. Within hours, I drove to Banff and took few shots. I could not be more disappointed. They were so bland and lifeless. How did Ansel Adams managed to get such wonderful images and I could not? The short answer is the guy knew things I did not.

When I moved to digital, trying and experimenting became virtually free. Magazines and books provided inspiration and know how. This also when I caught the gear acquisition syndrome — GAS.

As my skills improved, I found that could make due with less. As a matter of fact, I am doing quite well with a digital version of my first Canon SLR.

Word of wisdom:

It is easy to believe that the new camera body or lens will make you a better photographer.

The Bag Story

In 2007, I went to Cuba. Not knowing what to expect, I packed all my photography gear, 2 camera bodies, 6 lenses, a tripod, a monopod, filters, etc. It almost became a disaster as they were sending my luggages to the wrong hotel. But this is only a part of it.

Everywhere I went, I was lugging the stuff, wasting time to figure what would be the best lens, camera body and filter combination. Ironically, it went on a whiles before I realized that less could mean more. Who said that every millimetres have to be covered?

Today, my bag looks more like that:

For street photography, the smaller, the better. The Voigtlander and the Zeiss lenses make the A7 mkii looks like a compact camera, much less intimidating that the DSLR.

More wisdom:

When I carry less, my head is not in the bag and I get more time shooting.

Gear List – most used

I own quite a bit. But most of the time I will only take what I can anticipate and make due with it.

Digital Processing

Many photographers hate that part. One reason could be that it seems difficult or complicated. Since I simplified my workflow, it became quick and easy. Keep in mind that I never "enhance" my images to the point they look overdone.

Hardware

Software

* Keep in mind the software is good only if you know how to use it. It will never make you an expert and a bad image will become a bad process image.

Education

Professional Skills

IT professional with several years solving business and technical issues; in the past I managed and facilitated sessions with various business groups to understand business operations and requirements, enhancing systems functionality and achieving cost savings.

Other Interests

High-End audio, early music, jazz, watches, bicycles.