The Camera Doesn't Make the Photographer

Amelia. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

When I first started shooting, I was very intimidated by photographers with fancy gear. I remember Angelina McCormick telling me that she constantly reminded her students: "The Camera doesn't make the photographer". I remembered thinking, sure, but, the camera must play a role in the quality of a photo, right? Well, that's only partly true.

You see, the camera is a tool and sure, with good tools come great possibilities, but photography is a science as much as an art, and it requires knowledge of the tool (however fancy or expensive) to properly use it and produce great pictures. Sometimes, removing the technical aspect allows the photographer to focus on what's on the other side of the camera: the subject at hand.


I recently started photographing with my camera phone (and toy cameras as well, like the Mini Diana), just to put this theory to the test. Could I in fact produce interesting, technically good and even breathtaking photos with a low quality camera? You can judge for yourself, this portrait was taken on my cell at the end of a photoshoot - just for fun - and the results were exciting.


Try it for yourself: take a point and shoot (or if you're feeling bold, take a camera phone) and concentrate on your subject, the background, the colours, instead of the camera and you'll get wonderful and surprising results.

Swing Explosion's 2011 Jitterbug Contest

Scott & I dancing lindy hop together. Photo by Kristina Jensen

I probably should have blogged about this contest I entered with my buddy Alec back in September. Life got a little crazy, but my dance school wrote about it and posted a nifty video. For those of you who suspect I may be all talk, you can actually see me dancing in this one. The contest showcases a few all skates, but also a slow competition and a fast lindy competition. This video is the finals of the fast lindy segment. Watch the Swing Explosion Jitterbug finals 2011. There are also more videos of that competition on Youtube.

Photography: Planning My First Exhibition

Amelia. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

After a year of studying and practice in photography, I decided to undertake my first long-term project, with the goal of turning it into an exhibition. Of small scale, yes, but a show nonetheless. Currently, I'm working on a dance photography project I called "Ballet in the Streets". This seed of an idea took shape all because I believe dance is a wonderful and under-appreciated art form. I  believe it should be made more accessible. The issue in Ottawa is not that dance isn't happening, it's that it's often overshadowed by other events, activities and this city's otherwise political nature. This project is a tribute to the dancer's cause and I'm in full shooting mode, as I'm racing time before seasons change.


I'm facing a multitude of challenges, yet I'm loving every minute of this project. I'm exploring the city, I'm using a new lens (Sigma 24-70 f2.8) and working with a variety of dancer models with whom I connect over this shared passion: dance. It's also a tremendous editing exercise to choose only your most compelling photographs and how does one judge their own photos? The ratio of shots versus exhibition-worthy photographs is very underwhelming. Finally, there is the logistics behind it: the printing, the framing, the install, the venue(s)... Despite these hiccups, the project is moving along.


I'm in discussions with Avant-Garde Bar in Ottawa and a few other locations, as I'm looking to allow the show to travel a bit, spread the love. Meanwhile, I've created a facebook page for the project, look it up and follow the updates there!

The Gospel According to Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel

Recently, I read a very interesting commented biography on Gabrielle Coco Chanel, authored by Karen Karbo. I love to learn about historical figures, however I rarely read biographies. Now, this is a bit of an exception. Firstly, Coco Chanel was a fascinating woman, by many standards, including the one that states my personal interest in fashion. Secondly, Karen Karbo has an incredible story telling ability. You see, this wasn't a chronological biography, but a thematic one...


Every chapter in the book is about a theme or an aspect of life. There are chapters on Style, Elegance, Femininity, Money, Work, Passion, Rivals, etc. Karbo approaches each theme by explaining Chanel's personal take or philosophy on the matter. 
The result is an impressive collection of jewels of wisdom (and proscriptions) from a celebrated designer, a social visionary and a remarkable woman. I find that I have learned more about Coco, than I would have by reading her life story as a linear tale. Her opinions and motos (oh! her famous motos...) were emphasized and it all felt very accessible.


The verve, the humour, the lessons. It felt like I was chatting about this incredible individual with an old friend, over coffee. I carried the book everywhere and felt terribly sad to finish the last page. William Feather's quote remains true: "Finishing a good book is like leaving a good friend." 


I highly recommend the book to anyone curious about fashion and about feminism. Coco Chanel was feminine yet assertive, she was elegant, yet practical; she redefined style and ultimately, beauty. She thought a woman should always wear a scent and pearls. Personally, I've learned a few valuable lessons about underpacking...


The Gospel According to Coco Chanel
by Karen Karbo

Featured on Ottawa Photog's Blog

I just need to share some excitement!

Artist Melanie Authier for OAG Event.
(c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé 2011

Photography is taking on a life of its own. I have been shooting a few projects, namely for the Ottawa Art Gallery (my employer). I am in discussions with venues for my exhibition project, I might have gotten a photo contract doing residential photos for a real estate agent (to be confirmed) and I've graduated from the ProProgram. Ottawa photographer and teacher Harry Nowell, has shared a feature on my recent accomplishment. Read about it here!