Touching the lives of ordinary people

A very touching story comes once in a while to make us reflect on the values of life and how we make a difference in this world. These differences may be little to some, but to others they make a world of difference. Photography in my opinion is the most powerful medium that man has ever invented! Not only does it stop time but it makes us reflect on past events that have faded with time.

A couple months ago I received a call from a woman to book a photo shoot. She wanted to have a portrait of herself; not any portrait, but a portrait that would be her last! The woman is from out of town, about 90 minutes from Ottawa. I gave her our address and began giving her driving instructions. She politely declined the instructions saying she would take the train to Ottawa and take a cab to my studio. This trip may seem a little excessive to some but to me, I was touched by her faithful determination to get to my studio. You see, Mary was a former client, in an indirect fashion that is. 16 years ago I photographed her daughter's wedding in a small Ottawa valley town. The entire family were a pleasure and a privilege for me to have worked with. Down to earth and very grateful and appreciative for everything life had to offer. A family of christian faith who never took anything for granted and were very appreciative for all the family portraits I was shooting on that day.

Upon her arrival, I greeted Mary and we sat down to talk for a little while. I wanted her to be as relax as she could be for the photo shoot. I was curious and asked her considering her health condition, why did she choose to come to Ottawa, to my studio to have her portrait done? She gave me the raised eyebrow look and snapped "Because you made us all look so good Mario, why would I go anywhere else"? She continued: "This obviously is going to be my last portrait because of my cancer and I wouldn't even have considered having someone else do my portrait". She then stood up rubbing her hands together and said "Let's do this" in a cheerful manner. I was speechless for a moment because I was so touched by what I had just heard! At 81 years of age, a disease that would take her life within a month or two but her spirit was amazingly witty and cheerful!

The photo shoot went very well, we laughed and had fun. We would stop after a few exposures and talk about family and events. After 25 or 30 exposures I was confident I had at least 10 very good shots that reflected her true spirit and personality. We then came into my office to download the shoot on the computer. While the photos were downloading, she commented how impressed she was with modern technology. When she finally saw the results she deadpanned "You see, this is why I insisted on coming here, I knew you'd make me look like the jewel that I am"!

Mary was overwhelmed with the results and ordered a 11X14 and a dozen 8X10's for her children and grand children. I was able to print everything while she waited. I figured if she was faithful and determined to the point of getting on a train to Ottawa and getting into a cab to come to my studio, it was the least I could do. She was very thankful for it and even more so with her portraits. We talked for a bit and I served her a cup of tea with a couple biscuits. She even stayed around for my next appointment because her train's departure was in a couple hours. Mary would at times give the young lady compliments on her looks and how the young lady had wisely chosen me as her photographer. The young lady looked at me and smiled, obviously charmed with Mary's remarks and cheerful spirit.

When it came time for Mary to leave, I insisted on driving her to the train station. I had safely packed her portraits in cardboard to prevent any damage and slipped in into a bag. Upon arrival at the train station, I helped her out of my SUV and walked her inside, told her how thankful I was for her faithful business and said goodbye.

I must admit, I was emotional to see her walk away; this lady's determination and spirit had to be deeply admired. I've thought about her every day ever since. Those portraits were her final memento of herself she would leave her family...

A few days ago I received a long distance phone call. It was from Mary's daughter; the daughter I had photographed her wedding 16 years ago. She was calling to give me the news that her beloved mother had past away. I immediately felt a sensation of immense grief, the news felt like I had a canon ball in my chest! Mary's daughter thanked me on behalf of her entire family for the wonderful portrait I had done for her mother. She also told me something that brought tears to my eyes. Mary had left a note with her framed 11X14, telling her family that this was her portrait to be used at her funeral and asking her family to thank me for "The amazing portrait that was created by our amazing family photographer Mario Menard".

Mary's daughter or her family weren't aware of their mother's trip to Ottawa. Mary had left the portraits with her friend living next door and had asked her to give the portraits to her daughter upon her death. It was her final way to say I love you with a memento that will be cherished forever.

In my 24 years as a professional photographer, I have done countless portraits of people, many of elderly people who some would share with me that those portraits were "just in case" type of portraits. I was always somehow touched by this but most of all, as a photographer who is passionate about recording and composing memories, I've always been aware of the importance of such portraits and how it touches many lives. However, this story has touched me the most in my 24 years. It touched me deeply because Mary was an endless enthusiast with a wonderful cheerful spirit. Her heartfelt smile prompted people to smile back with kindness and appreciation. Mary has touched me and made me realize more profoundly the importance and the meaning of a portrait... It is a memento that is cherished by the people we love, this, we all are aware of already. But most of all, a portrait is a direct communication that connects us with the people we love the most after they're gone. It is an archive of our presence; an heart felt archive for the ones we love and leave behind.

Mario P. Menard

All New Sassy Boudoir Photo Shoot Movie

I'm very excited to introduce 3 new boudoir packages this week. Unlike conventional boudoir package, I've decided to push the boundaries of boudoir photography with this new product. First let me be more clear and descriptive about the Sassy Boudoir Photo Shoot Movie; it's not a photo package. It's shot at different outdoor locations and in studio. Rather than concentrating on lingerie and classic boudoir poses, I've decided to introduce a fashion theme to the outdoor location photo shoots in order to create a portfolio feel to it. The studio photo shoot contains glamour and boudoir themes and unconventional themes to make it more interesting.

This results in a product geared for a younger crowd, the conventional classic boudoir poses seemed to attract less and less the under 25 crowd. The video or movie montage of the photographs are a great idea and gives a younger feel to it.

I invite woman to view the video available on my web site and also on You Tube. You'll find both links to each video at www.ottawaportrait.com

Your comments are welcome

Cheers!

Mother & Daughter - Just Beautiful Chemistry

This past weekend I had the honour of shooting the wedding of a former client's daughter. Beautiful wedding and beautiful chemistry between the mother and daughter. The bride and flower girl that is! A few years prior to this wedding I shot the wedding of the mother of the bride (now the grandmother). Repeat customers are very heart-warming for me because it shows me I do my job well and it allows me to feel closer to my customers. I wish to congratulate this family for a wonderful wedding and give them a heart warming thank you for giving me once again the opportunity to be part of it again.

Ottawa Boudoir Photography

Ottawa Boudoir
Official site of Ottawa Boudoir Photographer Mario P. Menard can be found at www.ottawaportrait.com or www.ottawaboudoir.com

Welcome to my blog about boudoir photography. Boudoir photography is an elegant, sensual way of portraying women like they've never been photographed before...

A boudoir portrait can be tailored to reflect your personality, charm and glamourous side of yourself!

Our services include high resolution digital capture and state-of-the-art digital imaging software for applying soft light & retouching to your skin. You will even be able to see your portraits instantly! Our services are tailored to meet your needs and make your portrait a unique and personal one.

Treat yourself to the ultimate personal gift & let us create a masterpiece of yourself!

A Boudoir Portrait? Why Not?

TEMPTED BUT CAN'T FIND THE COURAGE TO DO IT?
Let's face it, the thought of posing in lingerie in front of a stranger can be a daunting task. It's normal! Many boudoir clients who came here to our studio admitted they were nervous on the morning of the photo shoot up until the first shots being taken. Some have even admitted they were so nervous that they almost called to cancel the photo shoot! I even had a couple clients who never showed for their photo session (PLEASE don't do this) likely because the task was too daunting for them.
However, every boudoir client have one thing in common; they loved the experience and were in awe with the results! My best advise for women who would like to have their boudoir portrait done but are nervous about making the decision, call for a free consultation. It will be my pleasure to answer all your questions. I have been in this profession for over 20 years and my talents aren't limited to creativity and the technical aspects of the photo shoot but also how to make clients feel at ease in a very fun and professional atmosphere. This is something an experienced professional photographer learns over the years, if the subject appears to be stressed in front of the camera it will certainly reflect on the final product! Learning how to make the client feel at ease so they can be at their best throughout the photo shoot is as important as lighting and posing techniques.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS ME!" Or "I NEVER COULD HAVE IMAGINED THAT I'D LOOK SO GOOD ON PICTURES!"
As an experienced professional photographer, I find this common testimony very interesting. The fact of the matter is, to the general public photography has become a fast food! Especially in this digital age where people are exposed to photography on a daily basis. Almost everyone has access to a digital camera; snapshots are being taken on an almost daily basis at home, at work, and at social events. It is easy to conclude we're not photogenic people when we glance at the numerous mug shots family and friends have snapped with this little digital camera. On very rare occasions a good snapshot will emerge and you'll say "Wow, this one's not bad." Truth is, no matter how many snapshots are taken of you whether it is a point-and-shoot digital camera or a more sophisticated DSLR camera, you'll never look as good compared to what a professional photographer can create!

OILS, BRUSHES & CANVAS.... LIGHTING STROBES & CAMERA

Professional photographers are quite simply modern day artists! Before photography was invented, artists used oils, brushed and canvas to create artistic expressions. Each and everyone of them had their own unique way of interpreting light and creating portraits.

The very same basics apply to modern day photographers. We work with light but modern technology allows us to control light. Although the basic fundamentals are the same, we photographers have better control of our finished product thanks to technology that allows us to fine tune a photograph from the beginning to the end product. Lighting strobes, softboxes, reflectors, sophisticated high resolution digital cameras, computers & top of the line photo editing softwares are everyday tools a professional photographer uses to work. However, It isn't the tools that will best document this artistic expression but the eye behind the camera will! The experienced photographer will ensure you are at your very best!

Mario P. Menard