18.06.2006

MICHAEL LALANDE, Canada ❧

"SERIES: HOMAGE TO THE YOUNG, THE NEW & THE EXCEPTIONAL CREATIVE TALENTS AROUND THE WORLD"

READ THIS FIRST: All images here are COPYRIGHT PROTECTED. You are advised to contact the artist direct for permission to re-produce any of his/her images. Contact details are available at the end of this article, or in absence thereof, please contact the writer.

"Descending Into Oblivion"

What excites you about photography and why is it a passion for you now?

Michael: Experimentation is the funnest part of photography for me... there is always so much to learn and I enjoy the challenge of pushing the limits and bettering my craft.

Do you feel that now that you've taken an interest in photography, you see the world with different eyes? What has changed for you?

Michael: Photography has opened my eyes to the world around me... I'm constantly amazed by the simple things that a few years ago I would have overlooked.

Why do you choose to focus on taking photographs of architecture?

Michael: I have always had a love for modern architecture, and living in Tokyo has reinforced that... there is just so much amazing architecture here, I'm inspired on a daily basis.

"Odyssey"

What excites and inspires you in architecture?

Michael: Architecture in itself is a work of art, I find myself drawn to all types, but its mostly the clean lines and angles of modern architecture that I find the most intriguing.

Can you give us four of what you feel are your best photographs and explain the concept, the inspiration and message behind them, including the final processing of the photographs.

Michael: That's a tough one! I think my four personal favourites from my gallery would be Odyssey, The Ferris Wheel, The Forgotten and Psychotropia. They do not have any deep concept or message, but I find the greatest satisfaction in the shots where I have challenged myself to try new things. These are the ones that stand out the most for me in that aspect.

"The Ferris Wheel"


Are you inspired by art and the world of the classic art, which artists do you enjoy?

Michael: I love classic art, although I have to admit that I'm not as versed in it as I would like. My favourite would have to be Salvador Dali though, I've always been a huge lover of his work.

Do you think photography is an art form? Why? And what, in your opinion, would make a good or excellent photographer?

Michael: Yes, photography is an artform. There's so much more to it then clicking the shutter... it takes a special kind of talent to take an everyday situation that most of us would overlook and turn it into something truly wonderful. There is a certain amount of natural talent needed to be "great" I think (call it an eye for photography if you will), but I think for the most part it's someone who pushes the envelope and has the ability to not only capture an image, but also to invoke an emotional response in the viewer.

"Forgotten"

Most of your photographs are taken in Asia, is there much in Asia that inspires you? Why?

Michael: I'm originally from Winnipeg, Canada ... I met a beautiful Japanese girl there and we got married and decided to move to Tokyo. It's an amazing city to live in full of so many exciting things to do and see, it's hard to think of one thing that inspires me here.

What aspirations do you have regarding your photography?

Michael: My dream is to one day be a professional photographer... I can think of nothing more exciting then making a living from the craft that I love.

"Psychotropia"

What project are you working on currently, or what direction are you planning for the future with your photography?

Michael: Recently I've found a love for "old style" black and white photography and I've been doing a lot of experimenting with wide angle and black and white work lately. It's been quite enjoyable and I hope to continue on that path.










==> MICHAEL LALANDE



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