Dear rangefinder enthusiasts and classic photographers,
Thank you for allowing us to share some news and random thoughts with you.
World Press Exhibition
One of the most anticipated events on the photography calendar, it returns to Bonsecours Market from August 28 to October 14. This year it also hosts a very special premiere at Cinémathèque québécoise (335 Boul. De Maisonneuve Est) on August 28, 29 and 30. Directed by Larry Towell and proven professionals Mathieu Rytz and Hubert Hayaud, The Man I Left Behind is a documentary that explores the journey and vision of distinguished photographer, Larry Towell. This window into the thoughtful and creative mind of a relentless documentarian, brings his deeply personal yet all-encompassing compassion and consideration to a war zone.
I’d like to draw your attention to the screening at 7 PM on Thursday, August 29 in the Fernand-Séguin room. It’s followed by a discussion with Larry Towell and Hubert Hayaud hosted by photographer and professor Kate Hutchinson. The evening is topped off with a book signing of Larry’s most recent book, the magnum opus The History War.
This book of photographs, collages and reflections – recently and positively reviewed by Leica Fotographie International – begins with a timeline tracing Ukraine’s evolution from the fifth century and its long struggle for independence. The book is divided into six narratives chronicling the events and people the photographer encountered in his many journeys to Ukraine.
Pease join us for a relaxed get-together and exchange with this eminent photographer and man for all seasons.
Québec Photojournalism in the Spotlight
Also featured at World Press is a retrospective exhibition on the history of photojournalism in Québec, showcasing the work of the Agence Stock Photo. Discover, or rediscover, the works of Robert Fréchette, Jean-François LeBlanc, Martin Roy, Benoit Aquin, Caroline Hayeur, Josué Bertolino, Sophie Bertrand, and Marie-Hélène Tremblay in this stunning series covering numerous significant events in our history.
From the 1995 Referendum to the Maple Spring, and including the ice storm crisis, this compilation will help you relive or discover these important moments. It is accompanied by the release of a book, Agence Stock Photo. Une histoire du photojournalisme au Québec, published by Les Éditions du Passage, which we encourage you to explore.
Under the Radar Road Runners
Another exhibition well-worth seeing is Hubert Hayaud’s Run and Drive. Showing at La Maison de la culture Janine-Sutto, 2550, rue Ontario Est, it runs from September 19 thru November 3.
Cars written off by North American insurers find a second life in Central America. Photographed over a 10 year period, Hubert follows their journey and their drivers as the convoys migrate south to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Gritty, beautifully photographed with multiple formats including Hasselblad X-Pan, and reproduced using old-school methods like traditional black-and-white printing, it takes on the feel of a modern Western with cars replacing herds of cattle being driven across the plains.
Speaking of the X-Pan…
We took a little road trip to Charlevoix. Since there were no airports involved, I packed some film along with my trusty X-Pan. I’ll let the pictures do the talking. Thanks for taking a look-see.
The Way Out of the Pixel Race Pickle: Attractive Offers on the Leica SL2-S
With new bundles and lower costs, the 24 MP Leica SL2-S never looked so good, especially with native Leica glass attached!
As we found on the Leica M10, 24 MP is the sweet spot for most, if not all photographic situations. The SL2-S has a forgiving and flexible sensor, with remarkable dynamic range and lowlight capability. Body only or bundled with a lens, all options are offered with a free M-L adapter, extra battery and screen protector on top of a new, low price.
This special offer on the SL2-S applies on the following:
Leica SL2-S Body Only
Leica SL2-S with 35mm Summicron SL
Leica SL2-S with 50mm Summicron SL
Leica SL2-S with 24-70mm f2.8 Vario-Elmarit SL
Something Cheerful and Lighthearted in the Heart of Downtown Montreal
Across the street from Concordia University, where Gabor Szilasi taught photography for nearly twenty years, look at the brick wall on the southwest corner of Mackay and de Maisonneuve and you’ll be transported back in time to the winter of 1971, with Montrealers crowding onto a bus during one of our legendary snowstorms. It’s both a singular image from Gabor Szilasi’s documentation of life in our city and a perfect homage to a fabled photographer that I am proud to call a friend!
Yes, this self-portrait is made with a Leica M4 and a 35mm Summicron.
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Always looking forward to your comments.
Photographically yours,
Jean Bardaji and Daniel Wiener