Alan Dean, Photographer
Hello and welcome.. My story
There are many directions that I had an opportunity to follow in life, skills and occupations that attracted my creative passions. Photography however came to me by surprise, I did not search for it in the slightest. As a creative young man I had studied music, sound engineering, producing etc, and I focused on that industry, hell bent on succeeding in that oh so difficult business. However, life it seemed had other plans for me, and introduced a camera into my hands as if saying “ this is the direction that will define you.” Before long I had found a new passion, and discovered that my ears had found a rival in my eyes. For many years, I learned a great deal about photography by shooting B&W film exclusively, with all of its imperfections and choices, textures and potential, and I loved it! B&W film taught me how to look at light, and how to create subtle perspectives and fine tune them. This eventually led me to an even greater understanding of photography. The single most important ingredient in photography that I learned however, was that establishing genuine communication between myself and my subjects was key.
After 16 years of shooting, processing and printing with film in the darkroom, digital photography arrived and truthfully it took me some time to adjust to this new world of instant images. Eventually I welcomed this fresh new way to express myself, and I dove in head first, internally embracing this new direction. This soon led me to a path and methods, that I continue to use to this day. I am a teacher, I am a student, I study with my eyes, and it’s always surprisingly fresh. I communicate with everyone sincerely to discover them as a person and to understand their needs. I observe everything, with intent on balance, and I capture what you see, but quite often much of what you don’t see but feel. The goal is always to succeed in finding the perfect image for each unique client. And as always, I shoot for the heart, because that is where the truth of it all lies. From my very first moment of discovery of photography to the just this moment, my images reflect the many shared conversations from so many individuals that I have had the pleasure and opportunity to photograph.
Anne-Marie Legault, Studio Manager
Bonjour Hi My Story
My own discoveries and experiences in life seemed to have been so varied, so random and so disconnected, but now they all make perfect sense as a finished puzzle of who I am today. As a youth my creative side was also my priority. Although I had been an equestrian rider for many years , I also loved and studied music. Piano initially from the age of four and continuing on I moved forward to study the violin seriously and graduated with a music diploma in violin from Vincent-D’Indy College. Somehow I knew this was not the end of my journey, but just the beginning. Being a unilingual francophone Quebecois from the Eastern Townships, I took a big step to learn more about the business world, and enrolled at Bishops University. I chose a marketing and business direction, and despite the initial difficulty in grasping a new language, I never let down and I persevered. Discovering photography as a business has also enabled me to also still be engaged with my creative side. Photography has proved to be an excellent opportunity, enabling me to utilize all of my knowledge, but also to learn how to be creative in marketing a business. These are skills of which I continue to grow with every day. Today I am excited that so many possibilities exist in photography well beyond my initial understanding of it. I am excited to have grasped its importance and value that it brings, and just how crucial a component it is to marketing and the web. As it continues to expand, photography is a key major ingredient for every website worldwide, bringing its creative flavour, interest, style and flair to each unique web presence. The world of photography is constantly changing, and I like the positive challenges and opportunities that it offers.
Our Client’s Testimonials
To say Alan and Anne-marie go out of their way to get the perfect shot is a HUGE understatement! They are professional and fun, and the way they are able to capture who you are and not just how you look is a talent that very few people have. I would recommend them (and have) without hesitation and will be using them again and again!
Diana Pickett
I had a very pleasant experience with both Alan Dean and Anne-Marie. The thing that surprised me the most is that Alan was always focussed on satisfying customer's requirement for the photographs, no matter how long it took. I can assure you that this genuine passion for one's work is rarely found in the market. Hence, I would highly recommend anyone to avail their services.
Inderpreet Kaberwal
Alan is a kind and most generous person I have come across in Ottawa. He agreed to move the shoot timings to suit my availability. I did not have an extra jacket with me for the shoot, but Alan and Anne-Marie helped by giving me a couple of spare shirts and blazers that they had in the studio. Alan is extremely professional and played some beautiful music with his guitar which is his hobby. His photographs speak for themselves as they were excellent and I literally have no complaints. He is indeed the best Photographer in town. Thank you Alan and Anne-Marie for a special photo shoot memory.
Denise Tolster
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Alan and have to say he brings out the best in people. What makes his images special is the fact that he tries to get a reaction, a feeling, a mood and captures that with amazing lighting and angles. He cares about the people he is capturing and it shows wether it's actors on stage, a musician, a dancer, a model, a real estate agent, a lawyer...
He is an artist bringing out the best in people who doesn't compromise on professionalism and always gives you an end result you will love.
Olivia Lozano
Incredible to find someone who knows his trade like Alan does . Almost impossible in today’s world !
Such a breathe of Fresh air to find Alan and Anne- Marie. The professional atmosphere and meticulous attention to detail was just amazing . I was not sure what to expect and slightly nervous and was made to feel at ease almost immediately. So happy with the outcome . Alan captured the feeling I was looking for and took the necessary time to ask all the right questions. I will not hesitate to tell everyone that this is the place to get the job exceptionally well done !!
Thank you Alan & Anne - Marie
5 Stars +++
Karine Lauzon
Amazing experience, it was clear that both Alan and Anne-Marie are passionate about photography and are devoted to enhance portraits through storytelling. They offered a kind and warm atmosphere that made the photo shoot more comfortable.
Angie Peter