Yvan Bedard
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I started photography as a teenager when looking for a way to record the beauty of the Vallée du Bras du Nord, in my village (St-Raymond, Quebec, Canada). I bought my first 35mm at 17 years old and never stopped doing landscape photography. It was the arrival of digital photography that transformed my hobby into a passion when I bought my first digital camera in 2003.
2. Where did you study photography?
I am self-taught, but I took various classes from high school to university. I also made field workshops, online classes, and 1-1 teaching with some of the best landscape photographers in Canada, the USA, and the UK.
3. What equipment do you use?
Since I went digital, I have used Nikon cameras and lenses. I also have some top-quality Sigma lenses. I cover the entire range from 10mm fisheye to 500mm f/4. For landscape, I mostly use f/4 zoom lenses.
4. What do you hope to achieve?
I have been successful insofar with sales in art galleries, publications in books and magazines, and interviews in national and international media. I also sell licenses for various purposes. Recently, I have been added to the collectors' artists of prestigious photography art galleries. Soon, I hope to publish my first book and expand my international visibility.
5. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
It is when I see people looking at my photographs in art galleries and having tears in their eyes.
6. What inspires your unique storytelling?
Simplicity, inward emotions, and wondering like a kid about nature.
7. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Calm, simplicity, and pure beauty.
8. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you! Being successful at international photography awards such as the London Photography Award contributes to my visibility, my credibility, and my recognition as an artist.
9. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 London Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
I entered minimalist winter scenes with dark skies to convey the "Winter Blues" mood we sometimes have in Canada when the weather is not good for outside activities and Spring is still far away. I wanted to differentiate such a reality from the postcard-type of white snow with blue sky photographs, a reality rarely presented.
10. How has winning an award developed your career?
Winning top international awards has helped me to be accepted into art galleries. It has increased my international visibility and has helped to increase the price of my photographs.
11. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Bruce Percy, Guy Tal, and Vincent Munier.
12. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Promote your work, nobody will do it for you!
13. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Believe in yourself, work hard, make contacts with others, and promote your work.
14. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Make sure to have perseverance, knowledge of the industry, and good intuition.
15. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
I read a lot and listen to videos online. I don't limit myself to photography and technology topics, I read about artists' statements and stories. I also read about philosophers.
16. Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I believe I am ready to become a judge in international competitions. I have an international career as a photographer. I have been remarkably successful at international competitions (over 100 awards) and I have been a university professor and researcher for 28 years (I was a jury member for over 700 national and international grant proposals). I have also been a jury member for local competitions in photo clubs and governmental organisations as well.
