Photographer Framing The Music

coldplaymom · 05-04-2012, 10:28 PM

Photographer framing the music

By Barbara Simpson, Sarnia Observer

Thursday, April 5, 2012 4:42:50 EDT PM
Juno-nominated photographer Richard Beland shows off a shot of Coldplay at Lambton College. Beland is developing the curriculum of the school's new digital photography program. BARBARA SIMPSON / THE OBSERVER / QMI AGENCY

Juno-nominated photographer Richard Beland shows off a shot of Coldplay at Lambton College. Beland is developing the curriculum of the school's new digital photography program. BARBARA SIMPSON / THE OBSERVER / QMI AGENCY

Being a photographer is a lot about rolling with the punches.

When Juno-nominated photographer Richard Beland worked with Coldplay, his study of their songs almost got the best of him. Before the shoot, the Bright's Grove native started singing “Yellow” in a washroom stall, breaking into lead singer Chris Martin's famous falsetto. When he left the stall, he discovered that none other than Martin had been in the washroom.

“Then you have to go back in front of the band and compose yourself and be a professional,” Beland chuckled Tuesday.

Beland, 44, has learned a lot about keeping his nerves in check in his more than 20-year-old music photography career. He has photographed rock legends like U2 and The Rolling Stones on tour to pop stars the Black Eyed Peas.

Beland says professional photography is much more than capturing a great image. Photographers have to embody confidence, being able to hold conversations with subjects and making them comfortable in front of the lens. They must also have business smarts, being able to understand contracts and price jobs.

“Being a great photographer is not enough,” Beland said. “You have to be a great businessperson too.”

Beland's bounty of experience will help shape the new digital photography program at Lambton College. He has been hired as a consultant to develop the two-year diploma program starting in September.

“We are so fortunate to have him as faculty,” said Cindy Buchanan, the college's director of marketing, communications and business development.

Buchanan says potential students have shown a lot of interest in a photography program. Currently, Lambton College offers several non-credit digital photography courses that are often oversubscribed.

The new two-year photography program will also digital video training. Beland says this follows an emerging industry trend to expect photographers to take both still and moving images.

“I think it's essential to learn digital video and the programs that go with it,” he said.

Students will be learn how to shoot the basics, like portraits, food, children, wedding and sports. However, Beland hopes to inspire students to marry their love of photography with another passion to help shape their careers.

Growing up in Bright's Grove, a young Beland poured over Rolling Stone and Parader magazines. He initially studied mechanical engineering, but his love of music and photos led him to the audio/visual program at Fanshawe College.

The ambitious college student soon started working for the campus paper with a desire to photograph big name acts in Toronto.

“The editor said, 'If you pursue it, do the legwork, you can do it,'” he recalled.

Beland started making contacts, and with patience and perseverance, he established himself in the industry. He has been nominated for two Canadian Country Music Association Awards and a Juno for his album photography.

Beland has also spent time on tour with Canadian rockers Nickelback. He was also brought on to photograph their performance and backstage prep at the Grey Cup.

“We went out for dinner (afterwards),” he recalled. “It turns out to be dinner with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.”

Just another surprise in the life of a professional photographer.

http://www.theobserver.ca/2012/04/05...ming-the-music

Twisted mind · 05-04-2012, 11:05 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by coldplaymom;5270455
Before the shoot, the Bright's Grove native started singing “Yellow” in a washroom stall, breaking into lead singer Chris Martin's famous falsetto. When he left the stall, he discovered that none other than Martin had been in the washroom.

Well that's awkward

Taz1853 · 06-04-2012, 09:00 PM

These guys get to work with the band so much. I just wish one day I get to meet them. Not through being a fan, but by being a singer or something.

05-04-2012, 10:28 PM	#1
coldplaymom Coldplayer Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 4,401 Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 312 Thanked 420 Times in 231 Posts	Photographer Framing The Music Photographer framing the music By Barbara Simpson, Sarnia Observer Thursday, April 5, 2012 4:42:50 EDT PM Juno-nominated photographer Richard Beland shows off a shot of Coldplay at Lambton College. Beland is developing the curriculum of the school's new digital photography program. BARBARA SIMPSON / THE OBSERVER / QMI AGENCY Juno-nominated photographer Richard Beland shows off a shot of Coldplay at Lambton College. Beland is developing the curriculum of the school's new digital photography program. BARBARA SIMPSON / THE OBSERVER / QMI AGENCY Being a photographer is a lot about rolling with the punches. When Juno-nominated photographer Richard Beland worked with Coldplay, his study of their songs almost got the best of him. Before the shoot, the Bright's Grove native started singing “Yellow” in a washroom stall, breaking into lead singer Chris Martin's famous falsetto. When he left the stall, he discovered that none other than Martin had been in the washroom. “Then you have to go back in front of the band and compose yourself and be a professional,” Beland chuckled Tuesday. Beland, 44, has learned a lot about keeping his nerves in check in his more than 20-year-old music photography career. He has photographed rock legends like U2 and The Rolling Stones on tour to pop stars the Black Eyed Peas. Beland says professional photography is much more than capturing a great image. Photographers have to embody confidence, being able to hold conversations with subjects and making them comfortable in front of the lens. They must also have business smarts, being able to understand contracts and price jobs. “Being a great photographer is not enough,” Beland said. “You have to be a great businessperson too.” Beland's bounty of experience will help shape the new digital photography program at Lambton College. He has been hired as a consultant to develop the two-year diploma program starting in September. “We are so fortunate to have him as faculty,” said Cindy Buchanan, the college's director of marketing, communications and business development. Buchanan says potential students have shown a lot of interest in a photography program. Currently, Lambton College offers several non-credit digital photography courses that are often oversubscribed. The new two-year photography program will also digital video training. Beland says this follows an emerging industry trend to expect photographers to take both still and moving images. “I think it's essential to learn digital video and the programs that go with it,” he said. Students will be learn how to shoot the basics, like portraits, food, children, wedding and sports. However, Beland hopes to inspire students to marry their love of photography with another passion to help shape their careers. Growing up in Bright's Grove, a young Beland poured over Rolling Stone and Parader magazines. He initially studied mechanical engineering, but his love of music and photos led him to the audio/visual program at Fanshawe College. The ambitious college student soon started working for the campus paper with a desire to photograph big name acts in Toronto. “The editor said, 'If you pursue it, do the legwork, you can do it,'” he recalled. Beland started making contacts, and with patience and perseverance, he established himself in the industry. He has been nominated for two Canadian Country Music Association Awards and a Juno for his album photography. Beland has also spent time on tour with Canadian rockers Nickelback. He was also brought on to photograph their performance and backstage prep at the Grey Cup. “We went out for dinner (afterwards),” he recalled. “It turns out to be dinner with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.” Just another surprise in the life of a professional photographer. http://www.theobserver.ca/2012/04/05...ming-the-music

05-04-2012, 11:05 PM	#2
Twisted mind TICKLE TICKLE Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 12,184 Location: in FUCKLAND Chat posts: 422 Thanks given: 433 Thanked 1,052 Times in 459 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by coldplaymom;5270455 Before the shoot, the Bright's Grove native started singing “Yellow” in a washroom stall, breaking into lead singer Chris Martin's famous falsetto. When he left the stall, he discovered that none other than Martin had been in the washroom. Well that's awkward __________________ ~ DeviantArt ~ Coldplay Fanart thread Cologne 12.9.2008 Düsseldorf 27.8.2009 Wembley 19.9.2009 Cologne 15.12.2011 Cologne 4.9.2012 Leipzig 14.9.2012 Hannover 22.9.2012

06-04-2012, 09:00 PM	#3
Taz1853 Coldplayer Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 233 Location: England Gender: Country: Chat posts: 1 Thanks given: 3 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts	These guys get to work with the band so much. I just wish one day I get to meet them. Not through being a fan, but by being a singer or something.