Helene Cyr Photography » Photo Essay

Race Rocks, Jan 2012

Helene — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:17:43 +0000

Race Rocks, a tiny and special Island where it holds BC’s 2nd oldest lighthouse. The Island no bigger then 2 hectares in size holds my sweet friend Mike, a few Elephant Seals and countless birds that come and go. The neighboring rock islands hosts Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Cormorants, Oyster Catchers and the list goes on… Such a privilege it is to witness these blubbery friends at such close range! I can’t pretend to be a pinniped biologist but if you wish to know more please follow the Race Rocks blog: http://www.racerocks.ca/wp/
The little I do know is that the baby pup “Squall” named by Mike was born last Saturday in the middle of a storm. I arrived a few days after and watched it grow (I say “it” as I don’t know it’s gender) from a wet shivering somewhat weak looking pup to a strong assertive one within a few short days! Despite the bitter cold and pushing winds it grew stronger each day. It carries its name well.
Mystery is the Papa and defends his Bertha and Squall well. He will tolerate us at a certain distance but for only so long before he pushes his weight around! I very much enjoyed being happily stranded on Race Rocks with Mike for a full 5 days witnessing time, winds and storm in a very different way. Close up of Mystery (4th picture) is taken by Mike Robinson.

Walmart

Helene — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:59:22 +0000

Could not help pair these two images. What can I say apart from Walmart is distrurbing and the results are predictable.

s. Caicos, spr 2011

Helene — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:22:03 +0000

With a 2nd visit under my belt to the friendly, intriguing and at times defeated s. Caicos Island, I continue my visual search.

It’s truly a fascinating island where people are at times defeated by political corruption, witness relentless hurricanes, feel the financial despair, uncertain fish stock and few resources if any, where countless religions runs ramped, a myriad of homes with no running water, where fried chicken is cheap and imported vegetables are off the chart expensive yet for the most part they hold their heads high.

I don’t think it’s wise to assume I know the Island after 2 short visits.. but what I do know, is how the people are often welcoming despite their predicament. This alone both fascinates me and humbles me.

You can hear their laughter and much heated discussions from early sunrise to sunset. A passionate crowd I would add. Some play dominoes so hard that the chips hitting the table hurt my ears. The haitian church near by have a mix of gospel and very very animated preachers belching out indecipherable gargle with an impressive PA system into the wee hours of the morning. According to Mike, this is their only entertainment, not much else to do. The sounds that ring in my ears right now are much of that, preachers relentlessly preaching, numerous under nourished barking dogs, a mysterious rooster, S.Caicos (ians) discussing passionately, the slamming of domino chips, the kindness in their “hello’s”, and the slapping of skin aiming for that adamant blood sucking mosquito!

beautiful snow

Helene — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:00:51 +0000

To an average Canadian, snow is what it is, to us here in Victoria, it’s pretty exciting! Thanks Félix as always!

Christine’s remarkable horses

Helene — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:53:35 +0000

Christine’s gentle giants are horses filled with deep soul, kindness and stunning beauty! They are a very old European breed called Friesians from the northern Netherlands. To witness the relationship between herself, Teake and Ewoud is extraordinary. I can not wait to see them again!

last shot taken by Christine

Shelley’s family, Esquimalt BC

Helene — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:29:16 +0000

People often ask wether I do family portraits and indeed I do but mostly during the slower wedding season. Often former wedding couples with new families!
In this case, Shelley whom I did not know nor did she know me, was brave enough to bid for a photography package donated for the
Dirty Wall Project, founded by a very young and talented visionary Kane Ryan. All good karma brought us together and I can’t say enough good things about this family!

Hurricane Thomas, S. Caicos

Helene — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:59:22 +0000

By the time Hurricane Thomas arrived on S.Caicos it was categorized as a level 1 and unfortunately for the visuals it happened in the dark at 3AM. Nevertheless the build up to it was exciting for us all. Mike and staff followed protocol and took the necessary steps towards safety such as boarding the windows, clearing loose items and removing all dive boats from the waters. We then re-located to a half finished Hotel where the cement structure and double pane windows were safer. Daniel and crew of the Hotel were excellent hosts making sure everyone was comfortable. The storm passed quickly in the night with most impressive winds with deafening sounds to my ears. I can’t imagine a Hurricane level 2 let alone, 3 or 4! I just can’t.

Ambur Braid, a brilliant soprano singer

Helene — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:26:47 +0000

To have the beautiful Ambur Braid an up and coming Canadian Soprano (star) singer in front of my lens was simply a gift! Not only has she a professional stance in front of the lens with countless characters, her laughter is brilliant and genuine! When I asked her to sing she became an even higher grace to my eyes and ears. Her gift is truly remarkable! After our short but most productive 2 hour shoot throughout the city we returned to the studio to do a quick edit. My son happened to be there with his friend whom also had the opportunity to experience the gifted live voice of Ambur. Félix the hard-core-rap-pop music teenager was jolted back in amazement at the beauty of Ambur’s voice!

school trip

Helene — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:30:05 +0000

What a privilege it is to tag along with my son’s school field trip. To photograph teenagers with their trust is unusual in our times. The days of Henri Cartier Bresson are long gone where life unfolded naturally in front of his lens with no fear or suspicions. Today good luck pointing your lens in a school crowd without some form of threat or law suit. Right don’t get me started..
Another argument would be, well you have them on your blog now don’t you? Yes, I do, and it’s a slice of life, a place and time was recorded with honesty. These images can not in no way shape or form be used other then in this context unless I am permitted by the subjects to do so. There is much to cover on this topic of photographing surrounding life… more to come!
These were taken with an old 50mm 1.4 at the Ocean Discovery Center in Sidney, BC. I highly recommend visiting!

Life of a Light House Keeper

Helene — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:23:01 +0000

The romance and mystery of the life of a lighthouse keeper can be a beautiful thing and also a very isolating experience. There are 27 staffed lightstations along the BC Coast. Staffed with two employees for safety reasons, the keeper’s primary duty is to report the weather changes on our rugged coast. Every 3 hrs starting at 3:30AM, lighthouse keepers all along the coast will call in the weather report to Coast Guard radio. The radio staff collects the data and transmits the information for all vessels at sea. There is the on going station maintenance of course, and some keepers take on odd chores such as collecting and removing the countless items of plastic and styrofoam debris that litter our shores. Keepers don’t get days off. They are out there 7 days a week, for month after month. This keeper tells me that although the idea of living on 50 acres of prime ocean front property conjures forth images of romance, in reality the long days and nights offer personal challenges regarding keeping the mind and body active and stimulated. The word romance is gradually replaced with words like patience, self-reliance and endurance… this is not a career choice for everyone to be sure. It was a privilege to experience the day and life of a lighthouse keeper and I am now fully aware of their critical presence on our Coast!