Helene Cyr Photography » Assigment

Esi Edugyan, author of Giller Prize winner “Half Blood Blues”

Helene — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:22:55 +0000

Recently I was asked to take Esi Edugyan’s portrait for Canadian Business magazine. My friend and colleague Deddeda Stemler was unable to shoot that day and I was the fortunate photographer to help out. Why? Because Esi happens to be a very sweet sweet person and her family equally kind! Esi recently won the Giller Prize for her outstanding novel “Half Blood Blues”. It’s a book about Black jazz musicians trying to survive in France and in Germany during World War Two, and to hold their lives together in the aftermath of horror… (excerpt from Lawrence Hill, author of The Book of Negroes)

Christine from Smart Events, Victoria BC

Helene — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:20:36 +0000

The many lovely faces of Christine who in my mind is one of the very best event planners in all of Victoria! Professional, talented and a genuine lady with integrity!

Hastings House, Saltspring, BC

Helene — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:28:04 +0000

One of my favorite wedding planners’ Kirstin (sales@hastingshouse.com) asked me to photograph Hastings House for their website. A remarkable place nestled on top of a hill overlooking Ganges Harbour. It was truly a pleasure to work with Tasha and Jesse whom married only a month before and did not hesitate to wear their wedding clothes once again. Camille and Alex from San Fransisco were married only the day before, their flowers still fresh! I look forward to photographing weddings at this beautiful venue.

Lindsey and Matt, Victoria, BC

Helene — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:44:57 +0000

That morning it was raining cats and dogs. An old saying apparently from Europe when literally cats and dogs fell off the steep rooftops. Kind of day when the rain comes up from the ground and every which way. None of which phased Lindsey and Matt arriving at my door gleaming with vintage umbrellas and giddiness!
I simply can not wait to photograph their wedding in July and rekindle with familiar faces. I feel so fortunate that the work I love presents me with such wonderful people!

Roberta and Bear

Helene — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 22:22:04 +0000

Two remarkable kindred spirits that are fortunate enough to have found each other!
Roberta hired me to capture their relationship as Bear has been recently diagnosed with a terminal ailment. They both taught me even more gratitude and to seize the day even more still.

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!

Monique Salez Flamenco and Co.,

Helene — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:52:49 +0000

It is always a treat to have professional performers in front of the lens. They kept their cool and poise under the cold relentless rain. A few laughs in between takes and the odd look from passers by. Much fun! Check out Monique’s upcoming fabulous performance THE DREAM CAB at the MacPherson Playhouse February 15th, 2011 Tickets: $25 Tickets on sale now at the MacPherson Box Office. Saucy ~ Surreal ~ Flamenco Fusion. A dream cabaret of dance, voice, and theater propelled by a live sound-scape that ricochets across velvet and video, fringe and fantasy, ruffles and ruffians. Are you getting in?

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!

Mime from L’école Brodeur

Helene — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:51:59 +0000

A very talented group of students and teacher put together a heartfelt 20+ minute mime show for public performance during Vancouver’s Olympics. Their script and performance during the rehearsal was so moving that it was difficult to hold back the tears. If anyone in Vancouver had the chance to see it, you would understand. Congratulations to you for your extraordinary work!