“Use your instinct, don’t be scared.”
Carey Primeau (born 1982) is a fine art and wedding photographer currently based in Chicago, Illinois (USA).
He studied photography at “Wright College Chicago” and “The University of Illinois”, Chicago.
Artist statement
“Photography helps me communicate ideas about the urban environment, passion, love, nature and even energy.
In fact, it’s my key to self-expression and for loving life.
“With each shutter click I’m letting free the thoughts in my head.”
It also has the power to influence culture and improve lives. Because of its personal healing powers and potential for social change, photography is an art I continually reach for perfection with. When I started taking it seriously is when I finally gained a voice.
I hop on my bike and pedal until I generate an understanding of light. I take heavy breaths and smooth them out with yoga ohms and deep inhales. I unite my heart, muscles, mind; controlled adrenaline running through my veins. With each shutter click I’m letting free the thoughts in my head because deep down inside I feel that my energy needs to share something significant.
Even if I don’t quite understand what it is, I’m trying to take positive steps in the right direction so I don’t start tripping over my own feet.
Relaxed, peaceful, happy, fresh, soft to the touch, nectar in the bed of love, so wet, so sweet – love life, love this earth, and respect the forces beyond our control.”
Interview with Carey Primeau
What was your most memorable moment shooting pictures?
No way I can narrow it down to one. Michigan Central Station, Detroit; Uptown Theater, Chicago; Anyang Art Park, South Korea; and Torrey Pines, California.
The reality though is with every photo I take, a memory of time and energy is embedded in my mind so they are all very significant to me.
Why did you become a photographer?
My eyes see so many amazing things on a daily basis, sunsets, my wife, incredible architecture, nature, that I don’t understand why or how we still manage to hate and pollute.
Photography lets me share my experiences more effectively than words.
What does photography mean to you and what do you want to transmit with your pictures?
It means expression, passion, excitement, adrenaline, meditation, patience, beauty, energy, sharing, and instinct. These are the powers embedded in each photograph I produce and I think it takes a very perceptive person to experience them.
Which photographer has inspired you most?
In most recent years, Edward Burtynsky mostly because his photographs speak deeper truths about humans changing our planet than any politician has the courage to say.
If you look at his photos and don’t want to change your life at least a little bit for the sake of this planet and future generations, you’re not human.
Your favorite photography quote?
“If I could tell you the story in words, I wouldn’t have to lug around a camera.”
Lewis Hine
“I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.”
Diane Arbus
How would you describe your photographic language and creative process?
Surreal and spiritual.
I suppose these two descriptions are identical to my life and how I feel about the world I was born into.
What’s important in order to develop an own photographic voice?
An understanding of the masters that have already spoken is very important in developing your own voice.
“We should prepare to leave an important message for those who follow us.”
Learning about other photographers, writers, artists, history, the truth are all essential to understanding yourself and what you create.
Life is not unique to you as an individual because it went on before you and will continue on after you. Since we have the ability to communicate to the future, we should prepare to leave an important message for those who follow us.
What do you consider to be the axis of your work – technically and conceptually?
Light, composition, instinct. Everything else is personal preference.
What qualities and characteristics does a good photographer need?
Using your instinct, don’t be scared, a will to travel, an ability to walk a lot, a good understanding of light, and very importantly, the ability to see things from multiple perspectives.
What does a photo need to be a great photo in your eyes? Especially keeping in mind the over abundance of photographic imagery in today’s society.
Magic.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your photographic projects?
My heart, mind, the city, grit, nature, the sun, reflections, art, creativity and the energy flowing through all of us.
What kind of photography equipment and photographic supplies do you use?
Right now, Nikon digital, Bronica medium format, Horizon Kompakt 35mm.
What’s your favorite website about photography?
Not sure, but Pier 24 in San Francisco is by far my favorite venue to view photographs.
