Creative Business Shoot in Montreal
Jennifer Laidlaw, Blog Coordinator
The latest Compassionate Eye Foundation photo shoot went off without a hitch in beautiful Montreal on July 31. Photographer Julie Francoeur (new to CEF) worked with CEF creative director Fiona Watson to come up with a creative business shoot theme – think design firm or advertising agency.
The photo shoot took place in a showroom for designer office furniture Trium, who generously offered up their space for the day.
We managed to catch up with Julie to discuss the shoot and to get to know our latest volunteer. Check out this behind-the-scenes photo album from Julie on Facebook.
CEF: What was the idea behind the theme of the photo shoot?
Julie: Creativity in the business world is becoming increasingly more important and I think it's a nice direction for stock photography to take in portraying people in a more colourful, informal and expressive manner. Although a shoot like this will appeal to designers and trendy businesses, I think many classic companies will also recognize themselves in this more authentic representation of their industry.
CEF: How and why did you become involved with CEF?
Julie: A good friend of mine, Gabriela Medina, had participated in a CEF shoot in a previous year. She shared the work CEF was doing with me and I loved that it was such a great opportunity to give back while doing what I love to do. I couldn't say no! I hope to be a CEF contributor for years to come.
CEF: What do you love most about photography?
Julie: What I love most about photography is the connection with people and the ability to evoke emotions through images. Nothing makes me happier as a photographer than a real spontaneous smile and that's why I am a lifestyle photographer.
CEF: What are your interests outside of photography?
Julie: I love travelling, cooking and any water sports.
CEF: What are a few of your favourite thing(s), places, etc. in Montreal?
Julie: Although I have travelled a lot, I really feel that Montreal is the best city in the world (more so in summer, than in winter). I love its cultural life and all the summer festivals. Some of my favourite places are Marché St-Michel, a gigantic vintage flea market that is great for finding unique props; a café called Kafeine on Bishop Street for their cocktails at night; and my favourite neighbourhood would have to be Mile End.
Julie Francoeur is a Montreal based lifestyle portrait photographer. Her style is authentic and colourful, and is focused on real connections. She uses natural light, composition and body language to turn real-life people and environments into authentic imagery. She originally worked as a product designer and she first touched photography working as an art director on photo shoots for national ad campaigns. Since then, she had been working behind the camera and has lived on 4 different continents working in photography. Her award winning work has been featured in Cosmo magazine, Applied Arts magazine, as well as numerous ad campaigns.