Interview: Photographie Alain Lachance

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I discussed with Alain Lachance, photographer extraordinaire, specialized in boudoir photoshoot (link in French only).

Last January, I gathered my courage and got an appointment with Alain Lachance for a boudoir photoshoot. Don’t you go thinking I’m a model; I’m probably as photogenic as a pear-shaped potato at the grocery store. I drove to St-Damase, Quebec, without any expectations and a whole lot of anxiety. I got out of there mind-blown! This is why I need to introduce him to the rest of the world!

Read my interview with him.

How did you start your career as a photographer?

I was a professional musician until I turned 30. When it was over, I got into an existential crisis because I didn’t have a creative outlet anymore. My girlfriend back then had a camera, so I started watching a billion tutorials on the internet to learn the basics of photography.

Have you done other types of photoshoots before moving towards boudoir?

Oh yeah. I’ve basically done everything. Weddings (way too stressful), families (I don’t have the patience required to deal with lively young clients), and feel-good photoshoots (I can’t ask for faked smiles), but also some landscapes, some macro, and animal pictures when I went to the zoo. Nothing caught my attention like the intensity of boudoir.

You can probably guess my next question: how did you end up specializing in boudoir?

It’s been around me throughout my whole journey. I decided to specialize in that area in 2018, and to focus on that area after seeing a ton of incredible photographers on social medias; I realized that no artists here were focusing on the MODEL. Most of them put the emphasis on the lighting or the pose. They rarely catch the soul of the person in front of them. Nevertheless, this is the key to get strong pictures, in my opinion.

Indeed, it’s incredible the work that you do in your pictures; you make us feel something just by looking at them. I loved your professionalism. I know that many models admitted to you they were molested in their past. How do you ensure that models feel comfortable?

I think that, to get over something, you need to just get over it. It sounds silly but we ultimately decide on what thoughts we’ll focus. As soon as we understand that we are more than a unique idea, that we are more than a specific moment of time, I think we can elevate ourselves. Literally get over it. I try to show my “broken” models the OTHER parts of themselves. The pretty parts, the parts on which they should focus on every second of their lives.

You have a real talent to make sure the experience is not awkward at all, even if clothes are taken off one by one. I think it’s fascinating how you can create such beautiful pictures, even when models claim that the camera doesn’t love them (I’m raising my hand!). How is that possible? Did you learn tips online to make it possible?

There are certainly basic rules for poses, the way to work with face muscles, eyelids, etc. But the main trick is the ability to create a strong and real relationship with the person in front of me. About 90% of my energy goes there. When you lose contact (and it happens), you lose the model. Clothes, whether they are on the model or the floor, become accessories. They are not an issue at a certain point. The most important part is to make sure the model feels IMPORTANT.

It really worked for me. Who inspires you?

Alberto Buzzanca, for sure. He’s my favorite. Always simple and crazy beautiful. No glitz, no super sophisticated huge lighting, only beautiful. Russell James, of course, Victoria’s Secret photographer. He always captures the perfect moment, no matter what the situation is. Closer to here, Richard Bernardin. Original, light and dark at the same time. The list goes on and on; with Instagram, talented people are everywhere. It’s breath-taking.

Do you have tips to share with people, young or older, that would like to get started in photography?

Yes. One: take pictures. A ton of pictures. Find what makes you go crazy and DO IT INTENSELY. Somebody told me that the first 10,000 pictures are only tries. That’s about it. Over time, what you like becomes more specific, and, as you see pros’ work online, your style will get more definite. Yeah, that makes it 2 tips! Do it and look at what other people do.

Finally, two questions not related to photography. Are you born and raise in St-Damase, or did you move there? And would you like to say something about your restaurant?

I was born and raised in St-Damase. I studied music in Drummondville, administration in St-Hyacinthe, and I took over the family restaurant when my father passed away.

I am still not over how much I was happily surprised with my photoshoot with Alain. Here’s the result.

My face, au naturel

My face, captured by Alain. I still can’t believe that this is me!

Of course, due to COVID-19, Alain cannot take any appointments now. However, check out his website. You can still contact him, he’s very fun to talk to.

You can follow Alain on Facebook and Instagram. You should also check his impressive portfolio. I told you the guy has talent!

Do you know any small businesses I should write about and/or interview the owner? Let me know via email, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

This blog post is also available in French on the Web & Mascara blog.