Michael Menard's photostream

A word on my development techniques:
Even though I shoot with digital I endeavor to hold as true as I can to traditional film processing and techniques. I never use Photoshop in any way and remain as much as possible within the limits of actual film when I develop my photos in Lightroom (or Silver Efex Pro for my black and whites).

I believe that photography is a two part process of capture and development and that creativity should not be fettered during either step; For myself however, I draw a fine line between the possibilities contained in the digital negative and where my creativity becomes a departure from the beauty and natural limitations of the original exposure.

This is not to say that I condemn or even dislike the works of those who do exercise a wider range of creative possibilities, but when it comes to my own work I believe in being as true as possible to the roots of this wondrous art form.

I find that the more honest I am in the creation of an image the more meaningful it can be, both for myself and for those who see it and are moved by it.


The beauty of life is contained within it's flaws.