Pros for Lowepro
Peter Bregg
Over
the past four decades, internationally-renowned photographer Peter Bregg has traveled to more than 65 countries and
captured some of the world’s most compelling stories on film.
Before working on private commissions, Peter was photo editor of HELLO! Magazine, and was chief photographer and photo editor at Maclean’s. He has also worked as a photographer and editor with the Canadian Press and the Associated Press in London, New York, and Washington, DC, and was the official photographer to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in 1984-85.
His journalism assignments have included eight Olympic Games, Stanley Cups, World Series, Presidential trips, Vietnam in 1973, the Iran hostage crisis in 1979-80, and the imposition of martial law on the Solidarity movement in Poland in 1981. He was also in New York to cover the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in 2001.
More info: www.peterbregg.com
Photo Gallery
All images © Peter Bregg. May not be reproduced without permission.
Q&A:
What would be your media of choice (digital or film)?
Digital. I started making the move in 2000 while working for Maclean's Magazine covering the Sydney Olympics. I was
able to match quality close enough to film and was able to increase production in less time than film. Digital, now
with 21 megapixel Canon 5D MKII, gives me more quality than I need. Pixels are free so overhead costs are way down.
What would you consider your first big break in the business?
Working as copy boy at Canadian Press in Ottawa at age 17 I bought a camera and started shooting. I was often lucky
and getting that front page shot. CP gave me my first full-time photo job on my 19th birthday. I have not worked
a day since, too much fun doing what I do.
What was your most challenging assignment?
Six months in Iran covering the American Hostage story 30 years ago when 52 American diplomats were seized and held
hostage for 444 days. I have had many challenging assignments since but none were as intense as that. I have a retrospective
showing November 4 at the IX Gallery in Toronto of 35 of those images from that era in Iran.
What is your funniest photo experience?
I have had many but one comes to mind from 40 years ago when as a copy boy I went out on a busy street being converted
to pedestrian use. While digging, the construction crews broke a water main and flooded the area. I started shooting
a young woman walking with shoes in hand and bare feet just as the ground beneath her gave way. She was up to her
waist in water and I had it all on film. The staff photographers from the three Ottawa papers were disappointed at
seeing the 17-year old's photos on their front page the next day.
What was your 'creepiest' photo shoot?
Some harrowing experiences but none to class as creepy.
What is the most exotic location you've shot in?
Asia always fascinates me and
I enjoy the busy streets, smells, the heat and friendly people.
What was your biggest photo mistake?
I think I am not the only person to have put my film in the fixer before the developer. As a wire service photographer
for 20 years before digital I would have to process on the road out of hotel bathrooms, kitchens etc. While on assignment
with Prime Minister Joe Clark in 1979 I was shooting the group photo of the Queen with 35 or 40 heads of Commonwealth
governments. Except for Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia all the other countries were African or Asian.
When we shot Pierre Trudeau as these events he would always stand at the back or on the edge of the photo so we
could not get a decent shot of him with the Queen and British Prime Minister. This time Joe Clark stood right behind
the Queen and with a 180mm lens I had the perfect shot with big images of the Queen Joe and Margaret Thatcher.
When you press the shutter, sometimes you know you have the money shot. Later in the darkroom I missed the developing
can and put the film in the fixer, closed it and turned on the light. At that moment I realized what I had done.
It felt like hitting my thumb with the hammer, for a split micro-second you know what you have done before the
excruciating pain hits you. I did not have the money shot.
Your idea of the most perfect assignment"?
I would love to do a film unit shoot. The opportunity to shoot behind the scenes and action of an "A" list
movie from start to finish would be fun. Having access to the lighting, location and those stars would be a great escape
compared to politicians, starvation, war and misery in the third world.
What three photographers do you most admire:
Larry Towell, James Nachtwey and for that other side of the world Herb Ritts (deceased).
Your top three photo tips:
As a photojournalist I always have a camera at the ready for that unexpected moment. Don't worry about
the "rules", I heard some ago that in photography there are no rules, only good photographs, but I do believe
in making photos that appeal to people. The photo should make the viewer react either with a smile, a tear or at
least a thought.
If you could change your profession what would it be?
Teacher
Any Professional or Charitable Associations you support?
ORBIS Eye Doctors, Watercan: putting fresh water wells in Africa ( I am going to east Africa in October for
two weeks on a project for Watercan), CARE Canada, World Vision, Foster Parents Plan (now called The Plan) are groups
that I have contributed my time and photographs.
Your advise to aspiring photographers:
Make the photos you want but be aware that you have to please the clients if you want to eat so make some photos for
them to.
All images © Peter Bregg. May not be reproduced without permission.