Pros for Lowepro
Pat & Rosemarie Keough
Pat
and Rosemarie Keough are Explorers Club Fellows, Medalists, and Chair; Royal Geographical Society Medalists; and
internationally acclaimed photographers, authors and private-press publishers. The Keoughs are renowned for ANTARCTICA,
a handcrafted tome considered by critics and curators to be among the world’s finest. ANTARCTICA is compared to the
tradition of John James Audubon (Toronto Reference Library); described as “a work of art, a monument, the apogee
of grandeur” (America’s The Today Show); and declared an heirloom akin to a Patek Philippe watch (The Economist).
Included among the 23 prestigious awards received for excellence are World’s Best Nature Photographers, World’s Best
Photography Book, World’s Best Printing and Outstanding Bookarts.
More info: www.keough-art.com
Photo Gallery
All images © Pat & Rosemary Keough. May not be reproduced without permission.
Q&A:
What would be your media of choice (digital or film)?
Film. We stayed with film initially because of quality concerns, a scan of slide having resulted in finer resolution
than what digital had offered. Also, for much of our photography we could not afford the risk of camera failure
in frigid and remote shooting locations. So we stayed with our relatively simplistic film cameras, tried and true.
Until recent, the reason we stayed with film was our concerns regarding long-term archiving of images and retrieval,
film seeming to be the better bet. Today with the many technological advances, it's about time to revisit the digital
options.
What would you consider your first big break in the business?
The success of "The Ottawa Valley Portfolio", our first coffee-table photography book, released 1986,
a Canadian best seller.
What was your most challenging assignment?
Antarctica for certain was the most challenging project. We were in the Antarctic for two periods of six months specifically
to take the images for our large tome "Antarctica". The length of time, the inability to get resupplies,
the expense, the cold, the vastness of the continent and the complexity our project all presented major challenges.
As can be imagined, there was a lot of research conducted before heading into the field. Another assignment comes
immediately to mind. Back in August 1987 we were camped overlooking Death Lake, above treeline on the Nahanni Plateau
in Canada's Northwest Territories. We hoped to get one last image, scouted months earlier, so as to complete a
year's shooting for our book "The Nahanni Portfolio". We envisioned the shot - late afternoon sun illuminating
the bare limestone rising above Death Lake, not a breath of wind to ripple a perfect reflection of the cliffs,
the sun angled such that a foreground dwarf birch, crimson with fall foliage, would be high-lit with a dark shadow
behind. We had the exact spot for our tripod legs marked with pebbles, and every evening we returned vigilant and
hopeful. One day, the wind moaned, and within minutes the temperature dropped from a comfortable 15 degrees Celsius
to minus 10 accompanied by a howling blizzard. We had very little food left, and the continued foul weather meant
our helicopter pick-up was postponed over a week. Yes we did get the photo, and it is spectacular. However, we'll
always remember the week we starved while hiking and playing mind games that three crackers for the day was enough
despite the freezing temperatures.
What is your funniest photo experience?
Camped on the sea ice beneath the imposing snout of the Dawson-Lambton Glacier in Coates Land, Antarctica, we were
privileged to spend several weeks with a colony of Emperor Penguin, some 3,000 elegant birds! Knowing that we would
be on the ice at the same elevation as the birds, we incurred the expense of bringing a step ladder to this remote
wilderness. One day, having left the ladder erect after taking several photos from this vantage, we returned to find
a dozen or more emperor chicks shoulder-to-shoulder jammed tightly under the ladder! It was such a funny sight! We
can only assume these youngsters recalled the comfort and security of standing on their parent's feet or being cozy
in the adult's brood pouch when the chicks were much smaller. Perhaps they found the ladder to be a giant, surrogate
parent as well as a novelty. Out on the broad expanse of ice, there was nothing else that the birds could be under.
In accordance to the Antarctic treaty one must stay well away from the wildlife, although they are permitted to approach
you. We've had Adelie penguin so close that we were unable to focus our lenses. Gentoos came up to us and pecked
at our tripod legs, disturbing our picture taking! In all cases, the only thing we could do is say "Shoo Shoo" which
seemed effective enough in moving the birds including these particular Emperors under the ladder. The downy chicks
spilled out in all directions, tumbling over the rungs in their haste to depart. It truly was a funny sight!
What was your 'creepiest' photo shoot?
Sable Island, a low-lying sliver of land located in the North Atlantic offshore from Halifax Canada, gave us our creepiest
moments. We were photographing for another book, "Wild and Beautiful Sable Island" capturing the scenery,
the wild horses, the seals, birds, and flora as well as the old light-stations. It is very difficult to get permission
to visit Sable Island and among the criterion is the ability to look after oneself in case of emergencies. We were
on Sable several periods throughout a year to take our photos. In winter while on a sand spit at one end of the island,
some four miles distant from higher ground, our all-terrain buggy became mired in quick sand. The lighting made it
very difficult to discern patches of quicksand amid the mixture of snow, frozen salt water and beach sand. Instantly
Pat shut off the vehicle's motor to stop the vibrations so as to slow the sinking. The sands on either side were
solid, which was surprising given that the buggy was stuck fast. We strained to lift it out and free, which was no
easy task. It was also essential, as we would not have enough time on foot to return to high ground before the tide
would flood this area, hiking on loose sand not being quick. The kick of adrenalin gave us extra strength, and soon
we were free. That night, safe in our hut, Rosemarie started bleeding heavily. This was scary, and we were so saddened.
Rosemarie was two months pregnant and feared she was losing the baby. However, all is well that ends well. The baby
developed and our son is a wonderful young man who has a sense of adventure! On our return flight from Sable Island
to mainland following that photo shoot, while low over a stormy Atlantic Ocean, the engines of our Norman Islander
aircraft fell completely silent, they just cut out, the plane having ran out of fuel in the tip-tanks. This is another
story which ended well, despite that this aircraft's moniker is "the widow-maker".
What is the most exotic location you've shot in?
Antarctica, although Kerala in southern India was also very exotic, as well as various parts of Africa where we've
photographed from Egypt to South Africa.
What was your biggest photo mistake?
Damaging our equipment. Getting the shot is of highest priority even if our gear is at risk of damage. Twice though
on one journey we were negligent. Both times a lens dropped from our photo vest while on horseback in the high Chilcotin
Mountains of British Colombia. Once, should have been enough. But twice is too much!
Your idea of the "dream assignment"?
Exactly what we do. We shoot for our self-initiated projects, primarily for books, and of recent years for exhibitions.
What three photographers do you most admire:
Shinzo Meada whose imagery opened our eyes to subtle pastel colours in the landscape; Ansel Adams whose monumental
landscapes called out to us at an early age and inspired us to the journey we have taken; and Edward Curtis, a
wonderful photographer whose portraits, passion, and also his determination to complete his life's work despite
major difficulties, has our respect and admiration.
Your top three photo tips:
1. Stabilize your camera by using a tripod or bean bag, allowing you to concentrate on the composition simultaneously
ensuring maximum image sharpness possible.
2. We note amateur photographers today tend to rapid fire their digital
cameras as if they are machine guns, thinking that sheer numbers will ensure a terrific result. We suggest the opposite:
take fewer images with intent, to rely on skill rather than chance to get a memorable photo.
3. Seek inclement weather
conditions for your outdoor photography. Photography in rain or snow showers can be absolutely stunning. But, you
must have an effective means to protect your equipment. The best we've found is a large golf umbrella - and a friend
to hold it over you, sheltering you and your equipment while you're taking photos.
Any professional or charitable organizations that you belong to or support?
The Explorers Club; World Wildlife Fund; Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society; Western Wilderness Committee, Raincoast Foundation,
Salt Spring Island Folk Dance Festival
Your advise to aspiring photographers:
Learn to observe, and take lots of well-thought photos. Study the imagery of other photographers and painters and actively
analyse the compositions, the angle of the light, the depth of field, and so on. This exercise will help to train
your eye to become more sensitive to the elements that make up images which appeal to you. Make a habit of going
out on a weekly photo shoot with a group of friends, and then mid-week get together for a pot-luck dinner and view
each other's photos. You'll be surprised at the variety in images taken in exactly the same location. Your mind will
expand to accept the near limitless opportunities of visual expression. A word of encouragement - simply know that
you must work hard to become good at whatever you do. Learn about your equipment, your artistic inclinations, and
about your subject matter. Photography is a great excuse to be curious about the world, and learn new things.
All images © Pat & Rosemary Keough. May not be reproduced without permission.