LCB Photo: Wide Wedding
CALEB SCHAFTLEIN,
Could you please provide us with a professional introduction about yourself and your photography work?
Hello, my name is Louis-Charles Bourgeois. I’m a portrait photographer with 20 years of experience, passionate about capturing the unique essence of every individual through my lens. I started my journey at a young age and have since developed a strong understanding of lighting, composition, and the power of human expression. Whether I’m working with natural light or in the studio, I aim to create portraits that are not only technically perfect but also emotionally impactful. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients—from personal projects to high-profile commercial and editorial shoots. My focus is always on making clients feel comfortable and confident, allowing me to create images that truly resonate. I’m constantly pushing my creative boundaries, striving to evolve as an artist and deliver photographs that capture the moments that matter most.
Can you tell us about how you got started in photography?
In 2008 I started a media program at school and the old family camera was just not cutting it anymore (PowerShot a75), so I took all my personal saving from my gas station clerk job et bought a DSLR. And that is it! I was hooked.
What was your passion driving you during your journey? Who or what prompted you to begin?
Since 2020 I started doing more and more film photography, learned to develop, scan and edit all by myself, this had truly reignited my passion in new ways.
Could you walk us through your photoshoot planning process?
I have strong ADHD so I’m not big on planning, I learned by shooting anything at any moment of the day and night, I believe that made me confident that no matter the conditions, I'll be able to perform. That being said... I always triple check that I didn't forget the battery on the charger or the SD card on the desk!
As a photography expert, what sets your work apart from other photographers?
I’m not big on comparing myself to other, I'm only comparing myself to who I was the day before, not to sound full of myself but I strive to keep learning every day and I can confidently say that after almost 20 years I still do.
Where do you get your ideas for photoshoots?
Photographers I follow on Instagram and YouTube are always a great source of inspiration.
What are the most important components of an extraordinary photograph, in your opinion?
I love photographs that transpire emotion or make the viewer question something in the picture. Good composition, technique and luck always help too.
Can you tell us about the most difficult photographic challenge you've ever had, including lighting, unexpected situations, and how you managed the issues on set?
This past summer I was hired to shoot a wedding 100% on film photography, not my first wedding but my first one fully analog. I was really looking forward to that brand new challenge and I made sure to have backup over backup, ‘cause you never know when a 50+ years old camera will decide to finally give up. I believe that overall, I had 7 cameras ranging from 4x5, 120 and 35mm, with over 20 rolls shot.
What are your top tips for aspiring photographers on skill development and finding their own creative voice? How did you develop yours?
Just Shoot. If you have a digital camera just shoot... pick it up every day, carry it around, put some miles on it. I feel like some people are scared to press the shutter too much, but the more you shoot the better you get. I also feel like restriction is the best way to grow, forget that fancy all-rounder zoom lens, do that shoot or that trip with only one prime lens. You will struggle, but in the end, you will better understand composition and your photos will be more interesting.
What is your favorite piece of work you've ever shot?
I did a shoot for a Porsches car dealership that had a rare and vintage model they wanted to sell, I did it on a Pentax 67II and that one picture came out so good, I was really stoked and the client too.
lcbphoto.com/film (it's the second one)
Where can we view more of your work and connect with you?
Instagram: @lcbphoto @lostandgrains
Website: Lcbphoto.com
