I have been watching Remi work since the second day that we met. He took me along as he photographed the construction of Disneyland Paris and even entrusted me with his camera to take one photo. So from the very beginning, his creativity was a key component to our couple, just as he has always respected mine. “We were younger then, we are older now.” Yes, but some things haven’t changed. I still love to watch his process, how he moves when he hunts the light, the moment; it is such beautiful dancing and a very solid reason of why I love him. No matter how challenging the times have been – and yes, we have already been through some serious ups and downs in the thirteen years that we have been together – he has never let go and only works harder when things are difficult…il a jamais baissé les bras.
Some of you already know that he achieved one of his biggest dreams in 2014, when, after over twenty years of trying, a story that he proposed and shot was published in the National Geographic magazine worldwide and seen by 40 million of their readers. It was so amazing as to not even seem real…but it was. What we couldn’t have imagined was that because of that story, he would be asked to join The Photo Society, which reunites the photographers that have been published in “the yellow border.” It is a very select group (for my design friends, think of it as the equivalent of being selected for the AD 100) and a great honor.
I am fairly certain that I cried with joy when he showed me his invitation and when we understood what incredible company he would be keeping…Steve McCurry, William Albert Allard, “Nick” Nichols…so many of the photographers that had inspired him to go further, be better, do more. We worked together to choose twelve – only twelve! – photos from his career to present on his page on their website and to try and write a concise yet meaningful introduction about his career. We both had goosebumps the day that his page went live and I have been waiting until now, at the beginning of this new year, to share this news with you. It means so much to us.
Remi keeps me on my toes. His mind, his heart, travels a lot of ground quickly and works in ways that are at times mysterious to me even if we can frequently “read” each others thoughts. A few months ago, Remi launched a project that seemed incredibly daunting and while I admired the effort, I couldn’t quite figure out why he was investing so much time to do it. He had decided to scan the “tear sheets” or actual pages from the magazines that he has been published in. Now, he has been a professional photographer for 25 years, so you can imagine the task. When he stopped when he had scanned over 1000 pages.
While some of you have been kind enough to visit Remi’s main website as well as his online gallery, I doubt that any of you know that he now has a third site, Studio Atlantis, featuring his more recent photography that is centered on archaeology and heritage plus the studio work that optimizes the amazingness of what he shoots within those fields. It is to that website that he has added his list of publications. And do you know, there is a part of me that wonders if he wasn’t somehow preparing the field for his invitation to join The Photo Society by doing so? He can be a little psychic that way at times, either that or so determined as to will good fortune into being. I have seen that many a time and often just when we needed it most. An incredibly hard worker with keen perspective, an immediate connection, initiative, a fabulous eye and a story teller – that is Remi.
Keep going, my Love. I am so incredibly proud of you.
I would be delighted if you felt inclined to take a look at the following:
To see Remi’s page at The Photo Society, click: here.
To learn more about The Photo Society, click: here.
You also might enjoy seeing Remi’s publications. And yes, if you look closely, you will see that some of the stories that we did together as a writer/photographer team are included. If so, please click http://www.studioatlantis.fr/publications.html.
For those of you that are new here (Thank You et Merci!), you can see Remi’s story for NG here and my behind-the-scenes post about it here.
And finally, for those of that enjoyed my previous post? If you would like to see a small version of the photo that Remi took to ring in the New Year, just click here, that is it on the right hand side.
For you, Sweetheart, I back you up:
Thank you everyone for being along for the ride…
With my Very Best from Provence,
Heather
Hello Heather,
This is all such exciting news. It is one thing to be praised for one's work by the General public but to be honoured in these ways by one's professional colleagues is the highest of accolades. You must feel very proud and Remi deserves to be delighted with his success. He has worked hard for this moment, the golden light that he is always seeking is now shining upon him. How wonderful!
Thank you for your kind messages. We appreciate them so very much.
We wish you and Remi all peace, joy and success in the year ahead and the years beyond. With our love, J and L xx
Heather, I'm finding myself glad that it took me a couple days to sit down with this post. After yesterday's news, reading about beauty, passion, creativity and the wonderful love between you and Remi is such a welcome boost. (I'm reading this with NPR updating the story in the background). The way the two of you live and the freedom you've pursued – the ability to stick to your own path in spite of ups and downs – is inspiring (and as Vicki mentioned above, so timely, sadly).
I feel like I've gotten to know Remi a bit better by reading your loving words here and clicking through his pictures on the Photo Society post and hope that someday I can meet him in person (and the doggies, too!).
Thanks for the inspiration that both of you bring to the world through your art, your love, and the way you take on life! XOXO
How fabulous for Remi and how well deserved. The images on The Photo Society are so moving… but no surprises there. His work is totally beautiful… an "eye" to be envious of… 🙂
Reading your post for the New Year and your mention of "Freedom"… that was sadly too timely regarding the tragedy in Paris… I still can't process it… 🙁 xv
Congratulations!
I am so happy to learn about this outstanding goal.
I know how difficult it must have been to work so hard to reach the success and to summarize in a few photographs an entire life.
You both deserve an award because the team/couple has surely been perfect to reach that goal!
I give you my best wishes for your brilliant future
I will always been your fan.
Ad maiora
Jesus I think I'm in love with him now too. What an incredible tribute to your relationship you've written here. And his work! Sublime! I try not to overuse that word as it has not been bastardized like "amazing". In this case, obviously the superlatives can flow and still not capture the magic that lives in his images.
A happy squawk from me: for Remi's dedication and success, for your appreciation and willingness to be part of that process, for the both of you to allow each other to grow 🙂 xx
Wow, so impressive the selection for the Photo Society! …story-telling, wild, soul and spirit, the people, the essence.
Those are some of the words that come to my mind looking at those photos…artpieces.
It seems the last post was a kind of introduction to this one when I think of the photo you took of Remi then.
And of course I had to think very often about " being so determined to will good fortune into being". Besides the talent and the hard work it is so important to first have a detemined image of ones "good fortune" and second to have that optimism and love for life itself to keep on trying.
When I think about the story you found your home, did'nt you find that in a similar way even though it was so difficult? With optimism, love for life and determined to will good fortune into being!
Congratulations to Remi and to your couple of course! I admire his attitude… and yours of course! And I know there will be good things to come for both of you!
Please congratulate Remi for me. His work is amazing and he justly deserves to join The Photo Society. It must have been a wonderful experience for you to work together.
"An incredibly hard worker with keen perspective, an immediate connection, initiative, a fabulous eye and a story teller – that is Remi.” Congratulations Remi. Congratulations Heather. Effort and rigor and love. Your life story together.
I enjoy looking at the photos and publications by Remi and attentively I’m slowly learning how to take photos. I enjoy your writing and photos.Today is Remi’s day.
Dawning of another great year
Thank you Heather.
It was an agonizing process to chose! And some of our favorites didn't make the cut but Remi really wanted a selection of old and new, that show the intimacy he has with his subjects, vibrancy…so many things! But I am really happy with how it turned out and I think that he is too. 🙂
Merci for the lovely compliments too…
That is just gorgeous, R. Thank you from us both.
I know two other people who have been rewarded because they stuck to their dream…isn't it so Jackie? 🙂
Thank you for the lovely Wishes and I am sending them back to you!
Much Mahalo, Bill. *blushing*
Merci, Lorrie!
You have it?!? Oh, that is just fantastic! I think that Remi has even half-forgotten that he did that but I think it is the coolest thing ever. I am just tickled pink that you have one. 🙂
And thank you for the bouquet *little curtsy*, we could both use a little exotic flowers around here!
C'est moi qui vous remercie, Judi, truly. Remi brought up your comment at lunch today and was so pleased that you think that my photography is improving and was also proud because I used one HIS old SLRs to take those photos! He said, "See?" because I am always bemoaning the loss of my little Canon G12. I have a lot to learn, a LOT but thank goodness that I have such an amazing and patient teacher!! Bonne Année à vous aussi!
Save your money for the trip to France!! And yes…we will have to get out the Baccarat…
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou Maywyn. You have a generous heart.
Thank you, G. You didn't get to meet Remi did you? Next time then! 🙂
I hope that you are getting settled in to your new place,
Sending much Love right back,
H
Hmmm, let's see…what issue could that be? 😉 Merci, Suze!!
Coming from another truly talented professional photographer as yourself, that means a lot! And yep, the tear sheets are kind of insane but they are there, once and for all, to show his experience more than any cv could.
You always have the most lovely things to say…I am very touched by your kindness and compliments as well! I am glad that you see the beauty that I see in Remi's work. I can't help but be proud. 🙂
Gros Bisous!
Merci beaucoup, Michel and for going to the links as well!
There are a lot of his peers that have had to give up being a photographer in this economy even despite being successful in the past. So I give him a lot of credit for finding a way to keep moving forward.
xo
Brooke, this both made us smile so hard! Thank you for the really wonderful thoughts and Wishes and please know that we are both sending them to you and Steve (and the kids) as well…
Thank you DA, let's hope that things are picking up for all of us!
Congratulations and hurray to an exceptional partner! The photos on Remi's Photo Society page are simply exquisite! It must have been next to impossible to choose so few. I am so happy for you both.
My best congratulation …and Heather, you know you are a great part of that life story because "behind every
successful man is a woman". I had a look at Remi's web site already last year when I discovered your blog and
was very excited about his prowess and asked myself can anybody do better? Yes. What a gift ….but the greatest
is your unconditional love.
Bravo! Such a proud moment for you both!! Congrats and fingers crossed for continued success!
Heather .. This post hi-lites one very significant item .. that every man should be like Remi .. lucky to enjoy a woman who loves him so deeply. For this alone you have my complete admiration .. and I'm certain Remi has complete happiness .. above and beyond his very significant "Camera Victories". Congratulations on both fronts, Remi .. Enjoy!
Aloha ,
Bill Facker
http://www.Kauai-to-Paris.com
So exciting. Congratulations to Remi!
Of course I add my flowers, fresh from my Florida garden, to the wonderful written bouquets already presented. Wonderful all round.
Here I have my own little work by Remi. A friend was returning to USA and asked if she might bring me anything. YES!, the stamp with photo by Remi !
Heather, I just visited all the websites you shared and was just blown away with the gorgeous photography! Congratulations to Remi on his appointment – and, what a lovely, lovely tribute you gave him, much love showing! I don't often write, but I've been meaning to – with regard to YOUR photography – the past few posts have had me looking and re-looking – the lighting has just been exquisite! I have always loved your writing, but I have so enjoyed the extraordinary beauty of your most recent photos – and, of course, Remi's are fantastic! What a creative, dynamic couple are you two, doing what you love and blessing us with sharing your gifts! Merci beaucoup et Bonne Annee! — j
WILL YOU LET ME BUY A PHOTO NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doing a little DANCE around the CUCINA this EVE………… I want HIM TO TAKE MY PHOTO WITH YOU when we finally meet!A MOST needed accessory will be STEMWARE…………….!!!!!
WOW WOW WOW……………XOXO
Congratulations!
Tears of joy
Bravo, Remi. So excited and happy for both of you.
Much love from a chilly west,
G
That is fabulous news for you both …. congrats, kudos and chapeau! I've enjoyed his photo site, increased National Geographic's sales by one copy (you know which issue), and look forward to visiting these new sites. Thanks!
This is fantastic news! His photo society page looks amazing, as do the many (!) tear sheets on the new site! Sending you both the happiest of wishes for the new year!
How exciting to read this and to be privileged enough to enjoy the beauty of the photography and writing that you and Remi create. Congratulations to you both on Remi's entry into the Photo Society, as this honor belongs to you both. I have looked at Remi's work now in all the places you have suggested and I am still astounded by its beauty. You two very talented people make a lovely pair! Thank you for sharing this very special news, Heather. <3
Happy New Year and Congratulations to Remi for this great honor. I have looked at a lot of the pictures on the links you shared and he is definitely a very talented man. I wish you guys all the best during this new year.
Oh Heather, congratulations to you both! It is true that we make our own luck and it sounds like Remi (with much support from you, I might add) has done that through hard work and by being steadfast to his vision. Hooray! I hope you two take some time to savor and enjoy this latest success!
Congratulations Remi!!!
What a prestigious honor.
This is well deserved validation from your peers of your life's work.
I can only imagine how you must have felt when you heard the news.
How lucky are we to know that you will be creating more beauty for us to enjoy for many years to come.
May you have continued success!
xo
Brooke
This is so exciting, Heather! Congrats to Remi – and to you – as we all know that when we are loved and supported in our creative efforts, it's so helpful.
A thrilling way to begin what I hope will be a wonderful year for all of you.
xo