“Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures,” once said Don McCullin, who is a seasoned British photojournalist, particularly recognised for his war photography and images of urban strife.
There is a photographer in every individual. A good photographer is one who gives some perspective to the captured images.
For Marie Josée Bédard, a Canadian photographer with a degree in photography from Dawson College in Montréal, photography is all about light. “There are several things necessary for good photography such as technology and equipment but light is the most important. Often light determines the mood. For a photographer that is the most important thing. I do work inside a studio but I prefer natural light. This is my first option. If you have good light, you will have a good photo.”
Marie moved to Doha in 2004. Enriched by her long expatriation in Qatar, Marie’s current work displays all the splendour of the local culture. “There is a big contrast from where I come from and where I live now. When I am in Doha I know right away what I want to photograph because it is so different from what I have known. It is most of the time very beautiful. I think the cultural difference is what makes me appreciate, I mean, the desert. There are magical places wherever you go.
“Something that I have noticed is that when you change a country, the light is different in the new country. It differs from country to country. Here depending on the seasons, you see a difference in photos.”
Marie has contributed to several local exhibitions as a photographer and judge in photo contests in Qatar. Her photography can be found on the covers of ‘Qatar Practical Guide’ 2017, 2018 and 2020. 
“Coming to Doha, I felt more confident and less pressure. I stopped my photography for some time as I had to give time to two of my kids. Now I enjoy my passion in my free time and have developed my own style,” she said.
“I have done several exhibitions in Qatar with other photographers. I have displayed my work at Sheikh Faisal Museum, Katara Art Centre, and my first exhibition was at Grand Hayat Hotel. I have also participated in different theme-based photography exhibitions such as horses, Qatari culture etc.
“I have so far not exhibited my photos back in Canada. The idea has crossed my mind several times. I think I will soon organise a photography exhibition in Montreal where I come from.”
Marie, who has worked in various visual fields and as a photo editor for the award winning in-flight magazine enRoute for Air Canada, loves doing portrait photography the most. “I like taking photos of people. I am passionate about photographing horses. I also enjoy street photography. There are always the moments that you capture. I enjoy different kinds of photography for different reasons. I always try to get out of my comfort zone and that is where it gets interesting. Being a shy person naturally, street photography at times becomes a challenge but the more I do it, the more I enjoy it. I love to see the spontaneous moment that can occur.”
She adds: “When it comes to portrait photography, I really enjoy the connection that I have with the subject. That is what determines what you are going to show on a photo.”
The qualified photographer believes different angles add different perspectives to a photo. “I agree with the idea that if there is not much around to go for photography, the photographers should work on different angles. It could just be focus on a very small element. There could be lots of things. It is very important to create some sense.
“I am part of an international community of photographers. Each week we are given a theme and we must produce something. It does not need to be a masterpiece. You have just to produce something so that your creativity keeps going. I think about the particular theme wherever I go. I use my photography and I enjoy it. Sometime these themes are not totally my style but they push me out of my comfort zone and that is where you learn a lot. That is really fun.”
The ace photographer believes that the new technologies and smartphone cameras have added something significant to the art of photography. “Now, anybody can become a photographer. What makes the difference though is that a photographer needs to know the light, the equipment and that he or she needs to think out of the box to have a good photo. When something is before me, I analyse it and know that what end result I want and where I want to focus. The difference is getting the exact photo and seeing the results in front of you.
“I think the technology and the cell phones have given people an instant gratification. When you see really good professional photos, these are taken with cameras.”
Marie sees photography as a technique that anybody can learn. “Anyone can learn photography. It is just that you have to have the creativity to know what to do with that. If you recognise what is good light, have a good subject and know how to use your equipment to get an output that is great. You also need to be able to sell yourself.”
The long-time resident of Qatar continues to enjoy both her photography and life in Doha. “My priority is to look after my, especially kids. I have the luxury of doing the photography that I enjoy here. For, that is huge. I can make personal projects. I know in Canada I would not have had the same opportunity as I am established here with my family. There is a lot to discover in Doha. There is great feedback and appreciation for art and artists here.”