Richard Beland Photography Inc.

09/27/2026

09/27/2026

Mortal+Machine+Beast
Looking back at the first ten photographs in this personal series. Yesterday’s portrait of Ashton makes eleven.
On the surface, this started as a reason to make some fun photographs: people, their machines, and their animals. Three subjects brought together in a portrait, each with a different relationship to the other two.
I was interested in the affection we give to things that can’t love us back. The car, motorcycle, or tractor we pour our time, money, and attention into. A machine can mean freedom, adventure, identity, or years of hard work. It can hold memories. But it has no feelings about us whatsoever.
Then there’s the animal beside us, asking for very little and offering companionship, devotion, and a kind of love that feels unconditional.
And somewhere between them stands the mortal.
As I’ve moved into the latter half of my life, that word has taken on more weight. Mortality. I find myself thinking more about how I spend my time, who I spend it with, what I become attached to, and what will remain of the life I’m living. Looking back, I can see those questions finding their way into these photographs, even when I wasn’t consciously trying to answer them.
Making the series has also been a pleasure in itself. Getting out with people, using the skills I’ve spent years developing, and seeing what we could make together. I’d arrive with a rough idea, then work out the location, composition, and lighting on the spot. That spontaneity became part of the challenge and a big part of the fun.
I don’t expect these photographs to resolve any of this. I’m still curious about what our attachments reveal about us, and I’m still enjoying the process of making the next one.

These are posted in the order they were created.

Thank you to everyone who has stepped into a frame, brought along a machine and a beast, or helped behind the scenes.

09/26/2026

Ashton Conliffe. Mortal+Machine+Beast

From Ashton: I’m a First Nations student at Lambton College, currently studying Photography. I’ve always loved mechanics and have been learning about cars and working on them since I was a kid. I also love photography because it opens my mind to new ideas and gives me a way to express myself and be creative.

My car is a 1950 Chevrolet Fleetline Deluxe. I got it when I was 16 years old. I’ve always had a passion for cars and mechanics, so owning something like this at a young age has given me the chance to keep learning, working with my hands and understanding how these machines work. There’s something special about an old car; its history, the way it was built, and the experience of keeping it going.

My beast is Zeze, my Jack Russell. He’s an active and loving puppy who is full of energy and always ready to run around. He loves going for car rides and is pretty much always by my side.

It’s sometimes hard for me to talk about myself, but I’d say I’m someone who loves helping people, learning new things and treating people with respect. Whether I’m working on a car, making photographs or spending time with Zeze, I’m happiest when I’m learning, creating and doing something I enjoy.

So, there you have it. MMB #10. My friend, and one of our excellent students the the Photography Program at Lambton College, Ashton Conliffe, his 1950 Chevrolet Fleetline Deluxe, and ZeZe.

🤓📸: .beland
Awesome Photoshoot assistance provided by:

09/22/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE — RESCHEDULED

Unfortunately, An Evening with Richard Beland and Friends, originally scheduled for tomorrow evening (Sept. 23) at the Sarnia Library Theatre, has been rescheduled due to technical issues.

The good news is that we already have a new date!

Friday, November 20
6:00–8:00 PM
Sarnia Library Theatre

I was really looking forward to tomorrow night, especially with so many people registered, but I’m very happy that we’ve been able to reschedule and keep the evening intact.

I’ll be joined by some super awesome friends for an evening of photography, stories, selected readings, conversation and live music!!! I hope everyone who was planning to join us tomorrow can make the new date.

Please mark November 20 on your calendar, and I’ll see you then!

Feel free to share this post with anyone you know who was planning to attend.

If plan to attend please register at LCLibrary.ca

07/01/2026

Happy Canada Day!!! ❤️🇨🇦

06/02/2026

Photography gets more rewarding when knowledge catches up with enthusiasm.

Today at 7:00 p.m., I’ll be giving a 45-minute presentation in the Turret Room at The Lawrence House in Sarnia about why photography education still matters — not because everyone needs a diploma, but because even one or two courses can make a real difference. We’ll talk about how understanding fundamentals, and feedback can help photographers move to more consistent, intentional image-making. Photography is already fun when you love it, but it becomes even more rewarding when fewer things feel mysterious and you start to understand why your strongest images work.

Today — Tuesday, June 2
7:00 p.m.
Turret Room, The Lawrence House, Sarnia
45 minute presentation
Open to the public! C'mon by!!!

05/31/2026

Last night with my childhood pal, Mark was pure Canadian rock and roll bliss.

Triumph and April W**e at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights, with a killer dinner beforehand at Brad’s Bad Barbecue, fabulous seats right in the centre, and a full-on fan night from start to finish. No work. No camera. Just music, memories, and a couple of bands that still connect directly to my high school years.

Freedom Hill is a great venue too — smaller than Pine K**b, bigger than Meadow Brook.

The best part was tying it all back to the old ticket stubs: April W**e at London Gardens in 1984, Triumph at London Gardens and Toledo Sports Arena in 1985. Forty-plus years later, and somehow it all still feels connected.

1. Triumph — “Follow Your Heart”
Live from last night at Freedom Hill.
2. April W**e — “Roller”
3. Freedom Hill entrance sign
4. Brad’s Bad Barbecue take-home bag
Pre-show dinner, and far too much to eat in one sitting.
5. Triumph ticket stub — London Gardens
April 9, 1985 — $15.50
6. Triumph ticket stub — Toledo Sports Arena
January 5, 1985 — with Molly Hatchet opening — $11.50
7. April W**e ticket stub — London Gardens
July 14, 1984 — $12.50

**e LondonGardens ToledoSportsArena RockAndRollMemories

05/18/2026

Here are five more award-winning images from our recent Image Challenge, and another chance to celebrate the work our students are creating.

A strong photograph is rarely just about the subject in front of the camera. It comes from practice, patience, and learning how to make intentional creative decisions.

When students are working in the studio, the skills they develop carry into every area of photography: understanding light, controlling composition, paying attention to detail, and building the technical foundation needed to make a well-crafted image.

That discipline matters. So does the education behind it.

Congratulations again to our Image Challenge award winners, and to all of our students who continue to put in the work.

Please share this post and help us celebrate their photographs.

Photography program IG:

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