Carl Valiquet

Ask his contemporaries to describe Carl, and 3 points are reiterated: he’s passionate about his subjects, he is absolutely non-judgmental, and he’s so darn likable. For me, Carl is the consummate storyteller, leading us in an inspirational journey through the communities he loves.

The same enthusiasm that he brought, in 1967, to his first job as a photographer’s assistant in Churchill Falls, Labrador, he brings to his latest assignment in 2008. He is a firm believer that you are only as good as the latest photograph you have taken, an approach that has kept him enthused and energetic in a career that spans 40-plus years!

Although renowned for his photojournalism, Carl is also a distinguished commercial photographer. Among his advertising clients are Bos, TamTam, Y&R, LG2, Marketel, Cossette, and Sid Lee. His editorial photographs grace the pages of L’Actualité, Châteleine and En Route.

For me, the real Valiquet shines in his forays into unfamiliar cultures. Through his camera’s eye, we are face-to-face with strangers, and come away with insight and empathy.

In 2000, Carl spent a week among a group of young Cuban boxers. His black-and-white photographs were combined with Havana’s urban beat. From this fusion he created El Ring, a short film screened in 7 film festivals in Europe and North America.

In 2004, with a grant from the CALQ (Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec), he produced Eye of the father. Eye of the son. Set among the Cree of northern Quebec, the film is a mix of photographs taken by Carl’s father in 1950, and by him some fifty-three years later.

In 2007, with another grant from CALQ, he documented ritual cockfighting in Bali.

While Carl’s commitment to photography is exceptional, he is also a keen videographer. His next project will have him crisscrossing the Indonesian archipelago. In his camera bag will be his HD video camera and his two, 35mm Leicas.

Photographer’s web site: http://www.carlvaliquet.com
Filmaker’s web site: http://www.gonefishingproductions.com