Alan Dean Photography

07/20/2024

Today at 5 pm, we are celebrating Alan Dean—the man, the photographer, the music producer, the musician, our friend and colleague, and the proud dad of Cailin McDowell Collins.

In addition to his celebration, we've created a digital space for all of us to remember and celebrate the incredible person he was. It stands as a tribute, reflecting the kind of project Alan would have undertaken for any of us.

He was talented, a joy to be around, a creative force who inspired us, motivated us to do our best, captured our portraits, played us music, and lived life to the fullest. Thank you, Alan, for everything you gave us. To everyone who knew him, this is our gift to you: a website dedicated to his memory, his music, and his life. These pages will continue to grow as we find more photos and memories.

Goodbye Alan, and thank you for your generosity, time, insight, and truth. We will always remember the joy you brought into our lives. We are proud to say that you mattered. We will carry on your photographs, your music and your life’s philosophy.

This is Alan Dean. Beyond the man we got to know, there was so much more—a story of a life well lived.

Every person has a story to tell, and this is Alan's story:

www.thisisalandean.com

Looking forward to seeing you at 5 pm at Kanata Theatre (1 Ron Maslin Way)

Anne-Marie

07/13/2024

Reminder: Alan Dean’s Life Celebration on July 20 at 5 pm at Kanata Theatre

As we all remember the incredible legacy of Alan Dean, we invite you to join us for his memorial event on July 20th. This will be a time to celebrate Alan’s life and the beautiful moments he captured through his photography.

Event Details:
July 20th at 5 pm at Kanata Theatre
1 Roy Maslin Way

We look forward to coming together to honour Alan’s memory and share in the stories and photographs that continue to inspire us all.

Please wear bright colours to reflect Alan's vibrant spirit.

Alan McDowell passed away. This is the full obituary where you can express condolences and share memories. Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 2024-07-13.

06/08/2024

Join us on July 20 for Alan Dean's Artistic Life Celebration

We warmly invite you to join us for a special celebration of the life of Alan Dean. Alan's legacy and love for the arts have left a profound impact on all of us, and we hope you can be part of this meaningful gathering.

Date:July 20
Time:5 PM
Location: Kanata Theatre (Roy Maslin Playhouse)
Address: 1 Ron Maslin Way, Stittsville, ON K2V 1A7

Come and share your memories, stories, and tributes as we honor Alan's incredible journey. Let's come together to celebrate the joy and inspiration he brought into our lives.

Please spread the word and join us in commemorating a life well-lived.

04/17/2024

Join Us in Honouring Alan Dean: Support Needed for Artistic Life Celebration

We're organizing an artistic life celebration for Alan Dean and could really use your help.

Instead of flowers, we kindly ask for your support to make this celebration possible. Your donation will cover the expenses associated with hosting the event, ensuring it's a fitting tribute to Alan's extraordinary life.

No contribution is too small; every gesture of support means the world to us. Together, let's create a night to remember for someone who touched us all deeply.

More details about the event will be shared soon. We hope you'll join us in honouring Alan's life, reflecting the joy, creativity, and love he brought into our lives.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and unwavering support during this challenging time.

Warm regards,
Anne-Marie

On April 2nd 2024, Alan Dean was unexpectedly taken from us far too soon. Th… Cailin McDowell needs your support for Honoring Alan Dean: A Celebration of Life

04/03/2024

Alan Dean The Photographer - 1990-2024
Alan Dean McDowell - 1955-2024

Alan Dean was a remarkable photographer, truly special in his craft. He had a gift for uncovering the truth within us and capturing authentic portraits. Thirty-three years of portraits, mostly thirty-three years of sharing moments of life with all of us. Alan helped us discover our truth, our beauty, our inspiration. He brought laughter, reflection, creativity, and understanding into our lives. His message was clear: the essence lies within each of us, waiting to be found.

Beyond simply snapping our pictures, Alan crafted timeless moments that transcended the photograph itself.

He shared stories, strummed his guitar to conclude sessions, and often turned photoshoots into impromptu music sessions. Alan was generous with his time, always willing to connect with us on a deeper level.

He used to say he'd throw mud at us (figuratively, of course), aiming to capture genuine reactions for truly authentic portraits. He showed us that for a true reaction it all starts inside. It is all about the heart.

Alan Dean, it was a joy to witness your art, your passion, your dedication.

Thank you for the countless portraits you've taken of us. Your legacy will endure, and we'll continue to share your portraits with generations to come.

Anne-Marie Legault
Studio Manager

03/15/2024

I rarely use coloured seamless backgrounds. For me they just don't fit my style but in this case the client had a purpose for the image, and as well what she was wearing had me searching in studio for that seamless paper roll of brown with a hint of orange. I didn't want the background to dominate So I controlled the light to give it a gradient feel from rust to dark.

03/12/2024

Professional portrait of a doctor shot at my studio last weekend. Though conversation I work to understand my clients needs. Who is looking at these photos and what should the images represent? Say cheese is NOT an option here, or ever for that matter. Good photos always come from human engagement.

03/12/2024

Longtime Ottawa chef extraordinaire Norm Aiken. I have know Norm for many years and it was a pleasure to photograph him again a few weeks ago.

03/06/2024

Its been an unusual month with many actor hopefuls contacting me to help get them noticed. I am fortunate enough to still be a recommended photographer for Actra in Montreal. Even though its a long drive to Montreal this booking for a 9 year old hopeful was worth it, and after all didn't doctors used to make house calls? lol. Here is a sample of Tessa. I wish her good luck.

03/01/2024

Creating a portrait for anyone, has one rule that I always follow. It must match and display its intention. In other words what is the purpose of the photo, who will be looking at it, and what should it express. In the case of any artist that I shoot, I believe that art must be represented by art, and specifically tell a story of the art that it represents. Simply capturing an artist with a camera means nothing without intention. Here is a sample, and what kind of music do you think it represents?

03/01/2024

Going to the well is not always a bad idea. I am always able to find a gem, like this shot of Anne Marie, which projects quite well.

02/28/2024

A recent portrait of a young actor hopeful.