Pros for Lowepro
Ron Turenne
Ron
Turenne has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. His photographs take the action of sport from real
life to still image, capturing the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat and everything in between.
In 1977, Ron began his career as a Newspaper photographer for the Oakville Journal Record, in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. In 1979 Ron then began working for the Oakville Beaver Newspaper. He quickly discovered a passion for photographing sporting events while covering the local sports scene in Oakville, and went on to become the official photographer for Tennis Canada in 1984. As luck would have it Canada was awarded an NBA franchise in both Toronto and Vancouver. Ron has been the Toronto Raptors team photographer since their inception in 1995. Ron has had basketball images published in numerous sporting publications around the world, such as SLAM, Dunk Shoot Magazine (Asia), and Sports Illustrated. Given his sports photography expertise, he was asked to take still images during the filming of “A Season on the Brink“ starring Brian Dennehy as legendary NCAA Coach Bobby Knight. You can also see some of Ron’s portrait photography in the book “Photographers and Friends United Against Aids“ and he was thrilled to be included as one of the photographers in this publication with all the proceeds being donated to Aids research.
Not only does Ron capture sports images, as the one and only building photographer for the Air Canada Centre, he has photographed a veritable who's who in the entertainment industry, including: The Rolling Stones, Cher, U2, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, Elton John, Billy Joel and the Tragically Hip, to name but a few. Ron can also been seen taking photos of WWF matches, Ice Shows and other special events that are hosted by the Air Canada Centre.
Ron also volunteers his time to Sports Media Canada as a member of the Awards Organizing Committee for photography. Sports Media Canada recognizes the contributions of Canadians in sports journalism.
Ron lives in Oakville with his wife, Heather and their two children Max and Michelle.
Photo Gallery
All images © Ron Turenne. May not be reproduced without permission.
Q&A:
What would be your media of choice (digital or film)?
The primary reason for switching from film to digital, in the last few years, was the need to supply the photographs
in a much more timely fashion for websites and possible sales.
What would you consider your first big break in the business?
I was offered a full-time position, half way through second year, by the Oakville Journal Record Newspaper (now defunct)
and decided that would be immeasurably more profitable than continuing to go to school so that I might be able to get a
full-time job as a photographer upon graduation.
What was your most challenging assignment?
I was hired by famed Hollywood publiscist, Tony Seiniger, to take the promotional photographs of Brian Dennehy for
the movie "A Season On The Brink" (legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight) in Winnipeg, Manitoba in
the dead of winter in one of the darkest arenas I have ever been in. Although this assignment was very challenging,
approximately one month after the shoot, I received a tube containing the posters promoting the movie and a short
note from Seiniger saying, "The client was thrilled ... I hope you are too!".
What is your funniest photo experience?
I have had the opportunity to photograph many comedians, including Larry the Cable Guy and Russell Peters in concert
at the Air Canada Centre. The funniest experience, however, happened many years ago when I was photographing John
McEnroe, at the Players Challenge in Toronto when I accidentally knocked over my monopod in the phographer's pit
making a loud noise during play. McEnroe glared over at the photographers, who all parted like the Red Sea, leaving
me to suffer the indignity of his verbal tirade.
What was your 'creepiest' photo shoot?
While working at the Oakville Beaver, I was at my parent's home, celebrating my aunt's birthday when I received a call
from the editor informing me that there had been a serious car accident not from from their home. Arriving on the
scene, I was informed by the investigating officer that their photographer was unavailable and was asked if I would
be able to take some photographs of the burned body (beyond recognition). I reluctantly agreed and, when finished,
I immediately turned over the film to the officer to aid in their investigation.
What is the most exotic location you've shot in?
On a catamaran, miles from shore, in the Dominican Republic of my children enjoying dozens of dolphins swimming beside
us.
What was your biggest photo mistake?
Photographing 12 contestants in my newspaper's beauty pagent without any film in my camera. Fortunately, I came up
with a great save as the contestants were still in the publisher's office and I suggested that the pictures might
be better if I take them on a different background.
Your idea of the "dream assignment"?
Photographing the Toronto Raptors winning their first ever NBA championship in an action packed seventh game over the
Los Angeles Lakers.
What three photographers do you most admire:
Andrew D. Bernstein, Walter Iooss and Annie Leibovitz. Also, an honorable mention to Nathaniel S. Butler.
Your top three photo tips:
1. Take pictures of something that you love
2. You are only as good as your equipment, and
3. Good composition
separates the amateurs from the professionals.
If you could change your profession what would it be?
I have often thought that, if I had not become a professional photographer, I would have loved to become a teacher,
which, in my opinion is one of the most rewarding professions someone could pursue.
Any professional or charitable organizations that you belong to or support?
I am a committee member of Sports Media Canada which recognizes outstanding accomplishments in sports journalism. I assist,
wherever possible, the Raptors Foundation which is one of the top team charitable foundations in the NBA.
Your advise to aspiring photographers:
The best piece of advice that I could give to any young, aspiring photographer would be to decide what you would most
enjoy photographing and concentrate your efforts on putting yourself in the position to accomplish exactly that.
All images © Ron Turenne. May not be reproduced without permission.