About
Introduction
My name is Neil Rego
I am a Montreal-based photographer. Photography has always been a hobby for me since my 20s, and I started getting a bit more serious about it in my mid-30s. People always complimented my photos and skills, encouraging me to display them. For the longest time, photography was a very personal and therapeutic activity for me; I lose myself when taking and editing photos. But I believe it is time to share them with the world.
During the initial stages of my project, I posted images on Facebook and Instagram, but I felt empty and hollow while doing so. It felt like I was creating for others rather than for myself, seeking positive feedback rather than being true to my vision. I concluded that the vast majority of my work will be presented in printed photo zines and books, with only a small selection posted on social media as teasers and advertisements. I find more meaning in printed media, presenting my work largely without text to let viewers form their own subjective opinions. I've spent a lot of time considering objectivity versus subjectivity, valuing relevant feedback from individuals whose opinions I respect.
Brand Story
A few years ago, I had a vague idea of creating dreamy photos and secured an Instagram account for it, but I did nothing with it until now. The name of the site, "a.dream.long.forgotten," ties in with the types of images I create and the lenses and techniques I use. The concept evokes a sense of mystery and surrealism, reflecting the elusive nature of dreams. These images blend reality with fantastical or symbolic elements, creating scenes that are both familiar and bizarre. They can be poignant, haunting, or whimsically surreal, often leaving a lasting impression.
When I say “a.dream.long.forgotten,” I also refer to memories long forgotten, as recalling them can evoke the same abstract, ethereal, and sometimes disjointed images as dreams.
I strive to capture as much as possible in-camera, especially regarding bokeh, movement, and blur, which are major components of my current work. I have always loved taking high magnification macro photography of various subjects, usually insects and plants. Most of these photos are taken handheld and on-site with live subjects, resulting in narrow focal planes and a lot of blurry, out-of-focus areas, adding to the dreamy nature of the photos.
I have also started experimenting with Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and long exposure photography, which contribute to the dreamlike quality of my images. Composition is critical, and I often intentionally break the rules to create additional tension and interest. I have been using the Lensbaby Optic Swap system for over a decade, utilizing various optics to create artistic and creative photos with different effects, including the "Composer Pro II" mount and "Sweet 35," "Sweet 50," "Edge 80," "Edge 35," and "Soft Focus II" optics.
During the initial stages of this project, I became captivated by the Pictorialism style of imagery, prevalent at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. I developed a custom post-processing technique in Photoshop that emulates this style and the look of expired film. This technique took significant time to refine, allowing me to quickly and consistently create images with a cohesive, nostalgic aesthetic. Every aspect of my images, from composition to the final signature, is intentional and not accidental.
Photography Style
Experience and Achievements
I have never displayed any of my photos or art pieces outside of my condo or cubicle at work, nor have I received any awards. I am self-taught in all aspects of photography and post-processing, primarily learning through online tutorials. This has always been a hobby for me, but those who have seen my work believe it deserves to be displayed to the world. Up until the creation of "a.dream.long.forgotten," not one piece was sold, but I hope that will change.
I am a massive introvert, and this aspect of my personality is present in my art and approach to photography. I am science and logic-brained, not artistically or creatively inclined. This is why I am drawn to photography, especially in-situ photography. It involves extreme technical aspects, composition rules that need to be fully understood, and the ability to control and guide the viewer's eye through the image. Handheld high magnification macro photography requires breath control and perfect stillness, skills I excel at. While I struggle with arranging still life or posing people, I excel at recognizing and capturing the unobvious.
I have many photos capturing many memories. While my memories may be foggy, the photos capture them clearly. My images replicate what’s in my memory. While my mind controls the image, I let my heart connect to each image, making each one a reflection of my emotions at that given time.