About Rod Bland

How it started.

I was born and raised in western Canada. My first introduction to photography was a false start. I enrolled in an obligatory photography course while taking my BFA at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, but my interest was in painting and sculpture.

How it really started.

Fast-forward ten years. I started working as a visual effects artist for film and television in Vancouver. This job was about creating computer-generated objects, animation, effects and integrating them into live film footage. A co-worker showed me an amazing camera he had built and that really reignited my interest in photography. My company was sold and I began working as a visual effects freelance contractor for television production. I also started shooting as a freelance commercial photographer. Gratification came to me in 2013 when I received my first professional award form Applied Arts Magazine ( Canadian equivalent to Communication Arts Mag ) for best self-promotion photography. And so it began.

Where I am now.

I relocated to Saint Paul MN in 2016 with my wife and continue my photography with my own unique style and vision. I consider my work to be very conceptual and influenced by my painting and sculpture background. My experience in creating computer-generated objects and effects also gives me inspiration. There's a story to be told, a story for the viewer to see and a statement to be made with my work.

Awards

Applied Arts Magazine: 2016 professional photography award, conceptual photography

Applied Arts Magazine: 2013 professional photography award, single self-promotion

One Eyeland: 2013 bronze, single self-promotional photo

Emmy Nominated: 2002 Primetime Emmy, Outstanding Visual Effects for the series "Smallville"

Education

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

Sheridan College: Certificate in Computer Animation

Langara College: Diploma in Photography

Clients

NEMAA

D’Amico Catering

Rudy's Event Rentals

Clos Du Soleil Winery

Langara College

Advanced Nutrients

Sold Sisters Reality, Edmonton

HDL Law, Edmonton

VFS Vancouver Film School

BCCDC - British Columbia Centre for Disease Control