PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Local photographer Michael Gudreau paid homage to his idol and mentor, Voscar (Oscar Nelder), through the recreation of one of the elder photographer’s most memorable shots this fall — then presented Voscar with a print as a thank you for being such an inspiration.
It has been said that imitation is the highest form of flattery, which typically applies to an artist recreating a real-life image — as was the case when Voscar, the Maine Photographer, photographed Cluney McPherson portraying a hunter startled by a bear back in the 1960s. Gudreau took it one step further by having art imitate art, recreating his friend’s work in a recent photo shoot at the Aroostook State Park.
“I chose to do a reenactment of an old Voscar pic. I set up the campsite similar to the one in Voscar’s original shot, complete with tent and camping supplies,” said Gudreau. “The session wouldn’t have been complete without the bear I borrowed from Big Bear Realty.”
With the help of Park Director Scott Thompson, the acting skills of Park Ranger Alan Cleaves, Gudreau went to work staging the shot, giving Cleaves an impromptu acting course as he offered directions on which way to turn and what facial expression he was looking for. Also on hand to film the process was local videographer Frank Grant.
Gudreau said he’s hoping to do more reenactments of Voscar’s photos in the future.
“This isn’t about money. It’s about photography. Voscar has been the inspiration to so many photographers, including several here in northern Maine. It’s an honor to know him. I’ve learned a great deal about the art just by looking at his work over the years,” said Gudreau.
“I remember seeing his pics when I was young. As a kid, I thought it was cool stuff and that I might one day want to do the same type of work,” said Gudreau, who’s worked for over 30 years for Northeast Publishing, processing many a photo for publication. In his free time, Gudreau is a professional photographer, having transitioned from weddings and events to more rustic images of life in the County and nature in all its glory.
Gudreau agrees that imitation is the highest form of flattery. He hopes his work will one day have an impact on others, as Nelder’s work has had on him.
“I hope to inspire others to pursue photography — to document local history through their eyes,” said Gudreau. “Voscar’s had a lot of influence in our (today’s County photographers). I wouldn’t mind people remembering me like people remember him.”
To honor the occasion, Gudreau recently presented Voscar with a print of his reenactment. The elder photographer, ever humble, was at a loss for words, noting he didn’t know what all the fuss was about.
“Mike’s a damn good photographer, that’s what he is,” said Voscar. “You do some great work too.”
Voscar said the years have gone by quickly, since he was doing what he loved.
“Taking pictures isn’t work to me; it’s what I love to do. I shared that love early on with others, starting the original photo course at the Presque Isle High School many years ago, with the help of the Kodak Company,” said Voscar.
Gudreau is already planning his next shoot, featuring another of Voscar’s many classic moments.
“I’m looking forward to doing the Spirit of ‘76. That one’s a classic,” said Gudreau.
