PRESENTING
MONOGRAPH
MY FIRST
BERNARDIN, AN APPRECIATION OF BEAUTY
THE PRESALE IS FINISHED BUT YOU CAN STILL PRE-ORDER THE BOOK!
BERNARDIN, An Appreciation For Beauty.
“An Appreciation for Beauty” refers to an innate human tendency to seek pleasure and meaning in our surroundings. Whether by admiring a sunset, appreciating a piece of art, or marvelling at the intricacies of nature, our appreciation for beauty brings us a sense of joy, wonder, and inspiration.
It is a deeply personal and subjective experience that can vary greatly from person to person, yet it’s also something that connects us as human beings by reminding us of the shared beauty that exists in our world. Taking the time to appreciate beauty can be a powerful way to cultivate gratitude, mindfulness, and a deeper sense of connection to the world around us.
As a photographer, my appreciation for beauty has been a driving force behind my work. It has enabled me to capture and showcase the breathtaking beauty of humanity, to inspire others to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, and to help foster a deeper connection between people.”
– Richard Bernardin
Un “Objet d’Art” In Book Form
During this Pre-Sale Launch, each book sold will be personally signed by Richard, and will come with a special dust jacket unique to this edition to both protect and enhance its display.
ABOUT THE BOOK
“Richard is undoubtedly one of the most talented and avant-garde photographers of his generation, with an eye and aesthetic that sets him apart from his peers.”
- Denis Desro (1935-2011), Fashion Editor-in-Chief, ELLE Quebec & ELLE Canada.
As an internationally acclaimed fashion and portrait photographer with over 25 years of experience in the industry, Richard Bernardin has honed a unique and powerful perspective that informs all of his work. Throughout his career, he has travelled the world and captured countless images that reflect the beauty, complexity, and diversity of the human experience. He believes that fashion photography has the power to transcend borders and cultures; to connect people from all walks of life and that each photograph tells a story which speak to a larger truth about the world we live in.
This is Bernardin’s debut book and a photographic homage meant to celebrate two milestones: his 50th year of life on this planet which serendipitously coincides with his 25th anniversary behind the lens! To highlight this special time in his life, he has been diligently at work on this meticulously-crafted, self-published coffee table book!
This long-awaited, limited-edition monograph will include and showcase a personally curated collection of images that have shaped him, as a person and artist, as well as texts, testimonials and narratives throughout, illustrating Bernardin’s inception and inspiration, as influenced by his travels and experience working alongside some of the world’s most talented and creative people. It is the culmination of everything he has learned and experienced in his career so far. This monograph is not just a personal achievement, but a statement about the importance of representation and diversity in the fashion industry.
Bernardin’s intention with this debut book is not only to tell his compelling story and journey through the 100+ photographs but hopes to inspire a new generation of artists, photographers, and fashion enthusiasts, regardless of their background or identity… To show them that anything is possible if they have the courage to pursue their dreams with passion and dedication.
BOOK SPECIFICATIONS
Format: Hardcover
Size: 10.4 x 13 in (265 x 331 mm)
Pages: 204 pp
Images: BW and color photographs
ISBN: 978-1-7389497-0-0
Bernardin Book Packages
Some unique rewards available with the PreSale Packages to say…
THANK YOU!
Limited-Edition Fine Art Prints
A signed and numbered Limited Edition Fine Art Prints (unframed) by Richard Bernardin from a preselected collection curated by the Artist (TBD).
Bernardin Portrait Sessions
A 30-min private Portrait Session with Richard Bernardin. Note: This is available in the following cities: Montreal, Toronto, NYC and LA. For other locations, pls send an email to inquire: studio@richardbernardin.com
To inquire about the Luxury Corporate packages
A sneak peek at a few spreads from the BERNARDIN, An Appreciation for Beauty book!
“In a world where women are often subjected to unrealistic beauty standards and objectification, Richard’s work stands out for its ability to capture the essence of femininity in a way that is both stunning and empowering.”
- JUSTIN WU, acclaimed film director, photographer, creative director and close personal friend.
A FINE ART PHOTO BOOK IS A DREAM THAT ONLY MAKES SENSE IF SHARED!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Richard Bernardin is a fashion photographer and a visual artist of Haitian descent working internationally and based in between Montreal and New York. Richard was mildly interested by photography during high school, taking pictures for the yearbook and only seriously came back to photography upon his return from his military service. He then spent some time in New York apprenticing, before branching out on his own.
Richard has developed a unique style of photography where the exaltation of the elegant and empowered female archetype is at the forefront and the resulting influences of his love for cinematic narrative, Modernist architecture and iconic photographic giants (Newton and Avedon), all of which have made his images highly recognizable and sought after the world over.
Since, Richard has photographed many high-profile celebrities and artists and has been commissioned to shoot countless prestigious magazines and advertising campaigns. More recently, he became a Canon Canada Ambassador, founded RLVNT Journal and is currently at work on several personal projects including a solo exhibition and two book projects.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT BERNARDIN
“Rich is one of the most creative people I’ve ever met. He’s a storyteller, so his images are as meaningful as they are mesmerizing. He is truly inspiring, and the environment he creates is collaborative, professional and powerful. When you’re on set with Rich, you just know you’re about to create magic!.”
— SARA WAISGLASS, Actor & Screenwriter.
“I remember my shoot with Richard like it was yesterday. We were shooting in Paris on location at La Concorde. What first caught my attention was his kindness and his care to every team member. And then, his professionalism behind the camera and his vision are just very unique! We really had the best time driving around Paris and it didn't even feel like work .
I'm very happy and extremely proud of him for self-publishing this book and am honored to be part of it! Glad to see him grow higher and create more art!”
— ALINA BAIKOVA, Model and humanitarian.
“Working with Richard Bernardin is not only a privilege but it’s also a great human experience! Seeing yourself through his lens makes you feel strong, feminine, powerful and beautiful. Richard has an iconic take on photography, a strong, timeless signature and always finds a way of keeping everything modern. Genius!”
— MARIPIER MORIN, Actor & Spokesperson.
“To shoot with Richard is an absolute blast. Whether shooting on the 80th floor of a Manhattan skyrise or with a leopard onset in the Californian desert, he always keeps the energy positive and chill so everything flows gently and is conducive to creativity. The perfect recipe for all the iconic images he creates! 🖤”
— FLAVIA LUCINI, Brazilian model.
Personally, I would like to applaud Richard’s gracious personality! It was a pleasure working with his sensibility to the brand’s vision and his ability to channel the essence and direction provided. His patience and overall willingness to be of any assistance were key factors in our overall performance. Richard’s professionalism on set topped with his evident talent brought the concept to life.
I look forward to working with him again personally and professionally in the near future, and have no doubt that he will leave everyone he encounters astonished by both his unprecedented work and charm.”
— BRENNA DIXON, Creative Director.
A message from me to you!
Creating a photo book is a labor of love, but it's also a significant financial investment. As an independent artist, I've poured my heart and soul into this project, and I'm committed to bringing it to life in the best possible way. With your help, I can make that happen!
That's why I've put together an incredible set of packages for my Pre-Sale supporters. Each package is designed to give you the most value for your investment. From exclusive limited-edition signed prints to private portrait sessions, there's something for everyone!
But that's not all… By supporting the Pre-Sale, you'll be among the first to get your hands on the finished product. You'll receive a signed copy of the photobook before it's available to the general public and you'll be credited in the book itself, recognizing your invaluable support and contribution to this project!
I've poured my heart and soul into creating this photo book, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. Your support will help cover the costs of printing, designing, and promoting the book, ensuring that it's of the highest quality.
So please join me on this exciting journey and help bring this project to life. I can't wait to share this beautiful photobook with you, and I know you'll treasure it for years to come.
Thank you so much and welcome to the Pre-Sale community!
Much luv!
Richard xx
FAQs
-
A photo book Presale is a strategy and marketing campaign where a product is made available for purchase before it is actually released. In the case of a photobook, a Presale would allow customers to purchase the photobook before it is printed.
As BERNARDIN, An Appreciation for Beauty is self-published, you are making the printing possible by purchasing a book during the PreSale!
-
A photo book presale is crucial for an artist because it helps them cover the upfront costs of producing the book, such as printing, design, and distribution. Without a presale, the artist would need to fund the entire project out of pocket or seek financing from a publisher or investor, which can be extremely difficult to obtain. By securing funding through a presale, the artist can produce the highest quality book possible without sacrificing creative vision.
-
Backing a photo book presale allows you to be one of the first to receive a copy of the book, often at a discounted price. Additionally, many presales offer exclusive packages or bonuses, such as signed copies, limited edition prints, or other unique items. By backing a presale, you are not only supporting the artist but also becoming a part of their creative process.
-
To back the Presale of BERNARDIN, an Appreciation for Beauty, simply visit the book’s campaign page and select the package level that corresponds to the rewards you want. You will then be asked to provide your payment information, and you will receive your copy of the book and package rewards at the delivery date!
-
The delivery date for BERNARDIN, An Appreciation for Beauty is planned for OCTOBER 2023. It is important to note that the delivery date may be subject to change based on factors such as printing delays or shipping issues.
My Partners
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to some of my Partners for your support and assistance during the presale for my photobook. Thank you!
