FROM THE PUBLISHER – Rodney Denis Photography Turns 35 As We Publish Issue #285
With the release of the June publication, we celebrate our 285th edition!
Since we began back in 1998, we have consistently published 10 issues a year except for the April and May 2020 issues which were forced to be combined due to the pandemic and businesses being closed with no mail delivery possible.
As you know, my family is a big part of all I do, but there are also many freelancers who I refer to as “Biz X family”.
In particular, one individual who has been with me since the magazine began, is professional photographer Rodney Denis. He’s also celebrating a milestone — 35 years in business.
With more than four decades of experience behind the camera, Denis has explored a wide range of subjects, from fashion models to vintage automobiles.
A proud graduate of Fanshawe College’s photography program, he refined his craft in bustling cities like Toronto, Halifax, and Detroit before making his way back to Windsor in 1989.
“I did not expect to be that busy,” Denis reminisces, recalling his early days upon returning to the city.
Not long after his arrival, Windsor Raceway invited him to take on the role of track photographer for their publicity department. At the same time, he began to delve into commercial photography, collaborating with Partners Marketing to shoot for In Business Windsor magazine in the early ’90s. It was here, while I was their Assistant Editor, that our paths first crossed.
His collaboration with local photographer Tim Cornett, eventually led to the creation of DenCor Photography. However, as Cornett ventured into other pursuits, Denis took the opportunity to establish the business Rodney L. Denis Photographer in 1991, working with esteemed clients like Chrysler, Labatt Breweries, and Canadian Tire.
After I made the move to Opinion magazine to start The Business Exchange, Denis came with me. And when I went out on my own in 1998 to publish Biz X, he was right by my side again. “I was excited to be part of Deborah’s magazine as I knew she had a long-term winner,” he comments.
As the world of photography continues to shift with technological advancements, Denis holds a belief that black-and-white art photography will always have a special place, provided it remains genuine.
“Anything with a challenge has its greatest appeal,” he notes, referencing unique endeavors like capturing a Dodge Viper on the Ambassador Bridge for the Business Exchange as well as 28 creative Biz X Award covers.
“Photography has taken me to places that I never would have seen or experienced,” expresses Denis, but as for the future, he muses: “Cameras? Where we’re going, we don’t need cameras!”
As Denis gears up for the next chapter of his life, his impact on the Windsor photography scene is undeniably solidified. I’m grateful he is on our team — his photos are a part of our success, frame by frame.