In the Beginning
It’s true we’ve heard this phrase a thousand times or more in our lifetime. For some of us these words truly speak to us. After the birth of my son Luc I decided that going back to work in the fast paced city was no longer for me. It was then that I began to entertain the idea of turning an interest into a career. So off I went to pursue my dream that didn’t utilize that university degree…. My (rather my husband’s) first purchase was a $350 SLR camera at a flea market and a secondhand top quality studio lighting set. I began my first photography course and practiced in my small city home with backdrops on broomsticks in my living room. My next purchase was a home large enough to accommodate my new profession and my growing family! We chose Stanley N.B. (Canada) for many reasons, the most important of which was the potential of our home to become a unique studio setting. After several photography diplomas, purchases in the areas of backgrounds and props, and a nearly complete studio attached to my house, I am finally realizing that sacrifices do pay off if you don’t give up. Photography is an outlet for me. I am able to be creative yet use my business experience. There are opportunities to work alone when the kids are in bed and I can sit at my desk with a glass of wine or a hot cup of tea yet I interact with clients of all ages at a time when most are happy and looking and feeling their best! Although most of my work is done in the studio it is preferable to photograph people in their own surroundings that hold special interest for them. I aim for a photograph that captures a client’s personality or tells a story in that moment of their life… even if it is only obvious to them. I often tell the story of a family photo taken on their front porch. It may seem like an average photo to the average viewer but it warms my heart every time I look at it and remember that after years of struggling to get college degrees, raise small children and living in numerous trailers and apartments that this picture symbolizes their very first home! I offer services in the areas of portrait photography, weddings, family reunions, and sports. I am beginning to venture into the area of grad photos. It is possible to book sessions that include baptisms, anniversary parties, and numerous other important celebrations. It’s important to create photographs that are unique to each individual need, therefore I welcome the opportunity to work with everyone to offer suggestions for posing, wardrobe and style of photograph. It is extremely important for me to create a relaxed atmosphere and a pleasant experience and a product that my clients enjoy for years to come. Finally, I enjoy the sense of independence my home based business affords. With little overhead cost I am able to attend school and sport functions, be available for homework and bed times and still consider myself to be a stay at home mom which is by far my most rewarding job. But on those days when life stress gets the better of me I go into my studio, turn up my music, light my candles, and let my creative side take over…. settling sometimes for the subject to be only a teddy bear named Bixby! I no longer work with that dependable flea market camera. I am now fully digital which opens the door to photographic art! Future plans for Gallery Arseneau include offering framed landscape photography for home decorating and gift giving. Ask me about the many seascapes (confirming my Cape Breton heritage!) and local scenes already available. Plans are underway to provide outdoor gardens at my home/studio for all your photography needs as well as renovations that will allow for beautiful indoor wedding or large group shots. Book an appointment or simply drop in to take a look.
