After nearly a decade in Pelham, Claudia Aubertin still has the passion behind the lens.
Getting into cameras and the possibilities surrounding them at an early age, she continued to grow her talent as years progressed.
“I was the one kid in the neighbourhood who was always climbing trees to get the best shots,” Aubertin said. “I just don’t think that curiosity of finding the perfect picture ever stopped.”
That love for photography took her to Sheridan College. After previous experiences with aerial shots, school photography and working in numerous dark rooms, the opportunity to open a business in her hometown was an easy decision to make.
Thus began Studio Southwest Photography.
Specializing in a wide-variety of fields – including pet photography, commercial photography and wedding photography – she’s always on the hunt for perfect lighting opportunities in a town filled with photogenic backgrounds.
“You can go to the same place at a different time and it’s a completely different photo. That’s really the beauty of this career and living in an area with so much to offer.”
Although trained as photographer, she also specializes in photo restoration. Aubertin says much like a wedding, restoring old photos really puts a personal approach in her field.
“You see people at their happiest. You also get to know the history behind each family. I love just hearing the stories, which are often local. It really makes everyday a new adventure.”
Aubertin, who also helps teach aspiring photographers, admits she also faced challenges when cameras switched to digital.
“It certainly has changed a lot over the last ten years,” Aubertin, who still uses film for specific jobs, said. “I’ve gotten a lot of help from others over the years to make the transition, so I always like to give back. You get to use your experience to help someone else, which I love to try and do.”
She says her door is always open for those interested in booking an appointment, or for those just looking to chat about photography in general.
“The community support has been amazing. That’s the thing about being in a small town. Everyone knows each other, making for a great place to run a business.”
Studio Southwest is located at 13 Hwy. 20 in Fonthill. For more information or how to connect with Aubertin, visit www.studiosouthwest.ca.
