Meet The Member - Photographer Tori Deslauriers
We had the pleasure of talking to our member and local photographer Tori Deslauriers on her life behind the lens.
Hello Tori! We’d love to hear a little bit about your background
I actually have a background that’s nothing to do with photography! I studied Japanese, then worked for a university before moving to an investment bank and working in project management for them. However, I loved photography since I was a kid and my mum is a keen photographer as well.
When I realised how unhappy I was on moving companies when returning from Japan to London, my very supportive husband gave me the gentle push I needed into making my hobby my business and I’ve never looked back!
When did you start photography professionally and what style of photography do you specialise in?
I started professionally in 2009. I love photographing people where they are happiest primarily, so I love being around people when they are celebrating their weddings, their families and their business successes.
Do you think your photography has a certain style and look, or do you enjoy experimenting with different techniques and styles?
My photography is full of lots of emotion and happiness so you can spot that a mile off. That isn’t to say I’m not always pushing myself to do better; I’ve just signed up to a year-long photography mentorship to push my photos to the next level. That being said I’m not one for experimenting with gimmicks and editing types that are going to go out of style quickly. I want you to look at your photos in 10 years’ time and still feel like they are timeless (even if you now regret your fashion choices!!)
How do you get the inspiration for your photography?
Noticing. I think we’ve all become so bogged down in convenience that we’ve stopped noticing anything. And because of that we are missing a lot of the beauty around us. As such I feel that the magic in the little moments of our lives is passing us by. It’s why, for example, I love photographing the little moments in the lives of families. It’s not really that the posed family picture is my goal, but that the little moments in between that are what I strive for and I hope my clients will look back on and treasure. The little bits of magic where you capture pudgy fingers picking up a favourite toy or small feet puddle jumping in wellie boots or a tantrum about something that won’t matter in a few years. Those moments are what are so inspiring to me.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Comparison is the thief of all joy. I’m sure this is true of all businesses but I feel that for creatives and photographers it’s especially true. You start out trying to find inspiration and figure out what your style is going to be and quickly become so bummed out with how awful your photos are in comparison to everyone else! Even now I have to remind myself to stay in my own lane really frequently for my own sanity!
Everyone has a camera in their phone these days, why do you think people still want professional photos?
Funny you mention this, I actually did an experiment with my son and husband about exactly this topic a little while ago because camera phones and a professional shoot are such different things. If you want to read about it you can do that here.
I also do quite a lot of work trying to fix people’s weddings photos where they’ve just let a friend take photos for them and have been disappointed with the results. Obviously, we all value different things so whether it’s painting your own nails vs a salon, cooking your own dinner vs a Michelin star meal or a camera phone vs a professional photo shoot, you will get a vastly different experience.
Firstly, with a camera phone you aren’t in the photo yourself unless you want a selfie arm in that photo which isn’t ideal for your wedding day, business or that dream family photo. Secondly, it’s not the most flattering way to take a photo of yourself and you can’t capture any real moments when you are also trying to take a photo of said moment. I strongly feel that there is a great place for camera phones; they rock for capturing snaps of what we’re up to in daily life. But there is absolutely no substitute for investing in capturing the things that are most important to you – your celebrations, family and business success.
In your free time, what kind of pictures do you like to shoot and which ones do you avoid?
I still love to photograph people. I take photos of my friends at our BBQs, my son and his friends, family events. I’m just fascinated by people and how they tick.
Do you have a favourite lens and if so, why?
It depends on the situation, but my 35mm is probably the lens that spends most time on my camera and if I’m going somewhere with just one camera, that’s the lens I’ll take with me. It’s just a good lens, I can get nice and close to people and it takes lovely photos!
Out of all your photos, do you have a favourite?
Uhhhhhhh, it totally depends on the day! I love a lot of the photos of my son I’ve taken over the years but mainly because I’m a biased mum and he’s my favourite subject!
What are you working on at the moment and do you have any particular plans for the future?
I have A LOT of big plans for this year. Firstly, I’m launching a VIP programme this year whereby families can join a monthly membership and spread the cost of their family photos as well as getting some extra goodies. That’s almost ready to go so that’s the only one I’ll spill on at the moment!
Are there any tips that you’d like to give to aspiring photographers?
It’s more important to invest in knowledge than equipment. You can take great photos with average gear but I think we all get caught up in wanting to buy all of the fancy cameras and lenses and therefore sacrifice spending on a course with a great mentor or some lessons with someone who could help you master the next skillset you need.
What do you like about living in St. Albans and do you have any favourite spots?
I love everything about St. Albans. I came here for lunch in 2009 on a whim and decided it was so nice that I told my husband we were buying a house here before my husband had even visited!
Since having our son, combined with pandemic we’ve been out a lot less recently but we love a lot of the pubs and restaurants. A few of our favourites are Cha & Nasta, Alloro, Carpenters, Per Tutti, Bishop’s Cave, The Hare & Hounds, The Boot (although my husband can’t stand up straight in there!) but we can’t wait to venture out a bit more and try all the new places springing up!
Finally, what is it that you would like to offer our local community.
I am a keen networker so I’m always looking for ways to connect other people with all the people I’ve met over the years. And I’m always open to collaborating with people on new projects as I love working together – being a small business owner can be a lonely place!
I feel everyone should have access to amazing photos in their world, so I would love anyone to reach out to me and see if I’m a good fit for their upcoming events or for when they decide their business or family needs some updated photos. I’m always happy to chat and if I’m not the right person for them, or if it’s not the right time, then I’m happy to offer a bit of advice about the best way forward for them about how they might be able to take some photos for themselves.