Gaétane, the e-commerce project specialist at Laura Canada, is a nature lover and avid traveller. With a hands-on approach to everything she does and an eye for detail, she’s also fallen in love with photography.
Hi Gaétane, can you tell us about yourself?
I was born in France and lived in Senegal for most of my teenage years. I later had the opportunity to return to France for school, which led to internships in Denmark, Australia and here in Quebec. I moved here four years ago, and fell in love with the province. As you can probably tell, I like to move around! I enjoy backpacking and travelling to new places. Hiking, biking, camping, and capturing the world’s beauty through the lens of my camera are some of my favourite ways to discover a country.
Tell us a little bit about your career path and your role at Laura Canada.
I have a master’s degree in strategic marketing and brand innovation. I later specialized in e-commerce and project management. After school, I started working in Paris as an e-commerce manager at a fashion company. It was an amazing learning experience because I touched a bit of everything: photoshoots, e-mail marketing campaigns, website content management. Thanks to that position, I developed an interest for innovative projects. After two years of living in the capital of France, I realized that the Parisian lifestyle wasn’t for me. When I moved to Quebec, Laura Canada hired me as the e-commerce project specialist. To sum it up, the only thing I don’t work on is the website content.
Let’s talk about your passion for adventure photography. What draws you to this genre?
I’m an outdoor enthusiast with a love for discovering new things. I like to share my experiences with people who appreciate nature, enjoy exploring forests and aren’t afraid to climb mountains.
I started by taking pictures of landscapes. Then I played around with taking portraits of friends outdoors, and it went so well I just haven’t stopped. I love combining the art of portraiture with adventurous, spontaneous people in rugged settings.
Most recently, I’ve started to experiment with taking pictures of couples and I love it! We go on a little adventure and I am able to capture their emotions along the way.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I draw inspiration from how I feel in my surroundings. I’m a sensitive person that is able to see beauty in everyday life. I’m inspired by travelling, listening to music, watching movies with beautiful camera work and of course by other artists on Instagram and Pinterest.
What do you never leave home without doing before a photoshoot?
I choose the destination and the amount of time I think I’ll need. I also make myself an inspirational mood board for the photoshoot. Next, I start to think about what I want the models to wear. I also prepare a plan for the subjects to get familiar with, that way they know what I’m going to ask them to do when we start shooting. This helps the models move more naturally. My goal is to make them forget that they’re being photographed because I strive to capture their connection while they have fun and make memories.
Packing my bag for a photoshoot is a whole process. I bring both of my cameras and accessories: memory cards, extra batteries, equipment to protect my cameras from the rain and sun, a tripod, a camera cleaning kit, front lighting, water bottles, a phone charger (so I can play music), garbage bags to sit on the ground comfortably or throw things away without leaving anything behind.
What has been your favourite travel destination so far? Where would you like to go next to take pictures?
My favourite country is Peru. It has such diverse landscapes like the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca. I climbed to the top at over 5000 metres.
I would love to visit Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Alaska, Western Canada and Ireland. All places where the weather can be gloomy, but I always find that pictures taken in the wind and rain are more beautiful than pictures taken under a clear blue sky.
Describe your dream photoshoot.
It would be a road trip around Iceland with a couple of adventurers. My photo essay would include pictures at the bottom of waterfalls, at the top of mountains, on black sand beaches and of icebergs.
What photographers do you follow on Instagram?
My list is so long! My biggest sources of inspiration are Garrett King, Maddie Mae and Samuel Elkins. I’ve been following all of them since their beginnings.
Follow Gaétane on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gaetaneglize
