Rémi Thériault – Life and work by instinct

Professional photographer Rémi Thériault doesn’t second guess himself.   He trusts his instincts implicitly, and oozes confidence.  

As he tells his story, it is obvious these enviable qualities have served Rémi Thériault well in life.  When you see his photography, it is equally evident they are also reflected in his work. 

Rémi grew up in Prince Edward Island, graduating with only 35 others from his high school, and doesn’t recall being overly concerned about a career.  He is certain though, he always knew that it was essential for him to love his work and that a desk job would never do.  Relying on his strong intuition, and premised on these important personal truths, Rémi wisely chose his next steps to preserve maximum flexibility.   Arriving at the University of Ottawa to study business communication, and then earning teaching degree,  Rémi was quite deliberate about laying himself a solid foundation on which he could build his future – without predetermining what specifically that future might hold.

Fortuitously, Rémi was given an old camera as a gift at 21.  He decided to take a course in photography to try it out, and quickly became enthused – almost obsessed – with taking pictures.  Describing this period, Rémi claims it was almost “impossible to stop thinking about photography”. 

Again, taking action based on his intuition, he went home to PEI to explore his budding passion, to seek feedback on his photos and to find a job.  Even then, Rémi refused to be tied to a desk, even taking a contract with Veterans Affairs Canada to travel Canada documenting veterans’ stories.  Finding support and encouragement from renowned PEI photographer John Sylvester, he applied to a couple of photography schools, finally deciding to enrol in the 2 year program at Algonquin College.  Not surprisingly, he chose to return to Ottawa based on a hunch.  Working professional photographer Aaron McKenzie Fraser (now based in Halifax) was looking for a roommate at the time, and Rémi determined school wasn’t the only way to learn about the life of a photo guy.

 Portrait of Aaron McKenzie Fraser, by Rémi Thériault 

So now, barely finished school, Rémi is busy.  Busy and happy.  He is super-keen on Ottawa, characterizing the creative community as more collaborative than competitive, and loves meeting people through his expanding arts and culture oriented network.   He has established a professional presence already; using some of the additional skills he acquired at Algonquin, and has built a website, a blog and a business.  Rémi is proud to me making a living with photography, saying with conviction that he is “done working in bars”.   Combining forces with ad agencies like HBS Marketing and Alphabet Creative, as well as local rags Ottawa Magazine and Guerilla Magazine, his commercial and editorial projects are keeping him occupied these days.  He is also available for commissioned work, having done a number of band shots and other artistic portraits. 

Looking forward, it seems this young, talented photographer is destined for success, even if he confesses to having a hard time seeing himself in three months - let alone five years.  Still a fair way from living on easy street, Rémi is hopeful he can continue working in his chosen field for some time to come, but hasn’t ruled out the eventual possibility of another kind of job that doesn’t involve a desk: teaching.   For now though, he seems content to ride the wave of momentum he’s created for himself, and to continue confidently trusting his instincts. 

More from Rémi – the quick answers:

♣ Are there places you really want to go and see?  PEI, every summer.  To see friends and to shoot pictures. 

♣ What is your guilty pleasure?  Cameras and equipment.  I can’t get enough. 

♣ What are you attracted to?  I am fascinated by people.

♣ Any childhood ambitions?  For sure.  I had tons.  I thought of being all kinds of different things.  Architect.  Fashion designer.  Prime Minister of Canada even!

♣ What has been your biggest challenge so far?  Proving to myself I could become a photographer, and do this job…

 ♣ How do you define really good art?  I think people like art for different reasons.  I know I do.  Mostly though, I like art that pushes the field – that is truly interesting and provocative.  The kind of art that makes you think.

♣ Favourite Ottawa Bars or Restaurants?  The Manx, Chez Lucien and Zaphod Beeblebrox for music.  Oh, and The Black Tomato.

♣  If were to have your portrait taken, where would be the most appropriate location?  I would most definitely leave it to the photographer! 

♣ What impresses or inspires you?  People again.  People with interesting things to say, like teachers or coaches.  Meeting the veterans I did was pretty amazing too.

♣ Do you have any favourite things?  Yup.  I am running a tight ship these days, but if I ever strike it rich - there would be more in my closet.  I’m a shoe guy, and I love clothes.  I’m into my Wallabees these days…

♣ So where do you shop when you’re in Ottawa?  Lately, I haven’t been shopping much, but I’m a big fan of vintage and used clothing.  I like Value Village, Ragtime Vintage Clothing and Aunt Olive’s.  

Wallabees by Hush Puppies

Additional photography by: Rémi Thériault