Since 2012, Cathy Lessard has been capturing and sharing life's most precious moments through her lens. A devoted mom and lover of nature, Cathy is an avid morning skier, a passionate walker in the woods, and an ice cream enthusiast. Her journey into photography began with a simple yet transformative moment when a friend placed a camera in her hands. This sparked a love affair with photography that would lead her to leave a career in special education to pursue her passion full-time.
Cathy's approach to photography is as warm and inviting as her personality. She believes in creating vivid and perfectly imperfect photos by encouraging her clients to be themselves. During her sessions, she guides them to laugh, walk, play, and cuddle naturally, capturing the essence of their emotions and connections without any pressure. Her goal is to make her clients feel comfortable and to capture their true selves, resulting in images that are both authentic and beautiful.
Cathy's journey into the world of photography wasn't straightforward. Initially self-taught, she began her photographic endeavours in 2014, starting with a wedding for her cousin. Balancing her early photography career with her role in special education, Cathy used photography as a creative escape from the emotional demands of her day job. However, the birth of her daughter prompted her to make a life-changing decision to focus solely on photography, a move that coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, Cathy embraced the educational aspects of photography, helping others build their confidence and business acumen.
As a photographer, Cathy places a strong emphasis on the client experience. She understands that wedding photography is a luxury service and believes that providing an exceptional client journey is paramount. Her focus is not only on delivering stunning photographs but also on ensuring that her clients feel valued and cared for from their first interaction to the final delivery of their photos. This client-centric approach has allowed her to build a successful business and cultivate a loyal following.
Cathy also dedicates time to mentoring other photographers, offering one-on-one mentorships and preparing webinars to share her knowledge and experience. She is passionate about helping others elevate their photography businesses and encouraging them to charge what they are worth. Cathy’s teaching emphasizes the importance of confidence and believing in oneself, crucial elements for success in the competitive field of photography.
Based in Quebec City, Cathy loves capturing the unique beauty of her hometown. The city provides a picturesque backdrop for her work, from its charming streets to the stunning natural landscapes that surround it. Cathy appreciates the opportunity to photograph weddings in both summer and winter, finding beauty in all seasons. Winter weddings, in particular, offer a different kind of magic, with the serene light and intimate atmosphere that the snowy season brings.
While Cathy occasionally travels for work, she prefers to stay close to home to maintain a balanced lifestyle. She values her time with her family and believes in the importance of self-care to keep her creativity and passion alive. By setting boundaries and taking vacations, even during the busy wedding season, she ensures that she can give her best to each couple she works with.
Cathy's journey as a wedding photographer is a testament to her dedication, passion, and commitment to her craft. Her ability to capture the essence of her clients’ emotions and connections, combined with her focus on providing an exceptional client experience, sets her apart in the world of wedding photography. As she continues to grow and evolve, Cathy remains dedicated to her mission of creating beautiful, lasting memories for her clients while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of photographers.
Website: Cathy Lessard Photographe
Instagram: @cathylessardphoto
