In the picturesque town of Napanee, nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Ottawa, Sarina Goodfellow discovered her passion for photography—a passion deeply rooted in her upbringing and personal experiences.
Sarina's journey into photography began in her childhood, where disposable film cameras sparked her interest in capturing life's moments. "I always had one of those disposable film cameras and loved making little photo albums," she recalls fondly. As a member of the 4-H photography club, her hobby grew alongside her, but she never imagined it would one day become her career.
After pursuing agricultural studies at the University of Guelph and initially envisioning a career in agricultural marketing, Sarina's path took a turn. A pivotal moment came when she realized her heart wasn't in her job. "Between my third and fourth year [of university], I got a job and thought, 'This is what I'm gonna do.' But I ended up not liking it at all," she explains.
Despite photography being temporarily sidelined by the demands of university, Sarina remained determined. "I decided, 'I'm just going to finish my fourth year, get my degree, and then figure it out,'" she reflects. And figure it out she did—emerging from university with a newfound resolve to pursue her passion for photography.
Starting her photography business wasn't without its challenges. The closure of her part-time job at a daycare due to COVID-19 propelled Sarina into full-time photography sooner than expected. "That kind of shoved me into doing photography full-time," she recalls.
Today, Sarina's photography business thrives, specializing in capturing weddings across Belleville, Kingston, and Prince Edward County—where picturesque backdrops abound. "I seem to kind of be niching down into smaller backyard-type weddings," she shares. Her approach focuses on capturing candid moments and raw emotions, ensuring each photograph stands the test of time.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Sarina's personal connection to photography runs deep. Her mother, Darlene, was the driving force behind her passion. "My mother was the one that always had a camera, always taking pictures of us," Sarina reflects. Darlene's sudden passing in 2010 deeply influenced Sarina's perspective on photography. "Now all I have left are her memories and photos of her to look back on," she shares.
Sarina's goal extends beyond merely documenting weddings; it's about preserving memories. "I feel like it's so important to capture every moment, big and small," she emphasizes. Through her work, Sarina not only immortalizes moments for her clients but also honours the memory of her beloved mother.
Looking ahead, Sarina dreams of expanding into destination wedding photography, eager to travel and explore new places through her lens. She envisions a future where she can curate her clientele, choosing projects that resonate with her artistic vision.
In her approach to clients, Sarina values understanding and open communication. "I'm always very understanding, responsive, and taking in their opinion because I value that a lot," she says. Her commitment to empathy and connection shines through in every client interaction.
For Sarina Goodfellow, photography is more than a profession—it's a heartfelt endeavour rooted in personal history and fuelled by a desire to encapsulate life's fleeting moments. Through her lens, she not only captures memories but also creates timeless treasures for generations to come.
Website: Sarina Darlene Photography
Instagram: @sarinadarlenephotography
