Every year the Ingersoll Times , in Ingersoll, produces an insert to our local paper called “The Progress Report”. Being our tenth year anniversary we thought an interview was due. The following are the lovely words from editor Jennifer Vandermeer. Thank you Jennifer for seeing and sharing in what we believe in.
The photo is of Trish and I being silly in the studio and setting the timer on the camera.
“Custom Concept shares big life moments
By Jennifer Vandermeer
When you take a seat in the viewing theatre at Custom Concept Photography, it’s as comfortable as sitting down at home – and that’s exactly what it’s supposed to feel like. It’s a comfortable, relaxed environment where Trish and Trevor Roberts share with you the moments in your life that you’ve invited them to capture for you.
“For a lot of our clients, we’re involved in many of the important parts of their lives,” said Trish, the photographic artist whose job it is to preserve people’s family heritage through photographs.
Trevor said, on one particular day, they had consecutive calls to photograph a 50th anniversary, a 60th anniversary and portraits of a family where two of the children were leaving for university.
These are the big, special moments in people’s lives, said Trish.
“We want to create an image that tells a story of their life, not just a snapshot,” she said.
The process includes a portrait design consultation, where everyone meets in the viewing theatre, goes over various styles and gets to know each other “to get a feel for Trish to be the right artist for them,” said Trevor.
A meaningful location is chosen for the client and often there are personal touches, such as items from a hobby, or a lifestyle. Portraits have been done that include tractors or heavy equipment where these were a big part of a family’s life.
After the photographic session, Trish adds artistic touches. She is constantly involved in educating herself to be able to “rise above” as a quality photographic artist, and spends much time and money on education and seminars.
It’s come to fruition for her, as she has won provincial and national awards for her work.
When Trish has completed her portion of the work, the clients come in to meet with Trevor in the viewing theatre. Here is where they get to see what Trish has done, projected on a 102-inch viewing screen.
With sophisticated computer programs, clients are able to see how their images will look in a variety of settings.
There’s a box of tissue at hand for clients that are so moved by what they see that emotion overcomes them.
Trish understands that. She said having two sons of their own gives them the insight into how important family is. Sterling, 2, and Tristan, five months, are often in the studio.
“It really drives me to know I’m giving people something that makes them that happy (that they cry),” said Trevor, adding the emotion that images evoke is a meaningful, powerful.
Not only do clients invest in Custom Concept and trust them with their special life moments, but the Roberts reciprocate by investing in the community. The Roberts live and operate their business in the downtown and by doing so have been a part of the downtown’s revitalization.
Trevor is also involved in the BIA and co-chairs a new committee aimed at making Ingersoll a wedding (planning) destination.
Custom Concept has taken on a second photographer, who has a little different style than Trish. This helps Custom Concept to be able to meet the needs of more clients, as well as sharing an ever-increasing number of clients.
Trevor said they are investigating expansion to include portraits at family cottages. This comes from their own long-time experience at their Muskoka cottage and seeing that people want to capture special memories of their time away from – as well as at – home.
This idea is a natural fit for business people who are often called upon to help record the milestones in people’s lives.”