PAR RACHEL BARRET T-TRANGMAR
Chloé B. has a natural talent for making time stand still. Expertly using her camera lens, she frames unique poses of parents and their offspring.
Can you tell us more about the type of photography you specialise in?
I photograph women during their pregnancy, as well as newborns in the first few weeks of their lives. I also take family photographs of the proud parents, their young baby and any other children they may have.
What inspired your photographic work?
It was after Hurricane Irma, when I had more free time, that I started taking photographs, principally of watersports, a passion of mine. Friends subsequently asked me to photograph them during their pregnancy, which was an honour and pleasure, capturing this special time of their lives while developing my photographic skills. Once their babies were born, I was asked to take more photographs … and from then on my career evolved and progressed.
What training is required to become a professional photographer of this genre?
Having been inspired to enter the fi eld of photography, I was eager to learn more and thus embarked on courses in France, notably those that specialise in pregnancy and newborns. I was taught how to safely position the baby, and how to effectively use photographic equipment such as lighting, a refl ecting umbrella and diffuser to soften the light. I also learned the art of retouching photographs. This is an important component of my work as babies naturally have rashes and other skin issues, and their mothers commonly have stretch marks in pregnancy – all of these can be easily erased, according to the client’s wishes. I am keen to continue evolving, so I take training courses whenever possible
Who are your main clients?
I work on St-Barts and St Martin where my clients are principally local. These clients are sourced via my website or social media, and also through word of mouth.
Where do you take your photographs?
I visit my clients in their homes where I set up a mobile studio comprising my photographic equipment and an assortment of props. The latter includes a large bean bag on which to lay the baby, colourful throws and blankets, a selection of baby clothes and accessories – especially headwear. My clients also like to provide favourite props
Working with children is often said to be challenging. Do you ever encounter inevitable difficulties?
My training has taught me how to face any problematic situations that may arise. For example, the baby may not be ready for the photographic session if ill or tired. I thus postpone the session until another day when the time is right. In addition, safety is considered fi rst and foremost when carefully placing the baby into position, always ensuring that the baby and parents are happy and comfortable. A photo session lasts between an hour-and-a-half and three hours, depending on the needs of the baby and the package that I offer. This therefore requires a lot of undivided time and patience.
What brought you to St-Barts?
I first came to St-Barts thirteen years ago, essentially to work in the restaurant business. I was born and raised in Paris, so it is very different to live on a tropical island. I relish the climate and the natural environment, as well as the local community and its culture.
Do you have a special message to share with our readers?
Time passes by very quickly, particularly in the early weeks and months of our lives. It is thus important to keep a record of these precious moments, particularly to share with others such as family and friends near and far.
