His career in photography is a testament to success and recognition. Paul Couvrette is the owner of the longest-running photography studio in downtown Ottawa. He is widely known as one of the leading photographers in the city. Paul transformed his passion for photography into a thriving business that has stood the test of time. Ottawa Ski will tell the story of his success.
The Secret to Success
How does one survive in such a competitive industry? It’s not easy, but Paul managed to do it. Talent and a keen eye alone weren’t enough. His longevity in the business was made possible by:
- Strong business acumen
- Professional versatility and adaptability
- Risk assessment
- Cleverness and charm
- Strong social skills
Additionally, Paul was fortunate to invest in real estate when it was still affordable in downtown Ottawa. In one of his interviews, he recalled that when he started, there were about 18-20 photography studios between Glebe, the Market, and Bank Street. Yet, his studio outlived all the others, which is remarkable. He always stayed up to date with the latest technology and trends and was quick to implement them.
One of his most memorable stories concerns his versatility. While other photographers scoffed at him for shooting weddings, he didn’t hesitate to take on these jobs. In one summer alone, he shot 40 weddings, using the earnings to renovate his studio. This resilience and clear focus on his goals kept him from being deterred by naysayers.
The Photographer’s Versatility
Paul recalls how he started by shooting everything—commercial, corporate, and family photography. This approach taught him versatility and adaptability, qualities he later expected from the staff he hired. He emphasized that photographers must be patient and organized, always backing up their work to ensure security and reliability.
Another crucial aspect of being a successful photographer is meeting deadlines. Paul Couvrette often reminisces about clients who first came to him 30 years ago and have remained loyal ever since. But how did it all begin?
Education and Early Attempts
Paul Couvrette was born on June 22, 1951, and attended a local school. He graduated from Carleton University in 1974 with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. But how did he become a photographer? It was largely a coincidence. While working on an assignment for the Ottawa Journal, he was invited to dinner by Yousuf Karsh. At that moment, he thought it would be great to work as a photographer. His article was about the renowned architectural photographer Roloff Beny, although he initially wanted to write about Karsh. When meeting Beny, he brought along his 35mm Nikon (1976-1977).
Paul submitted his article along with the photograph. To his surprise, a month later, he received two separate checks—one for the article and one for the photograph. He was astonished to find that both sums were identical, despite the fact that writing the article took him two days, while the photograph took only two minutes.
First Award
Paul Couvrette never formally studied photography, but that didn’t stop him from being named Canadian Photographer of the Year in 1994. Before that, he was recognized as Ottawa Photographer of the Year in 1991. Later, he earned the title of Master Photographer. The transition to the digital era was a challenging period, but Paul became one of the pioneers who helped usher in this new age of photography.
He once remarked:
“Photography always seemed easy to me.”
By 1993, he owned a high-resolution scanner and was an advisor for Corel and Adobe. In 1996, he created his own website. He was later hired by Agfa, the world’s largest digital imaging company. The transition to digital photography had a negative impact on many photographers. Out of the top 10 photographers in Ottawa, more than half had to leave the industry, despite their incredible talent, simply because they lacked the knowledge to keep their businesses afloat.
Studios in Ottawa
Paul’s first studio was an extension at the back of his house. He took out a bank loan at 23% interest to finance it—an enormous risk at the time. Friends and acquaintances thought he was crazy, but his passion and clear vision blinded him to doubt.
He told them he would either achieve tremendous success or fail spectacularly. But if he fell, he would get back up and try something else.
After earning his journalism degree, Paul spent some time backpacking through Europe. Money was tight—there were days when he survived on $10 and slept under a railway bridge. While such experiences break some people, they only made Paul stronger.
He paid off his loan quickly and never regretted taking that calculated risk. In 1994, he purchased a building on Gladstone Avenue because the demand for his services required more space. That same year, he hired a full-time assistant and an office manager, as he could no longer handle everything alone. Residents and visitors of Ottawa can still visit his studio at 54 Florence St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0W7, which operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.
The Future of Photography: Paul Couvrette’s Thoughts
Considering the opportunities available today, it may seem easy to become a photographer. But is it really?
- The first challenge is the overwhelming number of learning materials, which can be confusing. Theory is important, but it’s useless without practice.
- Market demand and opportunities: Schools need funding, and students buy expensive equipment but often struggle to find work. The employment prospects are nearly zero. Ontario has many colleges producing graduates with little chance of earning more than minimum wage.
- Social media and photography: Many Facebook users call themselves photographers. While some are talented, they come and go from the industry quickly.
Paul has been approached by students offering to work unpaid internships all summer, eager for any opportunity to learn.
Speaking at the Canadian Camera Conference 2017
The event took place in Ottawa from June 28-30, and Paul Couvrette was invited as a speaker. His discussion focused on his experiences working with renowned photography masters Yousuf and Malak Karsh.
Interestingly, Paul believes he may be the last photographer to own a studio in downtown Ottawa for the foreseeable future. He has worked in Canada’s capital for decades, is well known to its residents, and many still remember how he started.
Photography: Art and Passion
Photography cannot be just a business—true success requires passion. Paul’s experience could fill an entire book or even an encyclopedia. His journey from journalist to photojournalist and finally to a professional photographer is a fascinating one. His story will be an inspiration for anyone considering a career in photography and turning it into a successful business. Couvrette Photography is living proof of that.