Meet Reece LaPerriere

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reece LaPerriere. 

Hi Reece, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My interest in photography started when I got my first phone. I vividly remember editing photos in the camera app and finding joy in the creative process. 

One moment that stands out was during a family trip to Hawaii in April of 2018. I captured a simple train track in a photo that was filled with emotion, and it left me in awe of the power of photography. 

My grandfather was introduced to photography as a hobby at a young age, and he passed on his passion to my dad, who then inspired me to pursue it. Photography has become an integral part of my life, offering me a new perspective on the world’s beauty. 

In the beginning of the advancement in my skill set, I had focused a lot on photography and videography in the motorsport & skiing genres but eventually wanted to expand my skill set due to the vastness of the art. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I faced significant mental health struggles throughout high school, and it took me a few years of different paths to find peace and purpose. However, perseverance through these difficulties allowed me to adopt a glass-half-full perspective on life. Photography has given me a sense of purpose. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I consider myself an up-and-coming local freelance photographer who thoroughly enjoys expressing the beauty of Michigan, as well as other areas, through my work. I am well-versed in many aspects, so no matter what situation I am in, I am able to capture the moment. One of my proudest moments was very recently. For months, I had been doing research on the northern lights and how to capture them at the 45th parallel. After some waiting, I was able to capture my first northern lights pictures. Eventually, I captured them a second, third, fourth, and fifth time. But then, on March 23rd of this year, my research paid off, and I captured them for the sixth time. That night, Michigan had an unusual viewing of the northern lights, which were visible to the naked eye. Some people have said that the aurora that night was the brightest Michigan had ever seen. I don’t like to set myself apart from others since we define success within ourselves. What makes me unique is the fact that I find beauty and passion in the road less traveled. The night the northern lights were showing, I remember everyone looking north. Instead, I took a look at the lighthouse facing south, which revealed a photo I will never forget – the northern lights towards the south over the Old Mission Lighthouse. 

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I believe that my motivation comes from living in the moment and not worrying about the past or future while keeping realistic goals in mind. To those just starting, I encourage you not to rush the learning process and to turn imposter syndrome and self-doubt into motivation and confidence. Finally, don’t give up because someone else may seem to be “doing better than you.” We all start somewhere and grow at our own pace. If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be that vulnerability has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. 

Contact Info:

• Website: laperrierephoto.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/arwreece