It's time for the latest BPW Student Spotlight, where we highlight a different member of our talented community to learn more about how our students turn their passion for photography into freelance work, fulfilling hobbies, or even full-time careers. This month: photographer and avid printer Janelle Leroux!
Raised in MetroWest Massachusetts, Janelle Leroux has been interested in photography since elementary school, when she first picked up a camera and started taking notice of the art form.
“I used to love the magazines that always had black and white portraits of the actors and musicians they were featuring in that issue; I had display walls with cutouts of all my favorites,” says Janelle.
She wanted to pursue her passion further in high school, but a packed schedule meant that she couldn’t take the one and only photo class offered. Short of a single photo weekend workshop around that time in Shelbourne, MA—during which she learned manual settings—Janelle’s busy life meant that she continued admiring photography from afar, but wasn’t able to dive in as deeply as she might have liked.
Never Too Late
As an adult, Janelle attended Northeastern University in Boston, and after she graduated she bought a Canon SL1 and booked a trip to Iceland!
“I knew I needed to learn manual settings again,” says Janelle. “I found the BPW and took Digital Cameras 1 with Chris and Maria at a satellite location in Union Square—right in my own neighborhood! I loved the class and was reassured that I was capable of relearning all the photography techniques I hadn’t put into practice in a while.”
These days, Janelle is a big part of the BPW community, active in the private Facebook group offering feedback and organizing photo trips with fellow photographers. She’s also taken a range of different classes, from Portraiture and Concert Photography to the very first Astrophotography Weekend in Pemaquid, ME.
From Passion to Semi-Pro
Beyond her avid class-taking, Janelle has been exploring the professional side of photography, though she says she doesn’t really see herself as a pro yet.
“My first professional experience was partnering with More To Love Yoga to create a portrait profiling series, which was really impactful and empowering for me,” says Janelle. “I have also had an Etsy account for a few years, and while most purchases are through Facebook friends, it's always an extra exciting day when strangers buy my work!”
Janelle’s biggest commercial success has been a series of calendars that she’s been designing, printing, and selling for two years now. What started as a one-off gift for her mom has turned into a fun, ongoing project and side business.
“I think calendars give people the ability to hang a variety of photos without giving up the wall space or price tag to invest in a lot of artwork. This year I offered two versions—landscapes and Milky Way photos—and they were both loved.”
Going forward, Janelle is testing out a postcard club or photo club where she’ll mail new photos that can be displayed in a stand or a frame or just hang on the fridge to subscribers each month or quarter.
The Art of Printing
Janelle’s interest and prowess in printing came about because of the first BPW Student Showcase, in which students print and display their artwork at a gallery exhibition.
“Between Lightroom Classic 1 and the Student Showcase, I learned the specifics of getting photos ready,” says Janelle. “I really love the process of editing for print and going to Framer’s Workshop to put together a frame by hand. The first showcase was so special to see my photo hanging and to reconnect with my BPW friends. Without the showcase and learning how to print, I don't think I would have been confident enough to make my calendars!”
When she’s not taking, printing, or selling photos, Janelle is a Senior Project Accountant and Business Analyst, training staff on financial management and working to customize and improve her company’s system and software. You can check out her work at Janelle Leroux Photography.
