Renee Parenteau

Inspired by art, fashion and beauty, Renee Parenteau enjoys a successful career as a professional photographer and makeup artist, bringing skill, artistry and enthusiasm to every project.

“I’m fortunate that I can incorporate my passion and lifestyle into my work,” said Parenteau, owner of Renee Parenteau Photography in Springfield. “I love getting to know people and helping them bring out their best so that they feel and look great for the photo.”

Parenteau opened the studio when she moved to Jacksonville in 2007.

She was recognized as the JAX Chamber Downtown Council’s Small Business Leader of the Year in 2016 and as a Woman of Influence by the Jacksonville Business Journal in 2014.

Fluent in Spanish, French and English, her services include corporate photography, commercial shoots, special events, family photos and individual headshots. Parenteau’s offerings include a photo package that gives her clients the “celebrity experience” with professional makeup and wardrobe changes.

“My niche is the celebrity experience,” Parenteau said. “Every detail – makeup, hair, lighting, and clothing – is important in a picture.”

During her career, Parenteau has traveled the world working with numerous celebrities, including Kenny Chesney, John Travolta, Roberta Flack, and Billy Horschel. Before relocating to Jacksonville, she also served clients in Los Angeles in business, entertainment, advertising, and professional sports.

“My career has given me a great opportunity to know so many amazing people,” Parenteau said.

Growing up in Oregon and California, Parenteau attended the Fashion Institute in Portland after high school. After visiting a makeup studio located next door to the Fashion Institute, Parenteau knew that she wanted to work professionally as a makeup artist. Parenteau relocated to Seattle and enrolled in cosmetology school and began working with the Seattle Opera doing theater makeup. She went to work at a salon where the owner’s husband was a photographer and gained experience doing makeup for photo shoots. A move to Los Angeles followed, where she enjoyed success working as a makeup artist in the advertising industry.

“A makeup artist is very valued as part of the production team,” Parenteau said.

Working side-by-side with many talented photographers sparked Parenteau’s interest in the business of photography. She studied photography at Escuela de Fotografia in Madrid, Spain, shifting her career focus before moving to Jacksonville.
“It was important to me to diversify my skills,” Parenteau said.

For those interested in a photography career, Parenteau recommends a formal education as well as working alongside a photographer whose work they admire. Be aware of current trends, such as video and AI, be prepared to pivot and understand how to run a business. A lifelong entrepreneur, Parenteau doesn’t have employees and does all of the work herself – prepping for shoots, processing photos, answering inquiries, booking, bookkeeping, and marketing.

“It’s important to produce great photos, but you also need to know how to price, bill and market your services,” Parenteau said. “Use social media platforms to promote your business and also to learn what other creative businesses are doing. Most importantly, know your value. Always keep your value by charging a competitive rate or coming to an agreement in trade of equal or greater value than your fee.”