A headshot of photojournalist David LeClair holding his head in a studio located in Belleville, Ontario

About David LeClair | Photographer Serving Belleville & Quinte West

From Blue-Collar to Visual Storyteller

For over a decade, I worked in the heavy civil construction industry, starting as a laborer and working my way up to a site foreman on a major project in Peterborough, Ontario. My work took me to various projects, from Mallorytown to Northern Ontario.

I was driven, but I had another passion that started before sunrise. Every morning, I would get up early to find the perfect spot to capture the beautiful morning light in a landscape.

This passion for creating light and finding beauty in the world led me to a question: could I turn this into a life-long career? I decided to go back to school to study photojournalism. I quickly realized my true calling wasn't in landscapes, but in people—capturing their stories, their emotions, and their most important moments.

My Philosophy: Passion, Purpose, and People

My background has given me a deep appreciation for hard work and high-end quality. I believe that every image should be a work of art. I am a photographer and photojournalist who loves to create light and who is committed to providing timeless, high-quality images.

As a photojournalist, I approach every project with purpose and intention. My passion is to capture not just a person or an event, but the essence of a moment—the candid laughter, the quiet connections, and the powerful emotions that tell a story that will last a lifetime.

Life Behind the Lens of the photojournalist, David LeClair

For me, being a photographer isn't a job—it's a constant pursuit. My camera is with me all the time, because I never know where I might find my next photograph. I am always keeping my eyes open for the perfect composition, great moment, and the ideal light. Capturing those the unexpected moments.

I also love to take to the skies, shooting stunning aerial landscapes for myself and for my clients. This passion for seeing the world from a new perspective allows me to deliver truly unique and breathtaking visuals.

My love for travel and new experiences started early. As an Army Brat, my dad's service in the Canadian Air Force gave me the incredible opportunity to live in Germany for four years, where I was fortunate to travel all over Europe. This unique upbringing taught me how to adapt to any environment and connect with people from all walks of life—a skill I use every day to capture diverse stories.

As a husband and a father to two boys, I understand how quickly time passes and how precious every single memory is. Being a dad has taught me the patience to capture the candid, unscripted moments, and it has given me a deep appreciation for the little details that make up a family's story.

Professional Portfolio & Collaborations

My photography has since excelled, with my photojournalism being regularly featured in local publications such as The Belleville Intelligencer, The Community Press, and The Trentonian, as a correspondent for Postmedia. My work has also featured in Quinte Arts magazine ‘umbrella’.

I have also had the privilege of shooting for trusted brands and organizations like the Bay of Quinte Tourism and Regional Marketing Board, and local municipalities including Quinte West and Napanee. My work has also been featured in many local tourism Discover Guides, and has been used to cover many events throughout the Bay of Quinte region as a photojournalist, and featured in Postmedia publications across Canada.

Serving Your Story, Wherever It Takes Us.

My photography takes me across Southeastern Ontario and beyond. Whether you're planning your civil wedding in Hamilton, a reception in London, Ontario, or a corporate event in Belleville and Napanee, I am ready to serve your needs. My focus is on capturing the authentic moments of your unique story with a photojournalism and documentary photography style, whether it's an engagement session in Prince Edward County, commercial work for your local business, or coverage for your news publication..

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