When a real estate agent walks into Renee Parenteau’s studio for headshots and branding photos, they often show up self-conscious, unsure, and even anxious. Luckily for them, Renee has perfected the art of helping agents feel at ease — and then delivering a final product that fully showcases their presence and personality.

 

“I not only make people look great in photos, but I capture their true essence,” Renee says proudly. “When I shoot REALTORS®, their picture needs to communicate to the viewer as if they are standing in front of them. It needs to communicate their personality. It's not just about making them look good. The personality needs to pop off the page and connect with the viewer, and that’s what I'm known for.”

 

Renee was born and raised on the West Coast, splitting her time between Los Angeles and Seattle. Her passion for the arts dates back to her days as a middle schooler.

 

“I won a poster contest in middle school for Be Kind to Animals Week. I painted a poster and won the state award, and I identified as an artist from that moment forward,” Renee recalls with a laugh.

 

As she reached adulthood, Renee settled down in Los Angeles, where she made a name for herself as a celebrity makeup artist. Her clients included Kenny Chesney, Denzel Washington, Selena Gomez, Trisha Yearwood, Ryan Lochte, Chelsea Handler, Sergio Garcia, Dion Sanders, and Roberta Flack. Her work graced the covers of publications like People Magazine, Runner's World, and The New York Times Magazine, and her corporate clients have included Boeing, Microsoft, Levi's, T-Mobile, Nike, and Univision.

 

During this time, Renee also got her first taste of photography. As she worked side-by-side with photographers, she began to take an interest in that side of the business. Eventually, she returned to school to study photography and shift her career. Renee landed in Jacksonville in 2007, the same year she launched Renee Parenteau Photography.

 

“We had friends here, and I loved that it had a river, the beach, and great restaurants. It had a small-town feel. I love how people are connected and support each other, but it’s big enough with a lot of business and a lot going on.”

 

Renee has been thriving in Jacksonville for over 15 years now. She runs her business out of a studio in historic Springfield, which is equipped with various spots to shoot with natural lighting, indoor and outdoor locations, and varied architectural features.

 

Renee is proud to have made a name for herself as a photographer who is able to capture the true personality of her clients. She also continues to offer makeup services — an added bonus for anyone who wants to look their best for their photoshoot.

 

“I shoot like a makeup artist. I like to make everyone look good,” Renee shares. “Often, people have a lot of anxiety, so it's helpful to sit and do their makeup first. We can sit and talk. I talk to them through what inspires them, what their passions are, and what their happy place is so I can get that genuine smile. I help them get confident in the process.”

 

Whether she’s doing someone’s makeup or taking their photos, Renee’s goal is the same: to make the person in front of her feel like a celebrity.

 

“I’m known to make people look and feel great,” Renee closes. “I really take the time to connect with people and make them really stand out in an industry where the image matters to clients.”

For more information, visit reneeparenteauphoto.com.

 

Renee has college degrees in Spanish and Philosophy. She’s also fluent in Spanish and French.