Mireille Wu is a portrait photographer based in La Prairie, on the South Shore of Montreal. Originally from Germany, she moved to Canada with her family about four years ago. She portrays all kinds of women, children and families either in her cozy home studio or the wild outdoors.
What makes her work special is her signature magazine-style. Images that feel editorial and magical. Lighting, styling and connection come together to tell a visual story of the person in front of her camera. It’s not just a quick photo session – it’s an experience. The result is a collection of images that will live on for generations.
A central part of her work is the “40 Over 40+” project. The goal is to portray 40 women over 40+ and tell their stories online, later showcasing them in an exhibition.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Mireille Wu Photography offers portrait experiences for women, children and families that are designed to feel both artistic and personal.
What made you want to do this work?
I’ve always been fascinated by all kinds of people. A face has so many stories to tell, especially through the eyes. And there is something magical happening when a person really opens up and shows who they really are. You don’t get to see these kind of images just from a snapshot with your mobile phone or at a quick photo session around the corner. It requires a special connection and some time. But these are the memories you want to keep for generations to come. Just imagine your grand-grandchildren looking at an image of you and seeing something of themselves.
I also wanted to create something that let women forget about their stressful daily life for a moment and dive into a version of themselves they had already forgotten existed. A dreamy, fairytale-like genre arose from my own life experiences. It became so popular with time. Women booked it for themselves as well as for their little daughters. And I just love diving into these kinds of images with a client; it’s kind of magical.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
With my work, I want to remove the pressure of getting photographed. Usually, you go to a photo studio, and it’s like this: Sit there, smile, stand up, smile again, done. There is almost no personal touch to this. The result are pictures that show a superficial version of the person.
But if you want something that shows who you really are, you need to build a connection with the photographer. That takes time and space. That’s why I don’t look at my watch during a photo session and take the time that is needed. The moment we connect, the session becomes so easy, and the images that come out of this are the most beautiful. Fun kicks in, and it feels like we could keep going forever.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
I work with all kinds of women, their children and their families.
Some book me to create something dreamy with their children. Especially for the teenage girls. They want to hold on to the magical world of their childhood one last time before adult life takes over. Women book me for their true selves to be seen again and to create a memory for themselves and for others. Some want to try something new, either a more sensual set or a bold, confident one. I also love to photograph women and their children together, no matter the age. Generational sessions with grandma, mom and child are a favourite. I once had six women in my cosy home studio!
How does your business make money? How does it work?
It starts with contacting me. If you are not sure what images you are looking for, don’t worry. I’d love to talk to you about this before you make any decision. I photograph around 4 – 6 sessions a month, so I can guarantee that every experience is unique. You will receive a welcome package with a comprehensive prep guide, and we keep in touch so that you will be well prepared on your big day.
A full session is about 2-3 hours and includes multiple setups and outfits. All sessions are designed to be fun with lots of laughter and dancing. It feels more like hanging out with your bestie and playing dress up. Sometimes it can also be a bit emotional. But trust me, at the end you’ll feel full of energy and yourself again.
Two weeks later, you’ll see your images and can choose which ones to keep. You get every chosen image in digital and print. For albums and wall art, I work with an Italian vendor who offers high-quality products you can’t buy anywhere else.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
You can find me in La Prairie, just a short drive from Montreal on the South Shore. I offer sessions in my cozy home studio or outdoors. You can book with me directly through my website or by writing me an email.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Do you retouch your images?
Yes, but always in a natural way.
For my editorial portraits, I keep it subtle. For my dreamy fairytale images, I might retouch a little bit more to enhance the look of the image. But I never change the person. The intention is always the same: I want to create images that feel honest, even when they are a bit more imaginative.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
There are a lot of best parts of my work. There is the moment when the person in front of me opens up and just trusts me. When they see the first images and realize that they are photogenic. Or to witness the connection between a mother and their child(ren). And of course, when they get their final images and can’t believe that’s them.
There is no worst part in all of this. I just love what I do, and I think you can feel this.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I often say my job is 10% photography and 90% saying, “Just trust me.”
And I’m always right in the end.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Esther Brzezinski: not a business directly, but an amazing woman who is an actor and a podcaster. She stands for aging naturally.
Chuck Bertrand: an incredibly talented artist who creates horror masks
