About Me
Growing up in Northern Alberta in the 90’s before all the technology; imagination, design, creating and having fun has shaped who I am today.
Growing up I was always participating in something creatively; drawing my future dream house; using my dads video camera and having my sisters act out my badly written scripts; taking pictures of anything and everything; performing in our school theatre programs to directing the shows; performing with Zirka our Ukrainian Dance club; attending theatre camps, acting camps and film camps. Creatively I was always on the go and always attempting to create something new.
After Graduation, I left my small town for the roaring city of Toronto. Here I attended the Toronto Film School and was fortunate enough to get employment in the industry shortly after graduation from the program. It was fantastic, amazing and nothing like I was prepared for… but I loved and thrived on every single minute.
I worked for several production companies, some very well known and others independents. I ended up finding "QVF Inc." a Susan Murdock Production Company, and was fortunate to work on multiple production as a Production Assistant. You can find some of my film credentials on IMDB under Chantelle Smith.
In 2009 I had a terrible accident that resulted in me taking time off work. Once I was able to return to work I struggled and ended up changing course and started focusing on acting and modeling. I took an acting course through Sutherland Models and was hired on as a make-up and hair model for a short period of time. This was a great experience for me, and helped me remember why I was in Toronto in the first place.
During an adventurous road of growth and self discovery, I met my by best friend and husband Jordan. He stood by my side during all the trials and tribulations of the creative industry, while navigating his own career path. Today he still stands beside me and supports me, even if he doesn't agree or sees my "vision"!
2011 brought my passion back for photography; I was privileged to capture our friends wedding in the Dominican Republic. This was an amazing experience and the official start of Chantelle Dominique Productions. I went with productions as I wasn't just a trained photographer; I am a trained actor, model, film & media producer and theatre director. I am well rounded with my training and connections, that I am able to provide a multitude of services.
One of those productions was for the High Prairie Elks 50th Professional Rodeo. A copy of my completed DVD is on display at the Calgary Stampede which is an astonishing honor. This project combined both my photography and filmography skills, plus I was able to provide a service back in my home town. Even today I still provide services for businesses' back in Alberta; it's a great feeling to be able to give back to the community I grew up in.
My husband and I moved to Parry Sound, Ontario in 2016 and once again, my artistic journey took a back seat; but this time for a good reasons. I was planning our wedding; we purchased a home and decided to start our family!
Our beautiful daughter Charlotte was born in 2018 and while on maternity leave, I started to capturing her every single moment. I fell in love with children photography and to my surprise I was really good with kids; thus started Chantelle Dominique Photography.
2020 not only brought Covid but it brought us our second beautiful daughter Zoey. Since we couldn’t go anywhere or see anyone, I decided to go back to school and expand my creative ambitions; I enrolled in Graphic Design & Media arts.
Today my journey is far from over; and what was once a small-town girl with a dream, is an experienced woman, wife, mom with a goal. The goal to provide meaningful services for families, capturing their memories and/or restoring them. Using my multitude of skill sets for both professional and personal services.
What was once Chantelle Dominique Productions has returned full circle!