Bringing memorable moments to life

Doell Photo lives up to its many accolades with devoted staff and quality work

Larry Doell has built his company into a well-known business. —

Photo courtesy Larry Doell

Doell Photo is an award-winning photography business owned by Larry Doell and his wife, Audrey Gerein. They have two locations—a shop in Trail that carries cameras, photography and gift supplies, and offers passport photos and photo finishing—as well as a studio on seven acres of land in Rossland. Doell is also willing to travel to a location to take photos if the client requests it.

"I like the variety of photographic requests that I receive," said Doell. "Everything from industrial, commercial, architectural, aerial, scenic, family, engagement, wedding, baby, grad, glamour, boudoir, pets and more. It never gets stale."

He takes his photography business to the next level with a personal approach and a great deal of care and attention. He also finds a deep satisfaction in his line of work, and the perspective he gains in the process.

"The most gratifying part, other than being able to make a living and raising a family doing something I love, is the positive feedback I constantly receive," said Doell. "Babies I once photographed are now having babies of their own. It is truly one of those 'circle of life' experiences."

Behind the scenes

Doell's wife, Audrey Gerein, is in charge of the post-production work—an area that has become more in-depth and important as technology gets more advanced. Doell recalls a time when the process was simpler, and is grateful for his wife's diligence in keeping up with the industry's evolution.

"In the days of film and prints, only print retouching was the major chore," he said. "Now, clients want all the advantages of Photoshop to enhance the final image. It's all very time consuming and I'm fortunate to have someone so talented as Audrey by my side in our studio in Rossland."

The camera shop in Trail is managed by Darlene Paulson, whom Doell describes as a "whiz" with more than 30 years of experience in the retail sector. She helps the company maintain its street presence; this has been especially valuable since the studio was moved away from its commercial location 11 years ago.

A window into life's journeys

Doell describes his enthusiasm for photography as "more of an addiction than a passion," and he takes pleasure in finding life's special moments and capturing their images. He carries a camera with him at all times, so he does not miss any of these precious opportunities. 

"The thrill for me is the act of looking outward," he said, "hunting for texture, shape, light, form, content, colour, or anything else that can be sucked through the lens to create an image celebrating life."

Doell found it particularly rewarding to bring his camera when he was travelling on his own. He saw it as a way of connecting with people and places, and it made the solo journeys much less isolating.

"In fact, the camera became a passport into people's lives," he said. "A camera provides access to all sorts of occasions, situations, and locations that would otherwise remain off limits. The camera is really magical in how it moulds and holds our life experiences for us and for those who follow."

When he is not working, Doell enjoys skiing, canoeing and other outdoor activities—with Red Mountain being a favourite spot. He even served a term on city council, but at the end of the day his family and his photography still bring him the most joy.