As seen through his lens
P.E.I. photographer has opened a photography gift shop in Souris
St. Clair MacAulay is a natural when it comes to capturing the beauty of Prince Edward Island.
The Sheep Pond native recently opened a photography gift shop to showcase his photography since graduating from the Holland College program in 2013. Sheep Pond is near Souris.
“I’m a natural I guess,” said MacAulay in a recent interview with The Guardian. “I have an eye for it.”
His business, called St. Clair MacAulay Photography, is located on Main Street in Souris and is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until the end of September.
He sells prints of his photographs on various items including mugs, coasters, calendars, cellphone cases, T-shirts and postcards.
“My line is always expanding so I’m trying to get new and different things,” he said.
He also sells small and large canvases of picturesque scenes of P.E.I.
MacAulay, who now lives in Miscouche, said growing up in Sheep Pond has definitely inspired his work since he gravitates towards taking pictures of the water.
“I grew up on the beach,” said MacAulay looking around his gift shop. “As you can see, I’m more of a water freak, anything with a draw to the water.”
He says he enjoys taking pictures of P.E.I. landscapes, especially lighthouses, using 10 different Nikon and Canon cameras.
His favourite places to photograph include the Confederation Bridge, West Point lighthouse and Covehead.
Photography began as a hobby for MacAulay, but after taking the course at Holland College, he decided to see if he could make a living at his favourite pastime.
“I’s just something I love to do,” said MacAulay. “I’m kind of tired of working for other people I guess so I’m just trying to do something on my own.”
MacAulay says he feels “very calm” and “very peaceful” while he is out shooting pictures.
“Just getting out there and especially with the nice weather to go out on a beach somewhere by yourself and do your thing.”
MacAulay says he is enjoying being his own boss so far, especially since he has a view of Souris Beach from the window of his gift shop.
He says he also enjoys meeting the various tourists from around the world.
“You got to get your name out there somehow,” said MacAulay. “As soon as word get’s around and people realize that it’s a gift shop, not a studio, hopefully it will draw more people in.”
MacAulay, whose work can also be found at various stores across P.E.I., said he hopes to eventually open a second gift shop in the future.