press releases

With today’s modern equipment, photography can be accessible to most, even more so if you have a decent smartphone. It’s obvious that there’s a keen interest in the craft, as the Trinidad and Tobago Photographic Society has over 10,000 followers across its social media platforms.

Photographer SummerSnapShots can relate. Her love for photography began at Michael Bonaparte Studios as an apprentice photographer, after following through on those cards that advertised photography courses you found in magazines back then. “When I left St James Secondary, I had no idea what I wanted to do. This just seemed to fit.” Today, she specialises in corporate photography, whether portraits, advertising or events.

She started out her career with Cyan Studios in Woodbrook and after spending three years there was ready to strike out on her own. “My first job as a freelancer was September 1, 2003, with Sagicor. I had already worked with Sagicor under Cyan but (former Sagicor Executive Vice President and General Manager) David O’Brien gave me the confidence to start out on my own.”

It was because of this relationship that Summer came on board as the photographer for Sagicor’s Protect Our Women campaign. “I’ve always admired how Sagicor treated its female employees, and as a female photographer on the job with Sagicor, I have constantly been treated with courtesy and respect. I am happy supporting my Sagicor family on this project.”  

The regional insurer poured $250,000 into a four-month campaign that included support of four NGOs dedicated to the fight against gender-based violence: the Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago; The Shelter; Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and Families in Action, with $100,000 being directly donated to them to further their intervention programmes. Summer took photos of the NGOs’ representatives attached to the project, which were used to spotlight them and their organisations each month across Sagicor’s social media platforms. 

In this male-dominated profession, Summer is aware that not everyone’s experience has been positive. Summer said while this hasn’t been her experience, she does have friends who’ve encountered sexual harassment or have been in abusive relationships. “I’m pleased to be associated with an organisation that is using its platform to promote these NGOs. I think a lot of people in these situations may not be aware of where they can go to get the help they need to save themselves and their loved ones.”

The current global health pandemic has been challenging for Summer as the need to reduce transmission of covid meant there would be restrictions on gatherings. “One of my favourite events is Sagicor’s Annual Awards. Not just for capturing the memories, but also seeing my Sagicor family again. Over my 20-plus years as a photographer, I’ve seen babies grow up, people get married, black hair turn grey, and some eventually ride off into the sunset. The pandemic has given me time for reflection, and this has helped me to gain greater appreciation for what makes life truly meaningful: an enduring relationship with family, friends and the Creator, whom I thank for my talents.”

Anyone interested in SummerSnapShots Photography Services can find her on VERO, Facebook and Instagram.

Sagicor Life Inc and Sagicor General Insurance distribute care packages with cleaning supplies to 160 families in the flood-affected communities of Avocat, Vega de Oropouche, Sangre Grande, Mayaro and Caparo in October and November 2017, as part of their “Our Brother’s Keeper” campaign. 

Sagicor Life Inc and Sagicor General Insurance distribute care packages with cleaning supplies to 160 families in the flood-affected communities of Avocat, Vega de Oropouche, Sangre Grande, Mayaro and Caparo in October and November 2017, as part of their “Our Brother’s Keeper” campaign.