Cantin Photography Brings Classic Portraits to Tiverton Four Corners

Set in the heart of the Tiverton Four Corners, has a pretty cozy spot in the hearts of locals and out-of-towners alike. Strewn with gauzy fabrics, low lighting and natural props, Cantin Photography has a comfortable, organic feel.

Sally Merritt Swart, owner and operator, enjoys her role in the community, both as professional photographer and creator of precious memories. She opened Cantin Photography in 1977 in Fall River, MA, first on Pine St. then on New Boston Rd. She moved her studio to Tiverton 22 years ago. 

“I’ve watched the whole Corner grow,” said Swart. “The gas station was here when I started. I have one of the oldest businesses in the Four Corners. I think only and is older.”

Swart has a deep, familial history as a portrait photographer. “I was very close to my dad,” she said. “He had a camera shop. He always had a camera and could have been a professional photographer.” 

As Swart’s interest in photography started to develop and deepen, her dad recognized her need for an appropriate atmosphere in which to hone her craft. He built her a dark room at their home. With the proper instruments and tools at hand, Swart began expanding her skill set.

After high school, Swart enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Photography. After two years, she transferred to Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and majored in painting. She brought that painterly quality to photography, making her photos unique. Swart presses all of her photos into a fine art painters canvas.

In addition to her studio, Swart dedicates time to lectures and testing film products for Fugi and Kodak. Many years ago, Kodak asked Swart to photograph a child using their newest film. She used her son William as a model and he became the subject of one of Fugi’s national advertising campaigns for three years.

“I always gave my all in my lectures," Swart said. "I would answer questions to keep my profession an art.”

Her studio is a perfect reflection of Swart herself. It’s friendly, inviting and natural; it allows guests to feel comfortable and relaxed as they are posed for their photo session. Swart believes in using photography to capture the real essence of people. She pulls who that person is and puts it on a canvas. 

“I like to see who that person is. And that takes time, talent and lighting,” said Swart.

Swart’s creative process is lengthy and specific. First, a potential client will call and ask for a photography session. She will bring them in for a consultation where they will discuss the subject, clothing, setting and location. Swart will ask the client about her children and what she wants to create. They will even discuss where the photo will hang.Once the details are figured out, Swart will bring in the child. While she will professionally pose the child, she tries to remain as casual as possible. Her two-hour sittings allow everyone to take their time and get it right. 

“The main thing I try to create is the experience," she said. "I like them natural. Seventy-five percent of her clientele are repeats. “When you photograph babies through marriage and then their own babies, you make the connection.”

Swart’s second passion is travel. Her husband is from South Africa so she visits there frequently. Her father-in-law, a well-known dermatologist, is one of her biggest supporters. 

“We’d stop on the side of the road and I would take photos and he would doctor the residents of the township,” explained Swart. “He’s a pillar of the community.”

Her love and respect of South Africa led her to her current project. Heart to Heart, an all South African human experience portraiture, is the title of Swart’s first book. With some of the proceeds, Swart would like to open a daycare center in one of the major townships outside Cape Town. Most of the women leave the townships and work as domestics. Many times the girls don’t go to school because they stay home to watch younger children.

“I want to give back. I love people so that’s what I gravitate towards,” said Swart. “I named my book Heart to Heart because I see with my heart.”

When Swart considers her career as a whole, she is fully satisfied. 

“I never think of this as work. I love my job,” Swart added. “I stuck to working really hard to get to the point where I am now. Creating a beautiful family heirloom portrait. Now I can give back.”

Cantin Photography is located at 18 East Road, Tiverton, RI 02878. Call 401-624-4777 for more information or to book a portrait session. www.cantinphoto.com.