It’s a novel, but if you’re anything like me, you love reading the ‘About Me’ section..….
I spent the first 5 years of my life in a tiny little cabin on the rugged westcoast of Vancouver Island. My dad worked away on the log booms, and my mom and I would be alone in the cabin for weeks at a time with no TV or internet(not to sound old, but it was the 80’s).
We did have a car, a Dodge Polara, but it did NOT drive in reverse(lol). My mom didn’t drive at that time anyway, so we spent a lot of time at the cabin together. It was pretty rustic, about 800 square feet, it had a wood stove, and a beautiful ocean view. My parents only had to pay $100/month for rent and they lived there for 7 years!!!! Did I mention it was the 80’s? We had a cat named Punky, wolf spiders that were large enough that you could classify them as pets, and wildlife that would graze through the forest behind the cabin. This was an amazing place to spend the first five years of my life, and it sparked my love for wild animals, the forest, and the ocean. Although I was a pretty happy kid, my lack of interaction with other kids and adults made me severely shy and fearful of social interaction. My parents realized this, and when it was time for me to start school we moved to a more populated area of Vancouver island, which luckily happened to be situated next to the ocean as well. I had no idea what a privilege this was at the time, but I spent most of my childhood flipping rocks, finding crabs, digging for clams, jumping off docks, and swimming with jellyfish.
I didn’t pick up a camera until my mid twenties. One of the things I instantly loved most about photography, was that it gave me a medium to connect with people. Something I feel like I am still learning how to do. The art of bringing someone’s personality out from behind the lens was really intriguing. I love to study relationships and human behaviour, and photography allows you to find something beyond the surface interactions we often engage in.
To make a long story short, I started taking pictures everyday and I made an online portfolio. I was asked to photograph a couple of really great weddings, and then I was hooked!! The excitement of being behind the scenes on one of the most important days of someone’s life, being trusted to capture their love in a visual time capsule was amazing. I also loved interacting with all the people, observing the familial and social dynamics, and experiencing all the different ways that people celebrate marriage.
Photography has become a passion, and I also have a great interest in ocean conservation and wildlife photography. Growing up on Vancouver Island has made me more invested in the health concerns of our oceans. Christina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen(Natgeo, Sea Legacy) are my all time favourite photographers/heroes. I know I probably won’t brave wild storms in the middle of the ocean like they do. Ironically, I suffer from severe sea sickness, but I am passionate about the fight against climate change, plastic pollution, and protecting BC’s pristine coastline and wildlife. Wild Orca Photography is a proud supporter of Sea Legacy. As my business grows, I would like to increase our monthly donations, and help them to continue their amazing work! Check them out at www.sealegacy.org and find out how you can be a part of their movement.
I currently live in the Fraser Valley with my family, where the opportunities to photograph the beautiful rivers, mountains, lakes, and local wildlife are endless.
I would love to connect with like minded people, please reach out if you think we would work well together!
A few more fun facts about me(jeez, how narcissistic)....
I’m an Acupuncturist. Basically, I poke and shoot people for a living. So hey, if you have a sore neck after bungy jumping on your honeymoon, hit me up!
I’m an only child
I love sushi and pho soup
One day I want to be an awesome surfer
I’m short. I usually need to bring a stool to photo shoots. If you are asian or italian I won’t bring one
I’m Indonesian, Scottish, and English
Save the Whales
I’m a night owl
I’m into rap music
I love winter. Let’s dance!