My Photo Story
Highlighted in 20 Images
A couple of weeks ago I was asked to do a presentation at Pechakucha in Victoria, BC. Pechakucha invites creatives to talk about a subject of their interest using a format of 20 images, with 20 seconds to talk about each image. I ended up doing a presentation about poetry, and how it influences my perception. You can see the video on Youtube at Stasia Garraway at Pechakucha.
While working on my poetry presentation, I simultaneously started to write a bit of a story about my journey into photography, and I thought I would share that here.
photo of Wataru Shimosato, in NYC.
In 2007, when I was studying art at Emily Carr University, one of my friends who owns a gallery was looking through my snapshots. He said I had a good sense of lighting and composition, and asked if I had ever considered getting a quality camera. His words were enough to have me invest in my first high end gear, and almost immediately people were asking if they could hire me to make photos.
photo of Monique Salez, in Victoria, BC.
I had been a dedicated and disciplined dancer as a youth, which I think helped develop a sense of timing, and the intuition to capture things when they were at a pinnacle of grace. I had also worked as an international model from ages 15-19, which gave me some insight on how to direct people into flattering, and also natural poses. Thirty years of meditation, yoga, and somatic inquiry helped me bring a sense of peace and grounded exploration to my sessions, while my thirty years of studying and making art have made me attentive to colour palette and composition, as well as the atmosphere and feeling of the images.
photo of Khari Wendell McClelland, Vancouver
My career started with author shots, and photos of artist friends, but things expanded quickly. I felt honored to get to document my community of creatives and was always glad when they asked me to help them make material for promotion, book covers, and albums.
photo of Jaad Kuujas,
Some friendships were born or deepened through my work. It helps to know someone to make insightful photos about them, so my sessions were about photography, relationship, and understanding.
Photo of Deb Pena, for Folklife Magazine
After finishing art school, and spending a few years in Vancouver developing my work as a photographer, I moved back to Salt Spring Island, and I knew I would need to broaden what I was going to offer. I had been coming and going from the island since I was 22 years old, and I wanted to be of service to the community, making images that felt simultaneously unique and authentic, while also allowing me to grow as an artist.
Photo of Deena Cook
I started opening up my range of sessions into other avenues like family photos, maternity, and weddings. I found value in being able to add to family albums and archives. I was excited to stay committed to natural light, and mostly working outside with nature and the elements.
I now stay on island to paint and make photos in the winter, but for about 5 years,when things were dark and rainy, I would chase the southern light.
I would often go to Oaxaca to spend time with their vibrant community of artists, and to offer my photography services to non-profit groups.
One of the projects I worked on was for Colectivo 1050 at https://1050grados.com/. They are an inspiring collective that shares education about Oaxacan ceramics, makes sure that artists are properly compensated for their labour, and helps keep the pottery traditions alive.
You can
see a full portfolio of one of my trips for
Colectivo 1050 on my blog.
photos for https://www.envia.org/
I also went out to photograph for Fundacion en Via, a non-profit that gives small business loans to women in Oaxaca, and doesn’t charge interest. Camelia Lazo Chávez, (on the left) opened a market stall with her loan, while Eulalia Florina Ruíz Mendoza, (center) and Maria Sosa Luis, (right) developed their weaving businesses. All these women live and work in Teotitlán del Valle.
photos for https://www.folklifemag.com/
When back in my neighbourhood I often worked for Folklife magazine. I have done 3 covers and lots of the photography coverage for their articles. Each session I ended up working with incredible people.
Alina and her team at Folklife do such an incredible job at finding deep, relevant, local stories which feature creativity, ingenuity, and sustainability. The magazine has become a treasured affirmation of meaning, and a beautiful way of sharing some of the values that are esteemed by the islands. I am excited to be out in the field for them over the next couple of months.
photos for https://southerngulfislands.com/
I have also worked closely with Southern Gulf Islands Tourism, which is a decision I made after rigorously studying the agenda for their projects. They focus on low impact tourism, ecologically conscious tourism, and off-season tourism. They shine attention on a huge range of projects, services, experiences and businesses throughout the Gulf Islands.
photos for https://southerngulfislands.com/
On their behalf I travel to many of the Gulf Islands, hoping to share the individual character of each one, as well as the people that make them that way. I’ll be sharing some blog posts soon for Saturna, Pender, Mayne, Galiano and Salt Spring. Through this project I am continuously reminded how precious and unique island life is.
Each journey I get to visit vineyards, breweries, accommodation, and all the wonderful small businesses on the islands including artist friends.
Features here is https://www.jennyritter.com/, on Mayne Island.
photos for https://www.nfb.ca/distribution/film/magnitude-of-all-things
One of the most interesting projects I have worked on was with film director, Jennifer Abbott. I was grateful to be brought on as a portrait photographer, behind the scenes photographer, and Field Producer for The Magnitude of All Things, a documentary about grief and climate change. Our small team traveled to Ecuador, Labrador, Sweden, and Australia to document the shifts in climate and how they were affecting communities at the front lines of these changes.
photo for https://www.nfb.ca/distribution/film/magnitude-of-all-things
This project was intense, and in some ways heart-breaking. It made me even more committed to trying to work with businesses that conscientio weighed their impact on the world. I started to photograph even more healers, farmers, doulas and craftspeople, wanting to see their stories in the world.
photo for https://southerngulfislands.com/ and https://www.taramartin.org/
I am thrilled if I get to kayak, sail, or hike to photo locations. I feel like inspiring images can encourage people to engage with the natural world, and the more that we interact with nature, the deeper our relationships and sense of commitment to nature will be. One of these images was made to promote an outdoor adventure company, and the other was for a conservation project.
Why am I sharing all of this?
photo of SGaan Kwahagang - James McGuire, Haida Gwaii
If I were to describe the hopes for my future with photography, it would be documenting people and projects dedicated to making the world a safer, greener, kinder place to be. I would love to focus on change-makers, and those those leading the way in our perceptions on gardening, farming, birth, healing, burial, cultural education, poetry, conservation, sustainability, dance, slow-fashion, biology, ecology, design and politics - basically anything that adds to our quality of life in a meaningful and connected way. I want to make photos that honor our kinship with the earth, and highlight people, businesses, and projects that are in alignment with that kinship.
photo of Maria Robins, Birth Doula.
When I first started photography I didn’t realize it was such a tool for sharing messages, energy and ideas. I am happy to have developed my skills to a level where they can be utilized to share beauty in the way we tell stories, in the way we invite people to explore our thoughts, visions and insights, and in the way we promote our businesses and projects.
I love collaborating with others who have dedicated their lives to making this world a little sweeter, brighter, deeper, and inspired.
If I am the right photographer to help carry your message into this potent medium, I hope you find me, and reach out.
Please send a message if you have interest in working with me.