I was born and raised in Prince George and was drawn back to the city after moving to Richmond for a couple of years to attend school and quickly realizing Prince George has the perfect blend of urban fun and outdoor activities that I need to live a fulfilling life minus the stress of living in a larger city. I'm an adventure seeker who is up for almost anything and has a love of travel, the outdoors, live music, good food and meeting new people. I'm not a professional photographer but I'm passionate about capturing life's special moments so they can be preserved and enjoyed by others. That's why I carry my camera with me everywhere I go and why I often fall behind while hiking, kayaking, or doing anything really because I've stopped to take a picture of a unique forest feature or to capture someone walking through the perfect setting.

Why do you use Instagram?

My love of beautiful photos and the ability to see places I might never get the chance to visit is what first drew me to Instagram. I was initially more of an observer than an active participant, but I now enjoy sharing my experiences so that I can look back on them and hopefully make other people smile or get out and start exploring Prince George, the region and the world for themselves. I have also come to enjoy the sense of community created through the sharing of photos on Instagram and discovering places I didn't know existed in and around Prince George even though I've lived in the city most of my life.

What will people see on your feed?

I like taking pictures of several things: travel, the outdoors and food. My photos usually feature people, with the exception of some landscape photos and photos I take of particularly delicious or visually appealing meals. The odd photo of musicians and my family also sneaks into my feed. I have the cutest nephew in the world and it's hard not to take pictures of him.

Does your page have a specific style?

I'm still working on finding my style, so until I do, my photos will have several different looks and feels. I can also never decide which filter I like best; I really enjoy bright filters for fun outdoor photos and more muted ones for photos of dreary days or urban settings. My plan is to work on finding a style and a filter that provides a happy medium for the images I like to capture and sticking with them.

Favourite Instagram accounts to follow?

I mainly follow accounts that provide inspiration for photographs and travel. I also follow accounts that feature local and regional content as there's so much beauty in Central and Northern BC that often doesn't get exposed because the area is so vast. I'm also drawn to the feeds of artists and local businesses. Some of my favourite accounts include @shaun_cormier, @kpousetteillustration, @backpackbren, @vagabond_kat, @winterhawkstudios, @talongillis, @andreahankiphotographer, @d.rigo.photo, @coljuicery, @nancyospg, @artbynatashalouise, @ghostmountainco, @hopefarmorganics, @boltandkeel, and @hunterandthistle. Phew! That's a long list.

How do you decide on your location for shoots?

I don't really decide on locations for taking photos but rather let the moment guide me: if I'm in a setting that feels perfect for a photo, I snap it. It helps that I take every opportunity possible to get out and experience Prince George, the region, Canada and other countries and always bring my camera with me. I'm very blessed to be able to be able to travel and share my journey with others.

Biggest Instagram moment?

My biggest Instagram moment was probably being asked to be featured in the Sunday Social Connection by Prince George Now. As I'm not a professional photographer, but rather take photos because capturing beautiful moments brings me joy, I'm very honoured to be considered for this feature. Ask me again in a year or two and I might have more big moments to share!

Favourite hashtags?

#princegeorgebc #moveuppg #takeonpg #explorebc

Why do you follow PrinceGeorgeNow?

I follow @PrinceGeorgeNow because I enjoy seeing all of the different images Prince George residents capture. I think it's fantastic that there's a space where diverse images of our beautiful city and surrounding outdoor playground can be brought together for everyone to enjoy.