KelownaNow is excited to feature some of our favourite Instagram profiles from the area. These profiles are chosen based on their content, style and interaction with the community. If you would like to be featured be sure to tag #kelownanow and send an email to news@kelownanow.com!
Having been born and raised in the prairies, moving to Kelowna over 12 years ago is when my love for being outside and nature really blossomed. I often play tourist in my own home, having my camera on hand at all times. Two years ago I boarded an airplane for my first solo travel adventure to NYC. While Manhattan is as far from nature as it gets, the combined feelings of liberation, adrenaline, fear and independence were confirmation that being an explorer was what satisfied and completed me. And so #ginassolotraveladventures began.
Why do you use Instagram?
Instagram is a huge source of inspiration for me, feeding my insatiable wanderlust through camera lenses of fellow wanderers across the globe. It has happened on more than one occasion where I see a photo on my Instagram feed that I need to take with my own camera. I find out where it is, research it, and if I can, I go for it.
What will people see on your feed?
I can better describe what people wont see, which are indoor photos. I am in love with nature in all its majestic forms, and I'm not afraid to go off the beaten path ( well ok, sometimes I get scared when it's bear season here in BC) There is so much to see right here in Kelowna where I live. Hiking opportunities are endless, and I showcase photos of many local hikes, Christie Falls being on my top 5 local hikes list. I love to solo travel and seek out the "off the beaten path" adventures in other countries as well. I may be sharing my recent Peru travel photos forever.
Does your page have a specific style?
Yes, I like comfortable clothing that I can – Oh, you mean on my Instagram feed? I definitely love to showcase my photos as close to true as I can. I will do a little exposure editing to enhance the natural beauty, but rarely will I lay down heavy filters with the exception of a few black and whites. I am also that Instagram account that often uses inspirational quotes to caption my photos. Some call it cliché, I think the quotes are great, and if I can spread the positive vibes by sharing words of wisdom , then I feel like something positive is coming from my feed.
Favourite Instagrammers to follow?
While I do follow and love a large number of those accounts that have more followers than Kelowna has citizens, my favorite accounts in my well rounded "Insta-fam" are a little more reachable. Firstly I follow every cat account in existence.
@hellobc Has some of the most beautiful photos of British Columbia.
@savnorthwest An inspiring down to earth nature lover and blogger. Always posting beautiful nature shots.
@thesavytraveler A multi-talented American photographer who loves to travel on a budget. Miss Veteran America 2017 runner-up
@marikym Keeps me up to date on the latest beauty trends and delicious eats.
Why do you follow KelownaNow?
Following @kelownanow keeps me up to date on local current events as well as showcases some really beautiful photos of the area. Sometimes I browse the #kelownanow hashtag to scope out all the photos people share. I feel especially blessed to live here when I see photos posted by people from different parts of the country and world showing their feed the beautiful place they visited.
How do you decide on your location for shoots?
The locations decide for me. Living in a place like the Okanagan Valley really lends itself to countless shooting opportunities. I always have some sort of camera on hand.
Biggest Instagram moment?
Being given the opportunity to showcase my Instagram account on KelownaNow is a huge IG moment for me.
Favourite hashtags?
For my local photos I always use #kelownanow and #hellobc
For my travels I have my own hashtag to showcase my adventures #ginassolotraveladventures
I use #livenow in almost every post, as living in the moment applies to every situation.
