My name is Lara, I’m a stay at home/work from home mumma, I am a local photographer, and I run an in-home daycare 

Why do you use Instagram?

Initially, I joined Instagram because I love photography and I thought it was an interesting way to connect with others by getting a glimpse into the world through their eyes, and sharing my perspective as well. Over time it has certainly changed. Now I like to use it for various reasons. I can promote my photography on my business account, I can shop from Instagram, learn about local businesses, and keep up with my friends and family, see what they are up to. 

What will people see on your feed?

On my personal feed it’s mainly photos of my son, some of my partner with our son, and little of me. I like to show our experiences with our son around the city, our neighbourhood etc. Basically it’s a bit of a glimpse into our life in squares. 

Does your page have a specific style?

I at times get caught up with trying to find “my style” when it comes to curating my feed. But I’ll find I just want to share a photo that I love, because it all comes down to that really, and why I am on Instagram. So often you’ll see sections of different tones, minimalism, outdoors only, it gets switched up often. 

Favorite Instagram accounts to follow?

My best friend’s business @saigeandskye is always a fav of mine, she makes incredible creations 

Really digging @playkidsclothes which is local to Vancouver Island. I’ve purchased some really nice used vintage kids clothing items for my son. @thecuratedtribe is another great online vintage shop that has provided me with lifelong treasures 

Locally my favs are @rookandrose – their feed is beautiful  and @partandparcel – I love their food and they keep their posts simple but cute with showcasing their menu updates

And any of my friend's accounts, great photography pages, I can’t keep my following list small if I tried! 

How do you decide on your location for shoots?

I don’t plan a lot of my photos. I love snapping pictures, especially candid ones, so wherever and whenever the mood strikes me, I’ll be capturing something, which is very often. If I had to choose my favourite right now, it would be anywhere off Dallas road, especially during golden hour, but you will see more of that on my photography account. 

Biggest Instagram moment?

I’m not entirely sure, I guess when I posted a photo of when we were in Ucluelet last year. It was a photo of the view from our cabin and it blew up instantly. I’ve never had a photo before or after that has reached that much attention. 

Favorite hashtags?

I’m on the fence about hashtags. I used to use them religiously, but often I’ll go back and forth with using them in posts. Ones I’ll often use is

#pnwonderland

#kidsinnature

#dailyviewbc 

#subject_light 

#childhoodunplugged

And the @jjcommunity account has daily hashtag themes which sometimes I’ll use. 

Why do you follow VictoriaNow?

I like local accounts that help promote community in a city. VictoriaNow helps do that which I like.