VictoriaNow is excited to feature some of our favorite 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 #victorianow and send an email to news@victorianow.com!

I am from France and have been in Victoria since 2010. I have studied my PhD in theoretical physics at the University of Victoria, where I am now employed as a postdoc conducting research in superconductivity and quantum computing. I never really was into photography until last year, after my graduation. I picked up my first camera in December of 2017 and have been completely obsessed and in love with photography since.

Why do you use Instagram?

I use Instagram to share the work I am most proud of. There is a lot of activity on the app from photographers all over the world. I get a lot of inspiration from seeing the ingenious photos from around the world, and especially from around B.C., where I live and do most of my photography. It is also great to be able to connect with local artists and see what they are up to.

What will people see on your feed?
I do mostly landscape photography. I love being out in nature, hiking, running, camping, so nature is my logical inspiration. I try to portray the shear strength and power of nature, of mountains, of the ocean. I try to capture the fact that we are small compared to it. I also do a lot of urban photography, and there I try to show the city, which many people are used to, in a new angle. Being from France, I am used to the architecture and layout of European cities, so perhaps I see the city of Victoria a little differently from someone who grew up here.

Does your page have a specific style?
My page does not have a specific style. I mostly publish photos from projects or trips that I have recently been to, or perhaps about daily events, e.g. snow or storms, etc.

Favorite Instagram accounts to follow?
My favorite Instagram accounts to follow include Julien Folcher (@julien_folcher), Andrew Eggers (@andreweggers), who are amazing landscape photographers. Locally, I really enjoy Mikey Gardiner (@vanisle_explorer), who has a lot of stunning drone shots of the area. I also really like Doug Clement's photography (@dougclementphotography) who has such amazing photos of the city and its surroundings.

How do you decide on your location for shoots?

There are two ways that I decide on a location for a shoot. Either I have a specific photo in mind that I want to take, e.g. long exposure of the ocean, then I will think for days sometimes weeks where would be the optimal place. Once I find the place, I go there, I shoot what I need and come back. The other way is that I look at the sky, see if it looks good, decide where to go depending on the time of day, e.g. sunset versus sunrise, then go and improvise.

Biggest Instagram moment?

My biggest Instagram moment, other than creating an Instagram account, is this moment. The feeling that my work online will be put into a column and potentially affect other people is amazing. So a photograph went from being imagined in my mind to affecting someone else's life is fascinating.

Favorite hashtags?

My favorite Hashtags including #victoriahype, to get a good sense of what's going on around here. More global hashtags include #awesome_earthpix, or #exploretocreate.

Why do you follow VictoriaBCNow?

I am following VictoriaBCNow because you publish content that is timely and relevant, which helps me feel connected to the community of artists in our area. I get inspired by some of those photos, which push me to go out and create. I get to learn about events happening locally.