My name is Ryan Dudy, and I have lived in Kamloops the majority of my life, and most of that in Westsyde, and was lucky enough to have got to spend my teenage years on my parent’s organic vegetable farm, Thistle Farm, which they still run today. I currently work for a local manufacturing company but have plans to go back to school in the next few years with the aim of being able to become an advocate and an educator in the field of mental health and social work. I love the outdoors, and try and get out into the backcountry as much as possible. 

Why do you use Instagram?

I use Instagram as a platform to share my photography in a semi-autobiographical manner, with me posting pictures and writing captions that resonate with the thoughts and emotions I feel at that time. As a person who doesn't spend much time on most other social media platforms, I use Instagram as a way to express myself artistically while also letting my friends and family stay informed on what's going on in my life. I also enjoy being able to see what others are sharing and saying, as well as what they have to say about my photography. 

What will people see on your feed?

When people view my feed they will see a lot of what I like to think of as nature and landscape photography with a surreal or abstracted twist. I like to take photos of Kamloops and surrounding area, and share its beauty with the world. My style is mostly landscape and nature and macro shots, which are often lightly edited to give the pictures a slightly surrealistic feel and emphasise mood and tone. 

Favourite Instagram accounts to follow?

My favourite Instagram accounts to follow are mostly local photographers like @prycelessphotography and @debrkellogg and local content providers much as yourselves and @kamloopsmatters.

How do you decide on your location for shoots?

I choose my locations for my shoots mostly by going outside or into nature and looking for a certain backdrop or viewpoint I'm wanting to shoot, while also making sure to spend some time wandering the surroundings and experimenting with unique or uncommon angles and subjects. 

Biggest Instagram moment?

My biggest Instagram moment thus far was having @tourismkamloops naming a pic of Kamloops they previously featured and reposted as one of their top eight pics of 2017. However, any time someone features my photos, I feel deeply honoured and appreciate the recognition and attention very much.

Favourite hashtags?

Some of my favourite hashtags are: 

#backroad_visions #style_and_decay #kamloopsbcnow #kamloopsphotographers  #outonmyadventure #ykalife #theweekoninstagram #wekeepmoments #roamtocreate #theearthoutdoors #tourismkamloops #kammunity

Why do you follow KamloopsBCNow?

I like following @KamloopsBCNow for their great focus on local content and community, and I appreciate the great job they do providing a platform and a portal for people to be exposed to Kamloops and surrounding area from the many viewpoints and voices that make this community so wonderful.