How a B.C girl and her camera survived the first year in Yellowknife, NT Canada
Pilots monument engagement session -30. Yellowknife, NT
"Oh your from B.C. ?!?"
"how are you liking the winter? " Seems to be the opening line for most people I meet. I was born and raised in Beautiful British Columbia, I lived and loved the mountains, the ocean and laid back people. I met my husband in Vancouver B.C finished up school, bought a house, had our babies and then after a few years headed North for a simpler life. Now I say North because people in Northern BC call themselves Northern, its considered Northern after all. Its rugged, its rural and its cold. Haha...arn't we cute those west coasters you! Then we found ourselves heading North once again...
“When your compass points North do you head North or head the other direction and go South, maybe head East and keep an eye North ”
Theres a lot that goes through your mind when you decide to move North. The thrill and romanticized adrenaline really keeps you going through those first few months. It was exciting and before we knew it was Spring, Summer and Fall my favourite season!
Business wise...
With my little guy starting J.K I knew it was time to rev up the camera and start hunting for my people again. I had taken a few clients over the spring and summer but haven't really gotten myself out there. One thing holding me back...old man winter. I hadn't run a business like this in the North. I knew I might be the only photographer without a studio. I had briefly considered carving one out in our place somewhere, but I just couldn't do it. My heart is not in that style of work and I was willing to give it a go without one. I wondered if Knifers would be on board for this?
The good news people are booking me. Another interesting fact Northerners love outdoor photos even when its damn cold. More then I have probably ever seen anywhere else. Winter is a true culture up here and people embrace it with loving arms and beautiful attire.
It is a truly unique and beautiful way of life up here. Ive had my ups and downs including frost bite to the fingers but I think I nailed down a few solid tips for a BC girl taking photos in the North.
follow your heart and do what you love and people will follow it too
Invest in a good pair of mukluks and a few pairs of wool socks
embrace the grain when you do shoot indoors ; the dead of winter is dark and you'll have to bump your ISO waaaay up
get a speed lite just in case
shoot wide open whenever possible the light is so pretty
practise shooting your camera with your down filled mitts on , especially when you back button focus
carry hand warms, I feel like this might be a bonus for keeping your camera warm as well because I have never had to switch out batteries while I always hold my camera in my hand
prep clients to dress warm, like really warm embrace the parkas!
know that your fingers will still go numb
avoid the tour buses while shooting at prime locations LOL you know what Im taking about
Thats it my friends I leave you with some winter delight below...
