Master of Photographic Arts
I was never the academic type which made growing up in a country with one of the most competitive school systems very challenging. My passions as a child were in the arts so as a teenager, I wondered if I was just destined to be a starving artist.
Jokes aside, I never felt that University was for me. Instead, my parents encouraged me to pursue film and supported me through receiving my Diploma at the Art Institute of Vancouver. For that I am grateful.
Fast forward to today, I’m 15 years into a career that I love and while art and photography can be subjective, I often wonder if I’m certified enough to be a professional and often find myself making sure I’m constantly keeping my skills up to date with many online courses and workshops.
The Professional Photographers of Canada has given me a sense of community and a platform for growth and pushing myself further through Accreditations and Competitions. I’ve spent the last 6 years pursuing my MPA and am excited to share that I’ve just received my designation this April at the Canadian Imaging Conference and Gala. To receive a designation like this with PPOC, it means dedicating the last few years to elevating my work and putting my portfolios forward for review by a panel. It also means entering work into competition and receiving a minimum of accepted or higher to earn merits. Outside of photographic excellence, PPOC also requires a photographer to give back to the photographic community by volunteering with conferences, doing educational talks, attending educational events or being on a board or portfolio holder.
It’s been a super rewarding journey over the last few years and while the designation is a huge celebration for me, I’m so grateful to have met so many great people along the way from mentors and peers to friends and clients. My family of course has continued to provide support in many ways throughout my journey and without them, this would not be possible!