SOPHIA VANCOUVER
Photography helps me find my way and continues to reveal glimpses of where I belong in this vast world. The camera helps me to take in the environment around me in new ways. It helps me focus, to see the way the light plays against the glasslike surface of an alpine lake, or how the breeze rustles the leaves just so. I studied Photojournalism in college; with the power of the camera in my hands I was able to meet incredible people I, as an introvert, would never have known otherwise. I love the outdoors but didn’t get passionate about hiking until I was 18. When I started hiking my eyes opened up to the endless beauty that the world, beyond easy reach, has to offer; I want to share this wonder with others. The camera takes me farther and farther into the unknown.
PHOTOGRAPHY
I fell in love with photography when I was 15. It started with developing film and the feeling of awe as I watched my image come to life in the dark room, never sure of the outcome. I always loved the outdoors and photography gave me a way to capture and share how I saw the world. At 17, my passion turned digital. I embraced the challenge of conveying the serenity and power that nature holds. The camera helped me to explore new places and wrestle with alternate images of the outdoors. It gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone. From landscape photos, came the call to capture wildlife too: to share with the world the gentleness wildlife can have; to show through imagery that the natural world is worth protecting and to amplify its voice to inspire people to join together to help experience, protect and preserve it.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CAMERA
I live on the road, traveling along the Rocky Mountain Range and elsewhere, in the United States. Along with photography I am an avid mountain biker which is super fun and keeps me in shape. Another sport I love is skiing, either resort or backcountry. Touring on skis is one of my favorite ways to access the backcountry when the landscape is covered in feet of snow. I also enjoy rock climbing, both sport and bouldering. When I am not exploring the wilderness I like to read and enjoy my time with friends and family.