Being a Photographer in Vancouver

Undoubtedly Vancouver holds some of the most talented and hard working photographers in western Canada. Many of the top photographers from local Canadian cities move to Vancouver to pursue their photo careers and compete in the commercial photography market. The fashion scene here is growing and there are many ways to become inspired and grow as a photographer. The excellent and diverse mix of ethnicities ensures a vibrant and ever evolving culture that Canadians can call their own.
Working as a Commercial photographer in Vancouver over the years I have had the pleasure to meet and talk shop with some of the best photographers in Vancouver. I find it refreshing and informative to share experiences and techniques with other like minded photographers. In my experience, the most successful photographers seem to be the ones with the most positive attitude and exuberance for the art. These professionals are willing to share any info or techniques simply because they love photography so much. I find my self thinking the same way. I have no secrets when it comes to my technique because I if I share it with another photographer, hopefully they can take something from it and apply it to their own style. No two photographers' style is exactly the same so I believe sharing techniques will enable a professional to gather more tools to express their own style in the best way.

Vancouver's temperate climate and lush landscape lends itself to year round shooting. This is a big plus for Vancouver photographers because the tedium of non stop studio shooting over winter can sometimes wear down on ones' creative juices. It's very nice to grab a model, make up artist and hair stylist and do a cool photo shoot in the forrest or on a mountain top in mid winter. North Vancouver and Burnaby and Surrey also have many outdoor shooting options. Check with the local BC tourism board to find some inspirational outdoor photography options

Shooting commercially outdoors in Vancouver can be slightly problematic if one does not have a proper permit for that location and time. Because Vancouver is such a film intensive city (Hollywood north), many business owners or public park officials expect one to have a permit if they suspect any money is being made though film or photos on or near their property, public or private. It really does depend though on who discovers you, some don't mind at all and other expects a payout or proper notification and documentation. That being said I fully support the Vancouver film industry and all it does for the local economy and arts so if excessive and many times seemingly unnecessary photo permits are needed, I still say it's worth it :)
Some photographers work professionally part time as photographer and part time doing a "regular job”. I personally don't prescribe to this method because I feel that if you want to excel and become a master at anything one must commit themselves fully to their profession. This is not said to insult my good photographer friends who shoot part time. They have very valid reasons for their choices, the most important of which is the stability and regular paychecks of a day job. The first year or so of a full time professional photography career can be filled with and uncomfortable sense of uncertainty and borderline poverty. My suggestion is to stick with it and eventually you will build a good client base. Vancouver has many willing clients it just takes time to gather a solid base on which to build your professional photography edifice.
Because of the diverse ethnicities I mentioned earlier, Vancouver holds some of the most beautiful people in the world. There are many excellent model agencies to choose from with a wide range of models. The top Modeling agencies in Vancouver hold some of the best Talent in North America.

The Vancouver fashion scene is ever growing and attaining more worldwide recognition. The talented designers local all over British Columbia usually break out to sell in larger markets as their names become better known. Hopefully soon more local residents will be seeking out Vancouver fashion designers to add to their wardrobes.
Tom Hawkins is one of Vancouver's top photographers, specializing in commercial and advertising photo shoots as well as Fashion, Portrait, headshot, modeling portfolios and corporate photography.