Aviva Photo Studios And Life In The Okanagan

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Aviva Studio drawing

I Love Photography

I am so grateful that I love my work. It’s not even work really—it’s a way of life for me. I guess that’s the way it’s supposed to be, but I sometimes feel guilty because that’s not the case for everyone. While I sometimes feel that there’s nothing more annoying than someone always saying how awesome their life is, there are times that I just want to shout “Thank you!” at the top of my lungs.

That’s not to say there aren’t some hard days. There are (and probably more than I can remember), but I try to consciously remain grateful for what I have. I find that helps makes the hard times…not so hard.

I’ve been a photographer now for over 20 years. I graduated from Sheridan College in 1996 without a clear vision or plan for my career. This probably explains why I stumbled around for so long not sure of what direction to take. One thing remained constant and that was my love for the camera. I love being in control of my time. For those two reasons, I have have continued on on my journey as a photographer.

I often ask myself if there is something else I could or would like to do and I come up blank every time. When business was slower, I wonder if a career change might be in order. But it always works out.

Since moving to Kelowna in 2008, I have had the pleasure of working with many different people. Kelowna is a fairly small city and I always love the fact that I run into people all the time while I am out and about. Having come from a very small town, it makes be feel like I am home again. I have lived many years in Toronto and Vancouver and the thought of going back to that pace makes my palms sweat. I love it here and never want to leave.

Aviva Photo Studios

This is why we made the decision to really plant some roots and build a studio. Aviva Photo Studios was built right on our property, here in Kelowna. The plans rushed along and the ground was broken on March 13th, 2017. I have big, big plans for this space and everything it will allow me to do both for my business and for my community.

As many of you know I started “Children of the Okanagan” in 2009 and I feel it is time to give the book itself a rest. I have some fun ideas of how to carry on that legacy and continue raising money for children in our community. Stay tuned for all that is to come and be sure to follow me on facebook or instagram to see what’s going on.