About 15 years ago I met Gillian Meyer, who quickly became family to me.  One of the things I’ve admired about Gillian is her connection with Nature and the time she takes to share that love with her family.  Through her photography, I’ve learned a lot about the way she sees the world and I’m so happy to be able to share her beautiful account here with you today. 

Please welcome, Gillian!

When you asked me to write about my passion for taking pictures, I had to think about how far back it went, I couldn’t remember.  But judging from all the photo albums I have of my pictures dating back to when I was in grade 8, it started long ago.  I’ve never taken a course or been trained in how to take good pictures, and I have no idea how to use all the features on my camera.  I just take a picture whenever I see something I find beautiful.  Taking a course is on my bucket list though.  I think if I had proper training, I could take really great photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At first, I really liked capturing my friends at school, just of us having fun in the hallways or on field trips.  Looking back at the photos recently, I’m really glad I did that.  I think if I hadn’t, a lot of the memories may have been forgotten.

I think in some way, taking pictures has always been therapeutic for me.  I find the warmth in someone’s smile beautiful and maybe just want to always remember that about someone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think the love of pictures may have been passed down.  It seems as though my dad and my maternal grandfather were also amateur photographers.

I remember always feeling a little embarrassed taking pictures of people, like they didn’t want their picture taken.  Back in high school, I was a little shy so it was hard to take the pictures I really wanted to take.  I think I was the only one who walked around with a camera too, so it might have seemed a little weird.  My girlfriend Denise and I were on vacation to Alberta with her family and remember her telling me we stand out because I’m making us look more like tourists!  She was so embarrassed of all my pictures…. until we got back and she saw all the memories I’d captured, especially of the cute guys I made her stand beside so I could get a snap.

These days I am finding that pictures of nature are what I really love.  I am a huge nature lover and whenever I’d be out walking, I’d have to stop so many times just to take a picture, even if it’s just a raindrop on a flower.  There is so much beauty in nature and seeing pictures I’ve taken makes me happy.  There’s a picture frame on my wall of all my favorite pictures over the years and at least once a day I stop just to enjoy them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Christmas a few years ago, my friend bought me a Canon Powershot camera and I can honestly say I’ve taken my best pictures with this camera.  It’s my first digital camera.

If one day I find myself a little down, I take the camera out and go for a walk.  For me, it’s self-medicating, without the drugs, if that makes any sense.

 

I’ve been asked before, if I had to grab one thing (besides my family of course) out of my house what would it be.  And it’s always been my pictures.

Thank you for asking me to write a little something on my passion, it’s made me realize how much my pictures really mean to me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gillian Meyer is a mother of 4 living in the Maple Ridge area in B.C.  She believes laughter is the best part of any day and finds happiness in family and all things nature.  Her ideal day would be spent in the garden creating her own private oasis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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