Oh. Thank. God.
You’re looking at this page. That means you’re serious about hiring me…that or you’re a stalker. Either way, it’s good to have fans.
Some people say it’s hard to write about themselves, those people aren’t Kurtis Stewart. I could tell you about the time I was attacked by a blackberry bush at the Church picnic, or when my pet Goat won “Best Kid Goat” at the Comox Valley Fall Fair… but I guess you’d rather hear about how I take pictures or whatever…FINE!
I, unlike other photographers was not “born with a camera in my hand” or had “an epiphany while developing in the darkroom”. In highschool I was the kid fixing the teachers computers and building 3D models in the computer lab. I had my eyes set on the 3D Modeling, Art & Animation Diploma Program at BCIT. Then my student for a day experience made me aware of mandatory gym class…PASS!
Upon graduating from highschool I was gifted a little money from my Oma (my German Grandmother) and saved up all summer to add to it and bought my first DSLR. I brought my Canon Rebel XT with me up to Whistler and photographed Crankworxs (now Red Bull Joyride) from the sidelines shoulder to shoulder with the pros. The photography community energy was infectious and backed up with so much knowledge sharing I was hooked. Finally, something to combine my curiosity for geeky tech gear alongside my need to work with people.
Alright, so now that I’ve got a career in mind how do I learn more? Enter in the Langara Professional Photo-Imaging Program. Two years of blood sweat and tears, mostly tears though. Don’t worry, I made it out alive, minus my dignity…but what photographer needs that anyways?
Fast forward to today, I’ve been shooting since 2007 (aka I’m old). I’ve photographed Ashley McIvor in a Diamond Vault, a three year Hospital Build in Kelowna and Vernon, and genuine laughs from all my portrait clients. When I’m not hoisting my own camera, I’m teaching others to use theirs properly at the Langara College Continuing Studies Photography Program.
If you think it seems like I’m all work and no play, you’d be right. The truth is, I love what I do and wouldn’t have it any other way. For those rare times I run out of projects, volunteer positions, and consulting clients I enjoy coaching Ultimate frisbee and cycling around the city.
Still want more dirt? Here are some interviews I did;
L’Atelier Vancouver – Why Vancouver? Featuring Kurtis Stewart
