The town of Squamish rests between Vancouver and Whistler on the Canadian west coast. Existing at the top of Howe Sound, surrounded by mountains, burgeoning with creeks and rivers, it has earned the title of 'Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada'. In these woods, alongside these creeks, upon these mountains, people may catch a glimpse of a woman running with her faithful canine companion and her camera. That woman? Our Photographer of the Month Amanda Shpeley.

Tide Line

Needle Peak, Summit Ahead

Moonlit Mimulus Lake Reflection

How did you get interested in photography?

A family member bought me a 110mm compact film camera with my happy meal at McDonalds when I was about 5 years old, and I've been shooting ever since. I've always felt an alienation from society; photography is my way of sharing my experiences and passions without words.

New Year, Reflected Perspective

Westward Ripples

Franks Fungi

How long have you been a photographer?

I’ve been passionately capturing photos for about 25 years  (~86% of my life), but I was never confident enough to call myself a photographer until about a two years ago when I was pressured by members of the community of Squamish to make a serious go at it. At this point I’m all in, and there is no going back.

Garibaldi

Garibaldi backside

Moonlit Slopes

What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

My favourite place to capture is without a doubt the Coast Mountains of the Pacific Northwest. I was raised on the coast; I love to explore the mountains, yet am drawn to the sound of crashing waves. I can’t help but want to share the beauty of my home with the world in unique and creative ways. I love capturing climbers and natural landscapes, especially during adverse conditions. I’m also particularily drawn to water in all of its forms, and finding ways to show off the beauty of the hydrologic cycle that sustains life. I have the most fun though capturing unique self-portraits and my dog Frank.

Self Portrait Nadia’s Slab

Emrys Falling on Globetrotters

Squawesome Frank of the Valley

How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

With any problem, the first step in the recovery process is acknowledging the problem. As photographers, we have the ability to create images that can evoke feelings within people that can become actions. By sharing our creations, we can inspire others to fix problems they were not aware of, motivate them on their path of healing, or spark destructive desires. I choose to create images that will hopefully inspire others to protect natural landscapes, explore the wilderness, and live a healthy life.

Coast Mountains

Common Hoverfly - Syrphus Ribesii

Are there rules in other countries people need to be aware of about who or what you can or cannot shoot?

I personally don’t believe in censorship, so no subject is out of bounds for me as long as showing the subject can lead to positive changes. That being said, respecting local customs and individuals worldwide is very important. If the act of taking the photo could cause suffering for someone, I would avoid doing so. A creative individual can always find a way to share what they intend without stepping on anybody’s toes, so to speak.

The Chief by Air

Tantalus Flare

Porteau Cove Decommissioned Dock

Any photography tips you want to share?

Never use the ‘conditions’ as an excuse for not capture a great photo. There is always a way to capture an amazing shot if that’s what your goal is. Take ‘poor conditions’ such as dark days, storms, and uneven lighting as a challenge. Challenges are the best way to learn, and you will surprise yourself with your talent. Here in the coastal temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest, I would miss out on too many opportunities if I used conditions as an excuse to not shoot. Instead I go out in the storms and on the darkest day, and find something that will work, even if it wasn’t what I would expect.

Black Tusk Reflection

Hang on, Steve!

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

I never imagined photography creating an income when I was younger; instead it was always a way for me to share nature with people from cities. I’ve seen it have positive effects on individuals, which is why I recently created the Pure Intentions Project. This is a way for me to combine my passion for photography and nature in a way that aims to inspire others to get fit, play outdoors and give back to the community. I believe that together we can have fun making the world a better place, and this is my attempt at doing so.

A Quiet Mind

Love is Everywhere

You can find Amanda online at:

www.tidelinetoalpine.com
www.facebook.com/tidelinetoalpine
instagram.com/tidelinetoalpine
flickr.com/photos/amandashale
facebook.com/pureintentionsproject