Taking the Pulse with Michael McKay

Michael McKay is a Digital Web Designer and an award-winning freelance photographer. The aerial footage he captured of the aftermath of the BC forest fires earned him his first award—as a multi-category winner—in the nature/Landscape & Wildlife and the Young Blood categories (for artists with less than two years of experience in the industry). Talk about confidence boosting! After graduating in 2023 from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) with a diploma in Web Development. and Computer Science from the University of Victoria in the Computer Science program—Shuswap Strong didn't garner great feedback. Now, we are curious to know more about the inspiration behind this project and his approach to photography.

What has the response been like for this piece?

Initially, people were more confused about the photo than appreciative of it. They were confused by what they were looking at—the image is pretty trippy. That's the beauty of it, though! It slowed me down at first, but my girlfriend and I knew this photo was worth something. So, I submitted to the Applied Arts Awards competition and won! 

What have you learned from creating this piece? 

This is my first time ever submitting an image for an award, and I won not one but two awards. So, if there's anything I've learned, it's that you're a better photographer than you think you are. Don't let your doubts slow down your progress. If you have an itchy feeling that your photo is worth something, pursue it without hesitation.

What inspires you?

Having a bad memory (I'm mocked for it constantly). I can't remember most of anything that goes on in my life, but what I do remember are the moments that are different and exotic. Going on a backpacking trip, seeing a friend for the first time in years, or taking a shot of a landscape like I've never done before. Photography (and journaling) allows me to document all of these precious moments in my life that I love. 

What is your dream work environment?

I would love to have my own camper van and travel Canada. If I could do that and take landscape photos along the way, I'd live my dream life. Landscape photography can often be a multi-day endeavour. Having to hike and camp it out is an additional struggle that I can appreciate, but would like to avoid if possible. I live in British Columbia, so I'm fortunate to only be 60 minutes away from flat farmlands, rugged rocky mountains, immense, dark green forests, snowy peaks, and an expansive ocean. There is so much to explore here that I don't need to camp for. But when the day comes, and I'm ready to travel further, that van should treat me well!

Find more inspiration from this talented artist here.

Website: www.kameiphotolab.ca/
Linkedin: @michaelkmckay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kameiphotolab/
 

Dreams do come true, Michael. We hope that the camper van makes its way to you soon! Congratulations on winning your first Applied Arts Photography Awards!