Photography Journal

Nisga’a Valley Adventure Travel Session | BC Adventure Photographer

This adventurous First Nations womxn explored the wilderness of BC

In my other life, I’m also an outpost nurse. I guess it’s not really “other” as I have been blending health and photography through various projects for years. I work in remote Indigenous communities in an advanced practice position providing primary, public health, and emergency care. I feel extremely fortunate to have explored all over BC and in Nunavut through this work.

For nearly six years, Lach Klan (also known as Kitkatla, home to the Gitxaała Nation) has been a second home for me. It is the kindest, most generous and welcoming community I have ever worked in. I get homesick for the land and ocean that surrounds this beautiful and wild island between Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert. It feels like coming home to family every time I return.

A few months ago, after my regular five-week rotation, I drove from Prince Rupert to Terrace to attend an ACLS/PALS/BLS course. For the non-health care folks in the group, that is Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Basic Life Support – courses we have to recertify regularly to stay current and manage emergencies competently.

The drive along Highway 16 from Prince Rupert to Terrace is stunning. It’s 145 km of road tracing the banks of the Skeena River and sneaking through mountain valleys. I was in Terrace for only three days and each one was a 10-hour learning session except for one afternoon I wanted to take advantage of. I only know a handful of people in Terrace, most who were unavailable. So, after unsuccessfully trying to recruit someone from the table next to me at dinner (only because she had to work the following evening), I posted a model call on the local community Facebook page.

That is how I met Kendra.

I naturally gravitate towards strong and assertive women and was impressed at how fast Kendra responded to me and what a great communicator she was. We quickly established a wardrobe and set a plan to meet in the hotel lobby the following afternoon.

We drove to a few locations I had scouted years ago and got to know a bit about one another during the ride. Turns out she was also in healthcare, so we had lots to talk about – it also helped that Kendra was a natural model. Her 7-year-old daughter was right by my side taking photos and asking for pointers which I loved! In the end, it was a spontaneously fantastic afternoon that added a bit of beauty to the world.

This adventurous First Nations womxn explored the wilderness of BC

 

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13 thoughts on “Nisga’a Valley Adventure Travel Session | BC Adventure Photographer

  1. Kendra

    Paulina i am so glad to have met you 🙂 thank you so much for this awesome opportunity and thank you sooo sooo much for capturing such a great moment for my family our daughter loved that you showed her some great tips and tricks for photography. I loved how the pictures turned out.

    Reply
    1. Paulina Niechcial Post author

      You’re welcome, Kendra! It was so great to meet you as well! Hope we cross paths again next time I’m in Terrace 🙂

      Reply
      1. Kendra

        Yes I hope to cross paths again as well!!! I love love love how the pictures turned out! You are such an amazing photographer and it was so easy to be comfortable with you, I am happy that you didn’t mind that our daughter tagged along side you while her daddy walked the dog close by and while we took pictures. If you ever need help again and your in the area let me know I would love to help! 🙂

        Reply
  2. Cara

    Wow I am in love with the outfit choice and blanket used in these photos. And that location!!!! Gah! If I’m ever in BC i am totally calling you to take me to epic places and photograph me 😀

    Reply
  3. Katy Weaver

    Oh wow this is such an inspirational and empowering adventure session! I loved how you combined two of your passions into one shoot!

    Reply
  4. Laura

    Wow these are incredible. I love how much variety and how many options you captured! This girl must feel like such a goddess now! You are such an awesome adventure photographer – keep it up!

    Reply
  5. Jessica

    WOW I love everything about this! Empowerment session indeed! Your scouting paid off because every single image is fire. Bravo!

    Reply
  6. Elisebeth

    Wow – such a powerful session for her! Loving seeing some beautiful photos in British Columbia – I need to visit asap!

    Reply
    1. Kendra George

      This was such a great experience! Literally a dream come true since stepping out into the light of modelling.

      Reply
  7. Lisa Fitts

    British Columbia is amazing this location was the perfect choice for an empowerment session beautiful work!

    Reply
  8. Shannon Gray

    What an amazing adventure session. So empowering and inspiring! She is beautiful and that location is amazing!!

    Reply
  9. Hannah Gunnell

    Oh dang these are prettyyyy! British Columbia just seems like the perfect place for any kind of adventurous session with all that epic scenery!

    Reply

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