Meet Derek Rodgers! Derek has lived in Kamloops for close to nine years. He is a spontaneous photographer who enjoys taking his family to the pool or Scoopz!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I am from a small northern reservation located in Gitxsan Territory, Gitsegukla. I have moved from there to Vancouver for High school. I moved to Kamloops shortly after my stint at Vancouver Film School. I've lived in Kamloops for the past 9 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My whole family; my son, Kara-Rae, our whole family. Together we learn every day, to grow, and nurture one another. I spend my time with people who are of great support system and keeps me on a good path. Those are the people that matter the most.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
I used to read comics as a young kid, and recently I have gotten back into comics, so I'd frequent at High Octane comic shop to collect some of my favorite characters. This is my escapism.
Describe yourself in one word.
Spontaneous.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
This is a big list for me but on top of my head. As a family man and photographer; it would have to be Spain. My partner has always wanted to learn Spanish, and I'd love to see Barcelona one day with my family.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I enjoy taking my family to the pool, beach, Scoopz ice cream, and movies. We tend to check out whatever event that takes place in town, like Ribfest, Kamloopa Pow Wow, and Hot night in the city. We missed out on that this year though.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
It happens sometimes, but I hate it when I forget peoples name after a long period of time not seeing each other.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It's not something that happened to me, but what I have witnessed. I am a hard of hearing person who thought I had it tough until I saw someone in high school, whose father was both Deaf and Blind joined our wrestling session with his son. Despite his disability, the son, and father were able to communicate through the touch of their hands. It was amazing to see him perform at a very high pace as a solid wrestler. Little do I know, he was a wrestler in the Special Olympic at one point. To me this is inspirational.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
It would have to be watching my father play soccer tournaments. He taught me a lot about being a good person on and off the field. There is no better lesson in life than that.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I would love to give back to the community one day using my photography. Maybe raise funds through a photography Calendar and put the money into a charitable organization that provides for hungry & at-risk youth, or homeless people.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Poverty. I have recently watched an episode on Netflix show called "Tales by Light" which follow a UNICEF photographer who sheds light on the growing Child Labor industry in Bangladesh. There are huge amount of kids who subject themselves to dangerous jobs while supporting their family. This shouldn't be, and yet it is normalized in that country. I would love to use my photography one day to bring change to these types of problems.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I do not have the time alone these days as I have a two-year-old boy. But we would go for our little walk to the park, and by the church near the train track. He loves trains. That is our place of peace aside from home.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Each of us has unique talents. You may not have thought of impacting someones life by gifting your talents. Seek out a family that you know is struggling financially, and pour your love into making something that is useful to their lives.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
What makes Kamloops great, is the melting pot of creativity that goes on in this town. Whether we see our youth partaking on mural arts or community events. It's all about creating a positive space, and honoring everyone inside this town.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Go on a European trip and watch El Classico game at Camp Nou, Barcelona vs. Real Madrid. I would love to take my family to Disney Land before my son grows too fast. And the third would be snorkeling with my beautiful wife in Hawaii, or any other place that has exotic coral reefs and fish. She loves swimming, and there's no better way to spend time than that.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My greatest fear is letting people down; probably the reason why I became a perfectionist.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
I have facebook photography page: Derek Rodgers Photography, and Instagram: @Digitalrearranged.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Derek Rodgers Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
What my ear lacks, my eyes make up for it. I see our world in a different way. I study the visual, see things most people would ignore; the beauty that is in everything. I am able to tell my story visually through my happy medium that is photography.
What is the goal of your business?
It is my hope that we go above and beyond for our clients to make sure their time is valued, deadlines are met, and the highest quality is delivered. We work hard to ensure that we capture hope, dreams, and stories that will remain forever.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
One of my biggest struggles has been trying to keep up with people who do not acknowledge my Hearing Impairment or take their time to look past my disability.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"If one door closes, another one opens." I'm a firm believer in creating a path that is good.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
If you lose creativity, always try something new. Take a different approach and things will come together.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
There are a lot of worthy people in this world, but one that sticks out on top of my mind would have to be Sir Don McCullin. He is an 83-year-old photographer who has captured the underside of society as his photographs showcases war, downtrodden, and impoverished state. The story he has, and what he has seen are something worth hearing. I would love to hear them in person.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To help the local economy, and build our community with connections.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My son. He is the reason I am who I am today. He's the reason I am three years sober.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My dad. He has come a long way to where he is, and without him. He was a photographer, athlete, and a strong person that I have looked up to all my life.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Wayne Parsons.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for reaching out to me. I hope these words are good.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
