Meet Kathleen Fisher. She's born and raised in Kamloops. Moved away for three years to live in Victoria, Vancouver and Australia but couldn't help to come back to Kamloops!
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Life is good'
Who inspires you?
So many people inspire me. Mainly my friends and family. I am incredibly lucky to work alongside my fiancé, Alex O’Daly, Owner of Aspect Film Works, and she inspires me each and every day. It’s been so rewarding seeing the world through her eyes and capturing our client's special events together. To have someone that not only supports your work but also truly understands the industry you are in is a very neat element to a relationship.
What are three things on your bucket list?
1. Photograph the Northern Lights in Northern Canada
2. Travel Ireland with my mom and learn about her family heritage
3. Spend at least a month living in a camper van exploring New Zealand with my partner, Alex O'Daly. Camera in hand of course!
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Hilda Rose, after my Grandma and Mom. Two of my all-time favourite ladies.
Please tell us about a defining moment in your life.
When I left my amazing job at the City of Kamloops to pursue running my photography business full time. It was not an easy job to give up, but I am so grateful I took the leap of faith and had endless support from my family, friends and clients.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I think most recently, being hired by Maclean's Magazine to photograph multiple jobs for them. I mainly specialize in couples and wedding photography, so it was a huge surprise and honour to be recognized by a national magazine and asked to capture more journalistic corporate opportunities. I have met some wonderful people and have been able to tell some incredible stories through these images.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kamloops? What do you like about it?
I love our awesome growing brewery and pub scene. I am a sucker for a good craft beer on a nice patio or amongst some live music. It’s way too hard for me to narrow down! Shout out to some of my favourites… Noble Pig, Red Collar, Iron Road, Mittz Kitchen, Bold Pizzeria, Terra, Brownstones, Commodore and the classic Kamloops Earls.
What is your favourite activity or event in Kamloops? Why?
Kamloops has unreal mountain biking! I love that I can cruise 10 minutes from my doorstep and be on a single track trail. Not to mention, finish the ride with a nice cold brew from one of our awesome local breweries. Kamloops is starting to host a lot of neat events, some of my favourites are The Food Truck Festival and Brew Loops.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Kathleen Fisher Photography.
What does your business/organization do?
I specialize in wedding, lifestyle, event and corporate photography. I love offering a broad range of services and keeping myself busy with new and exciting projects. Lots of people don’t know this, but I also offer custom picture and art framing as well.
Where can people find your business on Facebook & Instagram?
Facebook and Instagram.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner in your field?
Kamloops is lucky to have a really large community of photographers. There are some insanely talented artists that have created a high-quality standard in our field and I feel honoured to be working in the industry alongside them. Considering weddings and couples are my forte, I would say that Roziland Ewanshina, Stacey Krolow, Brina Debalinhard, Owen Imaging and Holly Louwerse are some of the top running ladies. Again, it’s so hard to narrow down. A huge shout out to ALL the talented photographers.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Kathleen Fisher Photography strives on offering a high-quality product all while having a professional, fun and easy-going experience:
1. High-quality
2. Fun and easy-going experience
3. Professional
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
So many people have helped get Kathleen Fisher Photography to where it is today. When business really took off, I was still working a full-time job with the City of Kamloops and struggling to balance my workload. My dear friend, Kelsey Shore, stepped up, became my right-hand lady and has been seconding shooting with me since 2014. There are no words to express how grateful I am for her help and friendship. Also a special shout out to Alex O’Daly, Kayla Sorely, Lianne Reid, Frank Luca, Jordan Megahy and Holly Louwerse for gracing Kathleen Fisher Photography with their wonderful photography skills and helping capture our clients stories. Without my friends, family and clients, I wouldn’t be where I am today, so I would like to thank-you all for your continued encouragement and support.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
Besides capturing special events for my friends, family and clients, I love to volunteer my time photographing non-profit events while donating product and services to charities. Most recently, Sun Peaks Resort, Adaptive Ski School - Sun Peaks, BC Cancer Society, BC Winter Games, BC Wildfire Victims and various fundraiser dinners and auctions in town.
If I could change one thing about Kamloops, it would be:
After living in some larger cities, I truly miss the food and drink culture. I have noticed a positive improvement in the last couple years here in Kamloops, but I would love to see more of these smaller, unique, start-up businesses rather than the large chain restaurants.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
For me, it’s the landscape. Being born and raised here in Kamloops, I am amazed that I can still feel so inspired by its surroundings no matter how many times I have explored an area. We have so much variety within 30 minutes of our city centre from sagebrush and grassy fields, to thick pine forest and waterfalls. Not only does this diverse scenery benefit my photography business in terms of locations and inspiration, it allows me to pursue some of my favourite hobbies like mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and skiing.
My choice for the Kamloops In Focus spotlight is:
Frank Luca, most might recognize him from Red Collars 'No Fun Frank triple tripel'. Not only does Frank design Red Collars awesome branding, he is also a very talented photographer, graphic designer and seasoned craft beer expert. He truly is a genuine guy! I highly suggest stopping by Red Collar, having a chat and taking a look at his portfolio.
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!
