In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KamloopsBCNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Ben Verwey
What do you always find yourself saying?
Fantastic!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
My kids as cheesy as that sounds. I love them to death and quality time is precious. I love laughing, learning, and growing with them. They make me a better person.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Awards are not something I think about or strive for. For me it’s much more satisfying to get recognition from my clients in the form of a heartfelt thank you or seeing the look on their face when I reveal their photos. Beyond that, receiving positive comments from those whom I respect in the industry also feels great. To me it's more meaningful to receive praise from someone you have connected with on a personal level or someone you respect and admire.
Who inspires you?
Anyone who is dedicated, hardworking, and honest with their clients and colleagues regardless of the scenario. Anyone with solid character, they inspire me to do better and work harder.
What are you passionate about?
Doing the best possible job I can. Creating something that makes me and those around me feel good.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
There are too many to count. Any day that I have made a special memory with a loved one or a friend. A day with laughter and fun is a great candidate. On the photography side ever day I've captured a photo that made me say "wow!" and has jumped to the top of my portfolio.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Each time I learn a new skill and successfully apply it to a client job or anything else. Great satisfaction comes from knowing that I’m always learning new things and growing and my clients and others can benefit from that.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kamloops? What do you like about it?
Anything unique and locally owned, preferably that sources their ingredients and supplies from sources nearby. Brownstone and Eats Amore food truck come to mind first. Rubens Dinner is also great for its uniqueness.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Digital Oxygen Photography
What does your business/organization do?
Digital Oxygen Photography provides high-impact commercial, automotive, event, and portrait photography services to Kamloops and surrounding areas. As well, I provide training for other photographers on a variety of topics such as camera basics, lighting, workflows, backups, and more.
Where can people find you or your business online?
DigitalOxygen.ca
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
linkedin.com
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Digital Oxygen Photography
What is your Twitter account?
@DigitalOxygen
What is your mission?
My mission is to help build the brand of local businesses by creating high-impact images that capture the essence of the business, person, or item being photographed and help tell a story. A great sense of satisfaction comes from helping local businesses big or small gain exposure and put their best foot forward through top quality imagery. My favourite company to work with is one that I can really get behind and connect with.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To be known as a stand-up, fun photographer, who delivers high quality results, and helps the client succeed in their mission.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
There are so many photography greats that it is hard to choose. The many masters are an easy choice for their long running, stunning careers and the great collection of images they have built up. Many newer, younger, highly dedicated photographers like Joey L. have caught my eye due to the quality of their work and the amount they have accomplished at such a young age. They are really raising the bar and setting themselves apart in a tough field.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Quality, professionalism, and polish!
How does your business/organization impact the community?
Digital Oxygen Photography helps give a unique, clear, and professional perspective on local businesses by visually showcasing what they offer and helping to build brand awareness. In turn, this helps foster the local economy and helps Kamloops continue to grow and add more unique businesses and services to support the community.
If I could change one thing about Kamloops, it would be:
More rain. I love the rain and the coastal climate.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Despite my last point, the mostly sunny weather. Really though, a clear vision and a dedication to it. Kamloops has chosen to portray itself as the “Tournament Capital” and a great tourist destination and it stays true to that in everything it does as a city. The community is also getting much better at supporting more unique businesses and culture.
My choice for the Kamloops In Focus spotlight is:
Peter at Owl Brand Products and Brad at Kamloops Maker Space!
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!
