Meet Jesse Seymour. Jesse was born in Kamloops and has lived here for 31 years. He enjoys hiking, adventures, and getting the chance to snap some unique photos.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I am born and raised in Kamloops and have lived all 31 years of my life here.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife would be my favorite, the single best part of my life. We just connect so well, laugh together and have great adventures together!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Oh geez, that's a toughy, I like London Drugs mainly because I'm obsessed with camera gear, but as for more local to Kamloops id say castles and cottages. I just love their products.
Describe yourself in one word.
Oh man, I would have to say Open whether it be a new friend, a new adventure in life, or open to people in my life that need help in any way, shape, or form.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Europe because I'm a huge history buff and the landscape shots of my dreams are over there waiting to be seen and snapped up by my camera.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I'd say my favorite activity would be hiking. I love being in the woods, it's one of the places where I feel at peace and comfortable.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was 5 it was cattle branding season at my family farm and I was trying to keep the calfs calm and I ended up getting kicked in the gut and the wind knocked out of me.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Well, for years I've been searching for a career, something that makes me happy and something that I'm excited to wake up in the morning and do and for a while nothing was clicking there was not epiphany of what I really wanted to do, and then one day me and my wife got a new camera for our travels and to document our life. I took some pictures and for something to do I downloaded Lightroom and saw what I can do to pictures and I had my epiphany. Then, when I was composing a shot and everything lined up for my photo, I felt a sense of accomplishment and was just sucked into the moment and taking in the beautiful surroundings. I was just like "I finally found my career something that hopefully one day this will be my day to day career."
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
One of my favorite childhood memories is a nice short and sweet moment, we would be on our family farm and my cousin Jacob would put me on the back of his dirtbike and we would just go through trails and off into the woods and just explore for hours and sometimes just finish of the day with fishing in the creek that runs throughout our property!!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I've done a few things in my childhood, but one thing I usually do every year, unless I can't take the time off work for some reason, I volunteer as kitchen help out at Camp Grafton on north Shuswap. it is one of my homes away from home, and its fun to cook and play guitar for the kids!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I know this is cheesy to say and like a Miss America thing to say, but peace, there's just so much and hatred in the world and it makes me sad and frustrates me to see or hear about the things in this world that are happening because, at least for somethings anyway, for example, being gay or being part of a certain religion that's not yours literally has no effect on your life, they're not forcing their beliefs on you and you shouldn't force your beliefs on others, just live your life!. We need more peace and love in this world, we shouldnt have to say " oh its to dangerous to visit this place in the world."
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I'd probably go on a hike, go for a walk to be alone with my thoughts and be among the trees to just take in some fresh air and hopefully a newly refreshed mind.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
To be honest, I can't think of anything other than fixing more roads, Kamloops has a pretty great supportive community, whether it be neat events, to help people in need, or even groups of people that get together and enjoy the same things.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Again, I'd say our strong community and our beautiful landscapes.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Owning my own home.
Traveling all over Europe.
And it may be cheesy but getting healthier so I can live a longer more fruitful life with my wife.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I used to sing when i was young and when i used to go to church.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
People connect more with me on Instagram mainly because I'm more active on that, but I do have a website and a facebook page.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Jesse Seymour Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started this business because it has been my passion in life since I discovered it a few years ago.
What is the goal of your business?
Right now I'm still new, but my goal is to make Landscape photography my career.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
For me personally, it has been to get my name out there and to put a foot in the door with someone for my landscape photography. I'm a shy guy and it can be hard at times to put myself out there for the world to see.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I find myself saying that I need to get out and shoot more, to work harder and to not overthink things as I am doing this for me and no one else. I just hope other people enjoy my work as well.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
I usually say this to people that want marriage advice, but to not argue or get mad over the little things in life, even it doesn't question who you are as a person it really doesn't affect you unless you let it.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I'd have to say for me, someone that inspires my passion of photography it would have to be Peter McKinnon a photographer/videographer from Toronto. His work is simply amazing and he's funny, just seems like a great guy to hang out with as well.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I find it's important because I think it helps build a stronger community if we support our community!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Some of my proudest accomplishments have been being featured on a few pages on Instagram, such as KamloopsBCNow, VictoriaNow and Tourism Nanaimo. I've been featured on the Coordinated Bride Blog for wedding destinations.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I'd say Ty Rose or on her instagram Craves.adventure I've been loving all her work shes a really good photographer.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ty rose of Craves Adventure photography.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you so much for this opportunity, it's very nice to feel recognized and this is just amazing, you guys are awesome!! I appreciate this so much!
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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!
