Yup, that Me! I’ve often wondered where photography came from.. because, as a kid, I was drawn to the economics and strategy behind business. I started my first legitimate business when I was still in high school, bootstrapping until I earned enough to reinvest in growth. When it came time to head off to University, I enrolled in business school at the University of Alberta. But then, I started to travel the world every moment I could get. Business and travel were my life. Yet, secretly, deep down, I always wanted to be an artist.
I was already creating content through the marketing agency I helped found, but I wasn’t doing it full-time—and I definitely didn’t know what I was doing. Then I wrote If You Sell, You Lose, a book about authentic marketing and storytelling. When it was released, I knew I had to put my concepts into action. I needed to prove them. So, I started creating photography-related content, diving headfirst into the world of visual storytelling. What began as a way to test my ideas quickly became a passion, and before I knew it, photography had taken over my creative journey. The rest is history.
As I honed my skills in photography, I embraced my identity as a Canadian content creator. Collaborating with Canadian brands became a natural extension of my work, allowing me to showcase the incredible talent and products found in my home country. This journey led me to start NearMe Victoria, a platform dedicated to highlighting local businesses and the unique offerings of our community. Through vibrant visuals and engaging storytelling, I aim to celebrate the essence of Canadian culture while fostering connections between brands and audiences. By sharing these local gems, I’m not only promoting creativity but also supporting the rich tapestry of talent that Canada has to offer.
After establishing my presence as a Canadian creative photographer, I took my passion a step further into wildlife photography, focusing specifically on capturing the diverse bird species of Canada. This secondary niche has become a thrilling aspect of my photography career, allowing me to explore the stunning landscapes and natural habitats across the country, as well as run some bird photography workshops with some other wildlife enthusiasts. This pursuit not only fuels my creativity but also deepens my appreciation for photography. There is no doubt that I am a better creative because of it.
My work as an artist begins with a deep passion for wildlife photography, but it doesn’t stop at the click of the shutter. I see my photography as a bridge between the raw beauty of nature and the power of artistic expression. Every image I capture is more than just a photograph; it’s a moment frozen in time, a story waiting to be told. I take great care to ensure that the essence of each animal, bird, or landscape shines through in every shot, allowing viewers to connect with the subject on a personal level.
But for me, the journey truly begins when I take these photographs and transform them into works of art. By blending my photography with mixed media techniques—such as traditional painting, texture manipulation, and creative framing—I breathe new life into each image, adding layers of depth, emotion, and meaning. This process is a form of creative storytelling that reflects the delicate balance of nature, and it serves as a powerful tool to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Through my art, I aim to ignite conversations, inspire action, and connect people to the urgent need for environmental preservation and local conservation. It’s my small way of giving back—helping to ensure that the magnificent creatures I photograph continue to thrive for generations to come.
Hey, my name is Jared VanderMeer and I am a Canadian Photographer and Content Creator, that has both a creative and wild side.
© All Rights Reserved.
