Name: Maiya Chan
Year: 1st
Program: Resource and Environmental Management
Hometown: Port Moody
Social media: @mandmphoto (Instagram)
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Maiya, I’m in my first year at SFU in the Faculty of Environment and my favourite thing in the world right now is Tacofino tacos! I’m a lifeguard, soccer player, and sunrise chaser. My focus with REM right now is leaning towards Forestry Management in BC, and I have developed a passion for old growth forest management, although I have to admit wedding photography is my dream job at the moment.
I understand you have a passion for photography? What drew you to that and when did It start?
I absolutely do! I fell in love with photography when I was in 9th grade, starting with a tiny silver point and shoot, taking pictures of flowers, and then working my way up to some paid gigs now!
I think what drew me to it was the ability to capture a moment or memory, and that becomes little bits of paper and ink that create a physical representation of a part of your life that you might have otherwise forgotten. Photographs represent tangible pieces of a person’s life or soul.
What camera do you use?
I use a Canon T3i and I’m way past the due date to upgrade to a full frame! Some of my go to lenses are my Sigma 35mm 1.4 and my 85mm 1.8
Would you say you have a “style”, what is it? What kind of stuff do you like to capture, and why? Favourite place, or type of places to shoot?
I wouldn’t say I have a specific “style”, I’ve never been one to worry about how cohesive my feed looks on Instagram, or a consistent style in my work. I absolutely love working with people and capturing those candid moments that make up their personality, and the moments that they want to remember. My all-time favourite place to shoot definitely has to be Golden Ears Provincial Park. It’s a stunning vastness of space. Everything from the majestic forests blanketed in fog, to the turquoise waters of the beaches, and the golden rays of sunlight that seem to forever permeate the forests.
What do you love about shooting? What would you say is the hardest part?
I love the challenge of portraying people’s true selves – it’s hard to pose in front of a camera, there’s something so vulnerable about it that tends to make people uncomfortable, so a challenge for me is getting people to be themselves and forget the camera is there. I love having the ability to create tangible memories for people, that’s probably my favourite part about photography.
Do you have a favourite photograph? If so, what is it and why is it your favourite?
A favourite photograph? Oh man, I don’t think I could choose just one! Some of my favourite photographs have probably come from the two sunrise hikes I did up to Mt Seymour last summer. There’s something so amazing about watching the sun rise over countless mountains in front of you, and feeling so insignificant and just hoping that at least one picture can do a little bit of justice to what you see in front of you.
Are you involved in any photography based stuff outside of doing it for enjoyment?
I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with Rocky Point Ice Cream to create some of their social media work, as well as shooting for families and a couple weddings. I’ve completely filled my Facebook feed with different photography and editing groups that inspire me every day, and I’m always excited when I find a Vancouver group! The Vancity Photography Collective is the group I’ve probably interacted with the most.
Is there anyone that you admire or that inspires you when it comes to photography? What do you admire about them?
Oh man, there’s so many incredible photographers out there that I love and admire! India Earl is a photographer that really inspires me right now. She’s an absolutely amazing photographer that has such a unique style and sense of light. I’ve fallen in love with how she can portray love. Everything from tender moments to ear splitting grins… the love between her subjects is so apparent and it’s something I strive to have in my photography.
Any tips for up and coming photographers?
Shoot everybody and everything! Get out with your camera and connect with other photographers! I have learned so much from other photographers around me! If you love it, throw yourself into it!
Go to spot on campus to study, hang out, or take a nap?
Bottom floor of Maggie Benson Centre!!! I have studied for every single exam there and it’s my absolute favourite spot to sleep/study. :)
What ice cream flavour do you most identify with and why?
That’s a tough one because I work in an ice cream shop! Rocky Point Ice Cream’s Raspberry Lime Mojito and Earl Grey and Honey are definitely a tie for me! Oh! And Peanut Butter Brownie! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to decide!
Go-to jam for any occasion?
I’m obsessed right now with anything by Andra Day, Kodaline or A Great Big World! Those are my 2am and still doing homework songs.
Any other weird or fun facts or hobbies we don’t know?
I have an unhealthy obsession with tacos and marshmallows!
Is it an avocado or an egg?
It’s an avocado!!!
Photos provided by the interviewee