Bringing the Nikon Z50II to Life: Adventure and Wildlife /  by Ian Harland

Client: Nikon USA

BTS Photographer: Evan Wong

Wildlife Guide: Melissa Hafting

Producer: Lukas Johnston

Nikon Representative/ Technical Support: Chris Ogonek

BTS Videographer: Chelsie Xavier-Blower

This campaign began with an idea sparked during a meeting with Nikon’s Director of Marketing and Sales. She noticed my compact Nikon camera, which led her to later reach out for this project—an authentic showcase for their new compact crop sensor camera, the Z50II.

Over three days, we captured trail running, highlining, white-water kayaking, climbing, paddleboarding, and wildlife. I loved the creative freedom to plan each shoot, hiring outdoorsy friends who brought genuine energy to the project. Despite the need for weather backups, everything came together perfectly.

The final day was dedicated to wildlife, guided by renowned BC birder Melissa Hafting, who took us to multiple locations to capture stunning shots. The Z50II, still in its pre-production phase, was a joy to use, excelling in both fast-paced and serene settings.

Delivering campaign photos, alongside BTS videos and photos, was an incredible experience. This project celebrated creativity, adventure, and collaboration, showcasing the compact versatility of the Nikon Z50II.

BTS Photography

Shot by Evan Wong and Chris Ogonek

Pricing for DMO Photography /  by Ian Harland

In this blog post, I hope to summarize the standard packages I offer to various DMOs across British Columbia and Canada. Every shoot in the tourism industry is very different so if the structure of these packages doesn’t work for your project, please let me know and I’m happy to work with you!

View my tourism photography portfolio, potential collaboration avenues and past results here.

Photographer’s Fee

Standard Day Rates

Full Day (10 hours): $2000

Half Day (5 hours): $1200

With multi-day shoots, some days can be longer if others are shorter. During summer shoots with long days, hours can be spread out throughout the day to maximize ideal lighting as long as I can get enough sleep.

Exploratory Day Rates

Many activities in British Columbia, such as lengthy whale-watching trips, multi-day backcountry hikes, and urban explorations, offer breathtaking scenes worthy of capturing. Although these experiences require significant time, they often result in fewer deliverables. To reflect the nature of these shoots, I provide a reduced rate, acknowledging the less intensive workload involved. This tailored approach ensures that the unique value of each adventure is captured.

Full Day: $1500

Half Day: $900

Deliverables

Standard Deliverables

Full Day: 40 photos

Half Day: 20 photos

Exploratory Deliverables

Full Day: 30 photos

Half Day: 15 photos

Details

  • Photos can be selected by myself, DMO or agency out of the useable raw photos. After the shoot, I can provide a proof gallery of the potentially useable photos.

  • For multi-day shoots, some days can have more image selects while others have fewer. The total number of image selects should add up to days shot x number of deliverables/ day.

  • Architectural and accommodation photography will generally yield fewer deliverables because of how time-intensive it is to do properly.

  • While I’ve found this amount of deliverables to work, I know that some clients don’t need this many images while others may want more. We can alter these deliverables or add extra selects after the shoot.

Usage Rights

Aligned with Destination British Columbia recommendations, I offer a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, assignable, worldwide license for all packages. I also encourage sharing image assets with tourism partners during shoots to foster collaboration.

Travel Fees

Travel

For shoots beyond an hour's drive from Vancouver:

Car travel: $350/ day + 70¢/ km. For example, a travel day from Vancouver to Kelowna which is 390km or 4 hours and 30 mins would be $350 + (70¢/ km x 390) = $623

Air travel is $450/ day + plane ticket cost. One thing to keep in mind with air travel is that I often can’t bring as much gear.

Ferry costs apply to island destinations.

Accommodation

Accommodation must be covered unless the shoots are under 1 hour from Vancouver or Kelowna.

Food

$80 per day or $40 per half day

Production Fee

For shoot planning, I can collaborate with DMO or agency teams, or manage the production myself, which would involve an additional fee. However, even when DMO or agency teams are handling the production, I prefer to be involved, offering feedback, ideas, and photography-specific advice. For larger-scale shoots, designating an individual or team for planning is highly recommended.

If I need to plan the shoots, there is usually a percentage added to my photographer’s fee in addition to hired talent and shoot costs.

Contact Info

Ianharlandphoto@gmail.com

778-984-2585

Destination Vancouver /  by Ian Harland

To support Destination Vancouver's major rebrand, I’m commissioned most weeks to expand their image library. This ongoing project involves capturing a wide array of Vancouver’s offerings—from seasonal landscapes and vibrant neighborhoods, activities, events, and the local music scene—showcasing the city’s unique appeal to visitors.

Gordon Ramsey Burger - Vancouver /  by Ian Harland

I had the incredible opportunity to showcase the stunning interiors of Gordon Ramsay Burger - Vancouver at the Great Canadian Casino. The first photoshoot was a meticulous exploration of the restaurant's design, focusing on its inviting ambiance and exquisite decor. Every detail, from the stylish furnishings to the captivating lighting, was expertly documented to convey the unique atmosphere of the space. Furthermore, the grand opening event photography truly encapsulated the energy and excitement of this momentous occasion. Immortalizing the fervor of guests mingling, indulging in delectable cuisine, and the grandeur of the event was an absolute delight. It was a pleasure to capture the essence of Gordon Ramsay Burger - Vancouver through these two distinct photoshoots.

Northern Icons: Hats & Bags /  by Ian Harland

In my recent shoots with Northern Icons, a brand known for their vibrant tuques, baseball caps, and backpacks adorned with iconic Canadian symbols, I've been blending work with fun. For each shoot, I gather a bunch of friends, plan out some cool activities, and focus on capturing those genuinely fun moments.

We've turned these photo sessions into mini-adventures, showcasing how Northern Icons' products aren't just accessories but can be a part of Canadian adventures. Whether we're scaling cliffs, balancing on highlines, or just wandering through the lively streets of our city, the goal is always the same – to seize the spirit of fun and friendship, wrapped in the unique Canadian vibe that Northern Icons embodies.

Kingfisher Adventures /  by Ian Harland

Marketing photography for Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures, a multi-day sea kayak guiding company. These photos have been taken in Haida Gwaii, Norther Vancouver Island and Quadra Island.

When tourists are trying to decide where to go on a trip, it will often come down to imagery. While words and reviews are important, visuals are what help potential clients envision what the experience will be like. If you’re part of a tourism agency, tourism board, or a company looking for new photos to stand out, I’d love to hear from you!

Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures

Spotlight - Raincoast Breads

Congrats for making it this far down the blog post. We ended our Haida Gwaii trips with a delicious muti-course mean from Raincoast Breads, the first fine-dining establishment in Canada permitted to serve wild foraged foods to guests. I found this so fascinating that I shot an entire series of the owner Kevin as he was out foraging.


A Couple of Years Behind The Lens: Capturing the Essence of Jane /  by Ian Harland

Over the past few years, I've had the privilege of being the official photographer for Jane, an innovative online platform for health and wellness practitioners. My journey with Jane has been one filled with lively shoots, candid moments, and inspiring stories.

Stock Style Shoots

Jane aimed to establish a unique visual brand by commissioning custom stock photography to stand out from competitors. We began with photo sessions at three clinics using their software, showcasing real-world applications. Another project involved photographing various digital devices—smartphones, tablets, and computers—for integration into their website and apps to enhance a relatable, tech-forward appeal. Additionally, we captured daily life at their North Vancouver head office, highlighting the dedicated staff at work to add a human touch to the brand.

Magazine Shoot

The corporate magazine shoot was the canvas for our story, where I painted pictures of enthusiastic partners and innovative users. Among these, a lively plant delivery company became an unforgettable chapter. The infectious energy of three women, whose smiles echoed their passion, filled my frames with life. Each shot was a testament to their dedication and the joy they found in their work.

The Jane story took me to Vancouver Island next, where I clicked the shutter on a client navigating through the Jane software.

The Zoom-Style Shoot

Then came the challenge of the Zoom-style shoot, a task that required authenticity in a digital setting. The goal? To transform a series of individual portraits into a cohesive snapshot of a lively online meeting.

The secret to success was simple: connection. Camera set, I engaged in heart-to-heart chats with the staff, which allowed me to capture a medley of genuine expressions. Each click revealed a different facet of the vibrant Jane team, creating a Zoom meeting that felt as real as being there.

Surrey Hotel & Motel Association - 15 properties in 3 days /  by Ian Harland

Recently, I completed an extensive photography project with the Surrey Hotel and Motel Association. Spanning four busy days, my task was to traverse Surrey and take photographs of all 15 hotels and motels that are part of the Association. The goal was multifaceted: not only were the photographs to focus on the properties themselves, but we also aimed to capture lifestyle images within the hotels and highlight some of the key attractions around the city.

Surrey is a city on the rise, and it’s evident in its development and dynamism. Having an opportunity to document this growth through my photography was particularly rewarding. Additionally, over the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Discover Surrey. This partnership has focused on leveraging photography to promote the city’s growing tourism industry.

Among the properties I photographed, prominent brands like Marriott, and Sheraton were undeniably impressive. Their grand structures and upscale amenities were a feast for the lens.

However, there was also something incredibly special about the smaller, family-run motels. These establishments had their unique allure, exuding a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Their character and charm felt like well-kept secrets that deserved to be shared. The experience was akin to discovering hidden gems nestled within the city. Some of these smaller properties hadn’t had their photos updated in 30 years, while others, especially the larger hotels, already boasted high-quality professional photography. Therefore, the mission was two-fold: to refresh and modernize the image bank for those properties that needed it, and to create a cohesive, high-quality portfolio that the Surrey Hotel and Motel Association could utilize.

For more of my architectural work, click here.

Capturing Timeless Moments with Aera and Steve Woods: An Underwater and Mountain Adventure /  by Ian Harland

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Aera, a watch company based in Geneva, and one of their ambassadors Steve Woods, a legendary underwater photographer, for a series of commercial photography shoots. Aera's commitment to timeless design, quality, and functionality made them a perfect partner for this project, and working with Steve Woods was an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, I'll share some highlights from our adventures in Mexico and the North Shore mountains of Vancouver.

Our first location took us to the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Mexico, where we encountered majestic Blue and Mako sharks. Under the guidance of Steve Woods, we captured the powerful elegance of these creatures, all while showcasing the durability and precision of Aera watches. The watches' minimalist design and rugged functionality perfectly complemented the raw beauty of the underwater world, making for stunning and memorable photographs.

Next, we ventured to the breathtaking North Shore mountains of Vancouver. Surrounded by lush forests and rugged terrain, we aimed to highlight Aera's dedication to creating watches that can endure the test of time and the elements. The watch's classic tool-inspired design shone through as we trekked through the mountains, capturing its resilience and timeless aesthetic against the backdrop of Canada's natural beauty.

Vancouver Conference Photography: Capturing the Essence of Your Event /  by Ian Harland

When it comes to capturing the essence of a Vancouver conference, nothing beats professional photography. As a professional photographer with years of experience shooting conferences and other events, I know how to capture the key moments and emotions that make your event unique.

Whether you're hosting a small conference for a few dozen attendees or a large-scale event with hundreds of participants, I can provide the high-quality photography you need to showcase your event in the best possible light.

With my skills and expertise, I can help you capture the key moments of your conference, from the opening keynote speech to the closing reception. I know how to capture the energy and excitement of a live event, and I can help you showcase your conference in a way that will leave a lasting impression on your attendees and sponsors.

At the conference I shot for Jane, an online platform for health and wellness practitioners, I was able to capture the essence of the event with my photography. As a result, I began shooting other marketing materials for them as well.

With my professional conference photography services, you can expect:

  • High-quality images that showcase your conference in the best possible light

  • A professional photographer who knows how to capture the key moments and emotions of your event

  • Fast turn-around time for edited images

If you're planning a Vancouver conference and want to capture the essence of your event with professional photography, look no further. Contact me today to learn more about my conference photography services and how I can help you showcase your event in the best possible light.

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Why Professional Photography is Essential for Businesses in Vancouver: The Impact on Branding and Sales /  by Ian Harland

Are you a business owner or employee in Vancouver looking to boost your branding and sales? Then you should consider investing in professional photography. High-quality photography can make a significant impact on your business's success, and in this blog post, we'll explore why.

First and foremost, professional photography can help build your brand. Your brand is more than just your logo or your products - it's the emotion and perception associated with your business. Professional photography can help you convey the message and identity of your brand to your customers in a way that words alone cannot. By doing so, you can establish a strong and recognizable brand that resonates with your target audience.

Moreover, high-quality product images can showcase your products in the best possible way and entice customers to make a purchase. A study by Etsy found that products with high-quality images received 20% more sales than those with low-quality images. By investing in professional photography, you can increase the perceived value of your products and services, and ultimately drive more sales.

In addition to branding and sales, professional photography can also improve customer engagement. By providing high-quality, visually appealing images, you can capture your customers' attention and keep them engaged with your brand. Whether it's on your website, social media, or advertising campaigns, professional photography can help you stand out from the competition and create a memorable impression on your customers.

In conclusion, professional photography is not a luxury but an essential investment for businesses in Vancouver. By working with an experienced commercial photographer, you can create a visual identity that aligns with your brand's personality, increase the perceived value of your products and services, and ultimately drive more sales. Don't underestimate the power of high-quality photography in today's competitive business landscape.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Photographer to Capture Stunning Architectural Photography in Vancouver /  by Ian Harland

As a professional commercial photographer based in Vancouver, I've had the pleasure of capturing stunning images of the city's beautiful architecture. Whether you're a hotel owner, marketing agency, architect or construction company, having high-quality images of your buildings and projects is essential for showcasing your work to potential clients. In this blog post, we’ll begin by going over how to pick the ideal photographer for your project followed by practical tips to ensure your space is photographed as well as possible.



vancouver hotel photographer

Marriott

Consider the photographer's style and approach. Every photographer has their own style and approach to capturing images. When choosing a commercial photographer for your hotel, make sure their style aligns with your brand and the image you want to portray. Look at their portfolio to get a sense of their aesthetic and see if their previous work matches the look and feel you're going for. Some clients want a more lifestyle feel to the images while others don’t want a human element to the images.

Sheraton

girl working in hotel professional hotel photography vancouver

Holiday Inn

Choose a photographer who can capture the unique features of your hotel. Your hotel likely has its own unique features, whether it's a stunning view, a beautiful pool, or a historic building. Look for a photographer who can capture these features in a way that highlights their beauty and appeal. Make sure they understand what makes your property unique and can showcase those features in their images.

These two images are virtually staged, meaning that all furniture has been photoshopped in. If this is something you need, make sure that your photographer can do it

Consider their technical skills. In addition to their creative abilities, a commercial photographer should also have strong technical skills. They should be able to work with different lighting conditions and equipment, and have a good understanding of composition and framing. Ask about their equipment and editing process to ensure they have the necessary tools and expertise to create high-quality images. Depending on what you’re looking for certain types of specialty gear like external lighting, diffusers, ultra-wide angle lenses and drones may be required to make you property shine.

professional aerial architectural city photography vancouver

Both images were take by a drone for the Surrey Hotel & Motel Association.

Look for a photographer who can work with your schedule and the unpredictable weather of Vancouver. Depending on the project, you may need to schedule shoots outside of regular business hours, and a flexible photographer can accommodate those needs. You may also encounter foggy or rainy conditions. It’s important to find a photographer who can reschedule if capturing views is important or knows how to realistically photoshop in a blue sky.

Photoshopped Blue Sky in both photos

Consider their pricing. While pricing is important, it should not be the only factor in your decision. Look for a photographer who offers competitive pricing while still delivering exceptional value.

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SAAM Towage 60th Anniversary - 2020 /  by Ian Harland

For SAAM Towage’s 60th year in operation in 2020, they wanted me to shoot a collection of images of their boats, workers, and the Port of Vancouver.

Save Old Growth /  by Ian Harland

Published in National Observer

The forestry industry has always been an important part of British Columbia’s economy. According to a study commissioned by the B.C. Council of Forest Industries, in 2019, the provincial forest sector supported more than 100,000 jobs, generated more than $13 billion in GDP and nearly $8.5 billion in wages, salaries, and benefits.

Some of this logging has been of old-growth forests, containing trees over a thousand years old to the point where the majority of these forests no longer remain. Old-growth forests are home to endangered species, reduce the severity of floods and landslides, act as a barrier to wildfires, are culturally significant for indigenous people as well as just simply being loved by people around the world for their beauty.

A study often cited by environmentalists, says that only 8 percent of “original forests” remain in the province and that only %3 is productive old growth, containing very big trees like the one pictured above. Other numbers published by the Government of British Columbia state that %23 old growth remains while the B.C. Council of Forest Industries says it’s closer to %30. Environmentalists argue that these are inflated numbers driven to maximize profits by including forests with low productivity (old bog and alpine forest as examples), those that don’t have big and old trees, as well as economically insignificant forests.

The majority of British Columbians don’t support the logging of Old Growth forests and steadily over the decades, more and more action has been taken by grass-root activists to put an end to this part of the logging industry. The most recent organization getting attention is @saveoldgrowth with their controversial technique of blocking bridges, tunnels, roads and ferries in Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo. To do this they superglue themselves to roads, sit on tall ladders, park beater cars in the middle of bridges and more. From those arrested I’ve talked to, they don’t want to be doing this but feel like they have to since they feel that simple petitioning, protesting and other forms of civil disobedience haven’t worked in the past.

Discover Surrey /  by Ian Harland

Telling the “story of Surrey” and “breaking preconceived notions" through photography was what I was asked to do when first approached for this project in the spring of 2022. This was an exciting challenge considering how large and diverse the city of Surrey in British Columbia is. Teaming up with the Web Advisor’s Marketing Agency, we organized photoshoots with the small businesses, tourism operators, and individuals that make Surrey special. This is an ongoing project.

Here’s a testimonial from the client:

Our team has had the pleasure of working with Ian on a number of projects, and the outcome is always above and beyond our expectations. Not only is Ian excellent to work with, but his passion for his craft and how he connects with clients is outstanding. We look forward to working with Ian on many more projects to come.

I’ve also photographed 15 hotels for the Surrey Hotel & Motel Association, you can find that shoot here.

Discover Surrey Image Asset Team

Tree sitting for the climate /  by Ian Harland

Over the last year, I’ve documented a group of passionate environmentalists fiercely opposed to the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project. When they felt that their lawful methods of protest ran dry, they began building treehouses along the construction route of the pipeline with the goal of stopping it. This peaceful direct action was spearheaded by Simon Fraser University professor Tim Takaro.

This story was documented alongside writer Emily Kelsall and is published in the National Observer and Chatelaine.

National Observer Pt. 1

National Observer Pt. 2

National Observer Pt. 3

Chatelaine

Highlining in Squamish, British Columbia /  by Ian Harland

Squamish is a world-renowned outdoor hub for all types of adventurers. The epicenter of these adventures is the famous Squamish Chief, one of the largest granite monoliths in the world. On a nice day, you can find climbers, hikers, trail runners, base jumpers, high-liners, and more. I joined a group of highliners as they set a picturesque route in between two giant cliffs.

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Lifestyle Surfing Shoot - Cape Town /  by Ian Harland

I recently got back from a trip to South Africa to escape the Vancouver rain for a few weeks. While there, I got to keep my creative juices flowing by doing a lifestyle surf shoot in Cape Town. Lifestyle photography is all about capturing stories. It’s a style that works great for people doing things and is often much more engaging to the viewer compared to posed photography. Lifestyle photography performs well for ad campaigns, marketing, and tourism where the viewer wants to feel immersed in the scene.

Nothing New Sneakers /  by Ian Harland

After doing quite a few shoots for Thursday Boots, their sister sneaker company Nothing New approached me wanting similar photos. Just like Thursday Boots, I shoot for them on a monthly basis (except for winter months). This gives them a continuous stream of content to run ads, post on social media, and use on their website.

Destination Canada X National Post /  by Ian Harland

Destination Canada and the National Post reached out about creating a series of photos to promote interprovincial travel within Canada.

I spent two days biking around town checking off a list of places they wanted photos of ranging from Tojo’s, the inventor of the California Roll, Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden, Lonsdale Quay, the Skwachàys Lodge and more. I also went into my archive of photos to pull a few images of nature around my home on the North Shore mountains.