If you follow The Chief on social media or read our print edition regularly, you have seen the stunning photos submitted by Squamish's Aafreen Arora.
To find out more about this emerging shutterbug and relative newbie to town, The Chief caught up with her to discuss what brought her here and her passion for photography.
What follows is an edited version of that conversation.
Q: How old are you, and where were you born?
A: I am 24 years old. I was blessed to be born in a sacred city named Amritsar — because of the spiritually significant Golden Temple — in Punjab, India.
Q: When did you come to Â鶹Éç¹ú²úand why?
A. I came to Â鶹Éç¹ú²úin July 2020. I was a dentist in India, and becoming a doctor is all I wanted. I came to Canada because of my passion for medicine and the great opportunities that this country offers, so I plan to be a future dentist here.
Q: What was your first impression of this place?
A: I loved my first Sea to Sky drive to Squamish, and my immediate feeling was this place is heavenly. I am a nature lover, and Â鶹Éç¹ú²úis definitely God's best art. It was like love at first sight.
Q: The pandemic had been very difficult for many people. How has it been for you and your family?
A: This new reality that we live in due to the pandemic has been hard on everybody. It has taught us the importance of health and safety. I have been lucky to be in contact with my family during this time via technology. While this pandemic impacted everyone economically, it has also taken its toll on our mental health. Hopefully, with the roll-out of the vaccine, we will be back to normal soon and continue our lives in a normal fashion
Q: What are your hopes for the future in Squamish?
A: As of now, I am preparing for my National Board Exams, and hopefully soon, I will be able to open my own dental clinic here in Squamish. This place is my home. I can't think of moving anywhere else.
Q: When did you get into photography and why?
A: My brother gifted me a camera a few years back, but I never got a chance to use it productively. When I came here and started going for my morning walk/run, I realized there is so much beauty all around me, and there is so much to explore. I was fascinated with Â鶹Éç¹ú²úand decided to put my camera to use.
Q: Tell us about your type of camera and lenses. Is there something you want to buy next in terms of Camera gear?
A: I have a Canon EOS Rebel T6i camera. The current lens that I use for my photography is SIGMA 150-600mm lens, which I find is great for wildlife photography. There are definitely a few things on my wishlist, but someday I wish to buy a drone camera.
Q: What do you like about photography?
A: Photography brings me peace.
Observing nature and wildlife makes me happy. Especially when I am stressed, going for a walk with my camera is the perfect stress relief as it reminds me of the beauty that exists around us.
Q: What is the hardest thing about taking photos in Squamish?
A: The hardest thing that I actually face is that I love taking pictures of birds; you have to be very stealthy and fast to capture a good shot. As you get closer, they fly away — like literally vanish.
Q: You focus on animals and landscapes, do you also like taking photos of people?
A: As a pet lover, I have always been very enthusiastic to take pictures of animals. I feel I can connect with them and want to capture them as naturally as possible. After I moved to Squamish, I have explored different cities in B.C., and yes, I like taking pictures of people as well. I believe taking pictures of my family and other people eventually will make my photography skills better. The more I use my camera, the friendlier it becomes.
Q: What else do you do for fun?
A: Cooking is another hobby that I enjoy. It runs in the family, and I can officially say I am a foodie. Apart from long hours of studying, I also enjoy listening to music.
Q: Many people who were born and raised here are worried about how much Â鶹Éç¹ú²úis growing with new developments and people. What do you think about this concern?
A: I have personally seen Â鶹Éç¹ú²úboom in the last couple of years with all the construction going around us. As long as the natural beauty of this beautiful town is intact, I guess a little growth does not hurt. I don’t think we can complain about the fact that people want to move to a place as beautiful and peaceful as Squamish. Who wouldn’t want to live in the best place right?
Q: Anything else you would like people to know?
A: I just want to thank this wonderful community for welcoming my passion for nature and photography. I will continue to present the residents with beautiful pictures of Â鶹Éç¹ú²úand hope to serve this community as a dentist in the future.
