Maker Spotlight: Samantha Vessios

I do not have an eye for taking photos. I will admire scenes, details + moments that I come across, noting that it would be a beautiful photo, but I'm not able to translate that special moment into a permanent image. Samantha Vessios' work captures what I wish I could + so much more. Her images, to me, show the beauty + calmness that we are so blessed to be surrounded by.

While she is still so young, her work holds such wisdom, a sense of all-knowing. A fellow old soul, she speaks to my heart. I am beginning to fully understand that everyone feels longing whether it is for more, for what was, for what could be, for love. And this 'longing' distracts us from being in the present moment. Samantha's work fills me with the contentment needed to be present + stop - if only for a moment - that sense of urgency + longing. I hope that you too, will find contentment (or whatever it is that you need) in her work. Let's find out more about the artist behind these beautiful images...

1. When did you first learn about your trade?

I’ve had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember. Growing up my mom always had a 35mm or video camera pointed in my direction. Nothing went undocumented + so, photography has always been a natural part of my life. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I began taking it seriously + treating it as an art.

2. What do you love about Orillia?

The landscape! There are so many beautiful trails, lake views + forests. I’m constantly being inspired by something beautiful.

3. Why is it important to you to buy, support + shop locally?

I get to interact with entrepreneurs + small businesses on a daily basis, so I see first hand how local support can make or break a business or artist. We all need to work together + do what we can to help each other out!

4. When has a moment of 'failure' led to an opportunity for you?

After only a week of classes, I made the stressful decision to drop out of the Digital Photography program at Georgian College. I really felt like I didn’t give it enough time + that I was letting myself down. Although it was tough at the time, it turned out to be the best decision I could’ve made. Enrolling in that program opened a door to the college’s Darkroom Photography course + it stole my full attention. I realized that I didn’t need 2 years of schooling + a significant amount of debt to end up with a piece of paper to strengthen or prove my skill. All I needed was a 4-month course that took me back to the basics of photography to teach me everything I needed to know about perfecting my craft. My so-called failure turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise.

5. If you create your product on the side, what is your day job? How do you juggle them?

I’m the Office Coordinator at the Community Development Corp. (CDC) here in Orillia. We’re a government funded non-profit organization that helps local businesses start, grow + succeed. Photography is a creative outlet for me. I never force myself - when it happens, it happens.

6. Are you hoping to make your side project a full time job?

Not a chance!

7. How did you get to where you are? What has your journey been like?

I’m not sure that I would consider myself to be anywhere in particular. I’m constantly growing as a person + my day-to-day experiences help shape the way I see the world. I coast + capture what stands out along the way.

8. What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Pricing my work. It’s really hard to charge for something I enjoy doing.

9. What are 3 things on your bucket list?

1. I’d like to travel to Macedonia. My grandparents are from there + I think the experience would be very introspective.

2. I’ve always wanted to go for a hot air balloon ride; I love a good aerial view.

3. Chasing a tornado would be pretty sweet too!

10. Where or how would you recommend someone interested in your trade start?

As cliché as it sounds, practice makes perfect. It doesn’t matter if you use a high-end camera or a cell phone. You just have to go for it. Nurture your eye + see where it takes you.

11. What resources did or do you find helpful?

Nothing compares to good old fashioned word-of-mouth. I’ve made so many great connections by getting involved + networking within my local community. Whether it’s participating in group exhibits, sitting on various committees or collaborating with like-minded people. They’ve all gotten me a step further in the right direction.

Social media is high up there too. Each platform has its purpose + should be used for different reasons. For me, Facebook is my go-to for getting the word out locally, I like to use Instagram as my visual diary, Tumblr is for my annual photo/writing projects + LinkedIn is a great way to highlight my skills + accomplishments. My website is the hub for all of these platforms + it showcases some of my best work.

I’d have to say my car has been an extremely helpful resource as well. It’s taken me to some pretty magical places.

12. What are 3 things you wish people knew about you?

1. I consider myself an introvert with a touch of extrovert.

2. My true passion is travelling. I love to explore.

3. I’m constantly seeking knowledge.

13. What are 3 things you wish people knew about your photography?

1. I only shoot in natural light.

2. I use various mediums: 35mm, iPhone 5s, iPod Touch, Nikon D5100, Blackberry Bold, Polaroid

3. Everything you see is available for purchase!

Thank you so much for sharing Samantha! If you're looking for more work by Samantha check out her blog. Her current project is called twentysomething. it's a personal reflection shared through photographs + journal entries, you won't be disappointed! Or if you like what you see + would like to work with Samantha on a creative endeavor contact her here. Be sure to come by the shop to stock up on Samantha's beautiful photographs in postcard form!

#Artist #Artisan #SupportLocal #Photography #Series