In Focus Friday | Rob Wilson

Meet Rob Wilson. He was raised in the Cowichan Valley and has lived in Victoria since September 2017.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My girlfriend, Danielle, as well as my close group of friends.

What is your favourite local store in Victoria and why?
This is a hard question but I'd probably have to pick a restaurant such as The Pink Bicycle. As for why I mean they're putting out some fine burgers. Also, shouts out to Camera Traders.

Describe yourself in one word.
Adventurous.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
A South American trip. I've been across North and Central America, so I'd love to finish the journey down and tour around South America, in particular, Argentina and Chile.

What is your favourite activity in Victoria?
Taking photos of course.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
One time I was looking out the window at a restaurant and went to look closer so moved my head forward without realizing the glass was double paned and ended up loudly making contact with the glass. It was a quiet night so many witnessed.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
In September 2016, my girlfriend and I hopped in my 1994 Toyota 4runner and took the Coho to Port Angeles. From there we headed south and over six months travelled across North and Central America, ending up in Panama City. In Panama, we sold the vehicle and flew back to Victoria. It was an incredible journey where we were able to see so many things that were awe-inspiring as well as humbling.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
It's hard to pinpoint an exact memory but going on hikes with my parents was a staple weekend activity so I'd probably have to pick hiking around the Cowichan Valley or swimming in the Koksilah River.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Recently I and my business partners did some promotional work for a green and sustainable building project that didn't have a large budget. This is an area I'm passionate about and one of the smallest things I try to make a habit of is packing out the garbage I find while hiking or camping in the wilderness.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I think if people, no matter their background, were more empathetic to others and their points of view, the world would greatly benefit. So, I suppose I would instil more empathy and self-reflection in the people of the world.

Where would you sneak away to in Victoria to spend some time alone?
Probably one of the many small beaches along Beach Drive or Mount Tolmie for sunset.

Where would you like to see positive change in Victoria and why?
Probably that rush-hour traffic because that can frustrate even the most zen people sometimes.

What do you think makes Victoria great?
All the beautiful green spaces within Greater Victoria make this city one of the greatest I've visited.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Drive across South America.
2. Shoot for one of my favourite companies such as Toyota, Fjallraven, or the tourism board of Canada
3. See a tiger in the wild

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I once had a lip piercing.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Rob Wilson Photography as well as Arcas Media.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I started shooting photos around 2012 but didn't start pursuing it seriously until 2016.

What is the goal of your business?
To provide clients with high quality and inspiring images for personal and business endeavours.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would probably do things similarly but just start pushing myself earlier.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'Word is born'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Just get out there and do whatever you love or follow that passion or dream. It might be a big leap to take but it's worth going for it even if it doesn't work out as planned.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
It'd probably be cool to chill with Frank Ocean and see what he's up to.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Running a small business and being on the come up is a grind, so if you can help someone pursuing their dreams, why not?

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I was shortlisted for the 2017 World Photography Awards in their Open Travel Category.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shouts out to all my close friends and family who've supported me over the years in my travels and photography and everything else.

My choice for the VictoriaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Nikola Djordjevic and his clothing brand Limbo.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Victoria!