In Focus | Sarah Felber

Meet Sarah! She was born and raised in Alberta. She moved to Victoria with her camera to capture and explore new raw adventures.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My dad- he's a total goof, and its always an adventure!

What is your favourite local store in Victoria and why?
Sitka! Their products and sustainability mission are EVERYTHING.

Describe yourself in one word.
Adventurous.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Switzerland, because I am seriously missing our family over there right now.

What is your favourite activity in Victoria?
Hiking! Camping! Kayaking! How do you pick a favorite?

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I embarrass myself daily... Probably when I was about 8, and I was in charge of lighting the candles of the wreath at one of our school assemblies, the match burnt my finger, so I dropped it and started the wreath on fire in front of everyone.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
On a volunteer trip to Ethiopia in 2010, we had the opportunity to visit the fistula hospital that had been started and run by the most amazing doctors-an Australian couple. After touring the hospital and getting a chance to see the huge impact it was having, I found a passion flower in full bloom (they only bloom one day a year), and I took it as a sign. Since then I have dedicated a lot of my life to health care- my day job is still as a registered nurse!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I feel like my childhood was so spoiled by good memories that it would be impossible to choose. I would say that almost all of them took place at my parent's farm though! Between the horses, the quading, the fishing, and the fires there were favorite memories every day out there!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer when I can at the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association in Central Saanich! It is a fantastic program, and they are always looking for volunteers if you have a little spare time! This summer I will also be a nursing volunteer at the pediatric oncology camp called Camp Goodtimes.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would want everyone to practice love and kindness with their every breath. I think we can always do better, and be better, and we should always be inspiring others to be the kindest, best versions of themselves. I think if we started there it would change and help a whole lot of the problems in our world.

Where would you sneak away to in Victoria to spend some time alone?
The beach, always.

Where would you like to see positive change in Victoria and why?
I'd like to see housing become more affordable, and see more low income and social housing. No one should have to worry about where they are going to sleep at night.

What do you think makes Victoria great?
The forests, the beaches, the all year round beautiful weather including the rain! And the people!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Visit every continent.
2. Photograph a helicopter/mountaintop elopement!
3. Just accomplished this one last week but it was on my bucket list for so long it deserves to be here! Surf and ski in the same day!
Thank you Vancouver Island for making it possible.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm stupidly prepared for the zombie apocalypse.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I'm on Shore To Sky, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

What is the name of your business/organization?
Shore to Sky Photography

Why did you get into/start this business?
I have loved art and taking photos for as long as I can remember when I moved to Victoria with all of its beauty it was hard not to! I want people to be able to look at the photos I take and FEEL the memory and the moment!!

What is the goal of your business?
It's a creative outlet for me, but my main goal is to give my clients an amazing experience and create photographs that they will keep and love for a lifetime!

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Losing people I love, in both.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Would not change a thing.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"Hunny...I call everyone hunny...should probably stop."

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Time is the most valuable commodity you have!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Paul Nicklen! He is an unreal photographer for national geographic and co-founder of sea legacy. He is living my dream life. I would love to pick his brain and spend a day traveling and photographing.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
For sustainability, ethical, and environmental reasons mostly- but also because there is a huge sense of community to be gained by shopping locally.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Starting my very own photography business!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!

My little brother Nick!! He is in the Canadian Forces, and I am so proud of him every day! He is stationed out in Ontario, and it hasn't been easy for him or our family, we miss you!

My choice for the VictoriaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jordyn Aylesworth and Hidden Vic!

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!