There's no doubt Alberta-based photographer Marc Fariaz is having a serious love affair with Alberta's spectacular wilderness.
Flipping through his Instagram account, we were blown away by his attention to detail, the raw beauty of his photographs and his apparent willingness to do whatever it takes to get an amazing photo.
We know he was a natural fit for HuffPost Alberta's Photographer of the Month.
Marc was kind enough to answer a few questions and share some of his images with us.
Q: Where did you grow up and where do you currently live?
A: I grew up in San Jose, California and moved to Calgary in 2003. I currently reside in
Cochrane, Alberta.
Q: How long have you been shooting photos?
A: l've always had a passion in photography for as long as I can remember.. But it wasn‘t until I was 18 and purchased my very first film camera that I began taking photos and haven‘t stopped since. I've loved it for over 20 years.
Q: What about Alberta inspires you?
A: Alberta is an amazing province. I absolutely love the nature, mountains, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and it's all a step away. One minute I'm in my living room then, within a short distance, we have the beautiful country side. A province that has both metro city living but yet a beautiful back country.
Interview continues after the slideshow:
Marc Fariaz Photography
Q: How patient do you have to be to photograph wildlife and nature?
A: You definitely have to have a calm personality and lots of patience. It can take a lot of watching, climbing, hiking, and waiting, just to get that perfect shot.
Q: What's the most unusual, remarkable thing you've ever had happen while taking photos?
A: l was hiking and encountered a baby cub with its momma when I stopped to observe the situation. As most people would of feared, I felt an instant connection with the baby. The cub started walking towards me and stopped about 10 feet away and just stared into my eyes for quite some time. I pulled out my camera and he let me snap away with no fear. The connection I had with this cub was an experience of a life time.
Q: Have you ever found yourself if a scary situation while shooting?
A: Hmm scary? Yes. Definitely. l was out by Mount Rundle walking through tall grass snapping away as I came to a stream of water. To continue on I had to jump over the stream, thinking it was a simple thing to do. But what I didn‘t know was that there was a huge section of deep quicksand mud right where I landed. I was stuck in three feet deep. I was left thinking "how am I going to get out without hurting myself and damaging my camera?" Not to mention there was a bear not to far down from me.
Q: What's your advice to people who want to learn to take remarkable nature photos?
A: Do not dwell on the big picture, that sometimes its the detail in the view that can make a remarkable photo. Also, you have to be willing to go all measures just to get that perfect shot.
Q: What do you like to do when you're not taking photos?
A: I love to relax with my two daughters and wife and take them on drives/hikes in the beautiful back country and show them what I see.
Please follow me on instagram: @mfariaz. I love to share my experience through my vision.
