Meet MissyJena: Vancouver Photographer Focuses On Calmversations | HuffPost

This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Meet MissyJena

The Huffington Post Canada

|

Instagram MissyJena

Canada's Instagrammers do a great job capturing this country's natural beauty and diversity. Each week we feature one of the country's best Instagrammers.

This week we take you to the west coast and introduce you to @MissyJena and her dreamy photographs. Here she is in her own words:

Hi, I’m an educator and photographer from Vancouver! I was born in Fiji, raised in Canada and graduated from the Faculty of Human and Social Development at UVic. I have a playful personality and a mind that is always thinking and creating.

I enjoy making sense of the world in quiet and reflective moments like this…

I love taking pictures when there’s snow or fog. This year we had a very mild winter in Vancouver so any precipitation was a welcome change from bright blue skies. This dear old bench is always a willing subject! It's the one fixed element that's become my teacher in a landscape full of complex subtleties. It’s a bonus when I catch a person walking by…

I believe Instagram’s charm is in the quality of connections you make. It takes time to form these connections. Have fun and share meaningful comments with those that have touched and inspired you. As far as photography, shoot what makes your heart smile.

Over the years, I’ve challenged myself to be very mindful of why I take a picture. Tapping into the moment before helps me determine what it is I want to say in the caption.

Sometimes it’s to memorize a thought that clicked behind the camera. There’s a very good chance this image will remain on my camera roll with all the other yet to be expressed shots.

Rock with you... I loved how these tiny people mimicked the Haystack formation! Now when I look back on the image, I’m reminded of the joy we felt exploring Cannon Beach. It was meant to be a 30 minute stop but we stayed for three hours. Then in complete darkness, took the wrong highway and were hopelessly lost for hours trying to find our way back home. All worth it though! — @MissyJena

More than just images alone, I’ve noticed some accounts give off a certain magnetic energy.

Bree's an award winning author and designer who draws from every day life experiences with her boys! She has a joyful perspective, adventurous spirit and a smile that's impossible to forget! @breegalbraith.

Lynn's a gifted writer and photographer with an incredible flair for authentic connection! She makes words float like stars while genuinely touching hearts left, right and centre! Everyone loves @heartedgirl_

If you enjoy wintry scenes, you'll love following Adam and Nigel! These two @adamexcell and @nigelparish have a way of capturing the most enchanting Canadian landscapes. I always want to know more about their world. #strongsilenttypes ;)

For humour, kindness and creative vision @yellowillow @gummyting and @worth_y are the go to accounts for all things fun! They can banter and match wits like seasoned tennis pros! They are as equally encouraging and kind in community spirit. #MyGoldenGirls.

I love connecting people and connecting the dots. You’ll most often find me posting images that reflect #calmversation. The tag started as a place we’d share calm conversations between people. It’s since turned into an oasis of soothing images that are easy on the eyes and mind. People continue to amaze with their interpretations of @calmversation, I’d love to see yours!

[ED NOTE: You can also check out more calmversation photos on MissyJena's new site]

Also on HuffPost

Canadagram Project

@PaulZizkaPhoto(01 of49)

Each week on @Canadagram we feature one of Canada's best Instagrammers. Follow our account to meet them."What fuels my efforts out in the wilderness is a constant desire to get to know my subject, the Canadian Rocky Mountains, better and better."Read our profile on Paul Zizka. (credit:Paul Zizka / Instagram)

@Jamaalism(02 of49)

"Trains have always inspired me too (apparently some of my first words were subway stations)."Read our profile of @Jamaalism. (credit:Jamaalism / Instagram)

@Inayali(03 of49)

"I always try to hit the coffee shops when I go to a new city. I think it gives an idea about the locals, daily life, and how they approach art and design."Read our profile of @Inayali (credit:Inayali /Instagram)

@Yellowillow(04 of49)

"Determine what you're passionate about and keep your eyes peeled for catching scenes or moments that illustrate that well."Read our profile of @Yellowillow (credit:Yellowillow / Instagram)

@Calsnape(05 of49)

"If I could give one Instagram tip, it would be to get creative with compositions. A square crop imposes so many restrictions on a scene, using the foreground will help anchor the landscape and give you an opportunity to make something unique."Read our profile of @Calsnape (credit:Calsnape / Instagram)

@smaku(06 of49)

"It's always tough waking up so early, but you are thankful that you did, when you see Mother Nature at her best with spectacular views like this."Read our profile of @Smaku (credit:Smaku / Instagram)

@Randomactsofpastel(07 of49)

"My account is sort of a treasure hunt for chalky, faded hues, and while some photos are carefully curated, the majority are just elements that all came together to make something magical."Read our profile of @randomactsofpastel (credit:Random Acts Of Pastel / Instagram)

@Missyjena(08 of49)

"Have fun and share meaningful comments with those that have touched and inspired you. As far as photography, shoot what makes your heart smile."Read our profile of @Missyjena

@SoTeeOh(09 of49)

"There's two things that I think will make anyone a better photographer. one is to shoot everyday. It sounds pretty basic but I swear by it. Just a simple picture. Nobody else even has to see it. But just take at least one every day." Read our profile of @SoTeeOh

@Codographs(10 of49)

"Getting to explore new areas & experiencing an array of aspects is mainly what inspires me to get out there & gram, however the art of the photo & being able to capture a single moment that you can look back on motivates me as well!"Read our profile of @Codographs

@SliceofPai(11 of49)

"As someone who composes scenes for still life photography, sometimes I get too caught up creating an image rather than letting the scene inspire me. Some of my personal favorite shots are ones I didn’t plan to take! Sometimes it’s best to pause and let your surroundings inspire you."Read our profile of @SliceofPai

@Bora.vs.Bora(12 of49)

"Don’t be afraid to get down and dirty. Take that camera and have fun with it, always look for the most interesting angle that best captures the story you are trying to convey through the photograph."Read our profile of @Bora.vs.Bora.

@LocalWanderer(13 of49)

"Don’t try too hard! Be creative, and don’t blend in to what everyone else is doing. If you see something you love, just try and capture it the best you can." — @LocalWanderer

@JenniferElizabeth_(14 of49)

"I seek out spaces of warmth and light, spaces that boast simple beauties and small joys." — @JenniferElizabeth_

@montrealismes(15 of49)

What inspires me the most to take photos is usually light and shapes. The way light falls depending on the time of the day can make your subject look drastically different and interesting. — @Montrealismes

@Iamsengs(16 of49)

"I love taking photos of people, places and things. I enjoy mixing up my subjects and styles. Being trained in art and design, my eyes are constantly drawn to visual elements in architecture and nature. They usually become the visual foundation of my photo." — @iamsengs

@davebrosha(17 of49)

"One of the biggest things I've learned as a photographer is to just slow down in the field and take it all in. I rarely rush to a scene, or to set-up. I take the time to walk around and really feel a place out." — @DaveBrosha

@CandidCameraman(18 of49)

"What always inspired me to make photos are people, because we, as people, are always full of emotions - much more so than a building or a tower and lately my drive to make photos has been this continuous search to improve and get better at what I do." — @Candidcameraman

@GummyTing(19 of49)

"I love to take photos of things that typically would go unnoticed. It’s extremely motivating when people comment that I’ve inspired them to see things differently." — @Gummyting

@thewhiitehouse(20 of49)

i love shooting still-life photos with a lot of natural elements mixed in - rich woods, natural sunlight, textured plants + handmade ceramics. this contrast in elements brings a soft unity to photos. i'm lucky to have such beautifully diffused light in my studio! — @thewhiitehouse

@hagow(21 of49)

"I went to my first Instameet and met some really great people that I am still friends with today. This was one of the photos I took at the meet. Thought it was the coolest thing ever! It's what we call a puddlegram. Simply using puddles of water as a reflection." — @hagow

@RyanWunsch77(22 of49)

"I love the Canadian prairies. I do not have to travel far to be inspired. My favorite subjects to photograph are abandoned buildings, rusted vehicles, summer storms, night scenes, and prairie landscapes." — @RyanWunsch77

@Wellman86(23 of49)

"Spare time? It was all I did. Camera in hand all day shooting up to 600 photos per trek. I saw improvement, had fun with it and managed to capture a “few keepers” along my adventures; the road to photography." — @Wellman86

@SpiceSpoon(24 of49)

"The stories behind the photos. I believe that food allows us to tell stories; stories which are related to traditions, cultures and people. To me, food is so much more than that dish on the table – it is about the customs associated with it and the family ties that go with it." — @SpiceSpoon

@EmanuelSmedbol(25 of49)

"My style of photography is pretty traditional — largely just observations and documentations. The way light glints through leaves, layers of mountains cascading into lake or sea, a trail through dark woods, an old tumbled-down cabin, following friends around, interesting lines or textures or colour, the beauty of the everyday. And swimming. Always always swimming." — @EmanuelSmedbol

@MasonCharles(26 of49)

"Be patient. Being patient is a BIG part of photography." — @MasonCharles

@ceeesk(27 of49)

"When it comes to taking photos in general or for Instagram especially, it’s important to shoot what you love and not what you think will please others. In other words, don’t just do it for the likes. Find your vision, explore it and perfect it, those who share that vision will find you and, in time, the right likes will follow." — @Ceeesk

@StephenUnderhay(28 of49)

There’s a value in suffering for a photograph: searching for remote landscapes, being awake when everyone else is asleep. It puts you in the photograph in a very real way – and that emotion can be captured. — @StephenUnderhay

@SimeonRusnak(29 of49)

I am inspired by light. Chasing light, shaping light, hard light or soft light - to me, it really is the most integral part of a photograph (no matter how subtle or how pronounced) because without it, you wouldn’t have a photograph! — @simeonrusnak

@verneho(30 of49)

Take common places, people, and things, and observe them from a different perspective. Sometimes you need to dig deep to reveal the underlying story, while other times, you literally just need to look at things from an angle that others normally don't see. — @Verneho

@Cocoacakeland(31 of49)

My favourite IG tip is don't forget about the caption. There are some fans who just scroll quickly and double tap like their thumbs are about to fall off, and there are other people who crave a more genuine or even entertaining experience — I've found that being myself and sharing both the good and the bad days has helped me connect even more with my audience. — @Cocoacakeland

@Donovanpee(32 of49)

It is impossible to take beautiful (or see beautiful things) pictures in the world with a negative mind. The likes that I received on Instagram... were instant feedback. I wasn't alone, people cared and thats all I've ever really wanted. — @DonovanPee

@Andrewknapp(33 of49)

In my life, good things have come largely due to meeting amazing people and being inspired by their actions. So I feel that connection and interaction is one way that can really move our lives forward in a productive way. Posting an engaging photo means people are engaging, interacting. I like. — @andrewknapp

@EatHalifax(34 of49)

I think this shot is a great example. No styling. No fancy restaurant. Just an honest portrayal of lobster in Nova Scotia. — @EatHalifax

@RoamingFocus(35 of49)

I’m inspired by moments. I think photography is unique in it’s ability to capture a point in time, and it’s these ‘moments’ that I aim to share and preserve in my photos. — @Roamingfocus

@Greatnorthco(36 of49)

Doing things that you enjoy personally, and being genuine in how you interact with other users and write captions. There is a lot of different avenues you could close to follow or go down, but we recommend just doing what you enjoy and being yourself in what you chose to post. — @Greatnorthco

@Hikebiketravel(37 of49)

I love taking landscape shots — mainly because most of my travel takes me into the wilderness where landscapes are big, bold and beautiful. — @Hikebiketravel

@citydogliving(38 of49)

Simplicity always works. Keep it clean and crop out anything that isn’t necessary. Make your subject stand out. — @citydogliving

@Herry.With.An.E(39 of49)

Now, I'm not complaining about living in the prairies at all, it's awesome, but sometimes it gets tough to find something different. Whereas, mountain surroundings are always interesting. Literally any direction you point your camera at will result in a good photo. — @herry.with.an.e

@FindTrueN(40 of49)

Like many others before me, I am inspired by the ever-changing, everlasting landscapes of the north, but, I also love photos that tell a tale. I try to include people in my photos for perspective. — @FindTrueN

@Worth_Y(41 of49)

An overcast sky, with a side of fog are my absolute favorite shooting conditions. Go out, and shoot when the weather conditions may not be ideal, it's worth it. — @Worth_Y

@ericmarkdo(42 of49)

My inspiration comes mostly through the beautiful photos I see, literally every day, on Instagram. This platform has really levelled the playing field for aspiring photographers to hone and share their craft, and network with people from around the world. It’s through Instagram that I’ve met a ton of people who constantly inspire me to take my work to the next level. — @ericmarkdo

@MichelleValbergPhotography(43 of49)

I believe that nature can mirror what we, as human beings, see in ourselves: our beauty, our simplicity, our complications, our responsibilities. — @Michellevalbergphotography

@AnanyaRay(44 of49)

If I had to say what I mostly love taking photos is of places I’m traveling to, whether it’s landscape, cityscape, etc. However I like to focus on the theme of tiny person, big world, it gives viewers a sense of scale of how big the city is or how grand the landscape is. — @ananya.ray

@CJonesPhoto(45 of49)

I'm inspired by the world around me, by friends and family by artists and story tellers. Mostly I get inspired by anyone that is following a passion big or small. If it makes you smile, if it lights a fire in your belly and you are brave enough to share it, this inspires me. — @CJonesphoto

@Emily_Illustrates(46 of49)

Colour plays a huge deciding factor in what I take photos of. Being surrounded by nature fuels my inspiration far more than the greys and glass of the concrete jungle. — @emily_illustrates

@Vesia514(47 of49)

I'm also an avid nighttime photographer and I'm really attracted to how cities look at night. It's amazing how you can visit the same street corner in the daytime and it'll look completely different, especially in major cities. — @Vesia514

@LifeWithArt(48 of49)

Mostly I like to photograph nature and my children but “real” photography has never been my focus. I only pull out my DSLR for important family events. I enjoy using my iPhone to photograph things in my everyday life and then find ways to edit them and make them more interesting using the many apps on my phone. This composite photo edit was made using three separate photos I took. — @Lifewithart

@AndrewPavlidis(49 of49)

For me, taking photos of my own adventures is what I love shooting the most. Those rare moments in perfect light spent with good people are the ones worth remembering. — @andrewpavlidis

Related

best canadian instagram accounts Best Instagram British Columbia canadagram instagram

Suggest a correction

-- This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.

From Our Partner