I met square shooter SecretCities – who goes by Emanuel in real life – during an #exploreAlberta campaign. We spent 8 days traveling from Edmonton to Banff, via the Badlands and Waterton National Park.
Throughout the entire trip, it was obvious that Emanuel has a rare personality. He was genuinely excited by every landscape we saw. I snapped the above picture of Emanuel jumping over his camera in the Alberta Prairies, but the rest of the images in this post are his! If you like his images, make sure to check out his awesome instagram feed and his Field and Forest blog.
An Interview with Square Shooter SecretCities
Q: What’s your instagram account name, how long have you had the account, and what’s your favorite subject?
A: Hello! My name is Emanuel and I’m @secretcities on Instagram. I first joined two years ago in the dark waning autumn of 2012 and began photographing and sharing everyday things — mostly decrepit East Vancouver alleyways — but by summer I mostly switched to landscape and adventure photos. I still love sharing little everyday moments — the way light casts a shadow or is thrown against a wall or through a window, converging lines, contrasting shapes, things I see on my neighbourhood walks — scenes that captivate me, make me pause, make me curious. But I’m a country boy and happiest when I’m travelling or in the wilds, so those types of photos are my favourite. I like hiking, canoeing, camping, exploring new cities. That is when I’m most engaged with my surroundings, most inspired to capture and create an experience. That is when I’m truly in the moment.
Q: What’s the coolest place IG has allowed you to travel? Where do you hope it takes you next?
A: I haven’t done too many Instagram travel campaigns as yet, but the highlight trip was last summer’s 8-day road trip through Alberta. We went through a variety of landscapes, from city to wide-open plains to barren Badlands and rugged Rocky Mountains, and saw new things everyday. It was a lot of fun, and of course stunningly beautiful. Other places I’d love to visit are Iceland, the Balkans, the American Southwest. Honestly that list changes almost everyday. There are so many places I’d like to see!
Q: What did you do before IG? Do you still have a job?
A: I’m a freelance graphic designer, working in both web and print. And yes I still have a job! Kinda.
Q: What gear do you use – list it all! What’s your favorite setup? Dream Setup?
A: I still shoot a lot with my iPhone 5, but my primary carry-around camera is now the Fuji XT-1 with Fuji 23/1.4. I also have the Zeiss 12/2.8 & 32/1.8 combo and hope to get some zooms for traveling soon. Occasionally I’ll also bring along an old Minolta 35mm film camera with 28, 35, & 58mm lenses.
Q: Who are 5 of your favourite igers?
A: Choosing only 5 is always hard…. but today let’s say @chrisventures‘ exquisite edits and cityscapes, @jongsunpark_’s everyday snaps, @alanapaterson’s casual analog style, @arielealasko’s everything everything, and @jaredchambers’s mastery of the art form.
Enjoyed your posts. Its amazing to know the facts of it. Keep posting such blogs cheers 🙂