ABOUT KRIS
Hello! Welcome to my story as it unfolds.
I’m Kris: A Canadian photographer, storyteller, adventurer, expedition/tour leader and polar guide.
…But I wasn’t always. In fact, after living through what feels like many different lives and all their twists and turns and teachings, I only turned to photography in my late 30’s. At first, it was a creative hobby that brought me joy and re-opened my eyes to the wonders of the world. This soon sparked my passion for travelling and adventuring further and further into the deep backcountry or the far corners of the earth, letting the isolation and beauty teach me about a different way of life - one of deeper connection, expression, creativity and passion.
After a decade of developing my craft and community in this world, while still balancing a full-time job and doing photography in every spare moment, I finally made the decision to leave the corporate world after 19 years in the power lining industry. Cutting the cord (literally and figuratively?) and taking the plunge into full-time photography to “chase the dream” was an absolutely terrifying decision! But even more terrifying was the thought of what would (or wouldn’t) happen if I never tried.
Thanks to emotional support of those who believed in me and some time to find my footing (which I’ve realized is a never-ending dance), I am beyond grateful to now be spending my days travelling, photographing, teaching and guiding around the world.
Nothing brings me more joy than witnessing and capturing the wild beauty of a fleeting moment in nature… especially when sharing that moment with others and seeing the way it can light up their face, igniting a new passion and excitement in them, too. It’s an absolutely wild thing, this life. Even with it’s many unknowns and ups and downs, I have never felt more alive with a bigger smile on my face.
When not exploring the polar regions or guiding photography trips, you’ll find me climbing mountains, saying hello to glaciers, eating too much chocolate, trekking and camping with my partner and our dog, cooking and baking gourmet vegetarian meals, and practicing yoga.
If you read this far, thanks for sticking around! I hope our paths cross to share an adventure together soon!
In the winter and summer months you can find me guiding & photographing on expedition ships in both Antarctica and the Arctic.
I also lead photo tours around the world with OFFBEAT Photo - a wonderful creative community of which I am proud to be a co-owner.
And during the rest of the year, I help guide smaller, intimate CREATIVE RETREATS with my amazing partner, Elizabeth Gadd.
We touch the earth with our feet, and we heal the earth, we heal ourselves...
~Thich Nhat Hanh