Whether it’s a far-flung destination, a brand being brought to life or a glimpse into her Pacific Northwest lifestyle, Vancouver-based photographer and entrepreneur Britney Gill’s unique perspective has the ability to make anything she touches something you want to experience. Wildly talented with an eye for all things beautiful, Brit has photographed many of our favorite conscious hotels and retreats so it seemed only fitting that we connect with her and learn more about her journey into photography, where she is dreaming of traveling (and shooting) next and how she makes an effort to live slowly and travel a bit lighter.
Where is home?
Vancouver, British Columbia.
Why should Vancouver be on everyone’s travel wish list?
Nature!!! It is our best asset. The merging of oceans and mountains is the best feature of my home.
Tell us how you got started as a travel photographer?
Growing up I was always creative and I played with cameras all throughout high school but my focus on core subjects in order to get into a good university caused photography to fall to the wayside. I was interested in the human body and nutrition so I pursued an education in nutrition. My first few years were a bit disheartening and too reductionist for the little bits of the artist’s mind that were still kicking around so I swapped programs and ended up with a degree in Global Nutrition that focused more on a macro perspective and took me on a seven month directed studies trip to Africa to survey various NGOs. I felt compelled to photograph the projects and people I observed and tell their stories visually and saw the opportunity to bring light to these global issues and projects in an approachable way through imagery and marketing. The launch of social media around the same time as my trip, created the perfect petri dish for the growth of a career merging all of my passions into one. I ended up doing an internship in marketing at a charity in Vancouver and then eventually started my own non-profit. Working in charity was noble and fulfilling but I knew the inevitable glass ceiling would inhibit my growth so I started my own company seven years ago and have been running my own photography business ever since.
“I felt compelled to photograph the projects and people I observed and tell their stories visually and saw the opportunity to bring light to these global issues and projects in an approachable way through imagery and marketing.”
Describe a defining moment in your career.
Getting the first email from Conde Nast Traveller to have my images featured in print!
When are you most creative?
When I am flowing free without a schedule.
Who and what inspires you?
Architecture, nature, magazines, other photographers outside of my market.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow.
Favorite place in the world to watch the sunrise / sunset.
Africa.
Favorite off-the-beaten-path beach.
The coast of Mozambique.
Favorite city getaway.
Paris.
Favorite road trip route.
I haven’t done the whole trip yet but Utah is high on my list. I just got a 4×4 so chomping at the bit to explore again.
Go-to road trip playlist(s).
Brit Gill – Soul Vibes or Brit Gill – Rock Out.
Most magical hotels and AirBnb’s in the world.
Travel / carryon essentials.
A Moleskine journal and Muji pen to record all of my todos, lists and travel musings. A Symmetry and Grace linen scarf: beach towel, plane blanket and evening scarf all in one. White Linen pants: dress em up, dress em down, beach em up, heel them up. My Kinto mug and water bottle: I hate wasting cups and bottles so I started travelling with a larger carry-on purse that fits snuggly on top of my carryon on a roller bag from AWAY. This keeps the bag off of my shoulder and allows me to keep my gear close to me on board.
“I invest in high quality, durable clothes that can last me all year long no matter the weather. I especially like to layer natural fabrics.”
Where are you dreaming of traveling next?
Iceland, Japan and French Polynesia (again).
Best advice for living like a local when you travel.
Make friends in bars and restaurants and write all of their advice in your Moleskine!
How do you travel lighter and more consciously?
I invest in high quality, durable clothes that can last me all year long no matter the weather. I especially like to layer natural fabrics.
What has travel taught you?
That the rat race is overrated.
How do you embrace slower living?
I support local, barely shop at fast fashion outlets, don’t support big box stores, buy things from friends in my local community and collect handmade goodies from all around the planet.
Describe your perfect Sunday.
Exploring in nature, a hearty healthy dinner, family.
Everyday rituals.
Listening to music, lighting some sort of incense and coffee.
Philosophy to live by.
Don’t face reality, create it. – Abraham Hicks
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