It has come and gone, the nine weeks of insanely intensive work that has me completely drained but full of joy. It has been an incredibly tough summer, but as well it has brought amazing rewards. If there was one words that I could place on this summer it would be, “heartbreaking”. For many of the staff it has been a summer where we have risked a lot in order to love these campers. For myself, it’s been heartbreaking for the reasons that I have begun to realize the cost of this type of work. It is unlike any other work. You give so much and rarely do you ever gain much back. But it’s when you are able to watch a life being transformed because a few simple events, that’s when you realize that all those 20 hour days were worth it. Realizing your tears that are streaming down your face are worth more then any paycheck. 

As I posted yesterday, this will most likely be my last summer as the photographer at Qwanoes. It’s been an amazing three years working in this position. Over the years I have been able to really see how simply getting out and shooting can dramatically improve your shooting. As well, the constant search for a more meaningful image has driven me to places I never thought I’d go. I am excited for the future and have some dreams that are making me really excited for the future. 

Thanks to all who have supported me in my journey this summer. It has truly made a difference. If you haven’t already done so, go over the qwanoes.ca and check out the summer galleries, there you will find 150+ images from the summer.