Not only are we all about the image, but we’re finding that the wonderful staff at Vistek’s many Canadian locations are too. We’re excited to bring you the first of many features about just how about-the-image some of our staffers are. For example, Ryan Tonegawa has found an outlet for his many passions in combination with his already-vast photography knowhow. We got a chance to chat it up with Ryan and get some of his insights about gear, grinds and globetrotting.

Meet Ryan Tonegawa

How does your job at Vistek relate to your creativity outside of the office?

Working at Vistek has allowed me to tap into the vast amount of knowledge that is held amongst the staff.  We are continuously sharing thoughts and ideas. It’s like working in a symposium every day and it’s awesome!  We have creatives of all shapes and sizes here at Vistek and that certainly keeps the mind active and inspired.  Sure it may sound cheesy, but it’s the truth.  I have the privilege of working with some incredible artists.  The same could be said about our clients as well.  There is always someone with a technical question we haven’t heard before or a client with a new twist on an old technique.  Not to mention the great equipment we get to test out!  Everyday is a little different and I love it.

How long has photography been a passion?

I have been collecting images for as long as I can remember.  I was fortunate enough to travel a little bit with my grandparents when I was young. It must have started there since I always had some sort of camera with me.  We weren’t exactly globetrotters, but over quite a few summers we did a good job of visiting every nook and cranny from Toronto to the Florida Keys.  As we ventured through history at Museums, old forts and Tallship gatherings I would document all of the cool things that crossed our path, which was pretty much everything according to an 8yr old.   All of the new and amazing landscapes we travelled through were always fun to shoot as well!  That certainly sparked my interest early in the power of a picture.

Do you have a particular genre that’s your favourite to shoot?

Action sports.  Hands down.  Specifically, snowboarding and aggressive inline skating.  Hanging out with gnarly people doing gnarly things is always an exciting time!  But there is certainly something incredible about being given the privilege to document a person’s family.  When shooting weddings I’m immersed in a stranger’s friends and family.  By the end of the day I have a created bunch of new relationships and memories for a lifetime.  Regardless of the genres, I have met a slew of wonderful characters in the past few years, a great side effect of shooting for sure.