Instagram takeover: An odyssey through Vancouver

CBC Vancouver is featuring a local photographer on our Instagram page every month. This Sunday, we're showcasing the work of Ash Lewis.

Some people post photos on Instagram to show off their memories, while others want to show off their photography.

But for Ash Lewis, it's all about inspiring people to go outdoors and explore Vancouver.

He regularly posts images from around the Lower Mainland on his Instagram account @lensodyssey and, as his handle suggests, he wants people to go an a journey through his photography.

"It's great when people like my images," he says. "But nothing gives me more pleasure than when you see people tagging their friends on my photo and saying'let's go there this weekend.'"

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Inspired by B.C.'s beauty to take up lens

Lewis works in mutual funds, but tries to take photos after work or on weekends.

Photography wasn't something he took seriously until he moved to B.C. from the U.K. five years ago.

"I would say Vancouver and B.C.'s natural beauty really inspired me to get out there and take more photos," he said.

What the photo means

This photo of Siwash Park in Stanley Park is one of Lewis' favourite photos, because of the meaning behind it.

He says it's one of the earliest images he took in Vancouver.

"I had almost decided not to go and take this shot but something stopped me from being lazy that night and I hauled my camera gear to the far side of Stanley Park," he said.

"I now have a giant print of this hanging in my apartment to serve as a reminder to myself to always work hard at my passions."

Living in the moment

You can plan and plan, but sometimes the photo that captures the moment is the one you least expect.

That's what happened when Lewis was photographing sunrise at Lions Gate Bridge, but says he wasn't quite feeling it.

"But thenI spotted this boat fast approaching in the distance andI dropped my bag and made a frantic dash for it, so that I could getas it passed under the bridge," he said.

"I love how this photo freezes a split second of action that I could have so easily of missed."

Are you snapping photos of B.C. for Instagram? Tag your photos#cbcvancouverto share your photos with us and be featured potentially on our Instagram.

If you're interested in doing a takeover of our account, email tamara.baluja@cbc.ca.