ABOUT five years ago, photographer Wayne Wiens turned in his rolls of film for a memory card and he hasn't looked back since.
The North Vancouver resident primarily does portraits and teaches photography at his studio on Pemberton Avenue.
Many of his clients are young actors and musicians.
"I like being able to make people look as good as they would like to," said Wiens.
Although he previously worked out of a darkroom for 40 years, Wiens said digital photography is far less laborious, offers instant results and allows for more collaboration with clients.
"The two of us together can work collaboratively to produce something that we're both pleased with."
As far as teaching goes, Wiens covers the full spectrum from digital camera basics to photo editing.
"I've had people come in with very little knowledge but they've just got themselves a new camera and want to know how to work it," he said.
He also teaches more advanced compositional techniques, and how to improve and modify exposures.
"So it's everything from the technical know-how of how to actually use the camera all the way to producing finer and more artful photographs both in nature and natural light, but also in the studio," he said.
Wiens lives part time on Hornby Island, where he sells cards and posters and has done a collection called the Faces of Hornby.
He has also done a number of still life photographs that emulate 17th century Dutch paintings, some based on flowers and fruit and others that deal with mortality.
"They're fascinating subjects, many ways that we can present both the natural living parts of life but also those that remind us that we have a finite existence."
Those interested in learning more or setting up a lesson can contact Wiens at 778-839-6305.
