iN PHOTOS: Vernon photographer turns hardship into creative connections

Less than a year ago Vernon resident Alexa Wyatt picked up her camera while recovering from a car accident and is turning her photography hobby into a business that gives back to her community.

A massage therapist and esthetician, the accident left her with a torn shoulder preventing her from working.

“I was sitting around having a bit of a ‘poor me’ time and my boyfriend suggested I pick up my camera,” she said. “Photography was a creative outlet and making it a business was a dream but I didn’t see it becoming a reality.”

This fantasy boudoir photograph was taken by Vernon resident Alexa Wyatt in January. iNFOnews.ca/ Alexa Wyatt

Wyatt is an advocate for mental health so she contacted the Canadian Mental Health Association and helped put on a fundraiser in March where she raised money doing portrait photography by donation in downtown Vernon.

Positive reactions to her work from the public prompted Wyatt to take a deep dive into her creative process as a photographer.

“My process is rooted in connection to the people I’m photographing and the story we’re trying to tell each other,” she said. “It usually starts with a feeling or spark of inspiration.

“I spend time imagining how I want the image to feel and not just look. I want to understand their energy and vision and what they want to express. It’s about creating an environment where they feel comfortable enough to be their authentic selves.”

Some of Wyatt’s photos include clients burning books or flowers, an idea one of her clients came up with a few months ago. The client wanted to burn a bouquet of flowers from her ex-boyfriend to symbolize the separation.

“I instantly saw the vision,” Wyatt said. “It’s not just about destruction with the burning, it’s about transformation. It’s about taking something symbolic and creating powerful visuals with it, and the meaning behind it.”

The silhouette of a couple kissing was photographed in Vernon in April. iNFOnews.ca/ Alexa Wyatt

Wyatt said five per cent of whatever she earns as a photographer goes back into the community to support women’s mental health. Most recently, Wyatt’s donation went to buy clothes for a client on a budget who also was given a free photo shoot.

“I’m a big advocate for mental health, it’s so important,” she said. “I’ve struggled with it in the past and so have family members. I like to help take away the stigma, it’s all about empowerment and helping each other.”

She’s about to begin a program through Community Futures where she will learn how to build up a successful business. Upon completion she will have a grand opening for her business but hasn’t carved out the details of it yet.

Her future goals include collaborating with friends working in the mental health industry to start a program teaching photography to kids with mental health barriers or disabilities.