Life is a journey, both internal and external. As a child, I was fascinated with nature and was constantly exploring unknown neighbourhoods, forests, and river ways. Then as a teen unable to make sense of life’s tumults I immersed myself in the visual arts through painting and drawing. At the age of 18, I was unexpectedly struck with a deep desire to know my inner self. I left home and eventually became a yogic monk and spent seven blissful years focusing on the universe within. After leaving monastic life, I felt a vacuum inside and searched for a way to share my inner quest externally.
And then…
I moved to the Sunshine Coast and fell in love with BC’s raw beauty. Armed with a simple DSLR camera, I began to capture and share images with friends and family back home. I was hooked and began a deep study of the photographic art.
For me, photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s a spiritual practice. Photography teaches me to be present in the moment, to notice the subtle play of light and colour, to unveil the earth’s mysteries that are shrouded in time’s restless movement, revealing the Divine through composition, exposure, and depth of field.
My hope is that through my images you will experience the joy and beauty that surrounds us in forests, mountains, and beaches of BC’s West Coast. This magical land truly inspires creativity and inner reflection. — Mark Benson
