Paige Deasley's Photos Capture the Joy of Outdoor Adventures

Paige Deasley describes herself as a creative with a passion for adventure and the drive to connect people with their natural environment — and this comes across loud and clear in her photos of landscapes and people exploring the outdoors.

Best known for her colorful and immersive photographs, Paige’s adventure photography recently led her to the small Icelandic town of Hella, where she photographed Iceland’s unique landscapes for Hotel Ranga, Diamond PR, and South Coast Adventures.

In addition to her photography work, Paige is the Marketing Director at Green Iglu, a charitable organization working to strengthen food sovereignty in remote and Indigenous communities in Canada by providing greenhouse infrastructure and tailored training that embraces culture. Based in Toronto, Paige is currently pursuing a BA in Creative Industries at X University, with a minor in Environment & Urban Sustainability.

Pexels: How long have you been taking photos, and how did you get started?

Paige: I’ve been taking photos for as long as I remember. My interest in photography was actually sparked as a little girl in my grandparents’ garden. I remember photographing the entirety of their garden and then spending hours editing on my iPod – those were the days!

It’s safe to say that once I picked up a camera, there was no going back. I quickly fell in love with wandering outside with a camera in hand.

What camera gear do you use?

I use a Canon 5D Mark 4 and usually switch between a Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 lens (ideal for portraits) and a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 (my everything lens).

What's your favorite type of photo to shoot, and why?

I love shooting authentic moments of people doing adventurous things in nature. The images I am most proud of are the ones that capture spontaneous, unexpected moments that brought joy to myself and the people around me.

What inspires your photography?

My photography is heavily inspired by the many ways people find joy through outdoor experiences. Spending time outside is something I loved to do as a kid, and falling back into this later in life brought me more happiness than I thought possible.

Through my work, I hope to encourage others to connect with themselves through reconnecting with the world around them.

Tell us about your favorite photo on your Pexels profile.

This one is a long-time favorite:

Pictured here is the ukulele player who strummed away at my parents’ waterfall elopement. He was so full of life and joy as he played old-time tunes with the backdrop of a jungle.

This image unlocks a memory that is very personal to me, while also communicating a state of calmness that I love.

Who are some other photographers or artists who inspire your work?

To name a few creators I admire: @emmett_sparling, @cobiandewey, @charlysavely, and @chelseakauai.

What's one piece of advice you would give someone who is new to photography?

My one piece of advice would be to focus in on why you started in the first place. Think about why you do what you do, how your work aligns with your personal values, and use this insight to stay true to your craft.

In a saturated market of talented creators, it can be easy to get lost in comparison and lose sight of yourself in the process. Gathering inspiration from others can be beneficial, however the greatest gift photography offers is the ability to translate your own perspective into a medium that can be seen by all.