Behind the lens: Alana Paterson

With a client list including the likes of Nike, Levi’s and HUF, Alana has paved her way to a successful photography career. It all began with skate photos of her friends at home in Canada, and though she now documents many different sub cultures and lifestyles, skateboarding still remains a reappearing subject in her work.

You’ve worked for some pretty impressive clients and established a name for yourself as a photographer. Was there a particular point when you felt like you had “made it?”
Haha I have never felt like I have made it. When I look back at my prior goals I have made it like 17 times but in retrospect those goals were naive and not “making it” at all. My goals now are too probably, haha. I have the type of personality where I’m never satisfied. Maybe for a few days or weeks I’ll feel chuffed about something but then shortly after I’m like, ok, back to work, what’s next.

Rachelle, Dede & Nina. Photo: Alana Paterson — Rachelle, Dede & Nina, New York 2017. Photo: Alana Paterson

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar path in photography?
Make choices about your practice and stick to them. Don’t let money or the path of least resistance dictate what you put out in the world.

Do you have a career goal you haven’t reached yet, or are you just taking it as it comes?
Many.

You shoot mostly lifestyle and editorial but what inspires you to shoot skate photos?
Shooting skating is always fun. I don’t do it a lot but when I do it’s always a good time. I loved skateboarding so much when I was a kid and even though I don’t get to skate a whole lot these days a love that strong never really goes away.

Rachelle Vinberg, shooting the duck. Photo: Alana Paterson — Rachelle Vinberg, shooting the duck, New York 2017. Photo: Alana Paterson

What’s your favorite camera/lens combo for skate photos and why?
Probably a Nikon f100 and a 38mm lens to 50mm lens. Prime lens though. I’ve never really been into too wide lenses. I kind of like photos to look the way I actually see them before I pick up my camera.

When you’re not shooting photos or skateboarding, where can you be found and how do you spend your time?
You can find me working in my garden or helping out on the farm in Pemberton or out in the gulf island with my dog and boyfriend in our new boat Cape Annie.