I was thinking about what I could write for this week's article, wondering what I could say that would inspire and spark ambition in new artists.

Then I thought of the perfect idea, interviewing the most driven and ambition person that I know, who happens to be a Georgian Triangle native. Robin Waters is a 23-year-old photographer from Stayner who is really making a name for herself through her incredible photographs.

Now primarily residing in Toronto, she has been featured in magazines, websites, and blogs on an international level. Her unique and original work proves that vision, imagination, and determination are everything. Robin was kind enough to sit down with me and answer a few questions for the readers.

How long have you been a photographer?

I have been drawn to photography since, forever but I've been doing it as a livelihood for about two years.

What was it that initially got you into it?

I guess what got me into it may or may not have been the box filled with thousands of photos my mom shot with her Pentax SLR from back in the day. My whole life there was always photography present, always a camera around and my mom showed to how to use it, how to play with it. The first thing I ever took a picture of was a wave in Georgian Bay.

What do you love most about taking pictures?

What I love most about taking pictures is catching the moment; I look at it as cheating reality in a way. Life moves quickly and I feel like I am capturing what could be really insignificant moments and turning them into something really special and interesting.

What inspires you?

When you ask me what inspires me it gives me butterflies, because everything inspires me. I'm really intrigued by all things old school, especially the 1960s and 1970s. Even though there are contrasts between the two eras, both appeal to different sides of me. When I think of the '60s, I think of harmonies and soda pop. When I think of the '70s, I think of rebellion, freedom and soul. These things combined with the inspiration of my own experiences, fantasies, and the people I meet I suppose produces a unique and interesting style.

Take me through your process.

The process to my pictures... well to be honest I wing nearly all of my shoots, and the times that I do plan something out, the best shots are always the ones that were unexpected. So I usually have a vision or some sort of vague idea for a shoot, and then I just sort of feel it out and go with it, whatever feels right.

Usually I'll meet a person then picture their life and try and create what I see in my mind, even if it is just based on complete fantasy.

Did you go to school? Or are you self-taught for the most part?

The only education would have been my Grade 11 darkroom class, and I switched from Stayner Collegiate to Jean Vanier just to take it. As far as after high school, I considered taking a major in photography but I really didn't think I would make any money doing it.

I ended up going to Georgian College for Advertising, and by the end of it I had discovered a structured life just was not for me, so I played with photography on the side and eventually found my style.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

That's a crazy question... I really don't know. Hopefully seeing what this world has to offer my lens and inspiring as many people as possible on this planet.

Do you have any advice for the aspiring artists of Georgian Triangle?

The most important thing at this stage in my career is the fact that I never doubted myself. I just went with it, and I still have no idea how I'm going to make a living doing this but it feels right. It is cliché, but I would say do whatever you are passionate about and do it every moment that you can, and eventually the money will chase after you.

Is there anything else you want to mention?

Try and see life through the eyes of a child, never let it lose its magic.

Thank you Robin! Thank you!

I encourage you to check out her website www.robin-waters.comto find out more information about Robin and to see more of her amazing photographs.

- nhayward13@hotmail.com.