“The Complete Picture” is my go at keeping you informed about my love of photography, not because I like writing - I communicate best through my pictures, but because I feel that life is richer if ideas, knowledge and experiences are shared.

I was born in the UK, but moved to Canada in 2006 because my wife and I do that kind of thing, especially when there is a suggestion of a better quality of life for our family, camera equipment is in $ not £ and the wildlife is more exciting with racoons, wolves and skunks to contend with, although hopefully not simultaneously. I share my life with my wife and our two “crystal” boys - number three is on the way! My studio, home and sanctuary is a wonderful hill top house, enjoying 360 degree views over the rural landscape of Prince Edward County, Ontario.

Photography is neither my job, or supercharged hobby, but over the past year or two has rapidly become a kind of total lifestyle. I’ve not always been like this! Before taking a retirement option in 2008, I was an airline pilot for a large international airline, flying passengers all over the world. Since 2006 every twist of fate has diverted me towards where I am now, and where I am almost certainly going.

My personal photography enjoys a broad subject matter, landscapes, aviation, and life in general. I’ve always been fascinated by the way weather patterns control natural light, and the magical experience of divine light exposing a mysterious beauty - revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

In 2007 I was able to start making my own gallery quality prints, and soon found that other people enjoyed them as much as me. Friends, neighbours and loved ones were thrilled to receive one as a gift. Some people asked to buy them too, and although I do not mass produce or commercially market my work, have seen a pleasing number make their way into the lives of others. For more info please click here! If you are not ready to purchase, or I haven’t yet created the image for you, then don’t worry many others are free to enjoy on your monitor !! - Links and info to come soon!

When some folk saw my personal work they asked whether I could take specific images for them, portraits, commercial images or to cover events etc. - alternatively they requested if they could use a “personal image” in their project.

To date I have worked on assignments or supplied images to Globe and Mail, CBC, local media publications, organizations and charities. I recently won a converted Jurors Award at the high quality “Art in the County” exhibition and with the image Roller Coaster a First prize worth $500. I frequently enjoy creating portraits of people, animals and other special objects.

Enjoy your day and thanks for dropping by.

Steven

www.stevendraperphotography.com

“recognizing that each moment of the journey, not the destination, is the prize…..” SD