Photographer Paul Bride is often seen scaling the Stawamus Chief, three ropes on the go and camera in hand.
Renowned for his adventure images - most notably his epic climbing shots - Bride is opening The Paul Bride Gallery on Third Avenue to showcase some other genres in which he also excels.
"This [gallery] is more an arts side to photography, which I do enjoy as well," he said.
Bride's newest exhibit represents a new direction for the self-taught photographer who transforms his passion for travel and landscapes into fine art.
After two years spent roaming the globe, Bride unveils "The Elements," a retrospective of travel photography depicting the world's most hostile and powerful natural forces - forces most naked eyes will never dare to see.
"My vision is to show the four strongest elements - water, fire, desert, and ice - that have shaped our planet individually, but also how they share an over-powering connection between them," says Bride.
Capturing these elements photographically was an arduous process, and one that required patience, persistence, creativity and perfect timing.
Bride travelled to Teahupoo, Tahiti on a few hours notice to capture one of the heaviest waves on the planet generated by open ocean swells building up immense momentum before smashing into the coral reef.
He travelled north to Ilulissat, Greenland and shot the largest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere.
"After two weeks spent alone in Greenland, with 24-hour sunlight, it actually made me start talking to myself - as well as answering," said Bride.
He survived the penetrating heat in Sossusvlei, Namibia, home to the largest sand dunes and oldest desert on record, with no sustainable water source for 55 million years. It boasts the largest sand dunes in the world, some as high as 300 metres.
He went to Kilauea, Hawaii where the planet's most active volcano erupts. Kilauea means "spewing" or "much spreading" in the Hawaiian language, referring to its frequent outpouring of lava.
Bride spent many dangerous nights trekking to off-limits areas near the volcano.
"I am always looking for a physical and mental adventure with my camera. My inspiration comes from turning a mental image into a finished photograph composed of clean lines and natural light," Bride said.
"Photography allows me to travel with a purpose, and when I combine creativity and adventure, I can take my images to another level."
He said he envisions different exhibits every few months for his gallery as well as a section for local artists to display their art or rent out the space.
The public is invited to share in Bride's accomplishment at a special open house gala at the gallery Sept. 10 from 6 to 11 p.m.
"I'm inviting people to come down, have a glass of wine and take in the art as well," he said.
"The Elements" will be on display at the Paul Bride Gallery, 37864 Third Ave. from Sept. 10 to 30. The exhibit will be open daily from 2 to 9 p.m. or by appointment. For information call 604-898-3638 or email [email protected].
