Outdoor Portrait Photography
Nanaimo & Vancouver Island
Natural, meaningful portraits for people who live and play in the great outdoors
This is not just a photoshoot!
This is a fully guided outdoor adventure photography experience on Vancouver Island designed for people who feel most themselves in nature and want portraits that feel authentic to who they are.
Who This Experience Is For (and Who It Isn’t)
This may not be the right fit if:
❌ you want heavy retouching or trending styles
❌ you prefer studio posing or artificial lighting
❌ you’re shopping solely on price
❌ you want something rushed
If you’re looking for trendy filters, heavy retouching, or lowest-price-possible photography, this isn’t it.
This experience is for you if you:
✅ feel connected to nature and the wild landscapes of Vancouver Island
✅ want portraits that feel honest and unforced
✅are comfortable investing in meaningful work
✅trust a professional to guide the process
You Feel Most Yourself in Nature. Let’s Capture That!
Vancouver Island has its own kind of magic:
misty forests, rugged coastlines, glowing sunsets, hidden waterfalls.
For my clients, nature isn’t just in the background,
It’s a part of who they are
These outdoor portrait sessions are a great fit for:
travellers wanting to remember an epic trip
couples who love exploring together
individuals craving portraits that reflect who they truly are
fully expressed creatives wanting branding images that stand out
If you feel at home in the great outdoors, you’re in the right place.
Why Traditional Portrait Sessions Don’t Fit Outdoorsy People
(and What Works Instead)
You Don’t Need to Pose, You Just Need to Be Present.
Most people feel awkward the moment a camera comes out.
You worry about how you look… where to put your hands… how to make it feel natural.
Here’s the truth:
You don’t need to perform for the camera. You need a photographer who helps you relax into the moment.
My sessions feel like:
a calm walk through nature
a chance to slow down and breathe
an experience where you feel seen, comfortable, and genuinely yourself
And from that space, the best photographs happen effortlessly.
A Calm, Comfortable Experience Even If You’re Camera-Shy
I guide you every step of the way:
how to move naturally
how to avoid stiff posing
how to create genuine moments
how to feel confident without forcing anything
This review sums it up perfectly:
“My sister and I had such a wonderful experience with Dylan! Neither of us are comfortable in front of the camera, but Dylan was able to make us feel at ease. He offered helpful guidance with posing and somehow managed to capture photos that genuinely reflected our personalities. We absolutely love how the pictures turned out”
- Kelsey G
No pressure. No awkwardness.
Just real moments captured beautifully.
Guided by Experience
I’m Dylan Phillips, an outdoor photographer based in Nanaimo, working throughout Vancouver Island. I’ve been published internationally and have experience working with a wide variety of clients. From tourism boards to the local chamber of commerce, My passion for photography has taken me to some pretty cool places!
For the last decade, I’ve photographed people in the environments that shape this place. Forests, coastlines, waterfalls, quiet trails, and remote locations that can’t be found with a quick search.
My work is built around guiding people through real outdoor experiences, not placing them in front of a camera and asking them to perform.
Real Experience
I approach every session with attention to:
how a location feels at different times of day
how light, weather, and movement affect real people
how to help someone relax naturally outdoors
how to adjust calmly when conditions change
This comes from a lifetime spent outdoors
Local Knowledge
Being based on Vancouver Island means I understand the nuances most visitors don’t see:
when certain locations are quiet or crowded
how coastal weather actually behaves
which environments support calm, unforced sessions
how to choose locations that match personality, not popularity
That local knowledge allows sessions to feel intentional rather than improvised.
Trusted by People Who Value the Experience
Many of the people who book with me are:
travellers visiting Vancouver Island
couples marking meaningful moments
creatives and outdoor-oriented professionals
individuals who want to express their adventurous outdoors lifestyle
They come ready to trust the process, and that trust is what allows the strongest images to be made.
Why This Matters For You
This experience works because it’s guided by:
time spent outdoors
an understanding of people, not posing
calm leadership in changing conditions
respect for place and moment
That combination allows you to relax, be present, and walk away with images that actually reflect who you are.
What Makes My Work Different?
✅ Fully Guided Outdoor Experience
You are guided throughout the session so you never feel unsure, awkward, or forced.
Benefit: You relax faster and look like yourself without trying.
✅ Unrushed Session Design
Sessions are designed with enough time to settle in and let moments happen naturally.
Benefit: Your portraits feel lived-in instead of rushed.
✅ Intentional Location Planning
Locations across Vancouver Island are selected based on mood, comfort level, and the story you want to tell.
Benefit: The environment supports the story instead of distracting from it.
✅ Planning and Logistics Support
Guidance on timing, locations, light, outfits, and travel expectations.
Benefit: You show up calm, prepared, and confident.
✅ Local Vancouver Island Knowledge
I know hidden spots, quiet beaches, and off-the-path locations.
Benefit: Your session feels like a mini-adventure with a photographer who knows the land.
✅ Natural, Timeless Editing
Real skin texture. Honest colour.
I don’t believe in over-editing, smoothing, or trendy filters.
Benefit: Your photos look like you, not an Instagram effect.
✅ Authentic Storytelling
Your session isn’t about performing, it’s about feeling.
Benefit: The real laughs, the quiet moments, the in-between energy… that’s where the magic is.
✅ Adventure-Friendly Approach
Rain, fog, cliffs, caves, forest trails, golden beaches: I’m here for it all.
Benefit: A one of a kind experience and a photo set that perfectly illustrates the story.
All of these features exist for one reason:
to create an experience where you feel present, comfortable, and connected to the environment
Client Stories
Cliffside Adventure Portraits on Gabriola Island
Kelsey - El Paso, Texas
When Kelsey first reached out to me she described an image in her mind that she wanted to bring to life while visiting Vancouver Island:
“There is a song called Ends of the Earth by Lord Huron that I absolutely love. Whenever I hear the song I see myself standing on the cliff side looking out onto a body of water. I don't know if that is something that can be done on Vancouver Island..”
I knew exactly the place but it wasn’t on Vancouver Island. Kelsey came all the way from El Paso, Texas to meet me at a majestic cliff side on Gabriola Island. With her vision and my local knowledge we were able to craft exactly the portrait in her mind.
Hidden Waterfall at Sombrio Beach Surprise Wedding Proposal Portraits
Brian & Kleanza - Raleigh, North Carolina
Brian entrusted me to capture a once in a lifetime experience and one of the coolest surprise proposals I’ve had the privilege of shooting:
“I’m visiting my girlfriend’s family on the island and I’m planning on proposing at the hidden waterfall at Sombrio beach. I was wondering if you could capture the proposal (possibly hiding for the shot).”
Visiting from North Carolina, Brian and Kleanza braved the rain and fog to see the not-so-secret waterfall at Sombrio Beach. I waited in the shadows and heavy west coast rain to capture this emotional moment, and let me tell you, her face when she realized what was happening was priceless! Just as we returned to the beach to capture some engagement photos we were rewarded with a break in the rain and some beautiful afternoon light that made for some gorgeous portraits!
Creative Branding Portraits at Cowichan River
Jess - Vancouver
When Jess messaged me about getting some branding photos for her business social channels I knew right away that she was the perfect fit for my Wild Portrait Sessions:
“My brand is all about enhancing natural beauty, not major glam styles. I’d love some photos of me in nature to showcase that side of me to clients!”
The always exciting film industry brought Jess to Vancouver Island for a short work trip. We found time in her hectic schedule to spend a couple of hours at one of my favourite Cowichan River spots. Jess settled into the slower pace and beautiful scenery and we captured some fantastic portraits as a result!
Each of these clients brought their own story.
Ready to tell yours?
The Wild Portrait Experience
A meaningful, nature-immersed portrait session that feels like an adventure, a story, and a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
You’ll walk away with:
authentic portraits that feel like YOU
a powerful story captured in wild places
a calm, guided, grounded experience
a meaningful chapter documented forever
images connected to nature, emotion, and identity
**This isn’t a studio session or a stiff photoshoot.
It’s an intentional adventure into the wild places of Vancouver Island — where you relax, connect, explore, and let the real moments unfold.
I guide you fully, help you feel comfortable, and capture the kind of portraits that feel real, grounded, and deeply meaningful.**
Bonus Print Credit: Turn Your Images Into Art You Can Touch
Times sure have changed.
Most photos today never leave a hard drive.
All of my Wild Portrait Sessions include a credit towards prints from your session. I want to make it easy for you to turn your meaningful images into something physical whether a framed print, a piece of wall art, or an album you’ll cherish for years to come.
Prints are available to order through your online gallery upon delivery.
Your Experience Includes:
✔ Free pre-booking consultation
✔ Planning call / messaging
✔ Location selection tailored to your vision
✔ Travel across Nanaimo + surrounding areas
✔ Outfit + styling guidance
✔ Online gallery of professionally edited images
✔ Lifetime usage rights for personal use
✔ A calm, grounded, meaningful experience
✔ Bonus print credit
Investment
Pricing starts at $599.99 beginning with The Wild Essentials Package
The Wild Essentials Portrait Session
For people who want something real, simple, and intentional.
This is a focused outdoor session designed to ease you into the experience without feeling rushed or overwhelming. It’s ideal if you want thoughtful portraits in a single location while still benefiting from a calm, guided approach.
What this includes:
Free pre-booking consultation
Full planning support and location consultation
One location within the Nanaimo Area
A 60 minute guided outdoor session
20 professionally edited images
Bonus $25 print Shop credit
$599
*Please note: Locations outside of the Nanaimo area and locations that require extended travel time between them, or involve separate regional areas, may be subject to additional travel fees
Limited Availability
I only take on a limited number of Wild Portrait Experiences each month.
I’m intentional about this. It’s important to me that all of my clients receive my full attention, especially through the action packed Vancouver Island summer season.
Every session requires planning, scouting, communication, and careful editing.
Because of that:
I cap bookings at 4–6 sessions per month.
This ensures:
I can scout the right location for you
I’m not rushing edits
You get a relaxed, intentional experience
Each session gets my full attention
Seasonal demand fills up fast.
Especially:
Spring & Summer (travel season)
Fall (busy portrait season + ideal weather)
Weekends year-round
Some months book out far in advance, and popular adventure-location sessions (Gabriola, Sombrio, Port Renfrew, Tofino) have the lowest availability.
If you’re considering booking, I recommend securing a consultation early.
It doesn’t commit you to anything — it simply holds your place in my calendar so you’re not stuck waiting until next season.
Common Questions
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No. My outdoor portrait sessions are designed around movement, comfort, environment, and natural interaction.
I guide you throughout the session so you feel comfortable without having to think about posing. Most people relax quickly once we start moving through the landscape.
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You’re exactly the kind of client I work with most.
Many people who book outdoor portraits feel most themselves in nature but aren’t used to being photographed. That’s completely fine. The session is built around creating a calm, grounded experience where the focus is on being present rather than “looking a certain way.”
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Comfort always comes first.
I provide simple outfit guidance before your session to help you choose clothing that moves well, feels natural, and fits the environment. You don’t need anything fancy — pieces you feel good in almost always photograph best outdoors.
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Location choice is based on how you want the session to feel, not just how a place looks in photos.
Some people feel most at home along the coast, others in the forest or near waterfalls. I help match locations to your personality, comfort level, and story — whether that’s close to Nanaimo or farther out on Vancouver Island.
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Moody or overcast weather often creates some of the best outdoor portraits.
Soft light, mist, and changing weather can add atmosphere and depth to images. Light rain or wind is rarely a problem, and I’ll guide you if adjustments are needed. We only reschedule in cases of unsafe conditions.
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That depends on the experience you choose.
Short sessions run about an hour, while longer adventure-based sessions allow for more exploration and variety. I’ll recommend a session length based on what you’re looking for and how much time you want to spend in the environment.
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No. My editing approach is natural and timeless.
I focus on preserving real skin tones, natural colors, and the feeling of the environment. The goal is for your photos to look like you — not an Instagram filter.
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Yes!
For locations that require travel, ferry rides, or longer drives, I help plan timing, access, and expectations so the experience feels smooth and unrushed. Adventure sessions are planned carefully to keep things enjoyable.
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Outdoor portrait sessions range based on the experience, time, and travel involved.
Sessions begin at $599, with most clients choosing a more immersive experience. Full details are provided clearly before booking so there are no surprises.
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These sessions are ideal for people who value:
nature and time outdoors
meaningful experiences
authenticity over perfection
portraits that reflect personality and place
If that sounds like you, you’ll feel right at home.
The Comfort Guarantee
If you don’t feel comfortable and relaxed within the first 15 minutes, we’ll stop, reset, and shift locations or approaches until it feels right.
You won’t ever be left feeling awkward or unsure.
Ready to tell your story?
If you feel at home in the outdoors and want portraits that reflect that part of your life, this experience was designed for you.
Let’s start planning!
Click the button and schedule your free consultation with me.