Hello there! My name is Kiefer Ortuoste, pronounced or-toos-tay, (just because it's always mispronounced), and this is #MyCanada.
I’m 18 years old and I was born in Toronto and raised in Markham, and my story begins around five years ago when I got my first camera phone. I always had an interest in art and graffiti and cool photos, then when I got my first camera phone, I was quickly introduced to photography and documenting, and I was immediately hooked. I constantly took photos of everything that inspired me; it was like an addiction. Recently, I’ve become a lot more serious and it’s something that I am truly passionate about.
"The more I find myself in Toronto the more the support grows."
Currently, I lack two things from growing as an individual in the field: opportunity and support. I’ve tried to tackle any opportunity that comes my way, but it just hasn't come by that much. Through all the hardships, the disappointments, the “plateaus”, and the rejection, my love for my passion and my love for my city continuously gives me the motivation to continue down this path. The more I find myself in Toronto the more the support grows. More have helped and joined me on my journey. I search for connections with others because I care about people and their stories and being Canadian has helped me build those connections.
"To chase your passion is to find your gifts, your purpose, and utilizing it in the world."
The concept of chasing your passion is so simple, yet it seems so complicated. To chase your passion is to find your gifts, your purpose, and utilizing it in the world for a greater good, not just personal gain. I hope to inspire and motivate people to chase their passion through my photography, while making meaningful connections in the community, join me!