Andrew McNeil
Interview with
Please introduce and share a little about yourself.
Hey there, I'm Andrew McNeil. Originally from Kamloops, British Columbia. I now call Ucluelet, on Vancouver Island, home with my partner, Jill. The ocean and the lush green surroundings make it the perfect place for me - it’s so peaceful and calm out here.
I'm really into photography and surfing, and this place is a dream come true for both. I'm lucky to be on traditional Tla-o-qui-aht and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ territory documenting and having fun. I don't exactly label myself a photographer. I'm more like someone who carries a camera (or 3) everywhere to capture my experiences. I primarily shoot 35 mm and 120 film. I love the workflow and results from film but I do dabble occasionally into digital for convenience and my bank account's sake!
That's pretty much me in a nutshell. Also, just a fun fact, my favorite color is red and my lucky number is 20. But hey, I won't spill the beans on my mother’s maiden name or the make of my first car– I’m not sure why everyone keeps asking me that???
When did you first pick up a camera and what caused you to keep at it?
I remember shooting film on my parent's old Canon Sureshot Ace when I was in Elementary school but it was more of a casual thing back then, not a serious hobby. It wasn't until around 2016 that I acquired a Canon DSLR, which, though short-lived, introduced me to the world of photography.
However, it was a personal loss in early 2020 that stirred my commitment. I realized I lacked everyday pictures of my late father. Those casual moments of him mowing the lawn or working on cars were missing. So, I made a decision to buy a camera and weave photography into my daily life.
Fast forward three years, photography has become my unexpected creative outlet, evident from the 50,000+ photos in my Lightroom account. Living in this breathtaking corner of the world definitely helps, alongside my adventurous partner. Jill is constantly pushing me out of my comfort zone, introducing me to backpacking, skiing and so much more (like purchasing fresh herbs??? Who knew this would actually elevate dinner significantly?).
What kind of things did you first photograph?
When I started, I just captured anything and everything. No particular theme, which honestly got frustrating because I wasn't happy with most of my shots. After a lot of trial and error, I found my true passion lay in documenting my adventures – those sweet hikes, sunset surf sessions, and the breathtaking landscapes that come with them.
What came first, photography or surfing?
Photography came before my surfing journey., It’s only been about 3 years since I first surfed and got tossed around in the ocean. Even 5 years ago if you told me I’d be living in Ucluelet and surfing is my favorite sport I would have just laughed (and said Go Canucks).
How did you get into surfing?
During COVID everyone was headed to Tofino, including me. I had been there once in 2018 for work but didn’t even consider surfing - it seemed so foreign to me! I booked a trip with Jill and some friends, and after that first trip Jill and I were addicted (frothing) and started to head to Ucluelet/Tofino every couple of months to surf for a weekend.
What is the best thing about surfing?
For me, the best part of surfing is the calm it brings. It's a time when you're unplugged from phones, screens, and tech. Just you, the ocean, and the moment. It's incredibly refreshing. Catching a fun right feels pretty dang good too.
What is the worst thing about surfing?
Two pet peeves: Jill's triumphant grin as she steals my wave and the cold shock of putting on a wet wetsuit during winter.
Where is one place in the world you would love to surf? Why?
Despite what I said above, I love surfing in cold water with a wetsuit. I’m really keen to check out some less popular surfing destinations like Japan, Iceland and Alaska.
What is the first thing you want to eat after you surf?
Haha now this is the hard-hitting question we’ve been waiting for! Post-surf meal it definitely has to be three Soft & Crunchy tacos from Tacofino with a kombucha to wash it down (and a nap).
