While you won’t find me at the gym or participating in many (any?) sports, there is an excellent chance we could run into each other walking one day. It doesn't matter whether I’m out for a morning stroll with a coffee and a podcast, taking in the sensory overload of a new city, or listening to the sounds of nature while on a hike, I love getting my steps. I will admit, however, that while driving is my favourite mode of transportation, I’m usually only behind the wheel to get to a place I intend to explore on foot, usually with my camera in tow.

When I was first starting out in the film industry as a camera trainee, I learned to walk with my head down; hustle and intention in my steps. I would look busy enough that unless something was urgent, no one cared where I was going or what I was up to. It was assumed that I had a reason for moving with such expediency, and no one ever questioned it.

During an Antarctic Expedition in 2023, unbeknownst to me, people noticed that as I walked the decks of the ship, its interior corridors, and especially during the “all hands on deck” challenge of navigating the buffet line in rough seas, I maintained forward progress. On our first day, when it was calm, someone in our group inexplicably chose tables at the front of the ship, which became our go-to dining area. Six to eight-meter swells while we eat at the bow? Someone owes me a dinner or two! Nonetheless, I always arrived at my destination - how I felt after is another story. During dinner on the last night of the voyage, it was brought to my attention that I walked with a sense of purpose. I beamed with pride.

When thinking of a name for my blog/newsletter, and knowing my Gemini tendencies, I like the duality “Walks With Purpose” provides. It is both rhyme, reason, and a less nefarious double-entendre. “Walks With Purpose” is a place where I can share stories of my journey through life with you. Through tales of my travels, photography tips, workshops, and random musings, I am so excited to share my story with you.

A long-awaited fantasy.
Portraiture Aaron Von Hagen Portraiture Aaron Von Hagen

A long-awaited fantasy.

With the release of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Amy (@queenamydalcosplay) and I created a set of images featuring Aerith Gainsborough, with downtown Vancouver standing in as Wall Market.

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Falling for the Rockies.
Aaron Von Hagen Aaron Von Hagen

Falling for the Rockies.

I took my new truck on a road trip to the Rockies to see the colours of the leaves as they changed. I was not disappointed.

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