- by Wil McReynolds

This is my origin story. I was born in Owen Sound and lived there until I was 8 or so – and then I moved to Wiarton (well just outside of it).

I resented it so much. I hated it. I was pulled from my friends. I went to a different school ... but then something happened.

As I dived deeper into my misery of being bullied from being the new kid, and my tics were hella bad (Tourettes), and missing my friends – I became reclusive – I started exploring.

I went walking in the woods behind my house and found a pond. Then I found a river. Then I found a lake. I found train tracks, bridges, deer, caves, and just so much more.

My misery opened my eyes to the beauty around us ... and I've never felt at ease unless I can be in nature – especially near the water's edge.

When I say my photos come from the heart I truly mean it. I now have a family, a business, and many friends ... but I needed the meditative power of nature to ease my mind. It got me through. It still does.

If your mind is troubled – get out there for a walk in the woods (ideally on trails so you don't get lost). Take your socks and shoes off and walk in the grass.

Or follow this page and I'll do my best to capture what I see to pass on the feeling as I explore life.

Over 10 years ago I was in a helicopter and went all around the Bruce Peninsula to get a bird's eye view of what I had only viewed from the ground or water.

This is Wiarton. My second hometown and I'm proud to have grown up there.

Wil McReynolds runs a computer vision tech company in Owen Sound, KP9 Interactive, named after "the strongest geomagnetic storm that can disrupt everything on our planet, yet creates a mesmerizing experience", the aurora borealis.  He generously shares his photographs on social media, and limited run prints available from his website.