Lilo Binakaj, MPA (Master of Photographic Arts)
Nationally Accredited Professional Photographer
Creating images is my passion. It is my life!
It is what I live for….!
This passion was ignited over 30 years ago when I took my first photograph and discovered that my life and my passion coincided.
My journey to become a professional photographer began in 1979 in Split, Croatia, where I took my first photography course and experimented with my first roll of black and white film. From that roll of film, one image was chosen for Split’s annual photography exhibition. Later on, I enrolled in the advanced photography course where the studies of light and composition were the foundation of the course.
After graduating from the advanced photography course, I continued my studies and entered the world of photojournalism and fine art photography. Here I discovered my ultimate passion: the power of an image
to transcend words and its ability to make a difference in the world.
Throughout my career, I have been privileged to photograph many special moments in people’s lives.
This includes personal and business portraits, various areas of commercial photography, as well as politicians, artists, Olympic athletes, weddings, family life, and even loved ones who have just passed away. After 30 years of learning, while also producing world-class images, I feel that I had reached the point of wanting to give something back – as a photographic instructor. In 2007, I started teaching at the Pacific Design Academy in Victoria, where my classes became one of the most popular courses.
In 2003, I became actively involved with PPOC (Professional Photographers of Canada). Since then, I have participated in numerous conventions and professional salon competitions at the provincial and national levels, as well as a large number of professional photography courses. I have also taught many courses.
I take pride in having received life-long credentials as well as numerous national and international awards for photography such as:
- MPA (Master of Photographic Arts) at the 2013 PPOC (Prof. Photographers of Canada) Convention
- Photographer of the Year finalist – PPOC-BC – 2012 and 2013
- Best in Photojournalistic Wedding category – PPOC-BC – 2009, 2012 and 2013
- Best in Class – Industrial – PPOC-BC – 2010
- Nikon Award of Excellence at the PPABC convention – 2007 and 2008
- IPA (International Photography Awards) Los Angeles, CA – 2007 – Five Honourable Mentions
- International Colour Awards – Master in Colour – 2006
- Best in Experimental/Unclassified category – PPOC – 2005
I own and operate Lilo Photodesign with a large designated studio in Nanaimo, BC. I specialize in both family and business studio photography and on-location portraiture and commercial photography such as: food products, floral, industrial products, events, fashion and more. Lilo’s Photodesign photographic services are offered on Vancouver Island, from Victoria to Campbell River as well as Vancouver and throughout the Sunshine Coast.
