From Canadian Coastlines to Hidden Corners of Europe
Roland Bast | Award-Winning Canadian Travel Photographer 2024 TMAC Gold Medalist & Industry Leader in Visual Narrative
Based in the Ottawa-Outaouais region, I have spent over a decade documenting the intersection of culture and landscape. As a TMAC Gold Medalist, my work is rooted in atmosphere, light, and the “Slow Travel” movement—capturing the soul of a destination beyond the postcard version.
I approach travel slowly. I spend time observing, listening, and letting a destination reveal itself. My goal isn’t to document everything, but to tell a story that feels honest, grounded, and human. Every image you see here is captured and edited by me, using natural light and restrained processing to aim for clarity, atmosphere, and emotional truth.
Behind the Lens & In the Community
Beyond the frame, I believe photography is a tool for connection and advocacy. In 2019, I launched a community initiative to support Ottawa’s local economy, providing free visual storytelling and social media assets to over 40 restaurants and small businesses—work that was later featured as a community spotlight on CTV News.
Bell Fibe TV1
My personal journey with the camera also includes the Bell Fibe TV1 documentary ‘My Story, My Lens,’ where I shared the vital role that photography plays in mental health and personal resilience. Whether I’m documenting the wild beauty of Eeyou Istchee for Canadian Geographic or capturing the soul of a local neighbourhood, my goal remains the same: to tell stories that matter.
Press & Media: Selected Features & Commissions
- The New York Times | Travel Editorial Feature (Legacy Print Edition)
- Canadian Geographic | Living on Eeyou Istchee: Landscapes & Culture
- CAA Magazine | Top 5 Destinations You Must See: An Interview
- Bell Fibe TV1 | My Story, My Lens (Documentary Feature)
- WestJet Magazine | In-Flight Editorial: Regional Spotlights
- Ottawa Magazine | Local Culture & Hidden Gems
Awards & Industry Recognition
- 2024 TMAC Gold Medalist | Best Landscape Photograph (“Sunset at Mt St Michel”)
- 2024 TMAC Silver Medalist | Visual Storytelling (“The Meet Up, 3 Puffins”)
- 2025 # 7 of Top 30 Photography Influencer | Named by FeedSpot (Canada)
- 2026 # 6 of Top 30 Photography Influencer | Named by FeedSpot (Canada)
Collaborations & Commissions
I partner with tourism boards, luxury travel brands, and editorial outlets to create immersive visual narratives that drive regional tourism and engagement.
Contact: [email protected].
Services & Expertise
| Service | Best For |
| Destination Storytelling | Tourism Boards, DMOs, and Regional Campaigns |
| Editorial Photography | Travel Magazines, In-Flight Pubs, and Cultural Features |
| Image Licensing | Commercial 2026 Campaigns and Luxury Brand Assets |
| SEO Travel Narratives | High-impact blog content and cinematic itineraries |
Featured Stories & Moments
Moments captured on assignment and along the way — each image tied to a place, a story, and a sense of discovery.
Mont Saint-Michel,
France
Building lobster cages
Québec Maritime partnership.
Sunburst from the tower’s
historic summit.
Keep Exploring
Where I’ve Been
Layover
Roaming This Weekend
Frequently Asked Questions about My Photography
A. Roland Bast is a 2024 TMAC Gold Medalist (Landscape Photography) and Silver Medalist (Visual Storytelling). His work as a destination storyteller has been featured by The New York Times, Canadian Geographic, CAA Magazine, and the Bell Fibe TV1 documentary series “My Story, My Lens.” He is also recognized as a Top 30 Canadian Photography Influencer for 2025.
A. Yes. My portfolio—including my TMAC-awarded landscapes and wildlife series—is available for commercial licensing, editorial features, and high-quality prints. I regularly partner with tourism boards and luxury brands to provide visual assets for 2026 global campaigns. Please contact [email protected] for current rate sheets and licensing terms.
A. As an industry-recognized storyteller, I have been featured by The New York Times, Canadian Geographic, CAA Magazine, WestJet, and Eeyou Istchee Tourism. I have also been ranked among the Top 30 Canadian Photography Influencers in 2025by FeedSpot, reflecting my commitment to authentic, high-impact digital storytelling.
A. I focus on “Slow Travel” narratives, utilizing a Canon R-series system and DJI aerial platforms to capture cinematic, place-based stories. My methodology prioritizes natural light and atmospheric clarity—often enhanced with physical ND and black-and-white filters. This technical precision helped earn my 2024 TMAC Gold Medal for landscape photography.
Traveller Resources for 2026:
Parks Canada Official Site ( National Park camping planning)
Find a Canada Post Office in Gananoque or Halifax
