< Back E.J.R Hardy Blog Writer As a blog writer for PhotoVibe, E.J. Hardy highlights his remarkable 33-year tenure in the Canadian Armed Forces. He has excelled in roles as both a Non-Commissioned Member and a Commissioned Officer, contributing to the Regular and Reserve Force across branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Joint Environments. His extensive experience encompasses various levels of command, including the Tactical, Operational, and Strategic, and includes domestic and international deployments. Throughout his journey, he has solemnly participated in laying comrades to rest with the Honor Guard, providing support to grieving families during repatriations and funerals, and confronting the harsh realities of losing colleagues. His service has brought him into life-threatening situations, including encounters with enemy soldiers and facing the menacing presence of firearms. Despite these challenges and sacrifices, E.J. Hardy bears no regrets about his military service. He has had the privilege of exploring the world and experiencing its diverse facets. His unwavering commitment is underscored by his pension, and the enduring love and support of his family have played a pivotal role throughout his journey. The "Soldier's Book of Poems" reflects the profound emotional toll of his service, with his family providing unwavering support.

< Back Dre Erwin Founder, Primary Care Nurse, Children's Book Author Dre Erwin, a former Canadian Armed Forces member and dedicated primary care nurse, has been an inspirational figure in the realm of mental health support. His passion for therapeutic photography and youth well-being has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition. Notably, Dre Erwin authored the children's book "The Little Boy Who Found Happiness in the Most Unusual Place" in both English and Cree, achieving a remarkable feat by landing in Canada's top ten bestsellers for two consecutive weeks. Beyond his literary success, Dre's work in therapeutic photography has left an indelible mark. He gained national recognition as the central figure in the CBC award-winning documentary "A New Lens on Life." This documentary showcased his pioneering efforts to utilize photography as a tool for communication and healing among youth dealing with mental health challenges. Dre's journey has also received substantial support from influential organizations. The Union of Nurses and his college recognized his innovative approach to nursing in remote Saskatchewan. In a compelling commercial and documentary "On The Front Lines of Rural and Remote Health Care", they highlighted his dedication to enhancing the lives of those he serves. dreerwinphotography@gmail.com 1-306-690-4554

Explore our Equip & Donate initiative, where you can support by donating gently used camera equipment and cell phones. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of Métis and First Nations youth in Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada. < Back Empower Through Giving: Equip & Donate Update Jan 11, 2024 Dre Erwin Explore our Equip & Donate initiative, where you can support by donating gently used camera equipment and cell phones. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of Métis and First Nations youth in Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada. Stay connected with our latest news! We're excited to share updates on our ongoing initiative, "Empower Through Giving: Equip & Donate." Your generous contributions of gently used camera equipment and cell phones play a pivotal role in supporting our mission to empower youth through the transformative art of photography. This initiative specifically benefits Métis and First Nations youth in Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada , providing them with valuable tools for creative expression and community engagement. Join us in making a lasting impact on these young lives, fostering opportunities for self-discovery and growth. Explore how you can be a part of this meaningful journey. Previous Next Chase the Lights with Me Get my latest camera settings, aurora alerts, and behind-the-scenes updates Subscribe Thanks for subscribing to our Newsletter

Journey through our portfolio, 'Healing Horizons,' and embark on a visual exploration of healthcare in remote and rural regions. These images and stories capture the dedicated individuals who bridge gaps and provide care where it's needed most. From breathtaking landscapes to inspiring human connections, our portfolio showcases the untold narratives of compassion, perseverance, and hope in healthcare's distant frontiers. Healing Horizons: A Rural and Remote Healthcare Journey Client: Dre Erwin Year: Journey through our portfolio, 'Healing Horizons,' and embark on a visual exploration of healthcare in remote and rural regions. These images and stories capture the dedicated individuals who bridge gaps and provide care where it's needed most. From breathtaking landscapes to inspiring human connections, our portfolio showcases the untold narratives of compassion, perseverance, and hope in healthcare's distant frontiers. Previous Next Kanika Starr I love seeing Dre Erwin's beautiful pictures of the northern lights, so relaxing Mike Natomagan It's amazing what people can do when they put their mind to it Jessica Lynne Sinkewicz Dre's photography always jumps out at me as Im scrolling through the facebook! The imagry and colors are always spectacular. He captures the beauty in the world, that so often gets overlooked. Rora Love I love your photos! Makes me miss home

We are currently witnessing the most intense auroral activity in over two decades < Back "Stay grounded. Keep looking up." Dec 23, 2025 We are currently witnessing the most intense auroral activity in over two decades (that's what they are saying anyways) According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, Solar Cycle 25 is peaking right now, with high sunspot numbers and frequent X-class solar flares expected to continue through 2026. This "Solar Maximum" is a rare window where the Aurora Borealis is visible at mid-latitudes, including the northern United States, the UK, and Central Europe. No matter what, just another excuse to go outside and spend your time looking into the sky - not a bad way to spend an evening! https://www.dreerwinphoto.com/post/northern-lights-guide-2025-2026-the-ultimate-solar-maximum-viewing-photography-manual Previous Next Chase the Lights with Me Get my latest camera settings, aurora alerts, and behind-the-scenes updates Subscribe Thanks for subscribing to our Newsletter

Exciting news from the field! Thanks to the generosity of a local teacher, we've just received a fantastic donation of cell phones for our youth programs. < Back Sandy Bay Update: New Donations and Summer Coordination Fueling Youth Well-Being Initiatives Jun 23, 2026 Dre Erwin Exciting news from the field! Thanks to the generosity of a local teacher, we've just received a fantastic donation of cell phones for our youth programs. These devices will be key to supporting our therapeutic photography and sports mentorship initiatives, with Kim Dave , our summer programming coordinator, leading the charge. We're gearing up for a big launch for the summer, so stay tuned for more updates as we put these tools into action for our community! How You Can Help: I’ll be honest—one nurse and a pile of donated gear can't do this alone. This program only works if the community steps up to protect and support our youth. If this initiative helps even just one kid, it’s worth it, but we need backup. To Volunteer: We need adults to step up for the photography club, sports sessions, and summer events. If you can give some time, contact Kim Dave or reach out directly to the school to get involved. To Donate Gear: If you have functional gear or cell phones to contribute, contact me directly . Let's work together with the school to make this happen for our youth. Previous Next Chase the Lights with Me Get my latest camera settings, aurora alerts, and behind-the-scenes updates Subscribe Thanks for subscribing to our Newsletter

People see my photos of the Aurora and they see beauty. But what they don’t always see is the impact. < Back Breaking the Silence: Why We Chase the Light 🌌 Dec 25, 2025 Dre Erwin People see my photos of the Aurora and they see beauty. But what they don’t always see is the impact. Over and over again, I have sat with youth in the North who have carried weights no child should bear. Repeatedly, I’ve had kids look at me and say the words they were too afraid to tell anyone else—about their struggles, their emotions, and their thoughts of suicide. In many cultures, we are taught to keep those feelings locked away. We are taught that silence is strength. I am here to tell you that silence is a lie. I know this because photography helped me first. It gave me a way to process the world when words weren't enough. Now, I see it happening in Sandy Bay and beyond. When these kids get behind a lens, they aren't just taking a picture; they are finding a way to speak. They are finding a reason to stay. Therapeutic Photography isn't just a hobby for me—it is a lifeline. If it can help me, and if it can help these kids find their voice after years of silence, it can help anyone. This Christmas, I’m in Regina for a moment, but my mission is louder than ever. We will not be silenced. We will keep using the light of the North to pierce the darkness of the unspoken. To the kids who think no one is listening: I see you. The light sees you. Keep holding on. Previous Next Chase the Lights with Me Get my latest camera settings, aurora alerts, and behind-the-scenes updates Subscribe Thanks for subscribing to our Newsletter

Enhancing Accessibility & Introducing Nikaya's Journey < Back New Additions to Our Site: Dec 22, 2023 Enhancing Accessibility & Introducing Nikaya's Journey We're thrilled to announce two exciting updates on our website! First, we've enhanced our commitment to inclusivity with a dedicated accessibility section, ensuring a seamless experience for all our visitors. Additionally, we're proud to introduce a special section chronicling Nikaya , the beloved Samoyed who graced the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis, captivating audiences across Canada. Discover Nikaya's enchanting adventures and explore the beauty of the Northern Lights through her charming lens Previous Next Chase the Lights with Me Get my latest camera settings, aurora alerts, and behind-the-scenes updates Subscribe Thanks for subscribing to our Newsletter

In a world cluttered with artificial noise and generated perfection, there is a quiet power in simply being present. While others spend tonight dreaming of miracles, we spend it standing in one. A moment of truth, breath, and Métis/First Nations presence under a real sky. No filters, no prompts—just the land as it has always been. < Back The Real Miracle Dec 24, 2025 In a world cluttered with artificial noise and generated perfection, there is a quiet power in simply being present. While others spend tonight dreaming of miracles, we spend it standing in one. A moment of truth, breath, and Métis/First Nations presence under a real sky. No filters, no prompts—just the land as it has always been. Previous Next Chase the Lights with Me Get my latest camera settings, aurora alerts, and behind-the-scenes updates Subscribe Thanks for subscribing to our Newsletter

Become a part of the PhotoVibe team! < Back Volunteer Opportunities for Blog Writers, Web Designers, and Community Moderators Jan 5, 2024 Dre Erwin Become a part of the PhotoVibe team! We're seeking dedicated individuals passionate about blogging, web design, and community moderation. If you're interested in contributing your skills and fostering a positive online space, apply now to be a part of our vibrant community. Apply now Previous Next Chase the Lights with Me Get my latest camera settings, aurora alerts, and behind-the-scenes updates Subscribe Thanks for subscribing to our Newsletter

Interested in learning more about the healing power of photography, or do you have questions? Contact us today for more information and discover the transformative effects. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and help you explore the many ways photography can enhance your life. Contact For General Information, Contact: Dre Erwin 319 Sangster Blv Regina Saskatchewan, Canada 1-306-690-4554 dreerwinphotography@gmail.com Availability: As a specialized service, consultations and phone calls are available by appointment only. Inquiry Response: We check and respond to emails and contact forms daily. You can expect a personalized reply within 1-2 business days. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Collaborate with Dre Erwin: Therapeutic Photography Workshops & Speaking Engagements Healthcare professionals, educators, and professional associations interested in exploring therapeutic photography, seeking public speaking engagements, workshops, or further information regarding the creation and implementation of therapeutic photography clubs or organizations, please feel free to reach out. I am passionate about sharing insights, facilitating workshops, and collaborating on initiatives that promote mental wellness and creative expression through therapeutic photography. Whether you're looking to integrate these concepts into your practice, organize workshops, or establish clubs within your community, I am here to provide guidance, support, and expertise. For inquiries, speaking engagements, or workshop requests, please contact me via email at dreerwinphotography@gmail.com . I look forward to the possibility of collaborating and fostering mental health resilience together. Email Teaching Therapeutic Photography Empowering Through Visual Expression Explore Now

​As many of you know, my journey as a photographer has always been about more than just capturing the Northern Lights; it’s about the people and the spirit of the North. On June 8th, I will be returning to Sandy Bay, SK, to resume my role as a Primary Care Nurse.... ​ < Back From the Lens to the Court: Supporting Youth in Sandy Bay May 7, 2026 Dre Erwin As many of you know, my journey as a photographer has always been about more than just capturing the Northern Lights; it’s about the people and the spirit of the North. On June 8th, I will be returning to Sandy Bay, SK, to resume my role as a Primary Care Nurse.... While I am excited to get back to the clinic, I’ve recently learned about a heartbreaking reality facing the First Nations and Métis youth in the community. The Reality on the Ground Right now, the students in Sandy Bay are trying to stay active and learn sports like pickleball, but they are doing so with almost nothing. Because of a lack of equipment, they are currently practicing with balloons and old rackets. Even more difficult to hear is that many of these kids do not own indoor gym shoes. They are sharing runners—literally waiting for a friend to finish their turn so they can borrow a pair of sneakers just to step onto the gym floor. As a nurse, I know how vital physical activity is for their mental and physical health, and it breaks my heart to see them sidelined by a lack of basic gear. How You Can Help Before I head north, I am on a mission to fill my truck with gear. I am looking for donations of: Gently used indoor sneakers/runners (All youth and adult sizes). Pickleball equipment (Paddles, balls, and portable nets). This isn't just for the youth; it's also a way for us healthcare workers at the clinic to stay active and connect with the community we serve. Get In Touch If you have equipment or shoes sitting in your closet that you no longer use, please reach out to me directly: Email me: dreerwinphoto@gmail.com Message me on Facebook: Dre Erwin Photography Contact Form: www.dreerwinphoto.com/contact I am happy to coordinate pick-ups in the Regina area until the first week of June. Thank you for helping me bring more than just a camera back to the North. Let’s get these kids on the court! — Dre Erwin, RNAAP P.S. I have also applied for a $10,000 suicide prevention grant to support these efforts. We are staying hopeful that we can bring even more resources to the community soon! Previous Next Chase the Lights with Me Get my latest camera settings, aurora alerts, and behind-the-scenes updates Subscribe Thanks for subscribing to our Newsletter