Best of Calgary is a celebration of the people, places and voices that make Calgary an amazing place to live and call home.

Written by: Kelsey Woods

The one, the only - introducing Calgary’s Best Photographer of 2018: Neil Zeller. If you aren’t familiar with Neil’s work, get ready for stunning photographs of the night sky, wilderness landscapes, our very own Calgary, Alberta or wherever he happens to be visiting at the time. With sharp, crystal-clear, picture-perfect images, Neil shares his life story through photographing his travels, weekends away and daily experiences, whether he’s nearby or countries away. Here’s your chance to see inside Calgary’s best photographer’s life and understand how he managed to snag this title once again.

Neil Zeller

Are you a born and raised Calgarian?

We moved here as newlyweds 22 years ago. We have made our life here and consider ourselves lifelong Calgarians.

What was your dream job growing up? How has this influenced who you are today?

Growing up, I always wanted to be an architect; I pursued this life right up until university. Making a living got in the way and I ended up in countless sales roles for years. I always had a creative side that I wanted to explore and photography became that creative outlet for me before becoming my full-time job!

What is your favourite thing about Calgary?

Definitely the people; specifically the ones who are working to make our city a great place to live, work and raise our families.

If you could describe Calgary in one word, what would it be?

Creative.

What does being a Calgarian mean to you?

Being a true Calgarian means that I am a part of a movement to make the city the best that it can be. I am always trying to show Calgary in its best light and show others they can see our city this way too.

Do you have a favourite watering hole in Calgary?

The Garrison Pub has a great relaxing atmosphere!

What is your favourite Calgary event/ activity or thing to do?

We love GlobalFest and Calgary Expo, along with the wide array of live theatre. We subscribe to a local theatre company and see as many other plays as possible.

Where is the best place to people watch in Calgary?

Stephen Avenue during the Calgary Expo and the riverfront all summer long, particularly the Peace Bridge, East Village and St. Patrick’s Island.

If you were an emoji, what emoji would you be?

The camera, of course.

Tell us about your business, what motivates you to do what you do every day?

My business takes me behind the scenes to all the biggest events happening in Calgary. I get to see the work it takes to move Calgary forward in positive ways while meeting the people making this work. It’s all the motivation I need to do my best work and help tell their stories in the best way I know how!

Connect with Neil here: @neil_zee

Stay tuned to see if Neil can win the title yet again for the 2019 year!