{"id":81880,"date":"2018-01-04T08:15:00","date_gmt":"2018-01-04T08:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flytographedev.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/flytographers-top-10-startup-moments-of-2017\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T23:20:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T07:20:40","slug":"flytographers-top-10-startup-moments-of-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flyphotoprod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/flytographers-top-10-startup-moments-of-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"Flytographer\u2019s Top 10 Startup Moments of 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"
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2017 was a big year for Flytographer \u2013 our team at HQ and abroad grew, we captured more vacation memories than ever before, and we received exciting awards and acknowledgements sprinkled throughout the year. Below, we are excited to share our top startup moments from the past year!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Our Muse: Solo Traveler Melany<\/h2>\n

Every day at the Flytographer office, we have the privilege of seeing gorgeous galleries come in that touch our hearts and fill us with joy and wanderlust. When we saw Melany\u2019s photos we couldn\u2019t help but be captivated and inspired by her unmistakable joie de vivre<\/em>!<\/p>\n

\u201cMy husband died five years ago. I\u2019m 57 and all my friends have partners. I was tired of waiting for someone to be free or interested in travelling with me, so I decided to go alone. I went to Amsterdam to see tulips and windmills. Every single day, I went where my curiosity led me. I saw centuries-old churches, famous paintings, and, yes, tulips and windmills! When I\u2019m an old woman in a nursing home, I will look at these photos and remember my bliss.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Melany<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Flytographer: Sylvia in Amsterdam<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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STARTUP 50 \u2013 Top in Canada<\/h2>\n

In 2013, Nicole Smith founded Flytographer, planning photo shoots around her full-time job from her home in Victoria, BC. Starting with three photographers in three cities, she spent many sleepless nights building the business one shoot at a time. Fast forward to 2017, and Flytographer now has a team of 400 photographers in over 200 cities worldwide, with tens of thousands of customers capturing their vacation memories in each of them. We\u2019re excited that PROFIT<\/em> and Canadian Business<\/em> named Flytographer as one of the STARTUP50 and the fastest growing consumer services startup in Canada<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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200th Destination Milestone<\/h2>\n

This past summer, Flytographer added the historical French city of Lyon<\/a> to our global list, crossing the city mark to 200! We\u2019re confident Lyon will be a favourite Flytographer destination, with its world-famous chefs (look out Paris!) and UNESCO world heritage site status \u2013 not to mention offering quick access to beautiful Provence and the French Alps. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n\"\"<\/span>Flytographer: Leo in Lyon<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
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Garden Games<\/h2>\n

2017 was a year of exponential growth for Flytographer as we reached 400 photographers globally and doubled our staff at HQ to 17. What better way to celebrate than with the launch of our first annual garden soiree filled with lawn games, an al fresco dinner and fabulously fashionable summertime attire?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n\"\"<\/span>Flytographer: Stephanie in Victoria<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
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Movin\u2019 on Up with Lazaridis<\/h2>\n

On the heels of achieving STARTUP 50 status in Canada, Flytographer was chosen as one of ten companies to join Wilfrid Laurier University\u2019s Lazaridis Scale-UP Program<\/a> \u2013 an initiative aimed at scaling our company globally. High-potential companies like Flytographer are paired with some of the most successful tech mentors and experts, with the intent on developing fearless entrepreneurs and driving massive growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Flytographer Johnny\u2019s 100th Proposal<\/h2>\n

There is a reason why so many love stories are set in the Big Apple. With countless iconic landmarks \u2013 from Central Park to Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central Station \u2013 it\u2019s the perfect destination to propose. For our NYC photographer Johnny, this past July marked the 100th time he captured the big question! Here are a few of Johnny\u2019s favourite moments (and yes, they all said YES!).<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve photographed proposals at sunrise, sunset, and every hour in between; in the rain, snow, blistering hot and freezing cold; on a gondola, horse-drawn carriage, and even in a helicopter hovering over the Manhattan skyline. I\u2019ve posed as a tour guide, a treasure hunt operator, and often just a friendly local to help get closer for the big moment. I\u2019ve made lasting friendships with many of the couples and feel so fortunate to have taken part in such a significant moment for all of them. I can\u2019t wait to see what the next 100 brings!\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Johnny<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n\"\"<\/span>Flytographer: Johnny in NYC<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
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Visit from the Dragons<\/h2>\n

It was nearly three years ago that our Founder and CEO Nicole Smith appeared on CBC\u2019s Dragons\u2019 Den (the Canadian version of Shark Tank), pitching the concept of Flytographer. She may have turned down the Dragons\u2019 offer, but CBC couldn\u2019t resist coming back this year to take a sneak peek at what we\u2019ve been up to at Flytographer HQ since the show aired.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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