A black and white contact sheet showing multiple portrait poses in a studio setting.

Canada in january? why not


I was in a phase of not sleeping very well when I came across this workshop at 3am back in October.

But it was a workshop offered by an amazing photographer (who happens to be color blind! Making him extra amazing at black and whites) named Nathan Elson. He specializes in photographing editorials in studio with a quirky vibe, which is totally my jam lately. It was a couple of easy flights to get there and the weather was amazing considering it's January.


I went a day and a half early to explore and do me until Saturday's workshop. Just what I needed....including the most amazing 2 hour massage and shopping at a very nice mall with no nagging 11 year old with me.

Social media screenshot showing a conversation about life-changing books where someone answers 'my passport' to the question.
A close-up view of a golden-brown omelet filled with mushrooms and cheese served on a white plate with sauce on the side.
Panoramic sequence of a city skyline and parking lot at sunset showing gradual changes in lighting and perspective.
Canadian twenty dollar bills being withdrawn from an ATM machine at a bank.
Three plates of fresh salad served at a restaurant with a Canadian flag visible through the window.
Canadian flag flying against bright blue sky in sequence showing flag waving in the wind.
Person relaxing on white bedding while watching TV with blue screen glow visible in dark room.
A person in black clothing holds up large spotted animal print wings against a gray wall.
A series of five photos showing people working at desks in a modern office space with white walls and gray carpet.
A series of selfies showing people in black clothing smiling at the camera.

1 day workshop


There were 12 of us (and only 3 ladies). We did a couple hours of instruction, then it was all hands-on from there. Three different models were available to us and we had the freedom to just play. Half of the class was from Canada and the other half from outside the country (with the farthest being Brazil!)


It's TOTALLY true that they say 'eh?' at the end of all sentences. I find it adorable.

Three people in black clothing pose together on a white cube in an industrial space with concrete walls and floor.
Black camera lenses arranged in a row on a wooden surface showing a collection of professional photography equipment.
Behind-the-scenes photo shoot setup in a studio with lighting equipment.
Behind the scenes photo shoot series showing dramatic lighting and shadows in a studio setting.
Empty industrial warehouse interior with white walls and concrete floors showing multiple connected spaces.
A black and white photo montage showing silhouettes of people in what appears to be a photography studio or gallery setting.
People gather in a modern building hallway or gallery space with white walls and brick flooring.
Professional photographer in black attire crouches and poses while taking photos in a white studio setting.
A black and white photo series showing people's feet and legs lined up against a wall during what appears to be a photoshoot.
Silhouetted photographers using cameras in black and white, shown in a triptych composition.
A black and white photo of a camera with a telephoto lens being held by a gloved hand.
A moody portrait series showing a figure in a white tank top reclining on a dark chair against a dramatic gray backdrop.
A person in a gray tank top poses against a dark background with dramatic lighting and smoky atmosphere.
Musicians in a recording studio collaborate while working on music production.
A series of connected black and white photos showing people working in a modern office space with white furniture.
Series of dramatic studio portraits with strong side lighting against a white background.
Professional photo shoot in progress at a studio with lighting equipment and white backdrop setup.
Professional photography studio setup showing lighting equipment, reflectors, and camera gear during a photoshoot session.
A sequence of studio photos showing a person in black clothing posing on a white geometric cube against a dark background.
A figure in a black bodysuit poses dramatically against a white wall with angular shadows creating artistic contrast.
Black and white photo of a photography studio setup with lighting equipment and two people during a professional shoot.
A person in black clothing lies on a light floor against a gray background in a minimalist artistic pose.
A sequence of black and white photos showing a person leaning against a brick wall in various poses.
Professional photo studio setup showing lighting equipment, umbrellas, backdrops and camera gear arranged for portrait photography.

little trips feed my soul


Now that I'm traveling solo more, I get the personal growth and gain of it. Although navigating airports and the 'getting to/from part' is WAY more fun with someone else along to commiserate with, I always find peace in the end of knowing I can do it alone.


Can't wait to see where my next photography adventures take me.