I’ve followed Tia on TikTok and Instagram for a while now. I stumbled upon her incredible voice and then became completely wrapped up in her approachable and engaging Indigenous culture videos. Tia, who is both Cree and Salish, has a way of educating and bringing awareness to her roots that has deeply impacted me. Her stunning jingle dresses, which she handmakes with her mom, are traditional regalia that she wears to dance at Pow Wows. When I approached Tia and asked if she would be interested in a photoshoot, I was overjoyed when she suggested wearing her regalia. We ventured out in Golden Ears Park on a winter morning and were treated to the most jaw-dropping fog and light rays I’ve ever seen. The following images are some of my favorite ones I’ve ever taken. Thank you, Tia, for the honour of photographing you and documenting your beauty and strength.
Natoya // Portraits
Time spent with Natoya leaves me wiser and joyful. Natoya is an artist, blogger, and runs her own vintage shop (while completing her art degree and being an incredible mom to her son). You can check out her incredible artwork HERE, or visit her Etsy Shop. Natoya’s work is moving and powerful, and I’m lucky enough to have some of it around my home. You can follow along with Natoya’s life on her inspiring instagram account. Or her art account, @natoyaellisart.
When I discovered a beautiful field of lonely buttercups next to a quiet burger king parking lot, I knew I had to create something there. Natoya somehow trusted me when I pitched the idea of a shoot next to a burger king, and after a day of rain, the clouds parted and gifted us with an incredible evening of golden light to match the golden blooms. The portraits we created together are some of my favorite creations yet. I’m always in awe of the peaceful presence Natoya brings to a shoot. The way she moves seems to mimic the wind- as if she has grown her own roots down into the soil and now lives there. These images fill me with joy and serenity- something that Natoya embodies so well. I hope you enjoy them.