In Harmony Prints and my new website is officially live!!!! ↟ I'm feeling as giddy as I did in this picture hugging my favourite tree! ↟ It has been a labour of love, but truly a creative journey that continues to teach me so much. And not surprisingly, my own connection to nature and myself has evolved and grown in the process. ↟ While this project was a personal one from the start, it grew into a service for others and for the Earth. ↟ By adorning your walls with a print from In Harmony Prints, you bring the outdoors in. You connect with an element of nature that reminds you of your own internal nature and inspires you to get outside and experience the natural world. ↟ Each print comes with an exercise to engage with to further deepen your connection to the Earth. These are written by me and each are part of my own practice of nature connection. ↟ Lastly, in the process, your love, appreciation and gratitude for nature will grow and that will ripple into positive choices for the environment, because we will always protect what we love! ↟ In Harmony Prints is truly Of the Land, From the Land and For the land and I could not be more excited to share it with you all and watch the magic spread to your walls and life!! ✨ ↟ This is my Full Moon gift to you and I'm so excited to have you check it out! ↟ Head over to www.laurenfranciswillms.com or click through the link in my bio to feel that harmony and take it all in! ✌🏼💚🌿 ↟ 📷 by the magical @francesbeattyphoto ↟ ↟ ↟ #launchday #inharmonyprints #natureconnection #ofthelandfromthelandfortheland #newwebsite #fullmoon #scorpiofullmoon #naturephotography #fineartprints #biophilicdesign #bringtheoutdoorsin #naturelover #inharmonicconnection #truenatureconnection #ellbehindthelens #lovetheearth #lovethewild #photographer
Sunrise light is magic. ↟ Seeing the light flicker through the trees as it rises, Streaming light beams through the branches and tree canopy, Casting a golden glow on all in its path, ↟ Sunrise light is magic. ↟ Good thing there is a whole collection part of In Harmony Prints that is dedicated to the Sun! ↟ Every photo in this collection was taken either during a sunrise or a sunset and speaks to the ritual, heath benefits and magic hour of experiencing and honouring the star that gives everything life. ↟ In Harmony Prints is launching on Monday, May 16th! Sign up through the link in my bio or in my stories if you want to be added to the mailing list for exclusive first access to the print shop! ↟ Until Monday, I hope you get outside and enjoy the suns magic! Happy weekend friends! ↟ ↟ ↟ #sunrise #sunmagic #solariscollection #inharmonyprints #bringtheoutdoorsin #feltharmony #inharmonicconnection #naturephotographer #fineartnatureprints #printshop #launch #ellbehindthelens #goldenhour #naturelover #biophilia #biophilicdesign
I am loving the comments in my giveaway post about ways that people are honouring nature for Earth Day... here is what a few people have shared ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ↟ educating her students about how to keep the planet clean ↟ committing to a garbage pick out until the end of the school year with her kids ↟ exploring using less plastic in her daily life ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ These are small actions that can make a big impact and ripple the vibration of love and respect for the Earth to family, friends and the larger community. Every positive action matters. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One of my favourite ways to honour the Earth is by spending time in the forest and quite literally giving the trees big hugs, and thanking them for the oxygen I breathe, for sequestering carbon, for providing a beautiful space for me to connect with myself and explore. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whispers of gratitude go a long way in building connection and sharing loving energy on the Earth. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What small action are you taking in your life to honour the Earth and celebrate Earth Day? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Enter the giveaway and share your thoughts on my previous post! The giveaway ends April 21st at midnight! I'd love to see Happy Trails hanging on your wall. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #giveaway #inharmonyprints #earthdaygiveaway #inharmonicconnection #ellbehindthelens #lovetheearth
Yesterday I unboxed this beauty image called 'Resonance' printed on sustainable photo paper that I am testing out for In Harmony Prints. ↟ I am thrilled by how the contrast in the colours and all the details came out on the beautifully textured archival paper that just so happens to be made up of 60% hemp fibre and 40% cotton!! Cool right?! ↟ Offering prints on more sustainable paper is a dream come true for me. As my entire print shop is dedicated to nature, it feels very aligned with my values to be using an eco friendly paper supplier for In Harmony Prints. ↟ Yesterday was also the first day where this creative project of mine felt like it was actually going to happen! It's been a long time in the making, and now I'm getting down to the final details before I share when the official launch date will be! ↟ Thanks for being here to see it all come to pass. I am beyond excited to share it with you! ↟ ↟ ↟ #inharmonyprints #inharmonicconnection #ellbehindthelens #resonance #naturephotography #sustainableart #thereisnoplanetb #ofthelandfromthelandfortheland
Self portraits are fascinating experiments in documenting the individual journey we each are on. A still moment in time that can represent so much nuance behind what you see. ↟ The same goes for really any photo of yourself, be it a selfie on your phone, or a photo shoot where someone else is taking your photo. Each frame represents the version of YOU that you were in that moment. ↟ I've been reminded of the theme of self evolution a lot this week from various angles and situations. The reminder is for me to celebrate how I have evolved and changed through each experience I’ve had and that I continue to do so, never static, always transforming. Sometimes with slowness and patience and sometimes with dramatic an massive shifting all at once. ↟ Documenting myself in this beauty light under the palm tree may seem basic and surface level. But what you don't see off the cuff is the tender moment of gentle integration that was felt, a feeling of re-ignition of parts of my soul I had forgotten, an emergence of newness in fumbling for my footing again after a fall, and the simple sweetness of soaking up the life giving warm sunshine. ↟ This was me then, in all my truth… ↟ And yet the wild part is that even though this was a very recent photo, the moment is gone, and this version of me has shifted and changed many times since in each present moment between now and then. Shifting always, yet grounding in my core. ↟ Photography gifts us a freeze frame of a moment to remember and grow from, always with the intention that our past become our platform for us to embrace all the versions of ourselves we have yet to meet and become. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #selfportrait #truenatureconnection #creativeflow #selfevolution #creativereflection
Sneak peek alert for In Harmony Prints! ↟ I'll be sharing THREE collections on launch day and each collection focuses on a different feature or element from nature... ↟ This photo is part of one of those collections. ↟ Can you guess the focus of this collection?!? ↟ Share your thoughts in the comments below! ↟ ↟ ↟ #inharmonyprints #forestfeels #ellbehindthelens #truenatureconnection #treephotography #naturephotographer
Sneak peek alert for In Harmony Prints! ↟ I'll be sharing THREE collections on launch day and each collection focuses on a different feature or element from nature... ↟ This photo is part of one of those collections. ↟ Can you guess the focus of this collection?!? ↟ Share your thoughts in the comments below! ↟ ↟ ↟ #inharmonyprints #forestfeels #ellbehindthelens #truenatureconnection #treephotography #naturephotographer
Sneak peek alert for In Harmony Prints! ↟ I'll be sharing THREE collections on launch day and each collection focuses on a different feature or element from nature... ↟ This photo is part of one of those collections. ↟ Can you guess the focus of this collection?!? ↟ Share your thoughts in the comments below! ↟ ↟ ↟ #inharmonyprints #forestfeels #ellbehindthelens #truenatureconnection #treephotography #naturephotographer
Sneak peek alert for In Harmony Prints! ↟ I'll be sharing THREE collections on launch day and each collection focuses on a different feature or element from nature... ↟ This photo is part of one of those collections. ↟ Can you guess the focus of this collection?!? ↟ Share your thoughts in the comments below! ↟ ↟ ↟ #inharmonyprints #forestfeels #ellbehindthelens #truenatureconnection #treephotography #naturephotographer
Sneak peek alert for In Harmony Prints! ↟ I'll be sharing THREE collections on launch day and each collection focuses on a different feature or element from nature... ↟ This photo is part of one of those collections. ↟ Can you guess the focus of this collection?!? ↟ Share your thoughts in the comments below! ↟ ↟ ↟ #inharmonyprints #forestfeels #ellbehindthelens #truenatureconnection #treephotography #naturephotographer
Sneak peek alert for In Harmony Prints! ↟ I'll be sharing THREE collections on launch day and each collection focuses on a different feature or element from nature... ↟ This photo is part of one of those collections. ↟ Can you guess the focus of this collection?!? ↟ Share your thoughts in the comments below! ↟ ↟ ↟ #inharmonyprints #forestfeels #ellbehindthelens #truenatureconnection #treephotography #naturephotographer
"Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving the gifts with open eyes and open heart." ~Robin Wall Kimmerer ↟ Stopping to smell the conifer trees is winter’s version of stopping to smell the roses 😉🌲✨ ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection #naturephotographer #getoutside #discoverontario
“Attention is the beginning of devotion” ~ Mary Oliver, Upstream ↟ Reading this poem and sitting in nature, I remember those who taught me about devotion to the natural world through the art of paying attention. ↟ To observe the pine trees, To know where the best places were to pick blueberries, To stop and savour the sun and just take in the view. ↟ When we pay attention with heightened awareness, there is a depth of connection. ↟ A remembering of how we’re all connected; needed especially when we are swept up in the swirl of life, forget our truth and feel alone in our busy world. ↟ We forget to look, dream, ask, smell and be. ↟ Nature brings us home. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection #writinginspiredbynature #payattention
White winter trees Covered in snow, I don’t mind I don’t mind ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ~Winter Trees by The Staves ↟ This song looped in my mind yesterday editing this photo and others from the same wintery adventures back in 2019. ↟ If music is the language of the soul, then photographs are the frozen feelings from the past and the time machines that take us back to that very moment. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection #greyhighlands #naturephotographer #exploreontario #getoutside
Experiencing a sunrise or a sunset is one of my FAVOURITE rituals to engage with in nature. ↟ No matter the season, the grounded and connective feelings I feel while watching the sun paint the sky at dawn or dust is always there. ↟ It feels magical, invites in feelings of awe, wonder and inner peace. ↟ Watching a sunrise or a sunset in the winter always feels a little extra special for me, especially after long stretches of the presence of grey, cloudy and snow skies. ↟ When the clear skies come and you set out to gaze at the sunrise or sunset, you have to work a little harder to make it happen by layering up, trekking through snow, wind and embracing the below zero temperatures for the experience. ↟ That extra special winter touch + all the usual sunrise/sunset feels = MAGIC ✨ ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection #greyhighlands #sunset #exploreontario #naturephotographer
Have you ever felt like the energy of nature was matching your internal energy? I noticed an ebb and a flow throughout this trip where in many moments it felt like Mother Nature's energy was mirroring my own. ↟ In this moment the lake is extremely calm. The wilder winds of the day have settled and the sun is setting behind me to the west as I snapped this photo facing east, of the shore basking in the setting sun. I felt calm, content and at peace, where as the night before I felt anxious, nervous and a bit scattered watching the sunset in a fierce headwind. ↟ We are energy and as such we are impacted by the natural energy around us in the weather, seasons, trees, plants and animals. Being in the wilderness, this feels heightened, and add in that you're alone in the woods, things can feel extra potent. ↟ Next time you're out in nature, notice how the Earth's energy is mirroring your own, trying to teach you something and how both our energies so beautifully intertwine with each other. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #weareenergy
June 20, 2020. One of my favourite pictures of you before you asked me a very important question. I had no idea it was coming, but you knew. ↟ 3 weeks today 💜 ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #sunrisehike #proposal #mylove
Finding time to process experiences is important to me and truly an evolving, non linear process as I am just now editing photos taken on my solo camping trip from the end of June. Time is but a construct. ↟ As I reflect on that experience, I think first and foremost of the feeling of accomplishment I felt (and still feel!) in completing the experience. How strong I felt, in mind, body and soul. ↟ This experience with STRENGTH has served as a reminder for me this past month. The narrative is now, I can do hard things because I paddled 24.5km and portaged 7.8km by myself and come out the other side feeling more connected, stronger and aligned with myself. ↟ The second thing I think about is the TRUST that I built with myself on the trip. I made every decision, paddled and hiked every kilometre by myself, relying on myself and myself alone. I had to trust my instincts, trust my body and also put trust in nature to guide and support me along the way. ↟ 📷 taken on night 1 of the trip on the traditional territory of the Anishinabek and Algonquin First Nation ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #conciouscontent #naturephotography #algonquinpark #ontarioparks #soloadventure
"When I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness. I would almost say that they save me, and daily. I am so distant from the hope of myself, in which I have goodness, and discernment, and never hurry through the world but walk slowly, and bow often. Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.” The light flows from their branches. And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.” ~Mary Oliver ↟ The forest is home and nature is medicine. It doesn't matter how long you connect for, but that you do so often. ↟ When was the last time you let yourself be filled with light, and ease and flow and presence? ↟ Hug a tree a see for yourself! ↟ 📷 by @francesbeattyphoto ✨ ↟ ↟ ↟ #truenatureconnection #foresttherapy #hugatree #wearenature #consciouscontent #ellbehindthelens
Love the Earth Love its life and One day you will see that We are all connected together And must live in harmony ~ Words from grace @gbcamp1922 ↟ Every day is Earth Day in my mind, but I hope you take a moment today to reflect on all that the Earth gives us in each moment and send her a little extra gratitude and love today to celebrate our wildly beautiful planet. Happy Earth Day! ↟ Photo taken last summer in one of my favourite places on the planet, Lake Muskoka. This piece will be featured on my online print shop which will be launching soon! ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection #earthday2021 #thereisnoplanetb #shareyourspot
I have never not been a sky watcher. ↟ Photos from the archives taken from Lombok in Indonesia. We stumbled upon this vista viewpoint while adventuring on a motorbike. We had no agenda, no real destination, just a sense of direction back to our hostel and a thirst for touring around and embracing local transport. ↟ It's moments like these that bring us to the present moment. Away from worry, the mind chatter, the overthinking and the disconnect. ↟ When was the last time you set off from your house with no destination in mind? No real purpose beyond discovery and being in the moment? Give it a try. It won't disappoint! ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #bepresentinthemoment #travelphotography #archives #truenatureconnection
As a photographer I always want to document it all, but often the most incredible moments in your life will be ones you just soak in and feel vibrating deeply in your soul. These are the moments of pure connection, of true presence where you are actually IN the moment. These moments are rare, beautiful and to be kept tight to your heart. ↟ This picture was taken by self timer with my camera propped up on a rock shortly after soaking in one of those rare, resonant moments where I said yes to a lifetime of adventuring with the most incredible person I know. It has quickly become my favourite photo of all time! ↟ I know we’ll have this photo for the rest of our lives and look back on it fondly with endless excitement, but nothing will ever compare to the feeling of being together amongst the trees, unequivocally connected in our love and committing to forever. ↟ ↟ ↟ #engaged #summersolstice #newbeginnings #itsalllove #ellbehindthelens
Have you ever been somewhere that has taken your breath away? You stand still in awe, soaking it all in - the feels, sights, smells, sounds and think to yourself that this moment can never be replicated, and that you'll likely never be here again in your lifetime. The contrast between true presence in the moment and a twinge of never wanting it to end. ↟ This was one of those moments for me on a tiny island I couldn't even find on a map, somewhere between Lombok and Rinca Island in Indonesia. A once in a lifetime experience. ↟ I've long felt gratitude for all the travel I was able to do at a young age and now, in our changed world, I feel extra grateful not knowing if it will ever feel as it did in this moment back in 2012. Until the next trip - I'm so glad I have these photos to help me time travel in my mind. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #internationalsunsetchaser #travelphotography #indonesia #offthebeatenpath #welltraveled #alive #travelvibes #totravelistolive
Another all timer from Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver. This time featuring the rocky shore, the silhouette of the city in the distance, calm waters, the iconic lighthouse and a rising half moon in the distance. ↟ This spot was one I visited many times to catch the sunset, and while this photo doesn't face west, the sunset glow brings a softness to this scenery that only the setting sun can do. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #filmseries #lighthousepark #sunsetchaser #memorykeeper #shootfilm #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection #xacamerashare
Film is where my love affair with photography really started to bloom. In high school I took photography for 3 years and learned how to develop black and white film and enlarge these frames in the darkroom. The darkroom was a place I loved to be in my high school. I felt creative, confident, knowledgable and proud of the work I was creating. ↟ I shot on my Mom's old Nikon EM she had from her early days of photography in the 70's and it is still the camera I use today to shoot film. ↟ I still shoot film, sometimes colour and whip I desperately miss the experience of working in the darkroom, I still absolutely LOVE the depth, textures and feel of my work on film. ↟ This is one of my all time FAVES. Taken solo exploring in Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver in March 2014. It was this trip that really sealed the deal that I needed to move west. This park became, and still is, one of my favourite places to visit on the west coast. Every time I look at this photo I am flooded with all the west coast feels and taken back in time to this moment alone in the woods. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #film #creativeroots #allthefeels #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection #xacamerashare
Closing off this sunset canoe ride with one final photo. ↟ To me this photo feels soft, has the same velvety feel as the other two but highlights the smallest of details... ↟ The first detail is the gentle ripple my canoe is making just floating along in the water. I remember it was so calm here I was able to stay and float in the virtually the same spot without being worried of the windy pushing me further downstream. ↟ The second is the very soft glow of the sun on my paddle, connecting the image back to the setting sun which was why I was out on the lake that night in the first place. ↟ It's all the little details that create the big picture. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #memorylane #canoemoments #details #bigpicture #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection
I've always loved looking back and remembering phases of myself, of time and memories since past. Maybe this is why I fell in love with photography, so I'd always have a visual to remember key moments and feelings along the way. ↟ This particular sunset is one that I won't ever forget. It felt visceral, ethereal and awe-inspiring all rolled together as I watch the cotton candy clouds dance in the setting sun's reflection. ↟ I sure do miss you Muskoka. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #memorylane #photoseries #canoemoments #muskokaliving #lakelife #sunchaser #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection
In this time of reflection and stillness I've been going down memory lane and looking through old photos. This next series of three photos I will share with you are from this time last year when I was living solo on the lake and watching the seasons change from spring to summer. ↟ These photos document a solo canoe ride I took myself on one spring night in Muskoka. It was so calm I could hear every droplet and swirl of water from my paddle as I moved it through the velvety, dark water. These little sounds are special as you only notice them when the lake isn't busy and it makes you feel like you're the only one out there. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #photoseries #memorylane #timeless #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection
I’ve been quiet on this platform for a while now and I’ve been hard on myself for it. Today though, my mindset shifted around this. Instead of judging myself for not sharing or being as present on socials as I have once been in the past, I felt how imperative ‘getting quiet’ is to the human experience. ↟ Getting quiet is how you listen to yourself. Getting quiet is how you actively listen to others. Getting quiet is how you rest and rejuvenate. Getting quiet is how you stay present in your surroundings. Getting quiet is a tool to turn inwards. Getting quiet in nature is something I love the most and is often a time where my favourite photos are created. ↟ If I choose to get quiet it doesn’t mean I’ve lost my voice, or won’t ever share again. It just means that it’s what I need right now and is a great tool for listening for what comes next. ↟ Photo taken during a moment of ‘getting quiet’ California, 2018 ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #getquiet #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection
Nature is always there, through the chaos and turbulence, it’s always something to rely on. Steadfast and true, reliable. The Earth is the rock that grounds us all. ↟ If we ground more deeply into our own worth, being, essence, then in times of change we too will be who we rely on. Steadfast and true in our uniqueness, inner strength and peace. ↟ This time is full of change and pivotal for our global communities. It’s a returning to our centre, it’s a desperate cry to listen, for reflection, and to readjust from the unsustainable trajectory we have been barreling down. It's an invitation to lean into the discomfort and quiet. ↟ What if we responded with love and gratitude instead of fear and frustration? What if we softened into this time with grace and ease? What if we took the time to truly listen, to our heart beat, to the natural world and to each other? ↟ The Earth, the natural world, is always the common denominator. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #natureinspired #lovethewild #truenatureconnection
Welcoming in a new month and with it new intentions. ↟ My biggest intention this month is to embrace a social media sabbatical. I dabbled in one during my #truenature30 challenge in November, and while it was supportive, I didn't feel fully satisfied with the detox. ↟ This time the intention goes deeper. It's a focused invitation to reconnect with myself, my creativity, my purpose and my next steps. ↟ In a world that is inundated with information, messages from others and a growing personal development / self-help industry through books, courses, workshops etc... my biggest realization lately has been that while all of this information has merit to be heard, it can be distracting for us as individuals to listen to what is true in our hearts and the constant info from others can take us out of developing a relationship with our own souls on our own terms. And let's be real, the mindless scroll is a huge time waster. ↟ So you won't see me here for February but that doesn't mean we can't connect! You can join me at Thrive Mastermind retreat in Magnetawan Feb 28- Mar 1, send me an email or connect through the form on my website and let's connect IN PERSON instead of from behind a glass screen. ↟ I'm so excited to see what comes out of this intentional incubation and to share with you when I return. Keep well & see you on the other side ✌🏼 ↟ 📷 @francesbeattyphoto⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #brandingphotography #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit #inatagramsabbatical #techdetox #deepdive #relationshipbuilding
Inhale Exhale ↟ Heal Discover ↟ Ebb Flow ↟ Up Down ↟ Release + Repeat ↟ 📷 of @ariana.novak at @muskokayogafestival ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #brandingphotography #yogaphorography #muskokayogafestival #soulsessions
True Nature ↟ That feeling of ease and flow and magic within you that comes not only from being outdoors immersed in the natural world, but in being brave, standing in your truth and sharing what is in your heart with others. ↟ THIS is the aim of the brand photography experience that I offer. THIS is the what my visual storytelling embodies. THIS is what drives me. THIS is what lights me the heck up. ↟ 📷 of @eco.ely ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #brandingphotography #torontophotography #yogaphorography #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit #fourseasions #soulsession #soultographer #natureportraits
Day dreaming of this beautiful frozen place north of 60 ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #travelphotography #iceroad #northof60 #spectacularnwt #explorecanada #winter
But there's a full moon risin' Let's go dancin' in the light We know where the music's playin' Let's go out and feel the night ~Neil Young ↟ One of my favourite songs & one of my favourite things to follow in the sky ↟ Happy Fully Moon ✨ ↟ ↟ ↟ #moonvibes #fullmoon #naturephotography #ellbehindthelens
Do you want your wedding to feel more like an experience than a production? ↟ Are you planning an intimate gathering with 150 guests or less? ↟ Do you cherish small moments of connection? ↟ Are you looking for an authentic and timeless feel to your wedding photos? ↟ Do you love spending time in nature? ↟ If your answers are YES then we’re riding the same wave! There are still available dates for 2020 weddings and I'd love to connect with you about documenting the magic. Head over to the link in my bio and let's chat! ↟ ↟ ↟ #lovephotographer #torontoweddingphotographer #muskoakweddingphotographer #authenticandresonant #lovestory #outdoorweddings #intimatewedding #truenatureconnection #ellbehindthelens #candidmoments #thismomentmatters
Being a witness to such natural beauty will always leave me breathless and feeling humble. ↟ Aurora Borealis dancing away in @spectacularnwt ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #spectacularnwt #auroraborealis #nightrainbow #northof60 #discovercanada #welltraveled #adventureon #naturephotography #truenatureconnection
Wedding work has officially been added to my website! ↟ It was such a pleasure to document 4 incredible couples this year witnessing their unique connection and love for each other. I consider it a true honour to document such meaningful occasions. ↟ Looking for an intimate and authentic photography experience for your wedding in 2020? I am now taking bookings! Check out the link in my bio and let's connect! ↟ 📷: lakeside in Toronto, June 2019 ↟ ↟ ↟ #lovephotographer #torontoweddingphotographer #muskoakweddingphotographer #authenticandresonant #lovestory #outdoorweddings #intimatewedding #ellbehindthelens #candidmoments #thismomentmatters #connection
It's December, which means my #truenature30 challenge is complete! ↟ I'm proud of myself for sticking with the challenge, even it if looked different than how I initially thought. Some days I took photos and some days I didn’t, but each day I connected. I took time to be present in nature. I went for trail runs more days during the challenge than in October. I hugged and made contact with SO many trees. I found new hidden gems in the city. I noticed the smallest subtitles in each interaction with nature. ↟ This experience has made me realize how much we need to connect on a daily basis to nature for sustained health, and that it really doesn't matter HOW we connect, but THAT we connect. ↟ How did you connect with nature today? ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #treephotographer #naturephotography #lovethewild #truenatureconnection #truenature30
I believe every photograph gifts you the ability to time travel back to the feelings of that moment. ↟ My hope is that each photo I deliver for my clients brings with it the power to travel through their memories for years to come. Keeping those heart fluttery moments timeless. ↟ ↟ ↟ #laurenfrancisweddings #lovephotographer #torontoweddingphotographer #authenticandresonant #lovestory #outdoorweddings #intimatewedding #truenatureconnection #ellbehindthelens #candidmoments #thismomentmatters #timeless #thepowerofphotography
Nature can be pretty monochromatic this time of year with the trees bare, darker evenings and the grey days. So here's a pop of colour from a branding session with @burlapandlaceflorals this past summer for some warmth and pastel hues to brighten up your day. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #brandingphotography #fourseasonsbranding #naturescolourpalette #torontophotography
This weekend brought the half way mark of my #truenature30 challenge, so I spent some time reflecting on what I've learned so far... ↟ 1. Nature is Nature: While immersion in expansive wild places is epic always, you can gain a lot from a simple 10 minutes of intentional connecting with what surrounds you, even in the city. Nature's healing isn't limited to the wilderness. ↟ 2. Finding inspiration in the darkness: I’ve loved discovering trees in the dark under the glow of the city lights. A whole new perspective for me in my tree exploration. The hazy colour from all the light pollution that I’d usually be grumpy about for blocking the stars, has created really unique lighting for upward facing tree shots through the bare branches that are unique to this time of year as we straddle autumn and winter. ↟ 3. The power of intention is everything: Going through the motions isn’t enough for sustained connection. Bringing intention into my practice of connecting with nature and with my creativity has made for more resonant experiences for myself and better photos. ↟ I'm curious what lessons the rest of the month will hold. Stay tuned to find out! ↟ 📷 magic by @francesbeattyphoto ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #truenature30 #photographychallenge #sundayreflections #lovethewild #soultographer #torontophotographer #treephotographer #treephotography #naturephotographer #truenatureconnection
I love the forest no matter what day it is but I have a special bond with it during the winter months. I've been romping around this particular larch forest since I was 7 and every time I get to return my souls feels like it's coming home. While I'm not in the forest this photo was taken in today, I spent time in a Toronto park marvelling at the trees, enjoying the silence and grounding inwards. ↟ There is such a lonely elegance about trees in the snow and the stillness of a winter forest is something magical. It's technically still fall but I am head over heels excited for winter and all the outdoor adventures it brings with it. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #torontophotography #truenature30 #treeographer #natureconnection #getoutside #winteriscoming #whitewintertrees #discoverontario #naturephotographer
Today marks Day 7 of the #truenature30 challenge and I can't keep ignoring the overwhelming feeling that I need to pair this challenge with a digital detox too (at least for a few days), to more fully connect to the natural world, instead of my phone. ↟ So for the next 4 days I'll be doing just that. Still maintaining the integrity of this challenge (I'll be sure to share the photos with you once I'm back online!) but doing it first for myself, and then second for this online community. ↟ Catch ya on the flip side ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #truenature30 #treetographer #torontonaturephotographer #naturephotography #connection #documentingconnection
#truenature30 day 1 ↟ Yesterday I found myself in High Park at the foot of this beautiful birch tree. It caught my eye as I walked along the path and knew that I had to go up and say hello. ↟ Before arriving at the trail, I felt dazed from driving through traffic, exhausted from the work week and uninspired from the greyness of the day. A few minutes after entering the forest I felt a greater sense of ease, a sigh of relief and a spark of energy. Goes to show you just how quickly the shift can happen when you intentionally come in contact with nature and that a little goes a long way. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #truenature30 #photochallenge #forestbathing #day1 #thisisme #treetographer #forestphotographer #torontophotography #truenatureconnection
My soul feels at home in nature and it has been feeling off while moving to the city surrounded by so much concrete. ↟ In honour of my 30th birthday last week, and inspired by @ohemsarahgee doing Inktober last month, I decided I would create a little creative and connective challenge of my own to not only inspire creativity through photography, but to invite more connection to nature into my routine in Toronto, to deepen my practice of forest bathing and to explore the nature nooks that I know exist in this city that are just a little harder to find. ↟ I'm calling it #truenature30, because what I believe is that the true nature of your soul shines the brightest when you are connecting with the natural world. What you'll see from me over the next 30 days are updates of my connection to nature in a new spot each day, tips on how I'm connecting and photographs that are inspired by the experience. ↟ Feel free join me through the process by tagging me and using the hashtag #truenature30 if you decided to join in the fun. ↟ I'm so excited by to see what comes out of this journey and I can't wait to share it with you along the way. ↟ 📷 by @francesbeattyphoto ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #torontophotography #truenatureconnection #treetographer #documentingconnection #naturephotography #forestbathing #treehugger #lovethewild #truenature30 #30daysofconnection #exploretoronto #exploreyoursoul
One of my favourite ways to connect with nature is to honour the sun. Sunrises in particular have a certain electric energy as you witness the sun return to the sky, feel the warmth on your face and sense the energy of the day in your soul. ↟ The sun is visible so much later in the mountains, as it has to clear a much higher horizon. This shot was taken with a self timer and using a nearby rock as the tripod. We were early birds that morning still jet lagged from our flight from Toronto and had nearly the entire shore of Garibaldi Lake to ourselves to take in this magic. ↟ With the sun rising later and later each day as we barrel along to day light savings time this weekend, it's easier for us to be up and starting our day at sunrise. I invite you to take notice of when the light returns, when you may see shimmers of pink clouds in the east and notice how that charges you up for the day. We are all solar powered after all. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #naturephotography #truenatureconnection #garibaldilake #explorebc #sunrise #honournature #lovethewild #solarpowered
My last shot taken as I left the venue of Kendra and Gerrit's intimate farm wedding this past August. I must have spent 20 minutes fumbling in the dark trying to get this shot without a tripod as I balanced my camera on the roof rack of my car. The stars were too beautiful to pass up! ↟ I take these shots for me, because you all know how much I love the sky and a quiet moment in nature, but also as a little added bonus for my clients. As a photographer, it's my job to find the details in the day, those subtle moments that mean everything and to truly document the feel of the experience. ↟ This shot says it all to me; from the warm glow of the party lights through the cracks of the rustic barn to the expansive, clear sky highlighting the beautiful countryside that is so special to the couple. I will always make time for these moments. ↟ ↟ ↟ #lovephotographer #greycountyweddingphotography #details #authenticandresonant #lovestory #outdoorweddings #intimatewedding #truenatureconnection #ellbehindthelens #candidmoments #thismomentmatters
Autumn hues on point. Happy Monday friends! ↟ ↟ ↟ #lovephotographer #muskoakweddingphotographer #authenticandresonant #lovestory #outdoorweddings #intimatewedding #truenatureconnection #ellbehindthelens
How's your heart today? ↟ 📷 of Rose Quartz held by Emily, the spiritual genius behind @metatronsgarden ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #brandingphotography #muskokaphotography #soultographer
Yesterday I celebrated another rotation around the sun and welcomed in a whole new decade. I remember being 20 and looking 10 years down the line to being 30 and having no idea what life would have in store for me then. It was out of the system of school that was safe and what I’d known and there seemed to be so many things I was interested in experiencing I couldn’t predict what I’d be doing at 30. ↟ So now I’m here and I wouldn’t have guessed this - even 1 year ago! - that I’d be back in Toronto, back teaching and continuing to explore my creativity through photography and all the ups and downs of navigating the first year as a business owner. ↟ What this has taught me is to let go of the timelines we create for ourselves - because you can bet they will shake out differently than you thought, to trust wholeheartedly in myself in a visceral and energetic way instead of trying to always think my way through, be in the moment as that is really all we have and always always remember to smile and live lightly along the way because life is pretty magical. ↟ I for sure don’t perfectly practice any of those nuggets of advice, because hey, I’m human, but I try my best and that is what counts. So here’s to 30 and all that this decade will bring. ✨ ↟ ↟ ↟ 📷 by my favourite @francesbeattyphoto ↟ #thisis30 #birthdayreflections #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #brandingphotography #torontophotography #yogaphorography #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit
“…the delicious awareness of new possibilities. Desire is a fresh, free feeling of anticipating wonderful expansion. The feeling of desire is truly the feeling of life flowing through out. But many people, while they are using the word desire, feel something quite different. Desire for them, often feels like yearning, for while they are focussed upon something that they want to experience or have, they are equally aware of its absence. And so, while they are using the words of desire, they are actually more connected to the idea of “lack”. They come to think that the feeling of desire is like wanting something they don’t have. But there is no feeling of lack in pure desire.” ↟ Meditating on that as the sun sets and I think about the desires I had for myself this year, the ones that were embodied and the ones yet to be experienced. ↟ What do you truly desire? ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #naturephotography #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit
Always on the look out for beauty light to illuminate those special moments. ↟ ↟ ↟ #lovephotographer #torontoweddingphotographer #authenticandresonant #lovestory #outdoorweddings #intimatewedding #truenatureconnection #ellbehindthelens #candidmoments #thismomentmatters
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few are dirt.” ~John Muir ↟ ↟ ↟ #laurenfrancisphotography #ellbehindthelens #explorebc #beautifulbc #garibaldi #lovethewild #hike #mountainair #summervibes #naturephotography #truenatureconnection #welltravelled
Green is my favourite colour. How about you? ↟ Stand up for what you stand on today Canada! Every vote counts. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #election2019 #votegreen #torontophotographer #yogaretreatphotography #truenatureconnection
Day dreaming of this incredible place⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ↟⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ↟⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ↟ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #ellbehindthelens #bcparks #explorebritishcolumbia #lovethewild #naturephotography #welltraveled #campvibes #mountainair #summervibes #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit
"To you, brave soul for wanting more for yourself..." ↟ This is the dedication at the front of this little book of magic written by dear friend and client @couragecreator ↟ If you're looking for a good deep dive journalling experience book to cozy up with this fall... this one has my vote! ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #smallbusinessphotography #brandingphotography #torontophotographer #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit #projectbrave #couragecreator #thebravejournal #seasonalsoulsessions #fourseasonsstorytelling
Still finding my groove here in the big city and have been feeling pulled to do a lot of grounding this fall. ↟ Grounding for me more often than not looks like getting into nature and physically connecting with part of it. My thing (if you haven't already guessed ;) is trees! A hand on the tree or a big hug around the trunk instantly puts me at ease and brings me back into who I am beyond the hustle and bustle of everyday life. ↟ "Good timber doesn't grow with ease, the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees." ↟ 📷 taken while at @puravidasoulinstitute ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #torontophotographer #treetographer #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit #naturephotography #wildinthecity #treetime
We have been so busy this summer we haven't had a chance to share some of the amazing photos taken by @laurenfrancisphoto celebrating 5 years! Reposted from @laurenfrancisphoto - When you connect with a clear vision, anything is possible. ↟ Humbled to photograph these beauties as they celebrate 5 years in business together. Congratulations! Here's to many more years creating and designing from the heart. ↟ Check out my favourite florists @burlapandlaceflorals for natural, homegrown and elegantly styled arrangements. So much client love for these two. ↟ ↟ ↟ #clientlove #ellbehindthelens #brandingphotography #burlapandlace #businessmilestones #femaleentrepreneurs #womeninbusiness #femalecreatives #burlapandlaceflorals #growingyourvision #5yearsinbusiness #celebration
When you connect with a clear vision, anything is possible. ↟ Humbled to photograph these beauties as they celebrate 5 years in business together. Congratulations! Here's to many more years creating and designing from the heart. ↟ Check out my favourite florists @burlapandlaceflorals for natural, homegrown and elegantly styled arrangements. So much client love for these two. ↟ ↟ ↟ #clientlove #ellbehindthelens #brandingphotography #burlapandlace #businessmilestones #femaleentrepreneurs #womeninbusiness #femalecreatives
Trees get me every time. Standing in awe of this beautiful birch in the peak of summer, taking it all in. ↟ When was the last time you shared silence with a tree? ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #truenatureconnection #treehugger #lovethewild #forestbathing #stillness #muskoka
An absolute favourite from my trip to Garibaldi Lake in August. One of the most magical places I've had the pleasure of taking in. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #bcparks #explorebc #garibaldilake #garibaldipark #campvibes #lovethewild #reflection #naturephotographer #truenatureconnection
Swooning over the elegant simplicity of this beautiful bride and dear friend of mine. ↟ Florals @coquettestudios ↟ ↟ ↟ #lovephotographer #torontoweddingphotographer #muskoakweddingphotographer #authenticandresonant #lovestory #outdoorweddings #intimatewedding #truenatureconnection #ellbehindthelens #candidmoments #thismomentmatters
The vibes were high last night for a sunset surf sesh 🤙🏼 ↟ Photo of @elliott_black ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #muskoka #muskokaliving #discovermuskoka #surfsup #wakesurf #surfontario #sunset #goldenhour #flow #lovethewild #lakelife #lifestylephotography #muskokaweddingphotographer
My mind can sometime feel like this photo - just a swirl of thoughts and emotions. Yesterday was one of those days. ↟ I've been rumbling with integrity and I questioned mine yesterday after a situation where I let someone down. It didn't make me feel good and I felt my integrity as a creative took a hit. ↟ As I dove into this feeling, the next word that came up for me was forgiveness - for myself and for the situation. I have a habit of being super hard on myself, and yesterday I totally let myself get down on myself for making a mistake and not being perfect. ↟ Instead of dwelling in that, I'm choosing to reflect on how I can do better next time and love myself for my imperfections. I'm choosing to distill the lessons learned and continue to explore ways in which integrity remains intact in the rat race and hustle of social media. If anyone has any thoughts, I'm all ears. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #brandingphotography #torontophotography #yogaphorography #travelphotography #naturephotography #mindswirl #thejoyofmissingout #thursdaythoughts #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit
C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I-O-N ↟ The life force of my work. ↟ The thing we all crave. ↟ The deeper soul level knowing when the relationship feels right. ↟ The hard to describe feeling of being so interwoven with another human, remaining whole on your own and thriving together. ↟ All the little moments that brought you to this moment making up an intricate web of how often, deeply and meaningful you connect with each other, by embodying LOVE. ↟ Connection is at the heart of what I do and truly is what getting married is all about - celebrating your love and connection to each other. ↟ If you're looking for a connection focused approach to documenting your day, let's connect ;) I have only 10 spaces left for 2020 and I would love to tell your authentic story of connection. ↟ ↟ ↟ #documentingconnection #connection #connectionfocusedwedding #lovephotographer #torontoweddingphotographer #muskoakweddingphotographer #authenticandresonant #lovestory #outdoorweddings #intimatewedding #truenatureconnection #ellbehindthelens #candidmoments #thismomentmatters #loveconnections
Can't get enough of this gorgeous light from my solstice soul session with @burlapandlaceflorals. The natural light and forest vibes wonderfully highlighted their vision of sustainable and homegrown floral design. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #brandingphotography #torontophotography #sustainablephotography #authenticandresonant #storytelling #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit #summersolsticesun #cocreating
"I alone can not change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." ~ Mother Theresa ↟ I've been thinking lately about the ripple effect - how one small act of kindness and good intention can ripple out into the world, effecting the people around you. ↟ I've been thinking about the impact that I want to have in this life and what message I share with people through my creative offerings. The real root of this impact is beyond taking photos for entrepreneurs, documenting weddings and beautiful sunsets. The real ripple effect that I am creating is connecting people to nature; the physical nature that surrounds us and is in need of protecting and the internal nature that we all have that lives in our souls. ↟ That's the positive impact that I am striving to have in this life and that is why I do what I do. And as the quote says, I can't do it alone, so thank you to each and every one of my clients for fuelling the ripple, and for you for following along as this journey continues to unfold. Let's keep making waves together. ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #impactphotography #consciousbusiness #rippleeffect #legacy #makingwaves #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit #soulmission
Can you guess where this photo was taken? ↟ Looking super tropical this photo is actually taken in the heart of Toronto next to this beautiful greenery. Not pictured: Queen street metres away, the sound of cars, the GO train and the streetcar passing by. ↟ The amazing thing about this moment and the photo that came out of it is the stillness that was achieved regardless of the city noise and concrete. The mindful moment happened anyways, serving as a reminder that no matter where you are and what you're surrounded by, you can always tune inward to your breath and find your centre. ↟ 📸 of @brit_yogi ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #brandingphotography #torontophotography #yogaphorography #truenatureconnection #documentingspirit #mindfulmoment #behindthephoto
One of my absolute favourites of these two from their incredible wedding day. Special thanks to the wind for the extra twirl support ;) ↟ ↟ ↟ #lovephotographer #torontoweddingphotographer #muskoakweddingphotographer #authenticandresonant #lovestory #outdoorweddings #intimatewedding #truenatureconnection #ellbehindthelens #candidmoments #thismomentmatters
There is no life without the sun and today at the peak of its brightness here in the Northern Hemisphere with the Summer Solstice or longest day of the year, I am fully feeling the surge in energy! ↟ The solstice is often considered a time of heightened creative energy, a great time to set intentions for the next 6 months and take action steps towards our goals. It's a time we often feel the most alive, energetic and motivated. ↟ So let the sun shine in! Happy solstice! ↟ 📸 of sunrise light hitting fog on a mountain hike in Indonesia circa 2012 ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #consciouscontent #summersolstice #travelphotography #lightbeams #lettherebelight #sunrisephotography #naturephotography #travelindonesia #natureswisdom #truenatureconnection #llightworker #soultographer
I'm prepping to document a really exciting wedding this week for dear friends and it's bringing me back to photographing these two while second shooting for @meganernst this winter! ↟ I love documenting love! ↟ ↟ ↟ #ellbehindthelens #muskokaweddingphotographer #ontarioweddingphotographer #collingwoodweddingphotographer #lovestories #firstlook #winterwedding #documentinglove #connectionphotographer #intimateweddingphotography #documentary #authenticandresonant