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11 cities later and I finally get a photo with these touristy city signs 😂 Although I’ve been back from Winnipeg a week, it’s never too late to reflect on my time there...Winnipeg was an amazing experience. I met true movers & shakers there: from incredible documentary filmmakers, to a human rights lawyer, to a mediator running for school trustee, and so many other amazing people making an impact. I also made time to actually be a tourist in this city, something I haven’t been able to do much on my cross-Canada tour. I ate lots of delicious food and saw one amazing museum (I’m standing in front of it) and one amazing gallery. Thank you Winnipeg 👋 Can’t wait for my next stop (and last stop 😭) which will be St. John’s, Newfoundland. #thesistersprojectgoesacrosscanada

Saskatoon, SK exceeded all my expectations by far. Not only is the city charming and full of personality but the people who make it up are so sweet. I feel like I made a small family in the prairies thanks to @arishanazir 💕 Thank you to all the ladies I met for your hospitality and generosity! #thesistersprojectgoesacrosscanada

Happy 17th birthday to my little sister, my ray of sunshine. You are so creative, hilarious, and one of a kind (If you need any proof check out her YouTube channel) love you 💕 @rayhanahyoussef

My time in Edmonton, AB really flew by. I feel like I hardly scratched the surface of this city, but what I did experience was great. Thank you to the wonderful women who made this city awesome! Next stop: Saskatoon, SK #thesistersprojectgoesacrosscanada

Calgary, AB was added onto my cross-Canada tour last minute but I’m so glad it was because it’s a city full of dedicated change makers. Although it’s a smaller community the women in this city make up for it for their fierce personalities. #thesistersprojectgoesacrosscanada

Prince George, BC was a super fascinating segment to the cross-Canada trip. I learnt a great deal and was often surprised by the things I learnt from the community and about the community. It is the most north/smallest city I’ve visited/will visit but I met the most hospitable and kind people while there. I’m so grateful to @hirashid for making this trip possible by introducing me to some incredible ladies in the area. #thesistersprojectgoesacrosscanada

Sharing photos from last week when I was invited to teach a photography workshop and speak on a panel about @the.sisters.project for Instagram’s Women Leaders Event. The panel was moderated by chief operating officer of instagram: @marnelevine, and I was accompanied by super incredible women @heatherbarnabe (CEO of @girls.20) @mykrabi (CEO of @ywcacanada) and Paulette Senior (CEO of @canadianwomensfoundation) ❤️ Thank you @dgeldwert for this dreamy opportunity.

Best. Summer. Ever. 🙌 Back on “the road” doing the second leg of my @the.sisters.project cross-Canada tour. Left Prince George yesterday and now I’m in Calgary, where I was lucky enough to visit Canmore this morning. Follow along on stories and posts #thesistersprojectgoesacrosscanada

Tomorrow I have been invited to sit on a panel with the COO of Instagram, @marnelevine , and teach a photography workshop at a Women’s Leaders Event hosted by Instagram. I’m so honoured to have been asked to participate so greatly to this event, and invite you to follow along. @ellecanada will be covering the event on their Instagram stories so tune in there 👋💕
New professional photo by @asalahyoussef

A sister, a field, and an iPhone 7plus. ☀️ I challenged myself to do a photoshoot using the most basic equipment (my phone!) and I am so happy with the results. I’m doing this challenge for a workshop I’m teaching for @instagram this Friday about how good photos don’t need fancy equipment. #iphone7plus #iphonography #instagram

Challenged myself to do a photoshoot with my sister using just my iPhone. It’s fun to strip away to the basics and remember a great photo doesn’t have to be made by complicated equipment. ✨

Still in BC and loving it 💕 one more week here before #thesistersprojectgoesacrosscanada commences again

I am partnering with the Vancouver Bienalle to host a public photoshoot in their main exhibition “Paradise Has Many Gates.” I will be photographing local Vancouver Muslim women within the actual installation between 12:00-2:00 next Saturday, June 21. DM me if you have questions and if you want to be scheduled in, groups are welcome! (Bring your sisters, mom, best friend etc.) During the photoshoot there will also be other events going on such as a “Chai and Chat”. Sounds like a great overall day in beautiful downtown Vancouver ❤️

I absolutely loved visiting Victoria. I had the privilege to join a group of amazing women @vmwvoicesofmuslimwomen the first day on a field trip to see a film screening, then continued my stay and did 6 great photoshoots there. For a small town it has so much personality. 💕 #thesistersprojectgoesacrosscanada

I am smitten with this place 😍 #thesistersprojectgoesacrosscanada

They don’t call it ‘Beautiful British Columbia’ for nothing 😍 #vancouverdays

First and likely last time in a woodworking shop for my latest assignment for Ryerson Today. Thanks @willsloanesq and @colleenmellor ✨

Halifax was a really fascinating segment of my trip but now my time here is up (pun intended.) 4 cities and almost 30 photoshoots later I conclude the first leg of my cross-Canada tour. Heading back to Toronto now for some much needed 📤💻💤 before heading out west next week! #thesistersprojectgoesacrosscanada

Elise

June 22, 2016 in Editorial portraiture

Elise is an illustrator and total sweetheart.

I photographed Elise as part of a project exploring people who moved to Toronto to pursue their artistic passions.

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