http://www.stephhounsellphotography.com/

Steph Hounsell Photography, Dutton, ON (2026)

06/01/2026

Community

Painted Turtle – Algonquin Provincial Park (Backcountry), July 2025

I'm not sure if you can see it on the top of the turtle's head, but there appears to be a small snail hitching a ride. I knew what I wanted to write about today, but I was struggling to find the right image. Then I remembered this photo, and it immediately made me think of community.

Yesterday was one of those days that truly filled my cup.

Yes, preparing for markets takes a lot of work. Setting up, tearing down, and spending long hours on your feet can be exhausting. But it is all so worth it.

I loved talking with everyone who stopped by my booth. I love sharing the stories behind my photographs, and I especially love hearing how much people enjoy these Monday posts. Knowing that these little reflections are being read and that they resonate with others means more than I can express.

Another highlight of the day was connecting with fellow artists and photographers. Building each other up, supporting one another, and creating space for each other's success is something I deeply value.

This small community where I grew up has always been an important part of who I am, and yesterday felt especially meaningful. Being able to share something I love with a community I love was a gift.

Events like these don't happen without countless hours of work behind the scenes. To the volunteers and organizers of the Dutton Farmers Market, thank you for everything you do. Thank you as well to the sponsors and to Nate Pearson for the wonderful entertainment throughout the day. If you haven't listened to his music, you can find him on Spotify—he's incredibly talented.

To my community: thank you. Your support, encouragement, and kindness mean the world to me.

Wishing you a mindful Monday. 💛

05/25/2026

Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zones

Last weekend, I experienced my very first backcountry camping trip. As a kid, I spent many weekends camping at Rondeau. I can still remember Dad packing the car and picking us up after school on Fridays before heading out for the weekend and for the past 10 years we have spent at least a week glamping on Manitoulin Island and have camped along Lake Superior and in Algonquin Park — but never in the backcountry.

To be completely honest, the thought of not having a porta-potty or some sort of washroom facility was one of the main reasons I had never ventured into it. That, and I couldn’t imagine how I would paddle all my necessities into the backcountry. I’m also a fair-weather paddler — if the wind is up, you’ll usually find me safely on shore.

Fast forward a couple of weeks, and I took the plunge and said yes when a friend invited me along. We had never travelled together before, but we share a love for the outdoors and photography. The site was booked, and a week later we were on the road. I should also mention that I strongly dislike holiday travel… and I still said yes.

Here’s what I learned during my two-night excursion:

Thunderboxes (backcountry bathrooms - not sure why they are called that) are not scary. In fact, I may have to admit that doing my business in the forest was one of the most peaceful bathroom experiences to date.
Kayaking 14 km to your campsite is absolutely doable — and it definitely makes for a good night’s sleep.

If you float quietly in your kayak long enough, you may encounter a curious beaver who appears to be considering climbing into your kayak. I definitely had a brief “Oh my goodness, is he coming in?!” moment… but thankfully, he turned away.

Apparently, I can paddle Canoe Lake during a tornado warning — no joke. At times, it honestly felt like my kayak wasn’t moving at all. I kept watching the paddlers around me, and since they continued, I did too. Once we reached shore, we learned the area was under a tornado watch, so the intense wind suddenly made a lot more sense.

Most importantly, I learned that I can step outside of my comfort zone, face challenges, and still have one heck of a time. We’ve already booked another trip for August, and I can’t wait.

So here’s to stepping outside our comfort zones. We only get one go around — make it count.

Wishing you a mindful Monday 🌿

05/11/2026

Domestic Dispute – Tree Swallows
Elgin County, May 2026

We’ve always had Barn Swallows each year, but this spring the Tree Swallows arrived too. As beautiful as they are, I have to admit I’m a little worried about the bluebirds. So far, though, they seem to be holding their own. One thing is certain — the Tree Swallows have been incredibly fun to photograph!

What’s interesting is that both the male and female are equally outspoken and determined. Watching them made me reflect on human relationships. I used to believe happiness meant always being the easygoing one — the person who bends, complies, and avoids conflict at all costs. Now I know better.

Healthy conflict, when handled with maturity and respect, can actually strengthen relationships. I’ve learned that it’s okay to speak my mind and ask for what I want. Ironically, the more I do that, the more peace I’ve found in my life. Funny, because I used to think staying quiet and always going along with others would bring me peace — but it never really did.

So, if you’re someone who avoids conflict like the plague, take it from a recovering people pleaser: healthy communication can feel far better than keeping everything bottled up inside.

Wishing you a mindful Monday 🕊️

05/04/2026

Go for it!

"If you're worried about the cost of going for it, you should see the price of staying exactly where you are."
— Author Unknown (as shared on Mel Robbins’ page)

Common Loon — Algonquin Provincial Park, July 2025

Friday night, I logged into the Journal of Wildlife Photography to watch the finalists for March’s photo contest - the theme was All Things Black. I love tuning in—there’s always so much to learn, and I leave feeling inspired by others’ work.

To my surprise, after the winners were announced, my photo appeared—selected for the critique section! While I wasn’t chosen as a finalist, I was absolutely over the moon to see my image included and thoughtfully reviewed. And let me tell you, I won’t be making the mistake of leaving too little space around my subject again (lesson learned!).

So how does this tie into today’s message? I often hesitate before entering contests, second-guessing my skills. But I’ve been pushing past that doubt and submitting my work anyway—and in both of the past two months, my images have been recognized in some way.

If I hadn’t taken that step, there would have been zero chance of that happening.

So go for it. Whatever you think you might lose is often far less than what you stand to gain.

Have a mindful Monday ❤

04/23/2026

I often get asked if I photograph cats—why yes, I do! I just need to print a few favorites and add them to my website (weekend goals 😉).

This is Gus—such a handsome fellow!

What makes a great cat photo session? A room filled with natural light and no strict timelines, because cats always have their own agenda.

Have a cat you’d love to capture? Send me a message and let’s book a session!

04/20/2026

Mindful Monday – Looking Back

I spent some time this weekend going through photos from 2023 and 2024, and it was such a good reminder—especially for fellow photographers—that better gear isn’t everything. Many of the images I was most drawn to were taken with my old camera (the one Hannah now uses), and I was genuinely proud of what I created with it like this female Belted Kingfisher at Port Glasgow back in 2023.

Today, Hannah writes her last exam of the year, and I can’t quite believe how quickly it all went. It’s been a year full of change and unexpected curveballs, and I’m so proud of how she’s met it all with strength and determination.

So today’s post is for all students heading into exams—and also for those who, for any reason, didn’t finish the year the way they had planned. Sometimes, looking back isn’t about staying stuck in the past—it’s about recognizing how far you’ve come and offering yourself the same kindness you so easily give to others.

I often ask students what they would say to a friend who’s struggling, and the answers are always compassionate and supportive. But when it comes to themselves, that same kindness can be hard to find.

So today, take a moment to reflect—not to dwell, but to acknowledge your growth. Whether you’re writing exams this week or choosing a different path, your journey matters. Celebrate how far you’ve come.

Best of luck to everyone writing exams this week. And as always… have a mindful Monday 🤍

04/13/2026

Mindful Monday — The Importance of Rest

Unlearning beliefs we’ve carried for years isn’t easy. I have to remind myself often that my worth is not tied to my productivity—and maybe you need that reminder too. In a world that prioritizes doing over being, it’s important to remember: we are not machines. We are human, and we need rest.

This photo was taken in 2024 when Hannah and I explored Pukaskwa National Park (highly recommend for the adventurers out there!). The hike to the suspension bridge was just under 20 km. I thought, “No problem—that’s just a couple laps around our block”… I was very wrong 😅 The elevation humbled me quickly. But we made it—and I’d do it all over again.

This image was captured near our campsite in an area that had undergone a planned burn to support regrowth. It felt symbolic—the old making way for the new. The fog added a sense of calm, like the forest itself was resting and restoring.

So today, take this as your reminder: rest when you need it. And if you feel too busy to rest—that’s your sign you need it even more. The world won’t stop spinning if you pause. Give yourself permission to reset—you are worthy of it.

Oh and if the quote on my image resonates with you, you might want to give Dr. Caroline Leaf's website a click: https://drleaf.com/

Have a mindful Monday 🤍

04/10/2026

Fox Friday – Elgin County 🦊

So grateful to see this healthy, watchful mama back again this year. When my friend told me she’d returned, I was beyond excited.

Her safety—and the safety of her kits—comes first. When she spotted us and didn’t call them out, we took that as our cue to quietly move on. Respecting wildlife always matters more than getting the shot.

Not long after we left, the little ones made their appearance—and that made us just as happy. Because at the end of the day, it’s not always about the photos. It’s about keeping wildlife wild and ensuring their wellbeing.

Wishing you a fox-tastic Friday! 🦊✨

04/06/2026

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis

Back in February, I had the honour of attending a presentation by one of my favourite photographers, Helen Grose, through the Journal of Wildlife Photography. I was so inspired—not just by the content, but by the platform and the passion behind it—that I finally decided to join.

Each month, the Journal hosts a themed photo contest, so I decided to step outside my comfort zone and give it a try. The theme was all things white… and since polar bears are still on the bucket list, I had to get a little creative!

I dug through my archives and submitted 10 images. Then on March 11th, I received an email requesting my RAW file—such an exciting moment! While it didn’t mean I was a finalist, it did mean my image stood out enough to move to the next round.

When the results were announced on March 31st, I wasn’t selected as a finalist—but I wasn’t disappointed either. The winning images were incredible, and I felt genuinely happy for each photographer. More importantly, I felt proud of myself for showing up and trying.

So today, a gentle reminder: you’re never too old to try something new, to take a chance, or to chase a dream.

This image was captured on Manitoulin Island. I had set out early hoping to spend time with the loons, but instead noticed this gull. At first, I thought it might be injured since it didn’t take flight—but then I realized it was simply enjoying its breakfast.

Wishing you a mindful Monday 🤍

04/01/2026

April first isn't just April Fools day, it's also International Bird Day - who knew? Last year I so wanted to snap a pic of our resident Bluebird pair - didn't happen. But last Sunday - well I got to spend the morning with this pair and it was just perfect! So happy to have Johnny and June back for another season 💙🐦

Here's to a month of a little more sunshine, warmer temps, and more bird songs 🙂

Steph Hounsell Photography

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