I'm Hana El Zohiry - a Toronto-based photographer who hates writing, especially about herself. But, in all seriousness, I love photography, and thank goodness for that!

I graduated from the University of Guelph-Humber in 2018 earning a Bachelor's Degree in Media Studies with a specialization in Photography. It was four years of my life that consisted of laughter, great friends and learning new photography techniques.

I am a natural light photographer who specializes in love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming love. The real stuff.

Photography is my first love when it comes to creative expressions, and it absolutely helps me feel at ease; it helps my anxiousness. I am always grateful to work alongside clients who believe that capturing authentic emotion matters more than getting a perfectly posed portrait.

HOW DID THIS ALL START?

When I was in grade nine, my visual arts teacher was also the high school's photography teacher, and naturally she implemented a unit solely focused on photography. The second I held the camera in my hand, my life changed.

I immediately knew that it was something I wanted to pursue. There was something about freezing a moment in time that won me over.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

In grade 12, I was presented with two options: study Early Childhood Education or Photography. I chose the latter. In 2014, I became a student at the University of Guelph-Humber to study Photography and Media Studies.

I didn't just learn the basic concepts of photography and the theory behind the art, but also the notion of creating authentic stories through photos.

WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?

Fast forward to today, I have a business that I'm trying to grow. I work full-time as a Digital Coordinator for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada where I get to use my photography to share global stories.

On the weekends, you can find me behind the camera at a session, at a concert, or on the couch reading a book with a cup a good old iced coffee!

MUSIC

I absolutely love music - I'm the kind of person to burst out into song mid conversation, and TikTok definitely isn't helping this habit!

Some people I listen to:

Niall Horan
Jordan Davis
Luke Combs
Harry Styles
Hamilton
Clinton Kane
and more!

DOGS

Do you know how some people start talking in a baby voice? Well I do that, but with dogs. I absolutely love the little fur babies.

I have beautiful German Shepherd who's my best friend. Even though she doesn't like cuddling, she does enjoy going on location scouts and walks with me!

P.S. No matter the age, I will call your fur baby a puppy!

GOD

I say this all the time, but I honestly don't believe I'd be where I am without all that God has done in my life.

The story of how I got into university continues to amaze me to this day, and I'm always thankful that He has provided me with amazing blessings throughout my life.

A go to verse of mine is 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV).