Danielle Gillard Photography

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute joy of photographing my wonderful neighbours, Nuno & Kristian, during their engagement session.

Over the last year, what started as being neighbours has grown into a truly lovely friendship. Getting to know these two has been such a gift, and it was incredibly special to spend an evening capturing this exciting chapter in their lives.

The way they laugh together, support one another, and simply enjoy being in each other’s company made this session feel effortless and genuine. Every photograph tells a little piece of their story, and I feel so honoured that they trusted me to document these memories before they say “I do” this July.

Nuno & Kristian, thank you for allowing me to be part of such a meaningful time in your lives. I can’t wait to celebrate with you both and watch this beautiful next chapter begin. ❤️

Congratulations, you two!

Yellowknife 💛 I’m coming home for a little bit this summer, and I honestly can’t wait.

There’s just something about being up north — the light, the people, the feeling — it always fills my cup in the best way.

I’ll only have a limited number of sessions available while I’m there, so if you’ve been thinking about booking, this is your sign!
Available dates:

June 26–28
July 2–3

Send me a message to grab a spot ✨

I’m so excited to be back and see some familiar (and new!) faces.

Magnolias are slowly starting to bloom 🌺 — my favourite flower! I feel so lucky to see so many on my way to work and around home.

Soft petals, blue skies, and that feeling that everything is coming back to life. Best time of the year. Bonus: running outside and not getting blown or rained away!

🐚 daniellegillardphotography.com

Last Sunday, I got to go to Hornby Island for work with Vancouver Diving Locker & Instructor Sheena — and it turned into one of those perfect dive days.

Our surface interval consisted of hot chocolate, sunshine, lots of laughs, and a rock absolutely covered in Sea Lions.

Exploring new places with great company is always the best part of the job. 🌊📸

Some mornings just feel extra special ✨

I took the ferry to work a few weeks back. and the city was wrapped in the softest blanket of fog. The sun slowly started peeking through, turning everything gold and dreamy. The water was perfectly still, the skyline looked like it was waking up, and for a moment it felt like the whole world hit pause.

There’s something about commuting by boat that makes even a regular workday feel magical. ☀️

Grateful for quiet mornings like this.

Spring is flirting with Vancouver right now.
Soft pink petals blooming on the cherry blossoms by my house, golden light stretching into warmer, longer days — just enough warmth to make you believe it’s almost time.

A gentle reminder that brighter days are coming, above water and below.

This photo was from last spring of the magnolias — my favourite 🌺

Some people hit snooze. We zip drysuits.

In the water by 6/7am, out before work — and that’s how the day begins. There’s something about choosing to wake up early for a dive that feels so incredibly peaceful. The roads are quiet, the day is just beginning, and the water is so calm and alive.

Cold mornings don’t stand a chance against our drysuits — they keep us toasty so we can settle in, slow down, and truly enjoy our cold water diving to the fullest.

And while the ocean is the real reason for the early alarm, it’s always a little sweeter having someone just as excited to roll in at sunrise.

Before emails. Before noise.
Just salt water and the best possible start to the day 💙

This is a new series I’m working on since diving has become a huge part of my life. Big thanks to .v.broomfield for letting me take photos of her during our recent dive!

Sometimes inspiration doesn’t show up loudly.
Sometimes it’s calm water, a single sailboat, and a moment that asks nothing of you.

The fog rolls in, and the world feels quieter, simpler — like it’s okay to just be here.

A reminder that slowing down is still moving forward ✨

One of the highlights of my time in Taveuni was exploring the Lavena Coastal Walk. A small group of us spent the afternoon wandering along untouched shoreline, following the coast as it opened up to breathtaking viewpoints like this one — the kind that make you stop, breathe, and just take it all in.

I’ve been to Taveuni before, but this was my first time here, and it easily became one of my favourite days of the trip. Some places just stay with you 💙

7 more months until I’m back in Taveuni and I couldn’t be more excited to guide another adventure for the We still have 6 spots left, are you coming with me?! 🌺

A quiet moment of stillness while the world continues to move around me.

Surrounded by green—grounded, peaceful, and exactly where I feel most at home. Nature has a way of being deeply therapeutic, especially when life is constantly filled with people and movement. It’s also been one of the biggest inspirations for my work over the years.

This year, I’m really looking forward to creating more beautiful art with both new and familiar faces, in nature. More of this coming soon ✨