Finding Your Light: A conversation with Élodie Meyer on photography, voice, and vision
In a world saturated with images, finding a truly distinct photographic voice can feel like searching for clarity in a storm. Yet for Élodie Meyer, a seasoned photographer and passionate educator, that search is not just possible—it’s essential. Through a diverse portfolio of photography courses, including Creative Uses of Light and Shadows, Chasing Light in Winter, Intro to Wildlife Photography, and the beautifully specialized Essential Guide to Hummingbird Photography, Élodie has guided students not only in mastering technique, but in uncovering what truly moves them behind the lens.
Her latest guide, Finding Your Own Photography Voice, marks a new chapter—one that invites introspection, experimentation, and personal storytelling. It’s not about mimicking trends or chasing perfection, but about discovering the deeper layers of what drives us to create in the first place.
We sat down with Élodie to explore the evolution of her artistic path, the philosophies behind her teaching, and the transformative power of connecting with your own unique vision. Whether you're just picking up a camera or years into your craft, this conversation might just help you listen more closely to the creative voice that’s been waiting to speak.
Hi Élodie, can you tell us a bit more about you?
My name is Élodie. It’s pronounced like the word “melody”, where you just drop the “m”. I am French-Canadian, living near Montreal, Canada. I have 2 young boys: Léo (8 yo) and Nicolas (6 yo). I’ve been doing photography more than 20 years: I started as a teenager with my Dad, who was already a hobbyist and gave me my first lessons about exposure, composition and so on. I was originally born and raised in France, worked a bit in UK and China as a student, then lived several years in Germany for work before moving to Canada. I arrived in Quebec with 2 suitcases and my cat, planning to stay for a year ... and now I’m still here after more than 10 years!
Can you describe your photography?
Nature is my main source of inspiration: the wild landscapes, the wild animals, and of course, my 2 wild kids in the wild nature! I love movement, silhouettes, blue skies, creative storytelling with light, strong lines and strong compositions (symmetry, negative space, …). It’s bright and colorful, especially in the blue and yellow tones. I love creating images that are at the same time a beautiful memory for me and a whimsical scroll-stopper for others. I love getting creative with light in my photography, in-camera or through post-processing. It’s a real joy for me to play with images to make them impactful and share a little bit of magic in my everyday.
How did your own photographic voice evolve over time? Was there a moment when you felt, "Yes, this is me"?
I’ve always been a travel addict—by this summer, I’ll be visiting my 33rd country! In my 20s, that passion naturally led me to photograph landscapes during my travels. In my 30s, my focus shifted toward family photography, and later, wildlife photography entered the picture when we moved near a forest. More recently, I’ve been exploring creative photography. Each phase was a form of experimentation that helped me better understand not just what I love to photograph, but how I want my images to feel.
Still, it wasn’t until I began building a cohesive portfolio a few years ago that I truly started the journey of finding my own photographic voice. It was challenging—there’s no step-by-step manual for this kind of discovery. I often felt lost. But after months of refining my style, I had a breakthrough: I found a specific overlay in my editing that, once fine-tuned, finally gave my images the mood and emotional weight I had been chasing. That moment clicked. Of course, it wasn’t just about the overlay—it was the culmination of countless intentional choices that, together, began to define my voice.
You’ve taught a range of courses—from light and shadows to hummingbird photography. How did teaching those technical and themed topics lead to creating a course that’s more introspective and personal?
Teaching technical and themed courses—like light and shadows, or hummingbird photography—helped me realize that once students have a solid foundation, the next big question naturally becomes: What do I want to say with my images? After going through that journey myself—and understanding just how complex and personal it can be—I saw an opportunity to help others navigate it, too. That’s really where the idea for Finding Your Own Photography Voice came from. I wanted to create something structured, a step-by-step guide that could make that often overwhelming process feel more approachable and empowering. It felt like the most meaningful next step, both for my students and for me as a teacher.
What do you think are the biggest challenges photographers face when trying to develop a distinct visual identity today, especially with so many influences on social media?
One of the biggest challenges today is tuning out the constant noise of social media. It’s easy to fall into the trap of creating images that mimic what’s trending or that chase likes, rather than listening to your own instincts. The pressure to be visible and validated can dilute originality. Developing a distinct visual identity requires slowing down, embracing curiosity, and giving yourself the space to explore without needing immediate approval. That kind of growth takes time—and a bit of courage.
Can you share a story or assignment from your course that led to surprising feedback from your students?
I’ve had several students reach out to tell me that Creative Uses of Light and Shadows is the course they return to whenever they feel creatively stuck. That really moved me. I designed it to encourage photographers to think differently and push their boundaries, so hearing that it’s become a source of inspiration and renewal for people—even long after they’ve finished it—means a lot. It’s incredibly rewarding to know the course has become a kind of creative reset button for some.
Finally, what advice would you give to photographers who feel lost in their creative journey, unsure of what they want to say with their images?
First, take a deep breath and know that feeling lost is actually part of the creative process—it usually means you're on the edge of something new. My advice is to step away from expectations, both internal and external, and start shooting just for yourself again. Pay attention to what draws your eye naturally, even if it feels random or messy at first. Follow your curiosity, not the rules. And don’t be afraid to make work that feels quiet or imperfect—that’s often where your voice begins to speak. Trust that it’s there. Your job is just to keep showing up and listening.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful approach to photography and teaching. Your courses offer photographers a chance to pause, reflect, and grow—not just in skill, but in personal expression. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, Élodie.
