meet the photographer

hi, i'm

hillary.

Person in pink sleeveless top and checkered pants posing against bright blue background, sitting with crossed legs.

brand photos are my fav.

I focus on creating a space where you can truly be yourself. When you’re comfortable and relaxed, we’re able to capture your most authentic self—the images that tell your real story. I believe in letting go of the pressure of perfection, and making room for those magical, in-between moments where your true self shines through. Think intentional story-telling meets unapologetically YOU, but make it a branding session!

Person wearing a pink sweater and dark pants sits casually on a black bar stool against a white background.

Personal Branding at Nera Studio in Barrie, ON


Every once in a while, a session comes along that just clicks — and this was one of them.


Shooting for @theneurodiversitymom (hi, Katherine!) was a dreeeaam. I say that with all the stretched-out vowels and heart emojis in the world, because honestly... this branding session was magic.


Katherine is a late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic woman, and a mother to two autistic children. She’s one of those people who brings her whole self to the table — vulnerability, passion, humour, and a mission that’s deeply rooted in advocacy and truth-telling.

 

A joyful figure in a pink sweater and wide-leg jeans jumps playfully against a white background while striking a pose.

She’s taken her lived experience and turned it into a platform for real impact — using her voice and influencer superpowers to shed light on disability, parenting, neurodiversity, and the importance of showing up as our full selves. She’s also writing a book, Actually, I’m Autistic, which I have no doubt will be equal parts powerful and necessary — an honest, lived-in account of life through a neurodivergent lens.


Through her content, her advocacy, and her clothing brand The ND Mom Shop, she’s creating space for others to feel seen and empowered. (Seriously, go check out her graphic tees and sweatshirts — they’re soo soft and cozy, they've got super cute graphics, and are full of heart.)


As a photographer — especially one who’s spent years capturing families — I’ve learned that the best photos happen when people feel safe enough to be their true selves. My goal is always to create a space where that kind of authenticity can shine. And let me tell you — Katherine walked into her session ready to do exactly that.


She showed up with a mission: to be fully herself and to represent her brand — one that celebrates neurodiversity and encourages others to embrace their own uniqueness. There was this quiet kind of power in the way she moved through her session. No pretenses, no masks — just her, showing up with purpose and joy.


We laughed. We played. We created photos that feel alive. And as we did, I found myself feeling more and more inspired to lean into my own authenticity too.


This is exactly why I’ve started stepping into the world of branding photography. These sessions are more than headshots — they’re stories. They’re connection. They’re about helping people like Katherine bring their vision to life in a way that feels real.


So if you’re a small business owner, a creative, a coach, or a mission-driven human who wants photos that reflect you — I’m here for it. Let’s make something beautiful together.


With love,

Hillary West

A person in a pink sweater and black jeans jumps against a white wall while wearing gray sneakers.
Person in pink sweater sits cross-legged on white couch with laptop and soda can, raising one arm in celebration.
Person in pink sweater relaxes on white couch surrounded by laundry baskets and scattered clothes on floor.
Person in pink sweater and dark pants jumping joyfully on a white couch with scattered items around them.
Person using a smartphone with a small rainbow tattoo visible on their arm.
A relaxed figure in a pink sweater and black pants sits cross-legged wearing blue headphones against a white backdrop.
Someone wearing a bright blue sweatshirt with a smiley face design stands against a white background in dark jeans and slippers.
Person wearing a navy blue crewneck sweater with graphic logo stands against white background in dark jeans and brown shoes.
Person wearing a cream colored sweatshirt and black wide-leg pants poses against white background in casual style.
A casual pose in a blue t-shirt and wide-leg black pants with fuzzy brown slippers against a white background.