Ella Photography, founded by Isabella Rosa, is a lifestyle photography business dedicated to celebrating authenticity. Specializing in portraits, weddings, boudoir, and family sessions, Isabella’s mission is to help clients see their unique beauty, just as they are.
Based in Montreal but available across Canada and Europe, Ella Photography creates a safe, empowering space for people of all backgrounds. Whether capturing a milestone or rediscovering confidence, sessions are designed to challenge beauty standards and promote self-love through powerful, meaningful imagery.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Ella Photography is a lifestyle photography business that specializes in photographing people. Its goal is for clients to realize that they are perfect the way they are and they don’t need to change a thing to look like the people in the magazines.
What made you want to do this work?
The world tends to be an unkind place to live in. We constantly get bombarded with images of perfect bodies and shown lives that say that we are not good enough. People are made to believe they have to shrink themselves, hide their flaws, or earn their worth by becoming someone else. I wanted to create a space that does the opposite—a space where people are reminded that they are already enough.
Photography became my way of showing people their own magic, of holding up a mirror that says, “This is you. And you’re beautiful just like this.”
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I wanted to solve the problem of self-doubt and unrealistic beauty standards. Too many people avoid the camera because they don’t feel “ready” or “good enough”,—like they have to lose weight, fix their skin, or become someone else before they deserve to be seen. I started this business to challenge that mindset. I wanted to create a photography experience that feels safe, affirming, and empowering, where people can show up exactly as they are and walk away feeling proud of it. My work is about helping people reconnect with their real selves and see that they’re already worth remembering.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Absolutely Everyone and Anyone is welcome in my studio. My clients are everyday people who are tired of hiding from the camera—people who want to feel seen, confident, and celebrated for who they truly are. I work with individuals of all ages, genders, body types, and backgrounds. Some come to me for professional portraits or dating profile photos, while others just want to finally have a photo of themselves they actually like. Many of my clients have never had a portrait session before, feel like they are not photogenic, are single or newly divorces and need to find themselves again, or they’ve had bad experiences in the past that made them feel small. My work is especially for those who don’t feel like they “fit the mould” and want something real, creative, and affirming instead.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
My business makes money by offering photography sessions, which clients book directly through me. I offer different types of sessions, including weddings, boudoir, portraits, family or couple sessions. Clients pay a flat rate for the session, which includes a certain number of edited photos, and they can choose to purchase more if they’d like. I keep the process simple and straightforward, and I focus on delivering a great experience and images that people truly connect with.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Absolutely anywhere in Canada. I also work in Europe. Sessions are done outdoors, so they can be done wherever the client feels comfortable. My studio is located in Montreal.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Q: “I don’t feel like I’m photogenic. How are you different from other photographers?”
A: You’re not alone—so many people feel that way, and it honestly breaks my heart. That belief usually comes from years of unrealistic beauty standards and unkind experiences in front of the camera. What makes me different is that I don’t expect you to show up feeling confident—I help you get there. I won’t just pose you and take the shot; I’ll guide you gently, make space for your real personality to shine, and celebrate you exactly as you are. I’m not here to change you—I’m here to show you what’s already amazing.
Here’s the truth: only other photographers care whether a photo is technically perfect. Most people don’t connect with an image because of lighting ratios or sharpness—they connect with how they felt in that moment. If you felt confident, safe, and seen, that emotion will come flooding back every time you look at the photo. That’s what I aim to create—portraits that not only show you at your best, but lift you up when you need the reminder most.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of what I do is seeing someone look at a photo of themselves and truly love what they see, sometimes for the first time in years. That moment when they go quiet, get a little teary, or smile and say, “Wow… that’s me?” is priceless. Knowing that I helped someone see their worth, beauty, or strength in a new light is what makes this work so fulfilling.
The hardest part is how many people carry deep pain or insecurity when they come to me. I hear countless stories of people who’ve been made to feel “less than” or rejected because they don’t fit society’s narrow idea of what’s “normal.” I hold space for their stories, and I take that responsibility seriously, but it can be heavy. I just wish the world were kinder, so I wouldn’t have to undo what it’s told them about themselves. But that’s exactly why I do this—to show every person that they deserve to be seen and celebrated, no exceptions.
In the effort of pushing that notion further, I started an initiative called MyKindOfPeople, where I ask businesses to fight discrimination by displaying a simple cling on their door or website that reads, “EVERYONE IS WELCOME.” We all have a role to play in the movement toward inclusivity and diversity, and I invite everyone to make the effort and commitment to kindness and acceptance.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
How everyone thinks they are unphotogenic because of that one friend that took their photo on a crappy phone and in a badly lit place.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
I love the work being done at happytears.ca, as well as any person who takes the time to push thrifting. We have enough clothes, people. Love our beautiful world and buy second-hand.
