about me
Hey! I'm Elysa, but Lance is my nickname. You can call me either!
I’m a twenty-something born and raised on summer days; passionate about good food, sunsets and making the most out of every day.
Although photography is a big part of my life, day to day you'll most likely find me in my garden, smothering my chocolate lab in kisses, or trying out new recipes for dinner.
My favourite way to spend the weekend is being with my loved ones, usually at the beach or exploring new places and events. If it includes food and good company, I'll be there.
I love to tell stories, and I hope one day I can hear all about yours.
Thank you for being here!
Life
of
storyteller
a visual,
photographer,
a
just
Not
Ottawa Wedding Photographer: Elysa Lance-Benac
& everything in between
she/her
"Your wedding isn't a photoshoot or a production. Live in the moment and let me capture the magic."
My interest in photography started with the thrill of being able to freeze a moment in time and hold onto it years later. In college, we learned the science of how a photo is created, and to be honest, I think it’s seriously just magic.
Photography to me is about having a way to remember all of your life's moments - the more imperfect the better. I want you to be able to look at your collection of photos and not only feel the moment, but feel like you.
My dream is to create a space where you can feel comfortable enough to be yourself, without stress or worry if you're doing all the "right" things for a nice photo.
And as a result, we can create something deeply beautiful and nostalgic.
“Every wedding, every shoot, I see the world through a whole new lens. No story is the same, and this makes photography so rewarding."
No two love stories are the same, and that's exactly what makes your photos unlike anyone else's.
I'm inspired by the details that make up your story. What you love doing together. How you met. The places you've wandered and got lost. Your favorite things about each other. The inside jokes nobody else would understand.
Every time I get to witness and capture that kind of connection, it reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.
My goal: to turn your wedding day or session into a collection of photos that feel honest, true, and entirely your own - like stills from a film only you two could have made.
Don't forget to document your life, your story is worth telling.
"Rain or shine, I'll be capturing all those moments you want to hold onto forever."
One thing about weddings that is undeniable, is how quickly they go by. Suddenly you're at the day you've planned and dreamed about for so long and the emotions are high.
That's why it's important that I've got you covered, so you can soak up and enjoy every moment of your day. This means I'll be checking in to see if you need a moment to yourselves, working with your vendors on last minute changes and doing all the corralling for a family group photo.
Apart from being your photographer, I’m here to be any support or calming prescence you need.
Throughout the days leading up to, and after your wedding, I'm just a message away. Your trust and appreciation will always hold a place in my heart.
Cozy cafes, sunsets on the beach, period dramas, great food, dog snuggles, being a tourist, living in the moment, 10pm baking, laughing with friends..
From growing up in a world before wifi was a thing, I like to spend as much time as I can being outside or doing anything with my hands.
My core memories are of sitting on the porch soaking up the morning sun, being absorbed in a good book, baking and experimenting with recipes, always being barefoot, picking flowers from my moms garden, fishing with my brother, campfires and sleepovers with friends.
I naturally have a passion for helping others and taking care of those closest to me. It's so rewarding making other people feel seen and cared for.
My current obsessions are caramel lattes, Outlander, sewing my own clothes, history, and traveling the world.
I really look forward to getting to know you and all of your favourite things.
xo
Thanks so much for making this day so special. Not only are you extremely talented but your energy is what I hope every bride and groom gets from their photographer; calming, patient, supportive and super helpful. We're both immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to have you as a photographer for our special day and engagement photoshoot.
Vero & Nicholas
Your story is worth
telling
Don't just let the memories fade away, let's document this beautiful time of your life
