It’s the Way She Connects. Hilary Gauld on curiosity, trust, and the energy behind a great portrait

cgoucher
3 days ago
5 min read

She has a way of putting people at ease.

People relax. They open up. And somehow, that shows up in every portrait she creates.

It’s not accidental. It comes from curiosity, trust, and a genuine interest in the person in front of her. The camera is part of it, but it’s not the starting point.

In this conversation, Hilary reflects on how she found her way back to storytelling, what makes a portrait feel real, and why connection sits at the centre of everything she creates.

What first sparked your love of photography? You’ve built a powerful body of work, and helped so many people feel beautiful and seen. What originally drew you in, and what’s kept you going?
A bowl full of loose photographs on my grandparents coffee table. My obsession with the passage of time. And my love of people.

These three things set the stage for my future career.

Becoming a photographer wasn't my original plan. In high school I discovered a love for people's stories and my efforts became focused on a career in broadcast journalism. The next Barbara Walters I thought.

After earning an undergrad in Film Studies and a post graduate diploma in broadcasting I set out to find a job in the news world.

Life happens. Self doubt and fear ate my first career dream. But something even better was waiting for me.

At 35 years old I opened One for the Wall photography, and found my way back to storytelling without having to be in front of a camera.

People are the single biggest inspiration for my work. After 18 years, I am just as excited to start my day as I was when I began. New people to meet. Things to learn about their lives. Relationships to develop. And of course, new images to create!
You’ve worked with so many different people over the years. What do you think makes a truly great portrait session? Is it about light, mood, music, conversation? What’s your secret to drawing out the best in someone?
I think there are many elements that go into creating an authentic portrait. Naturally, lighting is really important to me. Of course clothing and location. I don't overthink my locations or backgrounds. I love the challenge of commercial photography especially because I am not always sure what I am going to walk into. I love having to figure things out on the fly. It makes the process exciting. However, the most important part of the portrait is the connection I have with the person in front of me. The way one feels when they look at finished portrait is a direct result of the energy between the photographer and their subject. That is the most magical part of the process in my experience.
You've spent years using photography to tell stories that might otherwise go untold. What draws you to that kind of work?
I began working with the Down syndrome community after my friend, Kate had a son born with Down syndrome. She approached me to take photos for their annual calendar fundraiser. The response we had to this first series was overwhelming and unexpected. A quick google search exposed a huge gap in authentic representation of those living with Down syndrome. From there we set out to change that.

I have always believed in the power of a photograph and its ability to invite people into a conversation. After photographing our first calendar and seeing the power those images had on our local community and beyond led me to ten more series with the Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Society and four national campaigns with the Canadian Down syndrome society. I think these projects are important for the community you are photographing. It gives them a space to tell their stories and to educate their communities. It also contributes positively to the authenticity of imagery in mainstream media. Being a part of that is a big responsibility. You can either hurt or help a group when you tell their visual stories and I don't take that job lightly. We are very proud of the impact we have had in the last decade with our images.
What’s something you’ve done lately that scared you, but you did it anyway? (Big or small.)
I struggle to put myself in any part of my work. I truly keep behind the lens. But recently, I have had more opportunities to highlight my work and more about myself as a part of this process. A wise friend said to me. "you can't be independent of your art". So, in the spirit of doing something scary. I am here writing about myself and my work.
What do you do when you’re feeling a little “meh” about creating, when inspiration’s low or things feel a bit routine? How do you reset?
Nature is a strong force in my life. I ground myself best near water. Nature inspires me creatively. I take breaks throughout the year to spend some time at the lake to reset.

And simply gratitude. I feel immense gratitude to be able to do this for a living. Each day feels so new. What am I going to create today? What conversation is going to grow me? Who will I meet that might change something in my life? I get to make my business whatever I want it to be. I love the autonomy and fun this career brings to my life.
What’s lighting you up these days, whether in your work, your life, or something unexpected?
I think what lights me up most are the projects I am working on this year. Some come to me. Some I dream up. New campaigns. Two books. Podcasts and feature articles. There is a lot planned for 2026!

Bonus Question: What’s something totally non-photography-related that secretly fuels your creativity?

Outside of photography I am hugely inspired by beautiful spaces. Home design and antiquing. I love reading. There are so many incredible books out right now.

And of course people and in particular, women. I am getting ready to launch two community groups for women focused on connection through activity. You will have to stay tuned for those ... the creative energy that flows through my clients inspires me to create things in different spaces. I am grateful for their trust and their stories. And of course the beautiful faces that I get to work with!

There’s a quiet discipline in Hilary’s work. It looks easy on the surface, but it’s built on attention, care, and intention. She meets people where they are, and that changes what’s possible in front of the camera.

It’s a reminder that the best creative work often comes from how you show up, not just what you produce.

To see more of Hilary's work, check out her website: https://hilarygauld.com/

This series grows through word of mouth and the creative people who nudge me toward the next conversation. If someone comes to mind whose creativity inspires you, send them my way.

Until next week, Christine