People of Parry Sound Project
Celebrating the Faces and Stories of Our Community
When Kathleen and I arrived in Parry Sound in 2004 with our young children, Sasha and Reid, we quickly realized we had found more than a place to live, we had found a true community. This town is shaped not just by its beautiful landscape and Georgian Bay, but by the individuals who give, build, inspire, and weave our community together every day.
That spirit of connection, and the people who foster it, inspired the People of Parry Sound Project.
This project includes the entire Parry Sound District Area:
- The Town of Parry Sound
- All surrounding municipalities
- All out First Nation Communities
As a photographer, I know every face has a story. Through the People of Parry Sound Project, I’m sharing portraits and stories of the people, longtime locals, new faces, quiet changemakers, who give this town its spirit and heart.
One face, one story at a time.
If you know someone whose story deserves to be celebrated, or if you’d like to be part of this project yourself, I invite you to submit a name of someone who inspires you (scroll down to the form).
I look forward to meeting and photographing the people who make Parry Sound the place it is.
This project celebrates the faces, voices, and stories of the people who make Parry Sound more than just a beautiful place, it makes it a home.
Currently collecting stories for.....
Diana Clements
Share a story, a memory, or even a few words. Every contribution helps bring her portrait to life.
Ellen Gilchrist
Share a story, a memory, or even a few words. Every contribution helps bring her portrait to life.
Ellen Bradey
Share a story, a memory, or even a few words. Every contribution helps bring her portrait to life.
Guidelines
I am looking for individuals whose presence, contributions, or stories help shape the spirit of Parry Sound. There are no hard rules, just a desire to reflect the rich diversity of our town.
Here are a few suggestions to guide your submission:
- People of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences
- Individuals who give back, whether through community involvement, quiet kindness, or bold leadership
- Those with unique jobs, hobbies, or perspectives worth sharing
- Long-time residents, new arrivals, or anyone who calls Parry Sound home
- Unsung voices, local legends, and everyday neighbours
- The unforgettable characters, those whose look, laugh, or life stories make them stand out, and whose portraits are as compelling as their voices.
Whether someone runs a small business, volunteers at a school, works behind the scenes, or simply brings light to those around them, I want to hear their story.
Use the form below to suggest a person that you have in mind.
Yes, you can also nominate yourself.
What is involved?
Selected people will be invited to my studio for a chat and photo session. Additional photos may be taken at the person's home, work place, or other location.
The goal is simple: to honor and celebrate the people of Parry Sound, to create something lasting that reflects the heart of the community we are proud to call home.
Cost?
There is no cost or any hidden fees to be involved with the project. It is all, 100% complimentary.
What Will Happen With the Stories and Portraits
The People of Parry Sound project is designed to celebrate and share the stories that make our community unique. For people that are selected, their portrait and story may be featured in a number of ways, including:
- Feature Articles on my website, highlighting individual stories and photographs.
- Social Media Spotlights, such as a "Portrait of the Week" series shared on Instagram and Facebook.
- News Releases or local media features to help share these stories with the broader community.
- Community Gallery Displays, where selected portraits and stories could be exhibited in public spaces around Parry Sound. For example, a future exhibit at the West Parry Sound District Museum.
- Future Book Publication, where the full collection of stories and portraits would be brought together into a published volume celebrating the people who shape our town. 25% of the any book sales will be donated to the Tamarack North Centre (formerly the West Parry Sound Recreational and Cultural Centre)
Participation in the project is completely voluntary, and I’ll work closely with everyone featured to ensure they are comfortable with how their stories and images are shared.
The goal is simple: to honor and celebrate the people of Parry Sound, to create something lasting that reflects the heart of the community we are proud to call home.
Who inspires you?
People of Parry Sound
Join me on a heartfelt journey through the “People of Parry Sound Project,” where every portrait reveals a unique story from the vibrant community of Parry Sound, Ontario.
Through these images, we celebrate longtime locals, quiet changemakers, small‑town legends, and everyday neighbours, all the people who make this place feel like home.
Know someone whose story deserves to be seen?
