We all know that good art has the power to tell stories, move people and uplift voices that aren’t always heard. That’s why, in honour of this upcoming International Women’s Day, we’ve asked two Canadian photographers—Collingwood, Ont.-based Leah den Bok and Vancouver’s Olivia Van Dyke—to share some of their recent work capturing IWD through their lens. To do so, they used the iPhone 16 Pro to explore what IWD means to be, the different facets of womanhood and what celebrating all of that looks like. Ahead, find their work and stories about IWD 2025, in their own words.

“As an image-maker and storyteller, I’m inspired by shape, colour, unusual angles and genuine emotions—elements that combine to create visually striking  compositions. Rather than relying on posed images, I prefer to let my subjects  move freely, capturing raw, authentic moments as they unfold. There’s something powerful about finding beauty in the in-between—the fleeting expressions, the unguarded gestures, the honesty of a moment that might otherwise go unnoticed.” 

“I explore womanhood in my work by celebrating the strength, creativity and  resilience that define our shared experiences. Supporting and collaborating with  women—both in my teams and the subjects I photograph—is my priority because  their talent and determination are often overlooked in this industry. 

“For this shoot, I worked with an incredible all-women team, including model and music artist Ari Hicks (@arihicks), wardrobe stylist Rashi Bindra (@rashistyles), makeup and hair artist Elena Pacienza (@elenapacienzamua) and behind-the-scenes videographer Sharleen Meinke (@shaarleeen). Additionally, every piece in this shoot was sourced from female designers, including Golshaah (@gol.shaah), Marie Saint Pierre (@mariesaintpierre), Galleriadele (@galleriadele), Olaeda (@shopolaeda) and L’Intervalle (@lintervalle).

“This project was about capturing resilience and actively supporting and uplifting  women at every level of the creative process. Our partnership is a testament to  the power of women working together and creating space for each other in this  industry.”

Leah Den Bok/Courtesy of Apple

“The story of these images is about highlighting strong and resilient women. I had  the honour of shooting with music artist Ari Hicks, whose music is a powerful fusion of dark pop and unapologetic storytelling. Her songs, like “Shut Up and  Look Pretty” and “Sad Ghost,” embrace themes of self-empowerment, defiance  and reclaiming one’s voice—making her the perfect subject for this series. 

“Her artistry speaks to the strength and complexity of womanhood, which I wanted  to reflect in these images. Shooting on an iPhone allowed me to strip away any  barriers between us, capturing her raw energy and presence in a way that felt  authentic and intimate—just like the emotions in her music.”

Leah Den Bok/Courtesy of Apple

“One of the most exciting aspects of this shoot was the spontaneity it allowed. Working with Ari Hicks, who brings such a commanding presence, meant capturing moments that felt genuinely organic rather than overly structured. Some of my favourite shots were taken in between takes when she naturally embodied the energy of her music without even realizing it. 

“Shooting with an iPhone also gave me the creative flexibility to move freely, adjust  compositions instantly and take advantage of natural light without being weighed  down by heavy gear. The ability to shoot from unconventional angles made a  massive difference in capturing the intimacy and raw emotion of the moment. This  experience reinforced that some of the most powerful images come from allowing  things to unfold naturally rather than forcing a specific vision.”

Leah Den Bok/Courtesy of Apple

“Being a successful young woman of colour in an industry historically dominated  by men empowers me. I am taking up space in a world that wasn’t built for me. I strive to create an inclusive environment where underrepresented voices are seen, heard and valued. 

“I also consciously build diverse teams—from models to designers and creatives— because accurate representation comes from every part of the process. I hope to  contribute to a more diverse and inclusive industry by uplifting these voices and  fostering an equitable creative space.”

“My work is deeply inspired by human connection, nature and the moments where they intertwine. It’s less about capturing a scene and more about uncovering a feeling.”

“To me, womanhood is about authenticity, depth and the beauty of simply being. I aim to create images that feel honest—capturing the strength, softness and complexity of what it means to be a woman. This matters so much to me because photography has the power to shape how we see ourselves and each other. I want to create a space where women feel fully seen—not just for how they look, but for who they are. To celebrate their beauty in all its forms, in the quiet moments and the bold ones, in their vulnerability and in their power.

Olivia Van Dyke/Courtesy of Apple

“This series is about the bond between women, motherhood and nature. It captures moments of love, care and freedom—a mother holding her child, the joy of running wild into the ocean with your sisters, quiet moments of self-reflection. It’s about presence. Each image represents a different stage of womanhood, yet they all exist within the same story—the ever evolving experience of being a woman. The images were taken in a way that feels organic, allowing the emotions to unfold naturally rather than being staged.”

Olivia Van Dyke/Courtesy of Apple

What stood out from this shoot?

“One of my favourite things about this shoot was how effortlessly everything flowed. Showing up with only an iPhone gave me a kind of freedom I don’t always get to experience, it allowed me to be fully present, moving with the moment rather than trying to control it. I knew I wanted to be in Hawaii for this project—there’s something about being surrounded by nature that makes people let go. [Model] Tejianna and her daughters, as well as the women running free on the beach, were completely in their own world. I just observed. There was no need to direct—it was a moment that existed whether I captured it or not, which is the best kind of moment to photograph.

“Shooting with an iPhone feels natural, unobtrusive and immediate. It allows me to be fully present without overcomplicating things. There’s a rawness to it that makes everything feel more intimate, as if I’m capturing a memory rather than just an image. It also gives people in front of the camera space to relax, making the experience feel less like a photoshoot and more like a moment unfolding in real time.”

Olivia Van Dyke/Courtesy of Apple

What empowers you?

“Freedom. Creating on my own terms, being in environments that allow me to move intuitively, working with people I love and people who bring a sense of trust and openness. Also, being in nature—feeling the ocean, watching the light change, being part of something bigger than myself.”