Greg Haslehurst’s Enchanted Forest Fairy Exhibit

Greg reading from one of the personalized photobooks that he wrote. Photos Sonya Lee

From November 15 to December 15, something unusual has fluttered into the Vermilion Public Library. Between the rows of books and the warm hush of winter air, tiny wings glimmered on the walls, mushrooms glowed softly, and children paused mid-step as though some unseen fairy might dart past at any moment.

This month-long spell has been cast by local photographic artist Greg Haslehurst, whose “Enchanted Forest Fairy” series transformed the library into a passageway between the ordinary and the otherworldly. Anyone drifting through the exhibit could feel it, that gentle tug toward imagination, as though they’d opened a portal hidden between the pages of a storybook.

On November 25, visitors had the chance to meet Haslehurst himself, a storyteller disguised as a photographer. He’s been creating images for as long as he can remember, beginning as a child wandering the woods with his father, learning the rhythm of light and shadow before he even knew the word “photographer.” Those early adventures grew into decades of capturing families, friends, community moments, and sports events across the region.

Outside the studio, Haslehurst is also a beloved teacher at Vermilion Elementary School and a Taekwondo instructor, roles that seem to complement his ability to make people feel safe, seen, and completely at ease. His photo sessions are famously full of laughter, playful banter, and the sort of gentle humour that dissolves nerves like morning fog.

It was this love of joy and imagination that sparked his Enchanted Forest Experience, where children step not just in front of a camera, but into a world crafted just for them. There, a shimmering pond waits beneath glowing orbs, a friendly frog watches from atop a stump, butterflies hover mid-air, and a treasure chest hides a surprise just for the young adventurer. Wings, dresses, and tiny props help each child transform fully into the fairy or woodland wanderer of their dreams.

“This isn’t a regular photo session,” Haslehurst said. “This is an experience. They come in, we chat, they change into a dress, put wings on, and then they step into this magical world created just for them. After the session, children receive a gift to remember their visit to the Enchanted Forest.”

Sessions last about half an hour and cost $100. Haslehurst typically captures around 60 photographs, then gently trims the collection of enchanted moments for the order session. Families choose their favourite for the included 8×10 print, with options for extra prints, enlargements, a multi-photo plaque, and the most treasured offering of all: a hardcover 10×10 personalized storybook.

Inside that book, ten photos are woven together with a fairy tale written by Haslehurst, personalized for each child. Their captured expressions and poses become the heart of the story, turning every giggle, glance, and flutter of wings into a narrative they can revisit for years to come. It isn’t simply a keepsake; it’s a doorway back into their own enchanted forest.

“Everyone has been thrilled with the entire experience,” Haslehurst said. “I think it really captures the child’s imagination, and the artwork is truly amazing. It has been a great experience for everyone who has come in for it.”

Understanding that little brothers often tag along, Haslehurst has added whimsical props just for them, and has even begun expanding the fairy realm to include a knightly adventure. The first run was a cheerful triumph, suggesting even more fantastical chapters ahead.

For families seeking a touch of magic in the everyday, Haslehurst’s Enchanted Forest Experience offers more than photographs, it offers a moment to step into wonder, to believe in impossible things, and to let imagination lead the way.