​

I’m David Vanclieaf, a professional nature and aerial photographer based in Ontario, and the creator of Crosswind Studios, established in 2022. My work is rooted in a deep respect for the land—its mood, its motion, and its ever-changing character. I’ve always been drawn to moments that most people pass by: the stillness before a storm, the last light fading over a lake, the patterns carved into farmland, the quiet breath of a winter morning. Photography became my way of holding onto those moments and sharing them with others.

What began as a passion for exploring nature quickly evolved into a visual craft. I specialize in capturing bold, cinematic landscapes and sweeping aerial perspectives that reveal the rhythm and structure of the world from above. Whether I’m flying a drone over the winding rivers of Muskoka, hiking through the forests of Algonquin, or waiting for the perfect break in the clouds along a rocky shoreline, I strive to create images that feel atmospheric, detailed, and alive.

My background as an artist shapes how I shoot and edit every photograph. Years of painting taught me to study colour, light, and composition in ways that now guide my lens. That artistic foundation helps me bring depth and emotion into my work—whether I’m documenting a storm rolling over Lake of Bays or capturing the golden textures of a sunset stretching across an open field. Each image is crafted with intention, combining the precision of photography with the expressive energy of art.

Crosswind Studios was created to bring all of this together—a space to showcase the landscapes I love, the stories they hold, and the unique perspective I bring through both ground and aerial photography. Here you’ll find dramatic nature scenes, vibrant seasonal collections, and signature aerial shots that highlight the beauty of Canadian environments from a new angle. My goal is to create work that resonates, inspires, and transports viewers into the landscapes I experience firsthand.

Every photograph on this site represents more than a single moment—it reflects the early mornings, long drives, changing weather, and countless hours spent waiting for light to fall just right. It reflects passion, patience, and a commitment to showing the world as I see it: bold, spirited, and full of motion.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my work.
Welcome to Crosswind Studios—where the land, the wind, and the lens come together.

​