I photographed Markus Esnard for the InFrame project the other day. Markus is a corporate client of ours at MNP, and we’ve worked together on a number of headshot and portrait sessions in their Ottawa office.
What I appreciate most about Markus is how he shows up with people. He’s present. He’s genuinely kind. And it never feels performative.
He doesn’t just say hello—he connects. He listens. He’s thoughtful. His positivity feels real, and it carries.
Over time, I’ve come to really respect the way he treats people and the way he carries himself. And honestly, that matters. Because how you show up—and how you treat people—can make all the difference.
© Dwayne Brown Studio / Markus Esnard, photographed in the main floor lobby of the MNP Ottawa office.
Markus Esnard - What does making a difference mean to you?
“For me, making a difference is about living with humility and kindness, and choosing to be genuinely present for others. In a digital age where we’re constantly distracted and pulled in a dozen directions, truly listening has become rare. That’s why something as simple as sitting down with someone over a coffee and giving them your full attention can matter so much. Not to judge or rush to fix anything, but to give them the space to speak openly, whatever their experiences may be.
To me, it’s about helping someone feel seen and heard, because everyone deserves that. No one’s life carries more weight than anyone else’s, and we all face challenges that aren’t always visible from the outside. When you take the time to truly listen, you learn so much about people, about perspectives you may never have considered, and about the world beyond your own experiences. I honestly believe that in our busy, distracted world, the simple act of listening can still make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”
Markus Esnard
MNP/Ottawa
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