Elegance

You can click on the image to enlarge.

Andy

Andy is a neighbour of mine and I snapped his picture only because even at eighty-plus years old he still has movie star hair. He also has over five thousand tracks on his iPod which is really pretty impressive.

Yes, Christmas is Coming to Toronto

The most stressful happiest time of year is quickly sneaking up on all of us, and everyone's starting to wonder wistfully what presents they're going to be giving and receiving. If you are planning to get a holiday portrait of that special someone or the whole family before the end of the year, please consider making a booking as soon as you can. Just as there are only so many toys in Santa's sleigh there are only so many slots this time of year and I have to yet figure out how to clone myself (though I'm working on that). Call early so I don't have to play the Grinch.

Best Time of Day for a Portrait

Just a couple of words about the best time to consider scheduling a portrait now that it's finally warm and sunny in Toronto--halfway through August.

If you wish a portrait done inside the time of day doesn't matter much, but if you've got a location in mind that's outside, realize that the middle of the day is the worst time to shoot. Bright afternnon sun might seem like good photography weather but in fact it's not, the light is much too harsh and high that time of day, so if you'd like something outdoors early morning or late evening is best.

I'd especially recommend early morning since it's still reasonably cool at that time. Just something to consider....

Say Cheese

I never, ever tell a subject to say 'cheese' in order to get them to smile, though sometimes little kids will smile if you tell them to say 'pizza!' I don't use that trick either (or hardly ever). Instead I try to establish a real rapport with whomever I'm photographing. It usually works.

Here's another shot of Amanda...and a beautiful, self-confident smile that's not over done.

Bio

A graduate of McGill University in Montreal and the American Film Institute in Los Angeles I've forgotten all the French and Spanish I ever knew but can still communicate in English if people talk slowly. I was once in a coma for eleven days which was actually much more hilarious than it sounds. My photographs have been used by everyone from CTV to Penguin Canada. I'm also the author and creator of the almost world-famous local nature blog Toronto Wildlife.

I now use this site mostly for street portraits, but you can see other types of images here.

UPDATED: March 24, 2011.

Happy Thoughts

Because Amanda is a hip-hop dancer and choreographer I wanted to shoot her in a pretty gritty location. I might show more of that some other time, but this is a nice poetic little closeup I think where you can't get a sense of the backdrop at all. And why does she look so content? Unfortunately throughout the shoot my camera kept jamming up which was annoying for both of us, and I think right here I was asking Amanda to imagine what it would be like to kill me. You can see how upset that got her.

As Always: Simpler is Usually Better

What's the best way to set up a professional portrait of someone in Toronto? Let's see, jam the CN tower and Rogers Centre in the background and make sure your subject is carrying a hockey stick and drinking maple syrup while sailing off Ward Island. That should about do it, right?

Or you could have a basic look over the shoulder. Sometimes I do some pretty elaborate stuff, but other times you have to know when the essentials are all you need.

Of course if you do want the setup described above I can do that too. Maybe.

Rain Checks

Just a little note because some people worry:

Last summer was awfully rainy, and this summer of '09 is looking so far (sadly) like it might be the same. But anyone with an appointment for a portrait session that's outdoors should rest assured I never charge for a session that's been cancelled because of the weather. If it's raining at the time of your appointment we'll just re-schedule another time. No problem at all.

Portraits in Seattle

I don't do this very much, but here are some portraits worth looking over from renowned commercial photographer Chase Jarvis, a series showing one hundred cultural figures of Seattle.

Chase Jarvis, of course, also has a blog.

And he's funny.

A Little Note About Style

It's true that though I like environmental portraits I also like pretty tight closeups.


The reason I guess is there's nothing more interesting and compelling than a human face, and also nothing more unique to each individual. A closeup can be quiet, intimate and personal like the one above, but also sometimes in your face (pun intended).

Letting The Customer Decide

A few people have asked me why I allow the ads of other photographers on this site. I actually don't have any reservations at all about this. You should check as many photographers as you can before you shell out your good money. Pick the one whose work you like best and seems most suited to your styles and tastes. Information is everyone's friend. Think of those other ads as a public service!

How Long is This Going to Take Anyway...?

Generally you want to plan for at least an hour for most portrait sessions. It might take a bit longer if we're doing something really unique or complex...but the good news is I charge a flat rate for the session and portrait so if things do end up taking a little longer than planned it doesn't cost a penny more.

Some times it does take a little longer to get that perfect shot. Other times, boom! Something good happens in the first thirty seconds. C'est la vie.

Just FYI...

In case you're incredibly bored, you can also check me out on myspace.

I know it seems old-fashioned compared to Twitter but what the heck. Tomorrow I'll post a link to some of my cave paintings.

Print Size

As you may or may not know, one print up to 8x10 or 11x14 is included with the basic price of your portrait.

Some people though are looking for portraits that are larger, sometimes a lot larger. If you are interested in something in the range of 16x20 or 20x24 (or yes, even bigger!) don't despair. I offer these too though I am forced to add an additional fee for the costs of a print this size. Call anytime for a price.

And the Answer is...

I've received a few emails where people ask if I only do portraits of women. I'm not sure where they get this idea but the answer is an absolute No!

As I mentioned in the previous post there are some folks who are a little camera shy and men perhaps in general are less anxious to get their portrait done than females because they think it's not manly. But hey, The Rock has his picture taken all the time, right? It's not that big a deal.

Camera Shy

There are lots of people who really don't like having their picture taken, or are actually afraid of the idea. And most of the time this probably stems from the worry that they just won't look good.

This is where the right sort of professional photographer can really help. First of all, an environmental portrait greatly increases the odds that the subject of the portrait will be relaxed, and that's most of the battle right there. A good professional also knows exactly how to set up a shot to show everyone at their best advantage.

So rest assured, if you're camera shy or want a portrait of someone who is, you can still end up with a great and unforgettable image.

Something Distinctive

I call this a sort of modified superhero look. Why? Probably just because I read too many comic books when I was a kid. But this treatment gives most anyone a real 'don't mess with me' vibe.

Some Samples...

Here are some recent portrait, event and concert images:

How It Works...

1. Call or email. Book a day and time for the photo shoot. It's also important that I have a few moments to talk about (or with!) the subject or subjects of the portrait and any ideas for a location, theme and wardrobe.

2. We have the photo shoot. If it's outside the weather is guaranteed to be perfect (guarantee void in most states and provinces).

3. I send an email of the best proofs so you the client have the final word on exactly which shot is made into the final print.

4. The final matted print is made and delivered to your home or office.


Simple as that!!