Unique author portraits in Toronto
This winter I had the pleasure of photographing Catherine MacIntosh, an author and former editor-in-chief of Designlines Magazine. With two books being published this year, it was time for new author portraits. Catherine also needed some fresh branding photos and headshots to use for speaking engagements and social media.
This wasn’t my first time photographing Catherine — she came to me for headshots in 2023. Not only did she love them, but her husband did as well — so much so, that he bought her a branding photoshoot for her birthday.
A few weeks before the session, I met with Catherine to discuss locations, wardrobe, hair and makeup, and posing ideas. I had put together a mood board, and we talked about the types of portraits she gravitated towards. I suggested something a bit different than the previous headshots, which I had shot against a white backdrop. This time I would photograph her on location, where I could incorporate elements of her personality.
Our shoot was scheduled for a cold winter day, so we agreed to start indoors at Catherine’s home. I came over in advance to plan some shots, and the best light was in two of the upstairs bedrooms beside windows. It was cloudy outside when we got started, so Catherine needed to be as close to the window as possible. As a result, the portraits had a quiet, moody vibe that was well suited to black and white.
Branding photos at home
Before we headed out for our photo walk, I wanted to grab some shots in the entryway. The sun had just come out, and the light was streaming in the window in front of her, while the stairway behind was fairly dark. It looks like there's a spotlight on Catherine, but it was shot entirely with window light! And she looks right at home with her adorable "Scruffy Dog" in her arms.
I packed up my gear, and we got ready to brave the cold. When Catherine pulled out a vintage wool cape, I was thrilled. Not only did it look chic and timeless, but the cream colour brought out her dark hair and eyes. And I knew it would also act light a natural reflector, bouncing light back up into her face. The cape also contrasted beautifully with her black door, so I took a few shots of her in front of her home.
Winter portraits with the Toronto skyline
Next, we headed to Christie Pits Park, where Catherine spends a lot of time walking her dog with her partner Bruce. While not everyone would enjoy an outdoor photoshoot in the middle of January, Catherine loves winter — so a snowy shoot totally suited her.
I had scouted some locations in advance; that way I knew precisely where we would have the best background and light, and how I would compose the shots. I’m so glad I did, because it was too cold for a leisurely stroll — we needed to move quickly, otherwise my fingers wouldn’t have been able to work the camera, and Catherine wouldn’t look quite so carefree.
Our first stop was the staircase beside the Alex Duff Memorial Pool, which is up on a hill overlooking the park. I chose this spot because it offered an unobstructed view, as well as a shot of the iconic CN Tower. The railing also gave Catherine something to lean against, which always helps people feel more relaxed. Finally, because there's an overhang (which is cropped out of the photo), Catherine is shaded from the bright, mid-day sun — which can create unflattering shadows under the eyes, and cause people to squint. Here, she's lit with diffuse light coming from straight ahead. It's what photographers call "garage light" or "porch light." While composition and posing are important, flattering light is paramount to a good portrait.
White and bright
Finally, we headed down into the park to a pavilion, which offered more porch light, which was critical because sun was in full force and was reflecting off of all the snow. The snowy hillside created a simple, clean background, and the white brick pillars gave Catherine something to lean against. I love the various tones of white and cream, and the way the wind is blowing in Catherine's hair. I think she looks stunning.
