A LITTLE about my approach
Connection
Getting to know you is part of the process. I want to understand who matters to you and what you want to remember.
comfort
You don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll give you gentle direction and time to settle in.
attention
The people, the setting, the little gestures between you. I pay attention to what you might not notice in the moment.
feeling
I’m drawn to photographs that bring you back to someone: a familiar smile, the way they hold you, and a laugh you can almost hear.
about me
TESTIMONIALS
a few things you might be wondering
From booking to receiving your photographs, here are answers to some common questions. If there’s anything else on your mind, I’m always happy to chat.
FAQ
How should we prepare for our wedding photos?
Start by sharing your timeline, photography locations, and the people and moments you most want to remember. A short list of family groupings is especially useful, along with any traditions or family dynamics you’d like me to be aware of.
Leave breathing room for travel, gathering family, and spending a little time together for portraits. If you’d like photographs of your invitations, rings, or other meaningful details, keep them together so they’re easy to find.
You don’t need to practise poses or arrive knowing what to do. I’ll guide you when it helps and leave space for you to enjoy the people around you.
How do we start planning an elopement in Toronto?
Start with what you want your day to feel like: a simple ceremony, a small gathering with your closest people, or time together exploring the city afterwards.
For the legal ceremony, arrange your Ontario marriage licence, an authorized officiant, and two witnesses. Confirm your ceremony booking separately from your photography, and check whether your chosen locations require reservations or permits.
Then plan your photographs around the ceremony, travel time, available light, and a weather backup. For your Paper Swan coverage, tell me what you’re imagining and which parts you want photographed. We can talk through a photography timeline that leaves room to enjoy your day.
What are some beautiful engagement photo locations in Toronto and the GTA?
For a romantic garden setting, consider Guild Park and Gardens, Edwards Gardens, Gairloch Gardens in Oakville, or Parkwood Estate. For waterfront photographs, Bluffer’s Park and Beach is a lovely option. If you prefer historic streets, explore the Distillery District or Main Street in Unionville.
I’ll help you choose a location that feels right for you, considering the season, light, and any photography permits or booking fees.
What is the difference between candid and posed family photos?
Posed family photos usually involve more direction: where everyone stands, how you’re arranged, and when to look at the camera. Candid family photography focuses on interactions as they happen, such as your child reaching for your hand or everyone laughing together.
Lifestyle family photography often brings both approaches together. I might place you in good light and give you something simple to do, then photograph what happens naturally.
My approach leaves room for natural family portraits alongside a few photographs of everyone looking at the camera. Children can take time to settle in, and there’s no expectation that they’ll smile on command throughout the session.
Questions & Answers
01.
What should we look for when hiring a wedding photographer?
Look for photographs you connect with, clear communication, and someone you feel comfortable having beside you throughout your wedding.
Ask to see full galleries where available, so you can understand how they photograph different parts of a day. Useful questions to ask a wedding photographer include:
• What coverage and finished photographs are included?
• Who will photograph our wedding?
• How do you balance candid moments and guided portraits?
• When and how will we receive our gallery?
• What backup plans do you have for equipment issues or illness?
• Are travel or other additional costs involved?
• What are the payment, cancellation, and rescheduling terms?
• How are our preferences about sharing photographs handled?
Before booking Paper Swan, you’re welcome to ask about my approach, relevant experience, and what your proposed coverage includes. I want you to feel informed and comfortable with your decision.
02.
What should we wear for engagement photos?
Choose engagement photo outfits that feel like you and are comfortable to walk, sit, and move in. Clothes that fit well and don’t need constant adjusting will help you feel more at ease.
Coordinate your outfits through a few complementary colours rather than matching exactly. Cream, navy, brown, muted green, and burgundy can be lovely starting points, but you don’t have to wear neutrals if colour feels more like you.
Consider the location and weather, and keep large logos or very busy patterns to a minimum if you want the focus on your faces. Bring comfortable shoes for walking between spots. If you’re deciding between outfits, you can send me photos and we’ll choose what works together.
03.
What should we expect from a lifestyle newborn photography session?
A lifestyle newborn session focuses on your baby and your connection as a family: holding them, looking at their tiny features, and settling into life together. It’s a relaxed approach built around natural interactions and gently guided photographs.
We’ll leave room for feeding, changing, soothing, and breaks. Your baby doesn’t need to sleep throughout the session, and your home doesn’t need to look like a showroom. A comfortable space near a window can be a lovely place to begin.
Before booking, we’ll discuss the setting, who you’d like included, and any preferences or boundaries. Fresh 48 photography is a separate type of session, usually documenting the first 48 hours after birth, with timing dependent on your comfort, recovery, and the birth location’s visitor and photography policies.
04.
What is the difference between professional headshots and personal branding photos?
A professional headshot is a focused portrait used to introduce you, often on LinkedIn, a company website, or a speaker profile.
Personal branding photography creates a wider collection of images for your business. Alongside portraits, it can include your workspace, tools, products, and photographs of you doing your work. These images can support your website, social media, and other marketing materials.
If you need one updated profile photograph, a headshot session may be enough. If you need branding photos for an entrepreneur or small business, start by thinking about where you’ll use them and what you want potential clients to understand about you. Share those plans in your inquiry so we can discuss the right fit.
How do I book a graduation photoshoot, and what should I bring?
Send an inquiry with your preferred dates, school or location, and whether you’d like individual portraits, photographs with friends and family, or a mix. If you want to wear academic regalia, confirm when you’ll have access to your cap and gown before choosing your session date.
Bring your cap, gown, and stole if applicable; an outfit you feel good in; and comfortable shoes for walking. Flowers or something connected to your studies can add a personal detail, but props are completely optional.
Graduation photoshoot ideas could include portraits around campus, a familiar study spot, or a celebration with the people who supported you. We’ll discuss access, permissions, and timing beforehand, with guidance throughout the session.