Everything You Wanted to Know About Hiring a Toronto Photographer, But Were Afraid to Ask

Written by Robert Lowdon

Robert Lowdon is an internationally published commercial photographer based out of Toronto, Canada. He spends his time photographing architecture and industrial projects for the most part.

Published July 28, 2022

hire a photographer in toronto

In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect Toronto photographer for your needs!

How to Find a Photographer in Toronto

When looking for a professional photographer, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, think about what type of photography you need.

Are you looking for a commercial photographer to take photos of your business?

Or maybe you need a corporate photographer to take professional headshots for your website?

Once you know what type of photography you need, you can start searching for local photographers in Toronto that specialize in that type of photography.

There are a few ways to find professional photographers in Toronto. You can search Google or another search engine, look through online directories, or ask for referrals from friends or family.

Once you have a list of potential photographers, take some time to look at their websites and portfolios.

What to Look for in a Photographer

When looking to hire a professional photographer, it is important to consider a few things. We will discuss these below:

The style of photography the photographer specializes in

When looking for professional photographers in Toronto, it is important to consider their style and the types of photos they specialize in.

You should also look at their portfolio to see if their style matches what you are looking for. Style can be subjective. Look for range in their portfolio.

Many photographers can shoot different styles. Some can’t at all.

We photograph a lot of stores
Jaeger-lecoultre

The types of photos the photographer specializes in

Toronto photographers come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own skill sets. When choosing a skilled photographer, it is important to find a professional photographer who has extensive experience shooting what you are looking for.

Some professional photographers specialize in portrait photography, while others specialize in commercial or architectural photography.

For example, a wedding photographer might be great at shooting weddings but put them on an industrial site and they might have no idea what they are doing.

How easy the photographer is to work with

When choosing a professional photographer, it is important to consider how easy they are to work with.

Some photographers are very professional and easy to work with, while others can be a bit more difficult.

It is important to find a photographer who you feel comfortable working with and who can provide the type of service you need. You really want to have a great photoshoot experience.

When meeting with potential photographers in the Greater Toronto Area, be sure to ask about their rates and packages. You should also ask about their policies regarding usage rights and copyright. Be sure to get everything in writing so that there are no surprises later on.

A great photography company will provide an amazing experience that will give value for years to come.

Etobicoke walking bridge
Etobicoke architecture

How Much Does a Professional Photographer Cost in Toronto?

A professional photographer in Toronto can charge anywhere from $100 to $10,000 per session, depending on their experience and the type of photography service you require. Generally, commercial photographers charge more than a portrait photographer would for example.

Before you hire a professional photographer, be sure to clarify what is included in the cost. For example, some photographers charge extra for digital copies of the photos, while others include them in the price. Make sure you are getting a total price including all the hidden fees.

Toronto is a great city for finding professional photographers. There are many talented professionals to choose from.

What are the Most Common Types of Photography in Toronto

There are many different types of photography. Some are more common than others, but each has its own unique appeal. Here is a look at some of the most popular types of photography.

Architectural Photography

Architectural photography is a specialist genre within the field of professional photography. It requires a high degree of technical skill and an eye for composition.

Architectural photographers work with architects, interior designers, and property developers to create images that showcase the design of a building or space. These images are used in marketing materials such as brochures and website galleries. They may also be commissioned for editorial features in magazines and newspapers.

By utilizing their technical skills and knowledge, architectural photographers are able to create stunning visual records of some of the world’s most iconic buildings.

Exceptional architectural photography
Condo building in downtown toronto

Commercial Photography

Commercial photography is a genre of photography that is used to capture images of products and services for advertising or promotional purposes.

Toronto is home to many talented commercial photographers who have the skills to create beautiful, eye-catching photos that will help your business stand out from the competition.

When choosing a commercial photographer in Toronto, it is important to consider their portfolio and experience to ensure they are the right fit for your business. The photography services they offer should be in line with your business needs.

Canada post worker unloads truck
Worker unloads truck

Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle photography is a genre of photography that captures images of people in natural and candid settings.

The goal is to capture the subject in their everyday environment, going about their normal activities. This type of photography is often used in advertising and editorial work, as it can help to create a more relatable and down-to-earth feel.

Lifestyle photographers typically use shorter lenses and wider apertures to give their images a more personal touch. In addition, they often use creative compositional techniques, such as shooting from low angles or using leading lines, to add visual interest to their photos.

By definition, lifestyle photography is about capturing real-life moments, so there is no one right way to approach this genre.

In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect toronto photographer for your needs!
Lifestyle photograph of a golfer

Family Photography

Family photography is an important way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. For many families, taking family portraits is a tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.

The family photographer is often the only one who knows how to capture the special moments that happen within a family. They are able to capture the laughter, the love, and the tears that are shared between family members.

In addition, family photographers often have a special way of making the people in their photos feel comfortable and relaxed. This allows them to capture natural expressions and interactions. As a result, family photography is an incredibly important way to preserve memories and traditions.

Portrait Photography

Portrait photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing the likeness of a person or group of people.

Portraits can be taken in photo studios or on location, and they may be static or in motion. While traditional portraits tend to feature posed subjects looking directly at the camera, modern portraits often encompass a wider range of styles, including candid shots and close-ups.

Whether formal or informal, portrait photography is all about capturing the personality of the subject. For this reason, many professionals take a great deal of care to get to know their subjects before taking their pictures.

By developing a rapport with their subject, photographers are able to capture natural expressions and moods that provide insight into their lives. As such, portrait photography can be an incredibly powerful form of communication.

Linkedin headshot
Professional headshot with natural background

Fashion Photography

Fashion photography is a type of photography that focuses on clothing and other fashion items. Fashion photographers work with models and stylists to create images that will appeal to potential buyers of clothes and accessories.

These photographs are often used in magazines, billboards, and online advertisements. To be successful, a fashion photographer must have a good understanding of light, color, and composition. They must also be able to work well with others and be able to capture the feeling of the latest trends.

Fine Art Photography

Fine art photography is a type of photography that is created for the sake of art. Fine art photographers may use any number of techniques to create their images, and they often experiment with new methods to express their creative vision.

The professional photographer will usually sell fine art prints rather than photography services.

Antelope canyon
Antelope canyon, arizona

Corporate, Business, and Headshot Photography

Corporate photography is a specialized type of photography that helps businesses promote themselves and their products. A corporate photographer will often take photos of a company’s employees, facilities, and products. These photos can be used in marketing materials, on the company website, or in other promotional materials.

Business photography is similar to corporate photography, but it focuses more on businesses’ products and services. A business photographer may take photos of a company’s products to be used in an advertisement or catalog. They may also take photos of a company’s facilities or employees to be used in an employee handbook or website.

Headshot photography is a type of portraiture that is designed to capture the likeness of a person’s face. Headshot photographers often work with actors, models, and other public figures who need to have professional headshots for their portfolios or resumes. Headshot photography can also be used for business purposes, such as corporate headshots for an employee directory.

Toronto headshot
Professional headshot

Do I Need Hair and Make-Up for a Professional Headshot?

Yes and no. It is generally a preference to get hair or make-up. Personally, I don’t require it but I offer it as a service add-on should our clients prefer it.

What Does a Headshot Cost in Toronto?

A professional headshot in Toronto can range anywhere from $50 to $1000 per session. But, note the $50 one is not the same thing at all.

It really depends on what your photography needs are when getting a headshot. If you just need a simple headshot for LinkedIn and that’s it, the low-budget one is your best bet.

But if you are an actor and rely on a good headshot for work, you will want a higher-end professional option.

Cost doesn’t always mean higher quality, but it often does.

Event Photography

Event photography captures the energy and excitement of a live event. A good event photographer will have an eye for detail and be able to capture the feeling of the event in their photos.

They will be able to capture the special moments that make an event memorable, as well as the more mundane details that help to give a sense of the overall atmosphere. Professional event photography can be both challenging and rewarding, and it is an excellent way to document a wide variety of events.

Types of Events

There are many types of events that can be captured by a good event photographer. Some of the most common types of events include weddings, concerts, corporate events, and birthday parties.

Weddings

A wedding is a joyous occasion that is celebrated by friends and family members. A good wedding photographer will capture the happy moments of the day, as well as the more intimate moments between the bride and groom. They will also be able to capture the overall feel of the event, from the decoration to the food.

Concerts

A concert is a live musical performance that is often captured by an event photographer. A good concert photographer will be able to capture the energy and excitement of the event, as well as the emotion on the faces of the concertgoers. They will also be able to capture the performers in action, whether they are playing their instruments or singing on stage.

Corporate Events

A corporate event is a gathering that is organized by a company for its employees or clients. A corporate event photographer will be able to capture the formal atmosphere of the event, as well as the more relaxed moments between attendees. They will also be able to document any speeches or presentations that are given at the event.

Birthday Parties

A birthday party is a special occasion that is celebrated by family and friends. A good birthday party photographer will be able to capture the fun and excitement of the event, as well as the more intimate moments between the birthday boy or girl and their guests. They will also be able to document any special activities or games that are played at the party.

Noodles and pad thai
Food photography for restaurant promotion

Food Photography

Food photography is a branch of photography that focuses on capturing images of food. It can be used for both commercial and editorial purposes.

Commercial food photography is often used in advertising and marketing, while editorial food photography is typically found in cookbooks, magazines, and other publications. Some may work with restaurants for marketing purposes.

A food photographer must have a keen eye for detail and composition. They must also be able to work quickly, as food can often spoil quickly when exposed to light.

Photo Editing

Photo editing is the process of altering digital photographs in order to improve their appearance. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including to correct flaws, adding artistic effects, or simply changing the look of the photo.

There are a number of different software programs that can be used for photo editing, and the specific tools and techniques that are used will vary depending on the program and the desired outcome.

However, some common editing tasks include cropping, color correction, and retouching. With the help of photo editing, anyone can turn a simple snapshot into a work of art.

Cropping

is one of the most basic photo editing tasks. It involves cutting out unwanted portions of the image, such as distractions in the background or excess space around the subject. This can be done to improve the composition of the photo, or simply to make it look more aesthetically pleasing.

Color Correction

is another common photo editing task. This involves adjusting the colors in an image to make them more accurate, or to change the overall tone of the photo. This can be done to correct flaws in the original photograph or to create a specific mood or effect.

Skin Retouching

is another common photo editing task, and it involves making small changes to the image in order to improve its appearance. This can be anything from removing blemishes or wrinkles from a person’s face to adding contrast or clarity to the overall image. Photo retouching can be used to enhance an image, or simply make it look more polished and professional.

Turn Around Times for Photo Editing

Timing is everything when it comes to the photo editing process. Usually, the sooner you can get your photos back, the better.

However, that doesn’t mean that you should always choose the fastest option. In some cases, it’s worth taking a little extra time to get the perfect results. Here’s a closer look at some of the factors that can impact turn-around times for photo editing.

One of the most important factors is the size of the project. If you only need a few photos edited, then you can usually expect a fairly quick turnaround.

However, if you’re working on a large project with hundreds of photos, then it will take longer to complete. Additionally, the complexity of the edits can also impact turnaround times.

Simple edits like cropping and color correction can usually be completed relatively quickly. More complex edits like removing objects or retouching can take longer to complete.

Finally, it’s also important to consider the skills of the photo editor. If you’re working with an experienced editor who is familiar with your style and preferences, then they will be able to work faster and produce better results.

Industrial photography by photographer robert lowdon
An industrial image of a worker inspecting a part being machined in a factory.

Usage Rights and Photo Licensing

When you hire a professional photographer, you will need to make sure that you have the usage rights for the photos that they take. Usage rights are the legal permissions that allow you to use someone else’s work.

There are a few different types of usage rights, and the type that you need will depend on how you plan to use the photos. For example, if you want to use the photos for commercial purposes, then you will need to get a commercial usage license. If you only plan to use the photos for personal use, then you will only need a personal usage license.

Photographers in Toronto typically charge for usage rights on a per-photo basis. This means that you will need to purchase a separate license for each photo that you want to use. The cost of the license will depend on the photographer and the type of usage rights that you need.

On-Location Photoshoots vs In Studio

One of the first things you’ll need to decide when hiring a professional photographer is whether you want an on-location or in-studio shoot.

On-location shoots are best for capturing candid moments and can be done anywhere from your home to a nearby park or urban area.

In-studio shoots are ideal if you’re looking for more of a controlled environment, such as for product photography or professional headshots.

As with anything, there are pros and cons to both types of shoots. On-location shoots tend to be more relaxed, which can be great for getting natural-looking photos. However, they can also be more chaotic and unpredictable, especially if you’re working with young children or animals.

In-studio shoots are generally more expensive, but you’ll have more control over the lighting and background.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of shoot will best suit your needs. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to ask your photographer for their opinion. They’ll be able to give you more insight into what will work best for your particular project.

Calgary architectural photography
Calgary library

Do Photographers Travel Outside of Toronto?

While most photographers in Toronto are based in the city, many of them are willing to travel for photoshoots. If you’re interested in booking a photographer who is based outside of Toronto, then you might need to factor the cost of travel into your budget.

It really depends on the company you are dealing with. Some companies will waive travel costs depending on the size of the project.

Is Film Photography Still a Thing, or is Everything Digital Photography?

The short answer is that both are still very much a thing. Digital photography has dominated the market, for many years now.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of photography is right for your project. But, you would be hard-pressed to find a professional photographer who still works in film.

Conclusion

Hiring an amazing photographer can be a great way to get high-quality photos for your website, blog, or social media.

Make sure you understand the photographer’s usage rights and fees and decide whether you want an on-location or in-studio shoot. With a little bit of planning, you can ensure that your photo shoot goes off without a hitch.

Do you have any questions about hiring a professional photographer? Let us know in the comments below!

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