Are you looking for the best places in Toronto for branding photo shoots? If so, you’ve come to the right page. I offer Toronto headshots and personality‑driven lifestyle branding photography for businesses and start‑ups. Below, I’ll walk you through the who, what, where, when, and budget—so you get photos that make your brand stand out.
Who needs branding photography in Toronto?
If you’re a startup owner, artist, or entrepreneur operating in Toronto, chances are that you’ll need professional photography services for your business. For your website, LinkedIn presence, or personal branding, and the right location can make your photos stand out from the crowd. Let’s explore some of Toronto’s best locations for your next branding photo shoot. The location you choose should be reflective of your brand voice.
What is branding photography?
Branding photography isn’t a standard head‑and‑shoulders shot against a solid backdrop it’s storytelling through environmental portraits of you and your company. Branding shoots are about personality, work environment, and brand energy. Go for lifestyle shots, natural lighting, and spot locations specific to your industry.
Founders & business owners who need their image to project innovation, trust, and approachability, while also signaling leadership. Toronto headshots for startups to use on investor decks, LinkedIn, and websites.
Small business owners who want to present their story visually (think yoga studio owners, graphic design founders, or café founders). For example, this photo set for PASH Jewelry Design was created in their workshop.
Executives who want clean, modern portraits instead of stiff corporate headshots.
Best Toronto Locations for Branding Photos.
Below is a list of places I’ve worked with clients. One of these might be the perfect fit for you and your business! Or you might need something not listed here—we’ll discover that together on our discovery call.
Your Office or Workspace
1.Your office. If you welcome clients to your space, this is often the best option, especially for businesses where trust and comfort matter. Your photos should make potential clients feel your space is familiar, safe, and welcoming.
Mint Room Studios
Mint Room Studios offers a variety of unique spaces, from office‑inspired sets to kitchen and library looks.
Airbnb Rentals
3. Airbnb. The city offers a variety of Airbnb locations to choose from!
Co‑Working Spaces (e.g., The East Room)
4. Co‑working spaces. Many allow photography for a fee. For one client, we chose The East Room, which offers boardrooms and bright, naturally lit common areas.
Studio by House
5. Photo studio rental. Studio by House providing the Toronto area with large, well equipped and versatile studio with a variety of furntiure and props.
When to Book Your Toronto Branding Session
The answer: it depends. If you’re shooting at your own workspace its best to choose a quiet time when you don’t have clients coming in and out of the space.
If you’re renting a studio, choose a day you’re not typically busy so you won’t feel stressed about unanswered calls or emails.
Shooting outside? Golden hour (morning or an hour before sunset) is best for natural, flattering light. Avoid harsh midday sun unless your photographer has a shaded or indoor backup location. Reserve off-peak times (weekdays, early mornings) to avoid crowds in popular areas like the Distillery District or Harbourfront.
Investment : How much should I budget?
Again this depends on the photographers skill and experience.
Budget‑friendly Toronto headshots for businesses: $200–$350 for a shortened session (ideal for quick portraits). Branding sessions in depth: $500–$1,500 depending on time, deliverables, and number of locations.
Some photographers have subscription plans—great if you need refreshed content every few months.
My sessions start at $695 for intro packages and I offer subscribtion services for clients who need consistant content.
Tips to Get the Most from Your Shoot
Props pack: bring your tools of the trade. For some it may look like a laptop, notebook, coffee cup, or uniform.
What to wear: have at least two to three outfits to create variety in the images. Choose peices that you feel confident in. They should fit you and be free of wrinkles.
The best Toronto branding photography locations for you will depend on your personal taste, budget, and desired audience.
When most people think about personal branding photos, they picture a nice headshot and call it a day. But here’s the truth I share with every client — your branding photos should feel like you. They should tell your story, highlight your personality, and capture the way you want your audience, customers, or future clients to see you.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to photograph so many incredible people here in Toronto, and I’ve noticed something: each client type has a slightly different vision of how they want their photos to come across. And that’s the fun part — we get to create images that don’t just look good but actually work for you in your brand.
Here are a few types of clients I often work with, and the vibe they usually want their images to carry:
- Entrepreneurs & startup founders often want to look confident yet approachable, the kind of person you can trust with a new idea. We’ll aim for photos that feel innovative, modern, and full of energy
- Corporate professionals & executives usually go for polished, credible portraits that make them look like they’re ready to step onto a boardroom stage. Words like strong, sophisticated, and impactful come to mind.
- Coaches, consultants, and speakers need photos that show both authority and warmth. Their audience should think: “I want to hear what this person has to say.” We’ll create images that are approachable, engaging, and magnetic.
- Creatives — designers, artists, and content creators come in wanting photos as unique as their work. These sessions are always fun because it’s about being bold, expressive, and maybe even experimenting with edgy Toronto backdrops.
- Service professionals & real estate agents rely on images that communicate trust and friendliness. A smile that feels warm, photos that look inviting, and locations that ground them in the Toronto community are our go-tos.
- Small business owners and entrepreneurs often want their branding photos to feel authentic and relatable. They don’t want stiff; they want genuine moments that show their passion and personality.
No matter which category you fit into, my goal is always the same: to create branding photos that not only look beautiful but also position you the way you want to be perceived. Whether we’re shooting in the Distillery District, the Financial District, or hidden gems that highlight Toronto’s character, I’ll help you choose the best places for branding photos Toronto can offer the ones that match your story, your vibe, and your goals.
Because at the end of the day, personal branding isn’t just about photos. It’s about creating that instant impression when someone finds you online and says, “Yes this is exactly who I want to work with.”
Ready to Work Together? Book a Call
Sessions are available by appointment only. Book a 10‑minute discovery call to plan locations that match your brand. 20+ years experience CALANDER
Please call (647) 561-0118 or e-mail carla@ellahrika.com to book your session.
Looking for more information first? Learn more about my Toronto branding photography services
With a charming studio located in Milton Ontario, and serving Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Georgetown, and Halton Hills
