WORKSHOP: Master the Architecture of Complex Light
Most photographers get comfortable with one or two strobes, but reaching a commercial level requires a deeper understanding of how to layer light with intention.
Join Rachel @twolovesstudio and agency-represented duo Aline Ponce and Mike Hulswit @photography.hulswitdesigns this August for a 2-day Advanced Creative Lighting + Effects Workshop at @album.studios in Toronto. Between the three instructors, you will learn the exact workflows used on set for global brands and national agencies.
What we are covering:
Advanced Shaping: A deep dive into the specific modifiers used to create our signature looks and how to carve a subject out of the dark.
The Creative Toolkit: Practical applications for gels, lens filters, and everyday items to achieve unique in-camera effects.
The Scenes: We will build three distinct commercial setups: a large tabletop food scene, a lifestyle liquor shot, and a macro beverage station.
Hands-on Macro: Participants will get hands-on at the macro station to practice lighting and capturing intricate textures with precision.
Professional Retouching: Mike will lead a session on the post-production workflow used to elevate these commercial images.
This is a small-group, high-touch workshop capped at 12 participants to ensure everyone gets significant time with the instructors and the gear.
Join the waitlist at the link in bio to be the first to know when tickets drop. #foodphotographyworkshop
I shot almost 1TB of data over seven weeks to build a new portfolio, all new work in a completely new direction.
I hired a portfolio consultant, got clear on what I do best and the kind of work I want to attract, and pushed my skills hard. I played with bold colour, new subjects, new ways of editing. I combed through tens of thousands of frames and invested over $5k to bring this work to life.
This is what people don’t always see. The time, money, and creative energy that goes into the images we put out into the world. Photography may come naturally to me, but it still takes commitment and effort. Projects like this don’t happen overnight.
And yes, there were a lot of images. Tens of thousands shot, and over 400GB deleted, because lighting tests and high-speed pour experiments don’t need to live forever.
Growth is rarely glamorous, but it’s always worth it.
I hope you love my new work as much as I do.
#torontofoodphotographer #photographyportfolio #squarespace
New year, new work!
I’m so excited to share my completely revamped portfolio — (almost) all new images.
With the guidance and curation by @monasheephotoconsultant , I brought four galleries to life: Food, Beverage, Sweets + an Overview of the bredth of my work.
I spent most of last year finding my way in a new creative direction, and dedicated seven solid weeks to producing fresh work so I can collaborate with an exciting new wave of clients in 2026.
I still pinch myself looking through these images. I created every single one in such a short timeframe, and I’m genuinely thrilled with how it’s all come together.
What do you think?
#torontofoodphotographer #photographyportfolio #foodphotographer
I’ve been playing around with both lighting and ways to create beautiful images with ‘creative effects’. Being a creative in an innate way that you wouldn’t necessarily realise behind the scenes.
Drinks are such a fun subject to play with lighting and a fun way to end the week.
📍 Toronto food photographer #commercialphotographer #cocktailphotography
Stop relying on your softbox. 🙅♂️
Soft light is safe, but hard light is where the magic happens—especially for food and product photography. Swipe through to see the 4 essential HARD MODIFIERS I use to create instant texture, shape, and drama.
Want to see them in action? My full breakdown video up on YouTube.
Behind-the-scenes of my 3-light setup to shoot this Piña Colada. Shout out to @bessiebakesbackdrops for the faux window gobo 👌🏻
Perfect go-between to add a bit of interest and drama to the backdrop.
📍 Toronto food photographer #pinacolada #cocktailphotography #learnfoodphotography #btslights
I love how this milkshake shot turned out.
Shooting on an acrylic surface then colouring in Ps gave this image the feeling of a painting.
👌🏻🍒
📍 Toronto food photographer #milkshakes #beveragephotographer
Strawberry Daiquiri ✨🍓
@chelsealouisekyle has an image in her portfolio of strawberries on a pink surface. The light she used has always intrigued me. Defined edges shadows, yet very filled. I played around with those ideas in this shot.
Glasses + surface by @objektstabletop
📍 Toronto Food Photographer #cocktailphotography #strawberrydaiquiri
Fully embracing COLOUR in food and props over here. Shooting some delicious smoked salmon bagels with all the spring trimmings. 🥯✨
All if these lovely pros by @objektstabletop and the surfaces by @bessiebakesbackdrops Vibrant Vintage.
📍Toronto Food Photographer | #foodphotographer #smokedsalmonbagel #springeats
Between the three of us, we have a lot of Profoto gear.
Investing smartly in lights and modifiers will definitely help you level up, but it’s not just about having the most expensive gear.
There are so many tricks and hacks you can use with everyday items to get creative with your lighting and effects.
At our Advanced Creative Lighting & Effects Workshop, we’re sharing our favorite “low-tech” creative hacks that deliver high-end results.
→ Swipe to take a peek at some images where we’ve put these into practice!
Image 5 - beverage stylist @daniellecampbellfood
Image 9 - beverage stylist @nathanrcarrabba
✨ find the link in our bio to sign up! #foodphotographyworkshop
Since so many of you enjoyed the changes in light on my last reel, here’s another one.
Initially I got the shot in 5 mins…But as always, I played with height to get an entirely different feeling. Do you like longer or shorter shadows here?
I’ll never tire of the way light dances ✨
📍 Toronto Food Photographer | food photography
