Leo chose a grey coat and sunglasses for his portrait session. We had about an hour at The Well in Toronto, moving between glass walkways, wooden benches and the open spaces around the buildings.
He wanted photographs that felt professional and relaxed. The outfit stayed simple; changing our position within the location gave us different settings to work with.
Glass, wood and a grey coat
The Well gave us several backgrounds within the same area. Glass panels and architectural lines suited the more composed portraits, while the wooden benches brought a warmer texture into the series.
Leo’s grey coat and minimal accessories worked with the muted colours around us. Keeping that palette consistent helped the photographs feel connected as we moved between spots.
Making room for movement
Alongside the composed portraits, we photographed Leo walking through the passages and having coffee on a bench. Those moments gave us another way to use the space and vary the poses.
For a portrait session, a small action can be useful. Walking or holding a cup gives us a starting point for movement, hands and expression, with direction from me as we work.
What we covered in about an hour
This session gave Leo a series for personal and professional use, with different poses, angles and backgrounds. Staying within one area let us spend the time making photographs rather than travelling between locations.
For a new session, we plan the time around the photographs you need, the locations and any outfit changes.
Planning a new shoot at The Well
Location information checked October 2026. For a new session, check The Well’s photography permit requirements and code of conduct. Its permit page requires a permit for tripods, lighting or other equipment resting on the ground; its code also calls for prior approval for commercial photography and group shoots. Confirm how the rules apply to your planned session with property management.
Access to a particular area, pedestrian traffic and the weather also affect the plan. I would confirm those details before committing to the location, especially for a winter session.
Planning your own portraits
If you like this approach, tell me where you want to use the photographs and the kind of setting you are drawn to. We can discuss the wardrobe, location and session format together.
See my personal portrait sessions, or send me your portrait ideas.
