Christmas Photoshoot in Icon Studio Toronto for Topnotch Entertainment
Some Christmas shoots are cozy sweaters and cocoa. This one was red velvet curtains, dramatic costumes, candy canes the size of baseball bats, and a very serious holiday villain energy (yes, we even had a Grinch-inspired character).
This session was for Topnotch Entertainment, an event entertainment company owned by my old friend. They provide dancers, go-go performers, musicians, and greeters for corporate events, private parties, and big celebrations. The goal was simple: create a set of images that feels festive, premium, and fun, while showing off the costumes and characters in a way that works for marketing.
We shot everything in Icon Studio (Toronto), where they installed a gorgeous red Christmas backdrop. We decided to lean into it, build a full scene around it, and let the performers do what they do best: bring personality.
The client’s idea (and what they really needed)
Topnotch didn’t just need “pretty photos.” They needed a gallery that could be used across:
website banners and service pages
social media promos (especially for holiday bookings)
posters, brochures, and pitch decks
event proposals and quick “look how cool this is” messages to clients
So we aimed for variety without visual chaos:
one consistent set (same background, same holiday world)
multiple characters and costumes
different moods: glamorous, playful, cheeky, dramatic
That way the brand looks cohesive, even when the cast changes every frame.
Building the set: making the red backdrop look expensive (not “just red”)
The red curtains were already strong, so instead of fighting them, I built the scene to match the vibe:
Key elements we used:
the deep red draped backdrop (the star of the show)
a Christmas tree with a huge red bow (instant “holiday” signal)
wrapped gifts and small props to create layers
a couch for group compositions
a ladder and luggage cart for height, shape, and storytelling
oversized fans, candy canes, and character accessories
The trick with sets like this is depth. If everything sits on one flat plane, it looks like a school photo background. If you build foreground + midground + background, it looks like a real scene.
Lighting approach: the “red-on-red” problem (and how I handled it)
Photographing people in front of a red backdrop is fun… until you see skin tones turning red, shadows going muddy, and the fabric losing detail.
Here’s what I focused on to keep it clean:
1) Separation from the background
When the background and wardrobe are red, the subject can disappear fast. I created separation with:
controlled highlights on the subject (so they pop)
careful shadow placement (so the backdrop stays rich, not flat)
enough distance between subject and backdrop to reduce color spill
2) Keeping red rich, not clipped
Red loves to blow out and lose texture. I exposed to hold detail in the curtains and costumes, then shaped light on the face and body so the performers still look bright and premium.
3) Consistency across different characters
This session had totally different looks: glamorous red gowns, patterned costumes with fans, elves, big mascot characters, and group shots. My job was to keep lighting consistent enough that the final gallery feels like one campaign, not five separate shoots.
Directing performers: how we got real emotion (not stiff posing)
This was an entertainment team, so the energy was already there. My role was to direct it into frames that feel intentional.
Instead of over-explaining poses, I give simple, fast prompts:
“Make it glamorous, like a stage entrance.”
“Now give me mischief.”
“Okay, now go full comedy.”
“Hold that. Eyes to me. Perfect.”
That’s how you get expressions that look natural, not “I’m trying to model.”
We also shot in short bursts:
a few clean hero shots for marketing
a few playful variations (the ones people remember)
quick group setups so nobody gets tired or stuck waiting
Favorite moments from this session
This shoot had a lot of visual highlights, but these were my personal favorites:
the dramatic red gown + fan on the ladder (pure theatre)
the matching patterned looks with lampshade-style headpieces (surreal and stylish)
the elves with candy canes (holiday chaos, but make it fashion)
the Grinch-inspired character, fully committed to being unimpressed
the Nutcracker group shot (classic holiday poster energy)
The best part: the whole team understood the assignment. When performers trust the process, everything becomes easier and faster.
Why studio shoots like this work so well for brands
A studio campaign gives you something that’s hard to get on location:
reliable lighting
consistent background and style
faster shooting pace
a “designed” look that feels premium
If you’re a business in Toronto and you need branding photos, commercial portraits, or campaign content for your team, a controlled studio shoot is one of the best investments you can make.
Want a campaign like this for your brand?
If you’re planning seasonal promotions, launching a service, or just tired of using random phone photos for your business, I can help you build a clean visual set and create a gallery that actually sells.
I shoot commercial and branding photography in Toronto, both in studio (like Icon Studio) and on location. If you want something bold, fun, and professional, let’s talk.
Contact me here: https://photique.ca/contact
See more of my commercial work: Blog
