Flower Pool Portraits at ICON Studio
Yes, that is a pool in the studio. No, I didn’t drop a bathtub on the cyclorama.
But when you walk into a studio and see a dark “pond,” moss islands, and flowers everywhere, your brain does wonder if the plumber is on the call sheet.
It was May in Toronto. ICON Studio had a beautiful limited-time flower-pool set (credit to their team), and my job was to shape the light, direct the posing, and make sure Dana looked like she owned that world. Three outfits waited on the rack; the plan was simple—build a tiny dream and keep it elegant.
Sun vs. mood lighting (and who wins)
Toronto decided to be very sunny. Window light poured in brighter than I expected, which is great for most shoots but not ideal when you want that dusk-by-the-pond mood. I balanced things by keeping the window as a soft base and using a focused continuous light to carve highlights across Dana’s face and shoulders. Feathered beam, a touch of negative fill, a couple of flags on the windows—once the catchlight slid into her eyes, the set clicked.
We also had tight space and, well, water. No running laps around the model. Posing became small, intentional moves: fingertips, chin lines, where the fabric falls. Slower, but stronger.
Look 1 — The white gown that loves water
We opened with the long white dress. Clean, minimal, and perfect against the dark surface. Dana reclined at the edge of the pool; the fabric drank the light and flowed like a brushstroke through the frame. We played with reflections—her profile in the water, flowers softly framing the foreground. There was a quiet moment when she leaned in to smell a lily and forgot about the camera for half a second. That frame feels like a secret.
Look 2 — Pink floral, quiet and close
Next came the pink dress. Dana tucked into herself—arms around knees, hair forward. I moved in tight for intimate portraits, letting the continuous light kiss her cheekbones while the water threw back a soft mirror of florals. The room got calm; every breath looked like a pose.
Look 3 — Blue-mint lace, small moves with big attitude
We finished with the mint/blue look on a moss “island.” Space was limited, so we built motion in the details: a wrist turning through the light, a long line of leg between flowers, a head tilt that changed everything. I alternated wide environment shots and beauty close-ups so you see both the set and the person living in it.
If you’re thinking about booking a creative studio photoshoot in Toronto
I guide everything. Hands, chin, shoulders, fabric—I’ll pose you so you can relax and enjoy the process.
We plan for limited movement. Seated, leaning, and reclining poses are our best friends in sets like this.
Wardrobe loves flowy fabrics. Pastels, cream, or soft prints look incredible with florals and water. Bring a small towel; hems get adventurous.
Comfort & privacy first. Warm studio, safe set, closed doors. The lilies are the only audience.
(Note: this flower-pool scene is one of ICON’s seasonal sets. If it isn’t up, I can design a different concept with the same romantic, editorial mood.)
If you’re in Toronto and want something elegant and different—florals, water, dramatic light, or a concept you’ve been daydreaming about—let’s build it.
Check my curated studio options, then message me with your idea. Or just say, “Dmitry, I want the flower-pool vibe,” and I’ll take it from there.
