Category Archives: Portraits

CHFI Radio Shoot ~ Big Bag Of Cash

Here is something a little different for the blog. Although most of you know me for my wedding photography, I also do a fair amount of commercial photography. It’s where I started out in photography and still love the challenges that it creates. It may be fairly different from the wedding genre, but it’s perfect for keeping things fresh, which aids me in producing creative work on an ongoing basis.

The commercial shoots that I do range from simple head shots to fully spec’d advertising campaigns and everything in-between. One day I may be in the studio with an art director, makeup, wardrobe and multiple assistants, while other days I may be on my own to produce an environmental portrait of a CEO – in 5 minuites or less.

It’s the diversity that I love.

The photo below was from a recent studio shoot for CHFI Radio’s “Big Bag of Cash” promotion. Co-hosts, Mike & Erin were just awesome to work with and kept the crew laughing for the entire time!

CHFI Toronto commercial photo studio Thorpe

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Sarah & Naomi ~ Silhouette Engagement Photo

When a photo sits on my desktop for awhile, it generally means It’s one of my top picks and that I look to it for inspiration. This photo of Sarah & Naomi has been proudly displayed on it for months! I just love the figure, expression and simplicity that this silhouette brings out.

I can’t wait to post more from this session, plus some of the wedding images as well!

same sex engagement photography toronto

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Laura & Sam – Toronto Maternity / Lifestyle Photos

It’s always extremely flattering and quite the privilege when I am asked by other members of the photographic community, to capture the special moments in their lives.

I have known Sam & Laura for a few years now and they are one of the sweetest couples that I know! So when they brought me the news that they were going to have a baby, I just had to take them up on the opportunity to photograph some fun maternity photos that leaned on the side of lifestyle imagery.

I had a great time hanging out with the both of you for the afternoon and I can’t wait to meet the little one!

maternity photography in toronto
maternity photos in toronto

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The Art of Black and White Wedding Photography

For many years, black and white photography took a back seat to the advancement of color imagery, along with the vibrancy and excitement that it brought along. Some will say that B&W was never left far behind, but it is also true that much of the art in it’s processing was lost to the “Convert to B&W” tool found in many photo editing programs.

Hand finished black and white photographs can give your moments an nostalgic feel by simply removing the distraction that color can sometimes bestow on an image. You can feel the emotion, the romance and timelessness of the subjects. The effort of dodging (brightening) elements of a photo can bring out life and energy in a subject, while a light burn (darkening) can provide a needed separation from the background, enhancing texture and balancing the tonal relationships within.

Each photograph ordered through my studio receives this loving and detailed treatment. If a picture is worth a thousand words, those words should be spoken with clarity.

For 2011, every photo that leaves the studio will be receiving a hand finishing that includes retouching, tone adjustments and more. It’s my dedication to quality service and to the art that photography is.

Below is a selection of imagery from this past season, showing how proper, subtle editing can further enhance great imagery.

black and white wedding photography

toronto black & white wedding photography

black and white wedding photographer toronto

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Photography Collaborations – Toronto’s Berkeley Church & Sudbury Ontario

Through the course of the wedding season I am usually quite busy managing my own weddings, but I occasionally have the opportunity to work with other photographers to create some truly fantastic collaborative work. I am not going to do full posts on these weddings, but thought I would toss up a few selects for you to enjoy!

The crisp fall air and changing leaves in Sudbury, Ontario provided the setting for a fantastic day and evening of celebration for Kate & Dave’s wedding. I was shooting along side the fantabulous Catherine Farquharson who had been climbing Mt.Kilimanjaro only a day prior and required me to be available as a stand-in just in case. It of course never came to that, as Catherine is a seasoned jet setter, so headed out to enjoy a fantastic fall shoot with a fun couple!

Sudbury Ontario Wedding Photographer Jon Thorpe

I Just LOVE red roses. The simplicity of Kate’s bouquet really set things off and I just couldn’t keep my lens off it!

red roses bouquet photographer union photo

Faye & Micheal’s wedding was shot with Dave, who is one half of Dave & Charlotte. The Berkeley Event Center was the setting and is a Toronto location that I truly love shooting at. It was my 3rd wedding captured there and the weather was absolutely perfect as was the ambiance of the venue.

Berkeley Church Toronto Wedding Photographer

One thing that I love about the Berkley Church is the combination of vibrancy and texture that all of the different hallways, rooms, nooks and cranny’s provide. I feel like I can shoot there 100 times and have a different feel and flavor each time.

berkeley church toronto wedding photos

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