As a photographer, I don’t create personal work often. However, when I do, I noticed that it’s all about the people and the experiences that are dear to me. Whether it’s documenting the time our family spent at the Prince Edward County or candid family portraits I took when we all got together for Thanksgiving, these photos remind me of something very important. They tell me that I’m loved and that I’m so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people in my life.

That is why I always try to print all the photos that I took throughout the year. It became a sort of a tradition in our household! I thought it would be fun to share some of them with you as we are heading towards the Holidays.

Here are some of our favourite photo traditions to embrace as your own this season, and potentially to bring into the years to come!

Tradition #1: Share your photographed stories in person.

Nothing spurs a story like a photo, and it’s those stories and little anecdotes that bring those pictures to life! We met up with Evelyn and Chester whose wedding we photographed back in 2013 (and who since then became our good friends!) and showed their little daughter, Amelia, her parents’ wedding photos that we took back in the day. Her reaction was priceless!

Tradition #2: Create a parents album

A lot of you got married this year (and you know who I’m talking about!) and joined the ranks of the MANGO family. Whoohoo! Make permanence of this joyful and magical occasion by printing a parents’ album to surprise your folks on Family Day. The day you got married is one of the best days in your parents’ lives, and I cannot imagine anything cuter than gifting your parents with a parents’ version of your wedding album. Inquire about creating a beautiful photo album with us HERE.

Tradition #3: Take a family photo/ (with you in it!)

It’s all too easy to take dozens of iPhone photos of your holiday brunch or the fantastic Christmas tree at the Distillery District, and quickly forget to gather the WHOLE family around for that one photo you’ll want to hang on the wall. This season, don’t forget to capture those meaningful family moments by hiring a professional photographer (did we mention we LOVE to take family photos?) – and give yourself a frame of happy smiles to look back on each year.  You book your family photo session:

Book a family photoshoot HERE

Tradition #4: Print a resin piece

After an entire year of snapping and saving, there’s nothing wiser (and more worthwhile) than turning your photos into epic works of art. It could be your best family portrait or a stunning landscape picture from your wedding day. Once printed, your memory will take on a life of its own and will get preserved in the most beautiful way possible. Our team will be happy to make a mockup of your custom resin piece so you could visualise it with your interior decor.

Psst, you can purchase a MANGO gift card to use towards a gorgeous resin piece and surprise your loved ones on the Christmas morning! Contact us HERE to get your gift card in time for the holidays!

Tradition #5: Set your photo goals for the next year!

Whether it’s a promise to take more family photos or printing pictures from your travels, staying committed to photography can transform your year! Setting your photo goals for the next year will help you keep your eyes open to what’s around you and gives you a perfect outlet to tell your year’s story in pictures. By this time next year, you’ll have many more amazing photos that capture the big, the little, and the in-between. The most rewarding part? Bringing them to print because nothing beats holding those memories in your hands.

The post Top 5 Photo Traditions to Embrace This Holiday Season appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

1. What to wear?

First, come up with a family activity. What do you do in your every day as a family? Do you like cooking together? Reading bedtime stories? Going for a stroll to a neighbourhood park? Boardgames? Playing a game of volleyball soccer?  In the winter months; making a snow man or going for hot chocolate.

We always suggest coming up with fun and lighthearted family activity so that you feel comfortable and natural doing it.  This is the best way for us to be able to capture those awesome candids.  Once you have the activity figured out you should wear complementing clothing to that activity and complementing colours.

2. Any suggestions on where to shoot?

Your home:  for that cozy, intimate, relaxed feel;  See sample galleries

On location: If your neighbour park isn’t making the cut; See Sample locations

In our Studio: Always a safe bet with our all white wall studios; See sample galleries

3. How do I  change my shoot date and/ or location?

No fees or penalties to change 24 hours before shoot date.

If you have already been in contact with your photographer you may confirm with them directly or you can email

info@mangostudios.com / 416-36647-23

Past 24 hours shoots are non-refundable/transferable

4.  It looks like it might rain for my outdoor shoot.  How do I  change our photo shoot date?

No fees or penalties to change 24 hours before shoot date.

If you have already been in contact with your photographer you may confirm with them directly or you can email

info@mangostudios.com / 416-36647-23

Past 24 hours shoots are non-refundable/transferable

5.  Who is my photographer?

We’re a small team of only the top photographers in Toronto. We pair you up with the right individual for your needs. Each photographer has their own personality, but the approach and style are consistent across the portfolio.

If you have worked with someone in the past and wish to do so again please email info@mangostudios.com or call 316-366-4723 to put in your request.

6.  How do I  add additional time?

You can add additional time any time with your photographer by confirming with them directly or emailing / calling

info@mangostudios.com / 416-3664723

The post Top 6 tips on How to make your Family Photo Shoot a Success appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

It’s only natural that family and wedding photography go hand in hand.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure to photograph a very special, fun-loving and charming family. I couldn’t be happier with the photos! I was so excited for this shoot since the mother, Zeina Esmail is a sought-after fashion director and Editor-at-Large for FASHION Magazine. She is notorious for styling some of the best fashion covers featuring Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, and other celebrities. With an impressive roster of clientele working on award-winning campaigns and international publications, Zeina’s distinct aesthetics has her in high demand.

For their family photography session in our airy studio, Zeina approached it with a true-to-her mindset, putting together a fun, chic and ever-so-fashionable photoshoot. What could be better than photographing an easy-going and fun-loving family dressed to the nines? Nothing!

Zeina envisioned a simple, yet cool dynamic for her fun family portraits, This is exactly what I think any family photoshoot should be. I am a firm believer that all family photos should be exactly that: fun, stress-free and effortless while showcasing that unique family bond and dynamics you share with your loved ones. Isn’t it something we all want? No one wants their family photography to be dull or awkward. Every family is unique and there will be different dynamics amongst family members. That’s totally cool! If your kids are not in the mood to stand still and prefer to run around like turkeys. I’d love to capture that playful, care-free side of them. I always strive to show that unique relationship and personality in every single family photo, whether it’s a fun and relaxed in-studio session or a formal family photo shoot on your wedding day.

Here’s how to do it:

To create emotionally rich, fun and dynamic family photos I start by getting to know you first. Because every family is unique I want them to end up with images that feel like them. Some people laugh more, some less. Some people are shy and introverted, and others are loud extroverts. Therefore, I always remind myself to show up on the set with a flexible point of view. This is what I tell my couples and clients, too. Come to the shoot with no other expectation other than having fun. If you try to direct children (or anyone, really!) into cozy, calm poses, it only takes a second before they start tickling each other and making funny noises, you need to adapt. I always let my couples and families steer the mood for the shoot and not the other way around. Otherwise, you might end up with photos that feel forced and foreign.  That’s why I play into it when I see the family I’m photographing is goofy and tends to burst out into laughter. Alternatively, if they are quiet and calm, I let them sink into it. By adapting and embracing personalities and unique relationships, I’m able to create compelling family photographs that are alive, authentic and stay true to self.

The post These Photos Show That Family Photography Is Fun! appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

1. Photo Equipment

There is no need for a fancy new camera to document your fam.  In fact, stick with what you know.  These days even a smartphone can take decent photos!  Whether it is a smartphone, a point, and shoot or a fancy DSLR if you practice and know how to use it and manipulate the settings then go for it!

A tripod and a camera that has a timer or a remote control though are pretty important if you plan to take your own family photos.  Smartphones also have these settings.

I set up our family shots with my DSLR on a tripod and then I used a 10-second timer to take the photos.  If I don’t have my DSLR with me I prop up my iPhone and set the timer.  The iPhone camera timer is found in the native camera app, located at the top of the screen.

2. Location and lighting

Find a location you want to shoot at that fits your style.  Keep in mind what you want to do with the images afterward.  Would you like to print them out, frame them, and put them on a wall?  If so,  keep that in mind when selecting a location.

Is there enough natural light?  If I ‘m not shooting outdoors I  prefer to set up right near a window during the day so there is a ton of natural light.  Declutter the space.  Now it’s time to move around some furniture, tidy up and keep the area clean and simple.   A simple white wall can also be super sleek and modern.

3.  Get Moving

Set the timer on your camera, prop it up on a stand, tripod, or whatever you can use and have your family sit/ stand within the frame.  Now get moving!  Put on some music and have a dance party, crack some jokes, and enjoy each other’s company!  Keep close together and just have fun.  Don’t worry about making each shot perfect.  The point of a family photo is to capture your personalities so remember the images don’t have to be photo perfect.  They should capture the essence of your family dynamic.  If you would like some more direction Here is our Family portrait posing guide CLICK HERE

4.  Editing tools

Once you’ve captured a series of images it’s time to start narrowing down your faves.  Once you’ve selected your favourite images there is a ton of super easy to use editing apps and tools.  I  like to use any of the following apps

• Lightroom presets
• VSCO for editing
• Pic Collage- to create collages

If you’d like some professional help documenting your family during COVID, we offer social distancing photoshoots.  You can check out the Link below

More Info to book a Family Photography session HERE

The post 4 Tips on How to Take Your Own Family Photos During Covid-19 appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

MANGO In-Studio Holiday Family Photos
to capture you, being the awesome family that you are.

They make the BEST Holiday cards, so book your in-studio session today
to receive your photos in time for Holidays!

ONLY $350 
Holiday family photos in our new studio with festive props and 5 high-resolution files

Available dates: 
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Sunday, November 11, 2018

Book your shoot HERE

With the Holiday season is fast approaching, we’ve pulled together 5 tips to help you prepare for your photo session and capture what the season is all about:

1. Festive studio setup

No need to wait for a picture-perfect snow day to take your Christmas family photos. Let your photos stand out with a simple backdrop and bright festive colors. We have prepared a special Holiday studio setup to help bring in the season’s spirit! Just hop into our studio and take those card-worthy snaps!

2. No pose, no problem

Got only one person looking into the camera in your Christmas family photos? We consider it a win! Not all photos have to be formal, tell your story candidly.

3. Signs of the season

Can’t help but take that photo of a festive red door or Christmas wreath? We have great news! We are bringing in the signs of the season into the studio.  Take your fun Christmas family photos with our Holiday decor. We have oversized gift boxes, Christmas trees and lots of glitters.

4. Get in the frame

Even with all the Holiday to-do lists, getting together with your loved ones trumps them all. Get into the photos with your kids and play along. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it doesn’t have to be posed. Your love for one another will radiate through the pictures.

5. Put on festive clothes

Whether it’s an “ugly” Christmas sweater or glittery pants, bring YOUR definition of “festive” to the shoot. See how Magnolia and Henry in the photos above wore their adorable pajamas and it couldn’t be cuter! Think outside of the box and stay creative!

The post Christmas Family Photos appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.

Having said that, I know many people have a lot of questions about their family photoshoot. What should I wear? Where should we go? Not to worry, follor this Family Photoshoot Guide I give to families to help look their best in their family photos:

Where Should We Go?

A location for your shoot will also depend on your personal style. Most likely your family photos will end up in a frame, hanging on a wall. Therefore, it’s important to keep your home’s aesthetic in mind when deciding on your shoot location. I usually ask my couples to send me pictures of their home in advance so I can get an idea what will better suit you. If your house has a very clean and almost Scandinavian-like interior design like in the photos below, it would be best to stick to something minimal. The clean and editorial-like shots (like in the photos with the kids on a red chair below) echo their home’s modern aesthetic and will look great framed on that white wall! On the other hand, if your house has a homey, country feel to it, I might suggest going to a park. This way, the nature and trees will complement your interior design in the best way possible.

Timing of Your Family Photoshoot

This is not a common question I hear all the time! It’s very important to time your family photoshoot right. I always base my timing on kids’ sleeping schedule and try to shoot during the time they are most rested. We want them to be happy and energetic! I also recommend bringing a few toys for your children to play with. Kids’ attention spans are pretty short, so it’s always helpful to have something they can interact with and stay engaged. After all, family photos are all about them!

One last thing I’d like to add is once you get all your pretty family pictures, please do your future great grandchildren a favour and print them! This is something I personally feel very passionate about and I always mention that to my couples. Who knows where your hard drive will end up 100 years from now, but having tangible, real photos of your family will make sure your family memories are passed down through generations to come. You can quote me on that one. We have great tools to print your photos, so check them out here.

What Should We Wear for Family Photos?

When it comes to picking outfits for your family photoshoot, my golden rule is to wear complementing colours. The era of matchy-matchy family photos is long gone (and for a good reason!) but wearing colours that look good together is always a good idea. I also suggest picking outfits similar in texture. For example, if it’s a winter time shoot, it’s nice when all family members wear something knit or heavy, textured fabrics.

How to Pose?

Another great question. Usually, my answer depends on your shoot location. Hence, my advice is to go somewhere you’d be your most comfortable. Is there a park you like visiting every Sunday morning? Or would you be the most comfortable in your own home? Both scenarios sound great to me, because as a family photographer, I love to capture the way you are as a family. Your environment will play a huge role on how you behave and therefore pose. A studio environment could be great for taking those really cool formal family portraits, while going to a kids park will likely generate a lot of nice, candid photos of you interacting with your kids.

I hope this little guide helps you to stay organized and be your best self on your family pictures! Below are some of my favourite shots from Leena and Arif’s family photoshoot we did last month. I hope you enjoy and get inspired!

The post Family Photoshoot Guide – Tips and Ideas | Mango Studios appeared first on Toronto Wedding Photographers.