MUA: @mitzcarbajal_mua⁠
Video: @jasondpham⁠
Talent: @morganmodelmgmt⁠
Stylist: @hashtag_legends_stylist⁠
Model: @mariana.proks⁠
BTS: @dreyspar_photography

Bringing a Vision to Life in Toronto’s Graffiti Alley

March 30, 2025 in Creative, Fashion, Lifestyle, People

Toronto’s Graffiti Alley has always been on my list of dream locations for a shoot. As often as I’ve traveled to this incredible city, I never had the chance to make it happen—until now. This vibrant, ever-changing street art canvas provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable session.

What made this shoot truly special was the team behind it. From the stylist’s keen eye for detail to the model’s effortless presence, and the makeup artist’s ability to create magic on the spot, every person played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. The energy was electric, the creativity boundless—a true celebration of artistry and collaboration.

And of course, no shoot is complete without a little adventure—huge shoutout to Tim Hortons for letting us turn their shop into a makeshift makeup studio. Sometimes, the best moments happen in the most unexpected places! 🤣

This experience reminded me of why I love what I do—capturing people, energy, and stories in their purest form.

Mens Lifestyle Shoot — Model: Jaime Thompson
Location: Pink Palms Bahamas
Clothing: KS Moses
Styling: Delano Sweeting
Timepiece: Bahamas Watch Exchange
Jewellery: Island Cache73
MUA: Gail Clarke
Female Model: Michelle Louidor

The Photographer ft Jaime Thompson

March 25, 2025 in Lifestyle, People

The Bahamas has a way of blending relaxation with refined style, and this series captures that duality: lightweight linen shirts unbuttoned just enough to catch the breeze, vintage cameras casually in hand, and accessories that nod to both culture and confidence. There’s an undeniable rhythm in these images—a dance of golden sunlight, patterned tiles, and palm shadows moving in sync with Jamie’s effortless energy.

Raj & Jamie Capture Stunning Babymoon Portraits in The Bahamas

June 28, 2024 in Maternity, Lifestyle, People, Portraits

Embarking on the journey to parenthood is an exciting and transformative experience, and what better way to celebrate this particular time than with a babymoon in paradise? Raj and Jamie did just that, choosing the breathtaking Bahamas as the backdrop for their unforgettable babymoon portraits.

My island provided the perfect setting for Raj and Jamie's photoshoot with its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. The couple wanted to capture the essence of their love and anticipation as they awaited the arrival of their first child.

Jamie wore a fitting black dress that made her look like a goddess. In a crisp white shirt and trousers, Raj gave us "relaxed Dad elegance," his outfit perfectly matched the tranquil beach. Together, they walked hand in hand along the shoreline, leaving prints in the sand as a reminder of their journey. The gentle waves lapping at their feet and the sound of the ocean created a serene and intimate atmosphere, allowing their genuine emotions to shine through in the photos.

As the day drew close, the sky transformed into a canvas of rich purples, pinks, and gold, creating a stunning backdrop for their final portraits.

Raj and Jamie's babymoon photo shoot in the Bahamas was more than just a series of beautiful pictures; it celebrated their love and growing family and the new adventure awaited them. The stunning landscapes of the Bahamas provided the perfect setting to capture these precious moments, creating a lasting memory they will cherish forever.

A Romantic Couple's Photoshoot on a Stunning Island 📸

February 07, 2024 in Lifestyle, People, Portraits

I met with Steffon and Melissa in October of 2023 at this intimate coffee bar on the western side of town. Melissa, who had initially reached out to me, wanted to take romantic, beautiful and editorial portraits with her beau, Steffon. So, in our early discussion, we went over a few concepts that would make them both happy. Melissa told me how long they had dated and that they had no images to speak for their relationship. She was focused on taking official photos to celebrate their love for one another.

During our meeting, I almost enforced that the photoshoot should be unique and different. I don't know what made me say it, but in explaining my creative process to the couple, I told them we needed to shoot somewhere different, not on the island (we all lived in New Providence) but on another island with a stunning backdrop. I almost jumped out of my seat when the thought hit me. I said, “Let's go to Exuma!"

The couple looked at each other, and while I thought the budget would not allow for such a production, they looked back at me and said, "Yes, that's an amazing idea!"

We worked together to figure out a date, styling and logistics for pulling this whole thing off. Luckily for Melissa, her cousin was one of the country's most talented stylists, so I didn't worry too much about that aspect. I had a few colleagues in Exuma who gave me insight on where to shoot and how to get there, and so, together with the couple, we made arrangements for a boat to take us to one of the sandbanks near Rolletown, Exuma.

This photo shoot had been postponed twice due to bad timing or bad weather, and by the time we finally got around the concrete time, it was 2024! January 16th was the new date, and everyone was sure this would be amazing due to all the previous setbacks. My assistant Tariq and I arranged to get there by plane, only a 30-minute ride, and we found an Airbnb only 3 minutes from the dock! The night before we shot, the team met up to go over the art direction for the shoot. Everyone chipped in and gave commentary to make the couple feel more confident going into the photoshoot.

Shoot day was nothing short of incredible. The weather was perfect, the water looked unreal, and the couple were perfectly styled. We found a sandbank when we left the marina and positioned the couple. I was shooting with natural light, so I had more time to focus on posing and positioning. The boat captain pulled us right up to the bank, and I even left him in some of my frames to show the context of where we were. Steffon and Melissa were amazing to photograph because they didn't pretend much to like each other. You could see that they genuinely enjoyed each other's space, and as a photographer, that helps when capturing portraits of two people together.

The couple had a second look, and we brainstormed on where to photograph them. The team agreed that we didn't want to shoot them out in the water again, so I suggested shooting them in a town near all the hustle and bustle of Georgetown's main settlement. I love locations like these because there is a lot of energy surrounding you. People, cars, dogs and birds are all moving around you. Georgetown gave me so many different spaces to capture Stef and Mel, and I loved that they stood out in stylish clothing against the town's backdrop. This shoot, if any indication of how the year will pan out, excited me, and I loved working with the couple to produce these images.

Please enjoy.

Photography & Art Direction: Scharad Lightbourne

Styling: Shan Oliver ( The Style Group)

MUA: Valincia Rolle

Hair: Tara Miller (Metamorphosis)

Stef’s Hair: Tilly Balinese

Grip: Tariq Cartwright

An aerial view of us on the sand bank with the couple.

Bahari Models: Loretta Butler-Turner, Christine Carey & Loleta Dixon

📸 Capturing the new Bahari Kaftan Collection

December 19, 2023 in Creative, Fashion, People

Photography plays a vital role in marketing and branding by telling compelling stories. In this article, I share insights into the creative process and the magic that happens when passion meets the lens, taking you behind the scenes of a recent photoshoot for Bahari Bahamas.

The first step in any successful campaign is planning and conceptualization. Collaborating with the creative team is essential to understanding the brand's identity, target audience, and the message they want to convey. Makeup, hair, and styling are all critical parts of the success of any photoshoot, and the Bahari team gets it right every time! Next, casting suitable models and styling them is essential. The models should embody the brand's essence, and the styling should reflect the latest trends and complement the brand's aesthetic.

No photo shoot is without its challenges, and adaptability is key. Being able to pivot and find solutions on the spot is part of the job. We realized that the models did not need precise poses. Once we allowed them to be free and “let loose,” photographing them became effortless.

Post-production is where the magic happens. Editing, retouching, and colour grading refine the images to align with the brand's visual identity.

In conclusion, photographing this new campaign was a journey of creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. The behind-the-scenes effort, passion, and dedication are the threads that weave together Bahari’s visual tapestry, making these pieces desirable!

MUA: Geah Smith

Styling: Lavonne Alexis

Art Direction/Photography: Scharad Lightbourne

Photo Assistant: Samiah Rutherford

Motion: Sherard Campbell

Old Master's Portraits with Olivia Dorsett

March 20, 2023 in People, Portraits, Creative

Olivia is the type of client who gives me 100% creative control when she comes to me with another opportunity to photograph her. This occasion was no different. She asked if I had anything new I wanted to try because she was “in the mood” for another portrait session. I told her I always wanted to recreate a portrait similar to that of the old portrait masters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio and Da Vinci.

I had to research the lighting extensively because I knew those painters used a specific style of light in their portraits. My setup was simple, where I only used a 2 light layout; a largely diffused modifier for fill and another large modifier for my key (leading) light.

Olivia trusted my vision, and I put together an incredible team once I knew the direction I was taking. I was very direct and specific. I knew what I wanted from makeup and hair, and even the colour dress and design of the gown I chose were intentional.

The table and background were already in the studio while we imported other props. The fruit we used was sourced locally, which was a challenge because, initially, finding the pomegranate was challenging! Once I completed the set, and we got our tethering setup, the shoot flowed seamlessly. The lighting was ideal for the direction of the shoot, and I was so happy that we had put so much time into our pre-production.

Olivia was a great muse. She knew her angles and followed my direction to the letter. Below is the hard work of a team of passionate people who came together to bring this vision to fruition.

Let me know what you think of our work in the comments below.