Bringing a Vision to Life in Toronto’s Graffiti Alley
MUA: @mitzcarbajal_mua
Video: @jasondpham
Talent: @morganmodelmgmt
Stylist: @hashtag_legends_stylist
Model: @mariana.proks
BTS: @dreyspar_photography
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.
"Market Value" Editorial photographed in Kensington Market, Toronto
While I was in Toronto earlier this year, I planned to shoot something, anything, anywhere in the city. The city is a breeding ground for creative ideas especially photography and on my 2nd trip there in 3 years, there was no question that I'd want to shoot in the Kensington Market area.
I called stylist Aziza Brown who immediately agreed to work with me again and when I told her where I wanted to shoot, she instantly came up with the style direction for the clothing. We just needed to put a team together and with the help of MORGAN Model Management, we sourced unique and diverse talents for the shoot. The final piece of the puzzle was MUA (makeup artist) Senita Rodrigues whose work I admired for awhile and I contacted her to work together and she was friendly and very open to my ideas.
On shoot day, we started about 8am that morning, using a parking garage as HQ, yes a parking garage! It was central to everything and we had covering so we made it work. The models were troopers changing in and out of looks and I actually scouted the market from high above.
Kensington was an incredible area, bustling with people, vendors, sights and sounds who all seemingly ignored the fact that I was photographing two unique and diverse models in the street, against doorways, in between stalls and up against walls. I was everywhere and loving the energy the market seemed to throw right back at me.
Check out the gallery below.
Photographer: Scharad Lightbourne
MUA: Senita Rodrigues
Stylist: Aziza Brown
Clothing Designer: Print Vintage
Shoe Retailer: Heel Boy
Models: Shakhira & Nadia Blackwood
Untitled + Co & Morgan Model Jasmine
Toronto is one of my favorite places to visit. Its a city with so much diversity; in its people, building, art, film and photography. So it was a no brainer that while I was there, I'd want to set up a few photo-shoots. I liked with my homie April Pabon from NY, while shooting there and she managed to connect us with one of the local agencies. Morgan Models sent us some great picks, albeit newbies to the modeling scene, I immediately took to Jasmine Kassam's exotic features.
Now, when I know Im traveling to a big city, I always put out a few "notice boards" and try to network with industry folk; stylists, hair stylists, MUAs, models and other photographers. So I got lucky to find a triple threat in Rosa Stylez. She was a #girlboss because not only did she style the shoot but she did hair and makeup as well! We worked with a local retailer "Untitled & Co" who donated great urban pieces for the shoot.
I loved Jasmine's look and she followed direction well. It was actually her first shoot since signing with MM in Toronto so I was ecstatic about being the first photographer to shoot her. I was pleased with the outcome.
