Some towns look like they were made for photos.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of them.
Brick storefronts, old lampposts, garland on every pole, and a hotel at the end of the street that looks like it walked out of a Christmas movie. Honestly, when I shoot here, the town does most of the work. I just show up, find the light, and try not to get in its way.
The town is already the set
At our Toronto and St. Catharines sessions, we build everything ourselves. Trees, rugs, warm lights, all of it. I love that.
In Niagara-on-the-Lake, we don’t have to. Wreaths are on the doors, windows are glowing, and everything is close together. Shops, doorways, benches, side streets, all a few steps apart. In 30 minutes we can move through five totally different backdrops without anyone getting tired, cold or cranky.
So what actually happens?
You meet Kate and me in front of the Prince of Wales Hotel. We say hi, and then we just start walking.
I’ll tell you where to stop and which way to look, but mostly I’ll tell you to talk to each other and forget I’m there. That’s when the good stuff happens. The whispered joke, the fixed scarf, the little one who suddenly takes off running.
Thirty minutes later, you’re done. Two days after that, your 15 edited photos land in your inbox.
It’s an outdoor session, so there are no indoor setups, cookies or hot chocolate like at our Toronto and St. Catharines ones. It’s just you, us, and the town.
What should you wear?
Please don’t match. Seriously.
Reds, creams, forest green, navy and camel all look great here. Wool coats, chunky knits, plaid and fuzzy boots too. One pop of red in the group goes a long way. Dress warm, wear shoes you can walk in, and if your kid has a favourite coat, that’s the coat. I’d skip tiny busy patterns, big logos and neon. They fight with the town.
Who is it for?
Honestly, everyone. Couples, families, best friends, grandparents, babies, teenagers who swear they hate photos. Even just you, in a really good coat. Bring the dog too, just let us know when you book.
Okay, but we’re awkward
Almost everyone says that. And almost everyone forgets about it by minute five.
Kids not cooperating? Thirty minutes is perfect for short attention spans, and we follow their lead. Cold or grey out? Probably, and I’ll take it. Soft winter light is flattering light. If the weather gets truly wild, message us and we’ll figure it out.
Why you should actually do this
Christmas photos aren’t just for Christmas cards.
They’re proof. Of the coat that fit this year, the laugh that sounds exactly like that, and who was standing next to you. Kids grow, traditions change, and this December only happens once. In ten years you won’t remember what everyone wore. You’ll remember how it felt.
Come walk the town with us
Niagara-on-the-Lake sessions run from November 28 to December 14, on select weekdays and weekends. Thirty minutes, 15 edited photos, $200 + HST, and your photos in 2 days.
There’s no online booking. Just send us a DM or email info@laragracecreativestudio.ca with the date you want, and we’ll take it from there.
Come in. Get cold. Leave with photos you’ll actually frame. 🎄
