When Sonny first reached out to book this 40th birthday photo session for his wife, JT, it was clear he had put a lot of thought into it. He’d done his homework online and came with a clear vision. He knew exactly the kind of meaningful, impactful images he wanted to capture. It was so special to work with him to bring this idea to life for them both.
As we talked on the phone, I listened carefully to Sonny’s ideas and completely understood what he and JT wanted. I felt confident I could deliver precisely that while also adding some creative shots on the day. Sonny clearly liked my style and thought I was the right photographer for his wife’s 40th birthday session, but he needed to hear from me that I could truly turn his dreams and wishes into a photographic reality.
Bisha Hotel 40th Birthday Photo Session
For JT’s 40th birthday photo session, Sonny booked a room at Toronto’s luxurious and modern Bisha Hotel. Since Bisha was still fairly new at the time, I could only find a few example photos of the rooms, but I knew it would be an incredible setting for some amazing shots.
To make the most of the session and add some dramatic lighting, I asked Jacquie, my assistant photographer at the time, to join me. After we finished shooting at the hotel, JT and Sonny had planned a birthday celebration with friends at the Distillery District, where the party would continue into the night.
I had found plenty of inspiration for this location through Google, so I decided I could handle the shoot there solo and let Jacquie go after the hotel session.
Bisha redefines “entry-level rooms” with a stylish twist, featuring rich textures and sophisticated details like lacquered wood, crushed velvet, and a plush geometric carpet that brings a touch of 1970s nostalgia. Sonny had booked the Nina room for JT’s session, and as we arrived, we walked through the hotel’s chic lobby, bustling with couples who seemed to embody the vibe and community of the hotel, blending seamlessly into its atmosphere.
The Nina room photography at The Bisha Hotel
Arriving with all my lights, stands, modifiers, and other equipment was a bit of a challenge, but having Jacquie with me made everything much easier. This was my first time meeting Sonny and JT in person, and knowing I only had two hours to work with them felt intimidating. The pressure wasn’t just about taking photos—it was about capturing exactly what Sonny had envisioned, which added a layer of stress.
The room was stunning, but all the reflective surfaces required me to think creatively to avoid unwanted reflections from my equipment or lighting. With my experience in lighting, I focused on the basics—often the hardest approach when working with reflective surfaces. I carefully hid what I didn’t want visible, positioned the lights at a higher angle, and highlighted the areas I wanted to emphasize.
It felt like I spent 30 minutes troubleshooting, but in reality, it was probably only 1-2 minutes as I scanned the room, looking for the best photography spots—whether in the room, lobby, or even the bathroom. During that time, I was thinking 2-3 steps ahead, planning my next move while still focusing on the shot.
Sonny and JT understood my vision and were incredibly helpful, fully embracing the posing and body positions I guided them through. The images flowed quickly, one after another, leaving me little time to appreciate the beauty of the location truly. The first hour of the session flew by, and soon, Sonny reminded me that we needed to head to the Distillery District to take photos at the party venue before their guests arrived. We quickly packed up all the equipment and drove to the second location for the photo session.
Stirling Room | Spirit House 40th birthday photo session
In contrast to the Bisha Hotel, Stirling Room at the time, now known as Spirit House at Distillery District, had a warmer, lounge-like feel, with lots of wooden elements. Sonny and JT had brought along inflatable balloons with the number “40” on them, which I planned to incorporate toward the end of the session.
I began working with Sonny and JT, photographing them on the sleek leather lounge sofas, taking a more modern approach. We also shot near the bar by the piano, where the possibilities felt endless, much like at the Bisha Hotel. For JT’s 40th birthday session, I wanted to capture the joy in her eyes and emphasize the number “40.”
We took some creative shots with the golden reflective balloons, with JT featuring in a few solo shots before their friends arrived. I made sure to get some group photos and wrapped up this incredibly fun session with the lovely couple. When I left the lounge, I was amazed by how much we had accomplished in just two hours.
The beauty of celebrating milestone birthdays
Driving home, I found myself reflecting on the moments we’d shared during this fantastic 40th birthday session with JT and Sonny. As people say, JT truly entered her 40s in fabulous style, and that saying couldn’t have been more true.
How would you like to celebrate your 40th birthday? Would you prefer a photo session similar to this one or something different? Contact me, and together we’ll create a unique photo session just for you and your significant other.
Check here for similar look the engagement session of Mamta and Vish at Proof Bar, Toronto. View our post Knox Collage University of Toronto engagement photos for some inspiration for your upcoming photo session.
My passion and biggest asset is taking the time to make every client comfortable and relaxed before I even pick up the camera. The result? Photos of you that actually look like you at your best! I can prove to you how much you can enjoy having your picture taken. Lifestyle photography is about the experience that happens to be served up along side of some great photos.
Specialties:
Family Photography for families that like to move around and enjoy their photo time, Wedding Photography for couples looking for a mixture of photojournalistic, contemporary and traditional images and Professional Corporate headshots that are far from cheesy and stiff.