RAPH NOGAL - Principal Photographer & Studio Director
My name is Raph (pronounced r-ah-f, like in the Ninja Turtles!) and I'm a Toronto based Commercial & Lifestyle Professional Photographer, known for crafting striking editorial-style images infused with authentic, candid emotion and precise lighting. I photograph people (headshots, lifestyle, portraits) and products.
Professional Highlights
With over 15 years of professional photography experience, I create commercial imagery for brands, agencies, and businesses across corporate, lifestyle, product, portrait, and event photography.
I’m proud to collaborate with leading industry brands, including Profoto, Sony Alpha, Spider Holster, Vision Art, and Sprout Studio through ambassador, educator, and partnership roles.
Beyond client work, I regularly speak and teach at major photography conferences and events, including WPPI, ProFusion, PPOC, and ShutterFest, while leading workshops internationally alongside brands such as Profoto and Sony.
Awards & Recognition
I am a multiple award-winner: over 40 industry accolades, including 24+ WPPI Honours of Excellence, Fearless Photographers Awards, Shutterfest Vision Awards, and several PPOC distinctions. If you're interested in some of my professional accomplishments, check out the ACCOLADES & AWARDS section for a list of awards.
I became obsessed with photography in 2007 on my honeymoon in Costa Rica. There was something about the medium that brought back the excitement of Visual Arts, which I studied earlier in my life.
Today, I find fulfillment in the creative challenges and exciting opportunities that each photography project brings. While I began my journey as a full-time wedding photographer, my focus has since evolved. I now work primarily with commercial and corporate clients, offering a range of services including professional headshots, individual and group portraits, lifestyle and branding photography, and product photography.
On the way to our shoots, you can catch me head-banging to my favourite heavy metal tunes to get ready for the day. I used to play in a few metal bands throughout high school, so the love for heavy music has stayed with me since then! (ROCK ON!)
I'm happily married to the most amazing and super-talented Toronto actress, singer, and performer, Kristi Woods. She recently performed in Rock Of Ages: A New Musical at the Elgin Theatre in downtown Toronto. We have an awesome 11-year-old son who is just the coolest dude (Brooooo!!). We also had an incredible dog, a Miniature Schnauzer with a lot of personality, who sadly passed on in 2021. Since then, we have been boarding dogs in our home, which has been so much fun!
I enjoy fishing, camping, kayaking, fitness, heavy metal, running, swimming, cycling, BMW cars, BBQing, good company, seeing a show (theatre & music concert), adventure, travel, and spending time with the family.
Let's connect on Instagram and/or LinkedIn
Hope to chat with you soon!
Raph
