RAPH NOGAL - Owner / Lead Photographer
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 and portraits), and products.
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, in-studio dog portraits, and product photography.
Professional Highlights
Active since 2009, full-time from 2013, I have been polishing my craft across diverse genres
I'm a proud brand partner: ambassador roles with Profoto, Spider Holster, Vision Art, and Sprout Studio and a Sony Pro
An educator and speaker, I present at major photo expos and conferences like ProFusion, Shutterfest, and run workshops globally, often with Profoto or Sony Alpha
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.
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!
Hope to chat with you soon!
Raph
