I have given a lot of thought as to the best way to approach this and in truth I am not sure this is the best way.

I have always tried to keep my personal life largely separate from my business.  However I have come to realize that as a wedding photographer I am ultimately my business and who I am defines how I see and how I see is my business.

Who I am is going to change in a fundamental way.

A large part of my business comes from the kind and gracious referrals of past clients.  This is absolutely wonderful and flattering but it does however pose some logistical problems for what is currently going on in my life.

There is no funny joke or easy way to segway into this.  I am coming out as a trans woman.  Like most transgender people my story is not terribly joyful but this is not the platform for that story.  What I am saying here is that I am coming out as as a trans woman and that I plan to begin living my life as a woman over the next year.

Being trans is not a choice, I was born this way.

Coming out in the public forum was not an easy choice to make but after a long conversation with my father I was reminded of the importance of doing the right thing even if it makes things harder for me.  I am raising my voice and my presence in solidarity with the trans community.

I am coming out as a trans woman because I am tired of living with the fear, shame and anxiety that comes along with living in hiding, with the effort it takes to live two separate lives that can never intersect.   Because I believe in the power of numbers and that the acceptance of trans individuals will only come through visibility.  Because I can no longer stand comfortably on the sidelines while my peers courageously fight for are collective rights.  Most importantly it is because my conscience tells me that gender variant youths need as much inspiration and as many role models as possible.

Will I continue with photography?

Well that’s really up to the public.  I still love photography and I still love telling stories.  If anything my photography and creativity can only flourish as I begin to live a more authentic and fulfilled life.  I have every intention of keeping my photography studio going and building my business so that I can offer gainful employment and valuable hands on internships.  Part of why I am doing this so publicly is because I hope to educate the public about what being trans means.  Hopefully I will encourage other small businesses to hire trans youth.

I am changing the expression of my gender, not my passion and career.  The reality is that the only difference in how I run my photography studio will be my clothes and hair.  I may smile more, I may laugh more and I may just give you even better wedding photos.

This is somewhat of an unprecedented situation and unfortunately they’re not really any guidelines or best practices on how to best approach this.   I just wanted to make clear what and why I am doing what I am doing.

I am changing my name from Daryl to Sophia

Thank you all for your time,

The post Coming Out as a trans woman appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.

NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

This was a such a fun, modern wedding to be a part of.

We took photos at the Royal York and Union Station before heading over to the Sony Centre for the wedding ceremony and reception.  On a side note, Bruce Springsteen also happend to be in the lobby of the hotel while we were taking photos.  We were all tempted to ask for a photo with the boss but we didn’t want to pester the man either.

The first photo you see was taken on the train tracks at Union Station.  I am advising in all seriousness that nobody try this.  Apparently going on the tracks is a federal offense and we were nearly arrested.  Luckily being a bride in a beautiful wedding dress brings a certain amount of immunity and we walked away with a just a bit of a scolding.  This was the only the second wedding at The Sony Centre and it definitely makes for an unique and orignal wedding venue.

Love these bridal portraits. She looks absolutely stunning.

Wedding reception photos

The Hoorah is always so much fun at Jewish weddings

The Sony Centre really makes for a dramatic wedding venue

The post Modern wedding at The Sony Centre For the performing arts appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.

NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

Modern Portrait Photography

I had some friends come by this week for a few portrait sessions and headshots.  I am working on getting used to photographing people as I present as a woman.  I had a lot of fun on these shoot and really like the photos.  I am noticing that when I photograph as a woman my guard id down a lot more and I can have a more relaxed approach to photography.  I feel happier these days and I think that reflects in the photos.  Portrait photography is what I love doing most as a photographer which is why I gravitated towards wedding photography.

Headshots for a an awesome friend of mine.

Portrait Photography Toronto

Promo photography for a musician friend.

Headshot of a lovely friend

The post Modern Portrait Photography appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.

NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

This was such a fun photo shoot!

I have come to really enjoy photographing kids and family photography in general.  Kids are so unpretentious and never worry about looking cool.  The photos were taken on the Toronto Island’s on what turned out to a really lovely day for mid-November.

When it comes to family photos I like to keep the photos fresh with lot sof movement.  I have never been a fan of stiff and awkward portraits.  A family photo session with me is relaxed and I really try to go for a more playful and candid approach while mixing in some posed shots as opportunities arise.  What this usually means is that I run around after the kids trying to guess where they will be next.

This whole family was actually really amazing.  They were my first photo shoot after announcing I was a transwoman and they were incredibly awesome and supportive about the whole thing.

Children and family photographer Toronto

Contemporary family photographer Toronto

Children and family photography in Toronto

Contemporary Family Photography in Toronto

The post Modern Family Photography appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.

NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

This couple have been an absolute pleasure to work with since we first met for a wedding photography consultation.   I knew we were off to a great start when they told me they wanted to have a Wes Anderson theme for their engagement photos.    The wedding party photos were taken in an abandoned ballroom in downtown Toronto.   It was such a cool location for wedding photos and kudos to the bride for not being afraid to get her dress a little dirty for good pictures.  The wedding had a  Great Gatsby / vintage theme that I just loved.  The groom also designed my logo that you see above.

Wedding portraits taken in an abandoned ballroom in Toronto

The post Beautiful Wedding Photos in an Abandoned Ballroom! appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.

NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

The Burroughes building in downtown Toronto has officially become one of my favorite wedding venues in the city.   It has a perfect mix of new and old with lots of great character and backdrops for photography.  If your looking for a venue for a Toronto Wedding you should check them out.

This whole wedding was a real blast.  I have come to really like going to Jewish weddings and the Horah is quickly becoming my favorite events at weddings.   Nothing gets a room full of people dancing and  having fun like a big group dance.

The couple and family were just wonderful to be with with and the catering from the Food Dudes is always a great treat.

I especially loves the brides dress and hair, she looks beautiful.

Bridal Party Photo

Toronto Wedding Photography at the Burroughes Building

The Ketubah is a Jewish prenuptial agreeemnt that outlines rights and responsibilities of the bride and groom.

The Food Dudes always do fantastic catering

I love this wedding photo, the groom is in mid air and his mother looks pretty nervous.

The post Toronto Wedding @ The Burroughes Building appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.

NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

Modern Vintage Wedding Photography

I think it is really great when a couples takes a trend like the “modern vintage wedding photography” and makes it they’re own with some personal touches; like a Mad Men theme!

The bride is absolutely gorgeous and I just love her dress.  Every detail is just beautiful.

The venue for this wedding was The Elora Centre For The Arts.  It is an old schoolhouse that has been converted into an art gallery and event space.   Elora is a beautiful town about an hours drive out of Toronto, just north of Guelph.

The old schoolhouse was the prefect location for the bridal party pictures and gave a perfect amount of character and charm for the wedding photos.  I especially love the red tie’s and pocket squares the guys are wearing.   What a perfect accent to the maid of honurs red dress.

Vintage bridal Portrait

Mad Men themed  bridal party

Modern Vintage Wedding Photography

Wedding photography at the Elora Centre for the Arts.  Love the vintage bridal party theme.

Vintage Wedding Photography

The post Modern Vintage Wedding Photography appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.

NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

I have decided to come back to this wedding post with some revisions.  A + K were the first couple to book me as an independent wedding photographer and not through one of the studios I was working for.  Their leap of faith in me was instrumental to getting the ball rolling with my wedding photography studio.

A + K are both from Toronto but with good reason have a little crush on NYC.  Their wedding ceremony and reception took place in Manhattan.  The ceremony was on a rooftop with a spectacular view of the city skyline.  For the wedding photos we spent several hours driving around Brooklyn and Manhattan.  I love all of their photos.  K’s leather jacket was such a great accent to her really gorgeous wedding dress and helped make some really sweet bridal portraits

The post Modern Wedding Photography appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.

NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

Wedding Photography Toronto – RCYC on the Island’s

This is one my favorite weddings of the year so far.  The couple was super sweet and so much fun to be around.

The wedding ceremony and reception was all on site at the RCYC on the Toronto islands.   The yacht club is a gorgeous venue but you do need be a member to have your wedding there.  The brial party pictures were taken on a construction site near the lake.   I love the contrast of the industrial background with the rest of the wedding.

The ceremony itself was beautiful and the weather was absolutely perfect for an outdoor ceremony under the Chuppah.

Wedding Photography Toronto -Downtown

This construction site in Toronto makes for a great industrial location for the couple wedding photos.

Toronto Wedding Photography

Bridal Party Pictures

Modern Wedding Photography

Wedding and bridal photography at the RCYC on Toronto Island

Modern vintage wedding photography

Wedding reception at the RCYC.  Details photos and reception candid pictures

The Horah is always a great time at wedding receptions.

Modern Vintage Wedding Photography

The post Wedding Photography Toronto Island – RCYC appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.

NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

These two are probably the sweetest couple I have ever met.  They were both so warm and welcoming and obviously truly in love with each other.  The wedding was a Sunday affair at the Miller Lash House.  This was also the first wedding I had been too that had a wedding crasher.  Fortunately this wedding crasher  was just a stray cat who was curious about the ceremony.  There is a photo of the cat in the recessional that I thought was pretty cute.

The bride who happens to be a pastry chef made individual cakes for the centrepieces of each guests table .  She even baked and decorated her own weeding cake!  I love their wedding photos.

Wedding photography by Daryl Banks.  Venue was the Miller Lash house at the University of Toronto.

The post Beautiful wedding at the miller lash house – u of t appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.

NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

Photo Booth for weddings and events.

All the fun props and accessories made these so much fun.

Booths are a great way to get lots of extra pictures of your guests, and also tends to be a lot of fun for your wedding guest at the reception.

The post Photo Booth – Toronto and GTA appeared first on Contemporary Toronto Wedding Photographer Sophia Banks.