Christmas Mini Sessions at Icon Studio Space, Toronto
If you want your family's Christmas mini session right in the city, Icon Studio Space is where I shoot them. It's a bright, spacious studio in Toronto's west end, and every December I set up my holiday minis in its light-filled rooms. I'm Jo — I photograph families across Toronto and the GTA — and Icon is the studio I point people toward when they want a downtown-Toronto location that still feels warm and beautifully finished. Here's what it's like, and how to book one of the 2026 dates.
What is Icon Studio Space like?
Icon Studio Space is an 8,000-square-foot photography studio at 142 St Helens Avenue, in Toronto's west end near Bloor and Lansdowne. The thing that makes it photograph so well is the light: the rooms have twelve-foot panoramic windows and high ceilings, so they fill with soft, even daylight all afternoon. That means natural-looking skin tones, nobody squinting, and holiday photos that feel bright and alive rather than flat.
For my Christmas minis I use three of its rooms, and each one gives a slightly different look — so you can pick the feel you want for your family's photos.
The three rooms — and how each one photographs
The White Room — bright and classic. Crystal-white walls, twelve-foot windows and a clean, elegant set. This is the room for families who want a light, airy, timeless look — the kind of photo that works beautifully as a holiday card. It comfortably fits up to about ten people, so it's my go-to for larger families.
The Iconic Room — grand and elegant. A 1,500-square-foot space with five architectural arches and a soft, opulent feel. The arches and tall windows give portraits a sense of occasion — a little more formal and timeless, without ever feeling stiff. Lovely for families, couples and expecting parents who want something with a bit of grandeur.
The Art Room — warm and characterful. With its mix of metallic, wood and accent walls, this room has more texture and mood. If you like a slightly richer, more editorial holiday look rather than bright-and-white, this is the one.
Why do I love shooting Christmas minis here?
Two reasons, really. First, that window light — it's soft and flattering, and it means your photos have a natural, unforced quality that studio strobes can't fake. After sunset the rooms are perfect cozy spaces especially with the studio lighting. Second, the space. The rooms are big enough that I can move you around — by the tree, on the sofa, near the window — so even in a twenty-minute mini you end up with a variety of looks rather than one repeated pose. And because it's central, it's an easy trip for families coming from across the city and the west end.
Who are Icon Studio minis good for?
Just about everyone:
Families, from a few people to a full sofa — the White and Iconic Rooms hold up to about ten
Couples who want one beautiful photo together by the tree
Babies and toddlers, including a lot of first-Christmas sessions
Expecting parents — the light and the elegant sets suit maternity photos beautifully, and it's a lovely first-Christmas backdrop for a newborn
Multi-generational photos with grandparents in the mix
Please note: Icon Studio Space is a no-pets studio, so this location is for the two-legged members of the family. (If you'd love your dog in the frame, ask me — one of my other studios may be able to help.)
How do I photograph a Christmas mini session?
My style is documentary — candid and story-first, not stiff and posed. I'd rather catch your toddler reaching for an ornament, or the moment your kids start giggling at each other, than line everyone up and count to three. My background is in weddings, where I shoot as a Fearless Photographers and WPJA member, and I bring that same eye for real moments to a twenty-minute mini. You'll get enough direction that you never feel lost — then I get out of the way and let it happen.
2026 Icon Studio Space dates
My Christmas minis at Icon Studio Space, Toronto, run on:
Saturday, November 29, 2026 — White Room & Iconic Room
Saturday, December 12, 2026 — Iconic Room & Art Room
Each session is $299 ($149 booking fee + $150 after the shoot) and includes a 20-minute session, 20 edited images, and 5–7 day delivery in a private online gallery. The Toronto dates are usually among the first to fill, so if you want a city session, it's worth booking early.
👉 Book your Icon Studio Space Christmas mini
What should you wear?
The rooms are bright and neutral, so warm, rich tones photograph best — burgundy, forest green, navy and soft neutrals in cosy fabrics. Coordinate your colours rather than matching exactly. I've got a full guide here: what to wear for your Toronto Christmas mini session.
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142 St Helens Avenue, Unit 301, in Toronto's west end near Bloor and Lansdowne — an easy trip from across the city and the GTA.
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Twenty minutes (about fifteen minutes of shooting), and you receive 20 professionally edited images in a private gallery within 5–7 days.
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$299 — a $149 booking fee to reserve your time and $150 after the shoot. No hidden charges.
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Not at this studio — Icon Studio Space doesn't allow pets. Ask me about my other locations if you'd like your pet included.
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Yes — the light and sets suit maternity especially well, and it's a beautiful first-Christmas backdrop for a newborn. Message me and we'll plan the timing.
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The White and Iconic Rooms hold up to about ten, so extended-family photos work well. Ask about back-to-back slots for a larger group.
