Welcome to Pretty Cool Photo!
My name is Neil Wind.
I am located in Leslieville, Toronto and offer photography services within the city of Toronto,
I am a Headshot Photographer.
I believe that everyone can take a good headshot.
A strong headshot can often surprise people in how it reflects their identity, how others actually experience them.
The most compelling are when the sitter looks comfortable and emotionally present. Memorable headshots show warmth, openness, confidence, humour, calmness, intensity...
My job is to help dissolve any tension that you're feeling during the shoot, that the camera inevitably will pick up. I do this through conversation, coaching, rhythm, pace, observation, and timing, while also considering the lighting, angles, environment, It is this collaboration that makes each shoot I do so exciting.
Location: Headshots can be done at your business, office, home, or outdoors, or in my little home studio.
Most of the photos in my Headshot Gallery were taken with a studio lighting set up either on location or in my home studio.
I'm also an Event Photographer.
All of the examples in my Event Gallery were taken without flash, many in very low light settings.
Whether shooting corporate events like conferences or workshops, or gala receptions in the arts, or live performances, I always ensure there is an established shot list to follow to ensure all required shots are taken,When shooting corporate events or conferences, I ensure there's a plan and schedule to follow.
Recent shoots include the Global Placemakers Summit, the Institute for Performing and Learning conference, receptions and special concerts for Music Toronto, composers, artists, choir directors part of the the Listen Up program that work in elementary schools, as well as workshops, panel discussions, book launches, and more.
I'm currently the go to photographer for Music Toronto and the Community Engagement photographer for Listen Up. I'm always interested in working with new clients!
I enjoy shooting all types of events but get especially excited about events that involve the community, the arts, learning, etc.
I enjoy being a fly on the wall, anticipating and capturing those candid or spontaneous emotional moments, that may be used in marketing and promotional materials, social media, newsletters, or for brand building or archival purposes.
My broad photography experience was gained through shooting weddings, large events, in theatre, film & tv, providing headshots for businesses (both corporate and non-profit), actors, musicians, authors, policy makers, Food and Beverage workers, families / kids, and more.
I studied Image Arts at Ryerson (MTU), but the hands on experience I've gained since has been invaluable. There's always something to learn, if not about photography specifically, then from the amazing people I'm meeting along the way.
Everyone deserves a good headshot!
Professionally speaking, high quality, current headshots are a must have, and often crucial for getting your foot in the door. I understand firsthand that it can be an intimidating, vulnerable process, and not everyone likes the idea of doing it. I strive to make the experience enjoyable and stress free, and have you walk away smiling, with a great new headshot,
How does it work?
It starts with an email. Let's connect! Reach out to me here and let's discuss what you need, what you're looking for,
I look forward to hearing from you!
"Neil has provided some of the best professional headshots that I have ever had. As someone who is uncomfortable with photo shoots generally, Neil has a gentle, professional and kind approach that made me feel completely comfortable and resulted in photographs that feel authentically "me".
Neil is a generous and gifted artist and I highly recommend him."
Patty Jarvis
Prog Dir, Listen Up and Dir of Community Engagement & Education, Music Toronto
"I have engaged Neil to take staff headshots for clients on several occasions and his work ranks among the best. For many people, having their photo taken can be uncomfortable and Neil's personal approach and ability to get his subjects to relax produces spontaneous moments where their personality comes alive. He balances his people skills with great technical setups that often produce photos that require minimal retouching. I used Neil for my own, personal headshot and he made me look my very, very best."
Brett Lamb
Freelance Creative Director