In Plain Sight

In a culture obsessed with perfection, these portraits ask, “What happens when nothing is hidden and being seen becomes an act of courage?”
Photographed at close range with no makeup, no retouching, and no distance between subject and viewer, these portraits explore vulnerability, presence, and the strength found in being seen exactly as we are.

Ongoing series; 2017 to present

Tanvi M _ Toronto Based Commercial Photographer_ NoMakeup00002

Tanvi M _ Toronto Based Commercial Photographer_ NoMakeup00003

Tanvi M _ Toronto Based Commercial Photographer_ NoMakeup00001

Tanvi M _ Toronto Based Commercial Photographer_ NoMakeup00006

Tanvi M _ Toronto Based Commercial Photographer_ NoMakeup00007

Tanvi M _ Toronto Based Commercial Photographer_ NoMakeup00004

Tanvi M _ Toronto Based Commercial Photographer_ NoMakeup00008

Tanvi M _ Toronto Based Commercial Photographer_ NoMakeup00005

The Support Series

The Support Series is a portrait project centered around a simple question: What support would make a difference in your life?
Created in partnership with Lift: The Bra Project and sponsored by High Road Human Capital, the project features women from organizations across Toronto, including Elizabeth Fry Toronto, Jessie’s Centre, and The 519. The project creates space for participants to share their experiences of giving, receiving, and seeking support. Their answers speak to the importance of community, opportunity, stability, and care.

Ziva Gorani

I am a Syrian trans woman, a survivor of war and sexual violence, and someone living with depression as a result of trauma. Despite everything, I believe in the strength and resilience of our communities. One of the greatest lessons I've learned is the importance of support and belonging. As I continue to heal, I hope to help others do the same. The support that would make the biggest difference now is finding meaningful work that recognizes my skills, experience, and potential.

Elonia Munro

Living with Lupus and the side effects of treatment had a profound impact on my mental health. When I struggled, many people around me didn't understand what I was going through, but Elizabeth Fry listened and helped me find the support I needed. Today, I share my story to let others know they are not alone. Through speaking engagements and community work, I hope to reduce stigma around mental health and encourage people to keep asking for help. Recovery is easier when we feel seen, supported, and connected to others who understand.

Monalisa

I came to Canada eight months ago to build a new future. The 519 welcomed me and gave me an opportunity to work, which helped me feel at home. My dream is to become a model and inspire others. The support that would make the biggest difference is guidance—someone to help me understand the steps to get where I want to go.

Lori Murray

I struggled with addiction for 30 years. Seven years ago, I found support through Elizabeth Fry and began attending therapy groups. There, I met people who listened without judgment and helped me start believing in myself again. Today, I'm nearly seven years clean and give back as a peer leader, supporting others by sharing my own experiences. Recovery is one thing, but healing relationships takes time. I'm proud of how far I've come, and I hold onto the belief that tomorrow can always be better. If my story helps someone feel less alone, it's worth sharing.

Lexi Leblanc

There needs to be more funding for mental health awareness and education. Mental health shouldn't be part of the conversation just one day a year—it should be discussed openly and regularly. There's still a stigma around mental health, and many people don't understand what others may be going through. I believe mental health education should be taught in schools, just like sex education, so people can recognize the signs, support one another, and know when to seek help.

Maria Clara

I'm from Brazil, where I worked as a social worker supporting the LGBT community and advocating for human rights. From the moment I arrived in Canada, people helped me find my way and start over. Canada has given me the freedom to be who I am, and I'm grateful every day to be here. My goal is to become a social worker again so I can give back and support others the way I was supported.

Cuba

Documentary photography often talks about disappearing behind the camera. Becoming invisible so the photograph belongs entirely to the moment.

But travel has a way of reminding you that the photographer is never fully absent.

These images from Cuba hold both sides of that relationship. I was the observer, watching and searching for moments. But I was also the observed, shaped by the people, places, interactions & experiences that found their way into my frame.

The camera does more than capture what we are witnessing.
It reveals where we are within the story.

Perfect Mates 🐾

What better way to help dogs find their forever homes than by creating dating-style posters to introduce them to their perfect match?

Created in collaboration with Fetch + Releash, Perfect Mates featured dogs who were waiting for their chance to be noticed. Some were older, some had medical needs, and some faced behavioural challenges that made finding a home more difficult.

The goal was simple: move beyond the typical shelter profile and introduce these dogs as individuals, with their own personalities, quirks, and stories.

Because the right match isn’t about finding a perfect dog. It’s about finding the perfect connection.

Art Director: Janey Tuite
Copywriter : Sarah Morrison