About


jonni Ben Gear

"Jonni, you were fun, flexible and creative. You made everyone feel comfortable and we so much enjoyed working with you. All our expectations were met and the photos speak for themselves. They are so beautiful! It was a completely positive experience."

Stephanie & David


Arrow-Down-greyBio-jonni1Jonni Super - Photographer

Ok, so here you are, an adventure seeker just like me, someone who loves life and wants to live it to the fullest. Always looking for the something interesting, inspiring, heart-warming, relevant… welcome to my life!

I started my photography travels in the late 90’s and got serious when my daughter was born in 2006.

I studied everything I could about documentary style photography, lighting, composition, the finer details of my equipment, and in 2010 I opened my own boutique studio; Jonni Super Photography was born. Jonni Super Photography is my studio, and I get to run it my way, which is all about building long-term relationships and making you the centre of every artistic choice. I am committed to you, your event, and your moment, from when we initially meet to the delivery of your photographs.

When it came time to photograph my first bar mitzvah, I wanted to create images with a deep meaning and a long shelf life. I wanted these stories, moments, and feelings to endure, to stand the test of time. Over the years, my photography passion has guided me towards many diverse projects, such as photographing families, head-shots, and maternity.

I've had the privilege of documenting exceptional families and kids, and those entering adulthood as they celebrate their bar or bat mitzvah. I never take for granted the importance of the event you have hired me to capture. What a wonderful gift you offer me; to bear witness to a most intimate and special day, and to play a role in moments that will forever shape a family’s life. I have told their coming-of-age journey through my photography, and aspire to balance the authentic emotion with the composed grandeur of the occasion.

I love that I can be creative and that creativity drives me to perform at my best. My goal is to use my photographic skills to leave this world a little more beautiful, while telling a once-in-a-lifetime stories. I strive to capture deep meaning, fleeting moments, and those oft-forgotten details.

Jonni Super - Me

Optimist, passionately creative, budding chef, loves to laugh, curious about the world and how it works, likes to tinker with stuff, loves his hammock, canoe, kayak, bicycle, snowboard, computer, family. Won’t spend a night away from home without a guitar. Loves the ability to freeze time and emotion with a photograph. Is able to put people at ease with his affable charm and quirky personality.  Jonni lives in Toronto with his fabulous wife, Hilary, and the three 'super' children; Marley, Indie, and Jude. Bundles of joy, every one of them, you can see them growing up HERE; during their regular photo-fun activities. Oh, and let's not forget Ms. Stevie Super; Golden-doodle extraordinaire.

Our Studio

The Studio strikes a balance between events (weddings and mitzvahs) and family, headshots, maternity, etc. We love the intensity of weddings and mitzvahs where every photo must capture ‘the moment’ perfectly. I pride my team in thriving under pressure, and our technical know-how has helped us capture those once-in-a-lifetime shots the first time, every time.  The variety of our work keeps us engaged, our creativity fresh, and allows us to deliver the dynamic and captivating photos our clients expect.  In an age where many photographers hide behind email and websites, we prefer direct communication with our clients to better understand their needs, expectations, and goals.  Our satisfied clients and diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to customer service and our passion for all things photography.  This approach has earned Jonni Super Photography a sought-after place in the crowded landscape that is the Toronto photography market.  

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Bio-4
Ben Gaum -
Photographer

Jonni and I have worked together professionally since 2011.  I like to capture the special moments, go well beyond what is expected, and deliver fantastic photographs to our clients.  I feel I have a natural ability to bring out the best in my subjects, to tell their story simply and elegantly, and to offer beautiful work.  I have placed in several photo competitions and have been published in the Toronto Star, The Nature of Things with David Suzuki, and placed in the top 100 in the Metro magazine global photo contest with over 10,000 entrants.

My passion for photography started at a young age.  My father was a very accomplished amateur photographer.  He had a vast and impressive camera collection as well as our own darkroom. I remember helping him develop colour and enlarge his prints, eagerly watching as the paper slowly changed from a blank white sheet to an image.  The smell of the alchemy that transpired in that room are forever burnt into my memory, both philosophically and literally.  I developed my style from watching my father; his shots were always detailed, clean, and thought provoking.  Growing up in an age before digital photography, I was taught to treat every shot as a work of art.  Digital photography hasn’t taken away from that early philosophy but rather, it has allowed me to push my boundaries and become more adventurous.  This is why you will usually see me jumping up and off stages, benches, chairs and tables as well as rolling along the ground to get the most creative shot I can.  

I live in Toronto with my wife and two children who are often the subject and influence for my creative spirit.

Arrow-Down-greyBio-8Mitch Belman - Videographer

I have spent many years carving out a distinctive video-graphic niche, ultimately separating me from my peers. My videos faithfully recreate the beauty and elegance of the experience. I have worked for over a decade producing, shooting and editing television, corporate videos, documentary films, weddings, and bar / bat mitzvahs.  I have shot, edited and produced for over a dozen networks, including YTV, CBC Kids, Family Channel, CTV, and CMT.  My producing credits include TVOntario’s International Children’s Day of Broadcasting, and editing for Corus Entertainment’s television networks.

After having worked on other people’s documentaries for a decade, I was ready to produce my own project. About to go on the trip of a lifetime, I felt compelled to bring my camera along to capture the experience.  The resulting film, Paper Clips: A Ride to Remember premiered in Toronto in 2007, and went on to play at film festivals around the world.  I love what I do, and always bring that passion to what I produce.

I live in Toronto with my wife, Natalie, and our two beautiful (and very spirited) young children.  

Mitzvah videography info is HERE

"A stand-out moment for my son was Ben's complete involvement in his party.  As Nathan said: "Ben was everywhere! Even in the laser tag.  And he can dunk pretty well too.”  You completely exceeded our expectations.”

Sandra G.

The Path to Fantastic Mitzvah Photography

The first thing you should read is a lighthearted article on why you should hire a PROFESSIONAL to photograph your mitzvah.  Once you have returned to this page, read on.

Uncle Bob vs. A Professional Mitzvah Photographer

Oh good, you're back.  Read on...

It's quite simple, it takes a lot of work to plan such a wedding or mitzvah, and I mean a LOT of work.  There are many items to check off from the 'to do' list, and one of them is PHOTOGRAPHY.  Why not hire someone who knows what to do from day one.  From the first time we talk, I become a resource, a go-to person, a trusted professional with whom you will feel confident, and finally the documentarian of the day.  You are hiring a well-oiled team, who will laugh with you, cry with you, dance with you, and will capture the essence of the event for posterity. This is what we do, let's make it happen!!!  

There are many excellent photographers out there and the choice can be over-whelming.  However, just follow the steps below to determine if we are the right studio for you.

explore-pics

Step 1: Explore the galleries.

You need to decide if you like the photos, the style, and the approach.  Do you see 'yourself' in the photos, do people look relaxed and having fun?  Do the girls look gorgeous and the boys striking?  Do they look like they are having the Best Party Ever?  Do you wish you could have been invited to that party?  

If this is true, proceed to step 2.

 

wedding

Step 2: Tell us about your day.

Go to the contact form HERE and answer some questions. You can also send us an email or call us... just get in touch and chat. The first thing you want to know is, are we available on your party date.  

Come with me, on to step 3.

coffee

Step 3: Let's meet for coffee.

This is where we get together and discuss photography and all other aspects of the day. I'll bring some albums and some photo examples, we will discuss what is the best coverage for you to make sure you have what you need; nothing more, nothing less. If we can't meet in person, then let's just meet over the phone or FaceTime.

Ok, we're still looking good. Now what's in store, on to step 4.

 

check

Step 4: You decide to work with us.

You will NOT regret it.  We go the extra mile to deliver, and have fun doing it.  Our clients are the most important people to us, and we will do whatever is needed to help make this the most special day of their lives.  These pictures are your legacy, and I want them to be the best they can be.

So, we are almost there, look alive, on to step 5.

sign-contract

Step 5: Fill in a contract.

There's only one more thing to do, fill in a contract and send us a deposit.  Once I have those in hand, you are booked.  Simple.  Should you have anymore questions, please shoot me an email or go HERE.

Arrow-Down-grey What's in Jonni's Bag

Quite a bit of thought goes into my gear before every shoot.  The selection below is my standard equipment.  I may add something here or there, or leave out a lens or two if I know it's a quick session, but usually this all comes along.  The number one rule when photographing an event is to have redundant gear, meaning if something malfunctions, you have a similar spare; lens or body.  There are always two long lenses, two medium, and two wide, and two similar bodies.  

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