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Nadtochiy Photography offers timeless wedding, engagement, and family photography & videography in Toronto, Ontario and beyond.

Toronto Family Photographer

A cozy autumn afternoon in the heart of Toronto

Arda, Masis, Haig and little Anais met me at Riverdale Farm on a warm November afternoon for their family photoshoot. Tucked into Cabbagetown, just minutes from downtown Toronto, Riverdale Farm feels like a small countryside escape in the middle of the city. The fall colours were glowing, the animals were lazily enjoying the sun, and it was the perfect setting for a relaxed Toronto family session.

As a Toronto Family Photographer, I always tell parents that the best family photos happen when everyone simply enjoys time together. We started with a few classic portraits on the path near the white fence, while the kids were still full of curiosity and cuddles. Those first minutes gave us a beautiful “everyone-looking-at-the-camera” family portrait with golden light and soft, airy colours that feel very Toronto in the fall.

After that, the real fun began. We wandered around the farm, letting Haig and Anais run, explore and be themselves. They chased each other along the pathways, stopped to look at the horses and sheep, and collected crunchy leaves under the trees. The more they played, the more natural and heartfelt the photos became — the kind of images that keep your memories of Toronto family life alive for years.

Toronto Family Photographer approach: connection over posing

Every family is different, but one thing is always true: kids remember how they felt during a photo session. That’s why this Toronto family photoshoot was built around connection, not stiff posing.

We mixed short moments of gentle direction with long stretches of play. Dad carried Haig on his shoulders, then spun him around while Anais giggled from mom’s arms. Mom and the kids had a little dance under the trees. There were hugs, whispers, tickles and those quiet in-between moments when Anais rested her head on her mother’s shoulder.

This is exactly how I love to work as a Toronto Family Photographer:

  • Start with a few relaxed family portraits while everyone is fresh.
  • Let the children lead the adventure around Riverdale Farm.
  • Watch for real emotions — the quick squeeze of a hand, a shy smile, a burst of laughter.
  • Use the soft Toronto light to create timeless, cinematic images that feel both natural and elegant.

By the end of the session, the kids were happily tired from running around, and the parents had a full gallery of images that showed their life in Toronto exactly as it is right now — warm, busy, loving and beautifully imperfect.

Why Riverdale Farm is perfect for Toronto family photos

Riverdale Farm is one of my favourite locations for families in Toronto:

  • Variety of backgrounds. White fences, old barns, stone paths, leafy trees and open spaces give us a huge variety of looks without ever leaving the farm.
  • Space for kids to move. Children can run, jump and explore safely, which makes every Toronto family photoshoot feel like a fun outing rather than a formal portrait session.
  • Beautiful light in every season. From spring blossoms to summer greens and rich autumn colours, this Toronto location is stunning all year round.
  • Easy access from anywhere in Toronto. Families can arrive from different neighbourhoods and meet in the centre of the city, but still feel like they are in the countryside.

For Arda, Masis, Haig and Anais, Riverdale Farm gave us the perfect mix of structure and freedom: a place to pause for classic portraits and a place to simply enjoy being together as a Toronto family.

Planning your own family photoshoot in Toronto

If you’re dreaming about updated family photos in Toronto, Riverdale Farm is a wonderful option – especially if your kids love animals and being outdoors. Think cosy knits, comfortable shoes and outfits that allow you to move, pick up your children and play with them.

When you book a session with me as your Toronto Family Photographer, we’ll talk through the best time of day for light, what to wear, and how to make the experience easy for both parents and kids. My goal is always the same: to create a relaxed atmosphere where your family can simply be yourselves while I quietly document the story.

You can see more of our Toronto family photography and other sessions here. If you feel that these warm, documentary-style images from Riverdale Farm reflect the way you’d like to remember your own family, I would love to photograph your next chapter in Toronto.

Download all photos

Riverdale Farm Fall Session

FAMILY

November 2, 2025

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