NAC INDIGENOUS THEATER
Challenge
The goal for our work with the Ingenous Theather project at the National Arts Centre this season was to create a cohesive yet distinctive visual narrative for four unique theatre companies under the NAC umbrella. Each company had its own artistic identity and story, requiring a tailored approach to ensure authenticity. The goal was to develop content that felt true to each artist while maintaining a unified visual standard that aligned with the NAC’s broader creative vision.
Strategy
To achieve this, collaboration was key. Mood boards and creative meetings with the NAC team helped establish a clear direction for each shoot, ensuring all stakeholders were aligned. Location scouting played a crucial role in developing diverse options for each production, allowing flexibility and creative adaptability. With artists flying in from across Canada, a carefully structured schedule gave them time to familiarize themselves with the locations, fostering comfort and confidence on set. As Rémi often says, hiring our team for photography is like hiring a wedding DJ—we can seamlessly adapt to different styles, ensuring each artist’s vision is accurately represented.
Solution
The result was a vibrant and dynamic series of images that honored the individuality of each theatre company while strengthening the NAC’s overall artistic brand. Our longstanding relationship with the NAC allowed for a seamless collaboration, and working with passionate artists brought an incredible energy to the set. By balancing creative vision with strategic execution, we delivered a collection of striking visuals that captured the essence of each production while tying them together under a unified NAC campaign.
MARGUERITE
Capturing the essence of ‘Marguerite: le feu’ by Émilie Monnet @emonnet for Indigenous Theatre’s 24/25 season @nac.cna was an incredible experience.
This theather performance tells the story of Marguerite Duplessis and her fight for freedom, and we aimed to reflect that raw emotion and strength in every shot. The portraits are intimate, highlighting the resilience and fire within the performers.
We used a mix of soft and hard lighting to enhance their expressions and create a sense of closeness, allowing the spirit of the production to come through. The group images emphasize connection and solidarity. It was important to us that the photos felt as bold and striking as the story being told.
SECRET TEAThe Secret to Good Tea is a vibrant, intimate, and cheeky family portrait based on playwright Rosanna Deerchild (CBC Unreserved) and her own mother. Fresh from a world premiere in its home province of Manitoba, Deerchild’s powerful first play is set to make its Ontario debut at the Grand Theatre, before gracing the stage of the National Arts Centre. Renae Morriseau, who directed the play’s world premiere, returns to Deerchild’s work once again and will direct this compelling story.
HOMELANDS
Photographing for ‘Homelands’ with @kahawidance and @nac.cna was beautiful set location. We used the natural landscape and wanted to keep the light looking natural to highlight the dancers’ fluidity and grace. Set against the backdrop of water and earth, the imagery aimed to mirror the deep connection between the performers and the land, capturing the movement and spirit of this powerful narrative.
‘Homelands’ is an award-winning multimedia performance by renowned Six Nations artist @santeesmith . It kicked off the National Arts Centre’s Indigenous Theatre 24/25 season. *Homelands* beautifully weaves dance, visuals, and music to honor the kinship between Indigenous women and their ancestral lands.
BEAR GREASE
Bramasole Diner has always been a special place for us. In 2010, Remi spent many Sunday mornings there, living just around the corner. Its retro charm and welcoming atmosphere made it the perfect setting for ‘Bear Grease,’ a vibrant Indigenous reimagining of the classic Grease musical. This marked the third production we’ve shot at Bramasole, and we couldn’t have asked for a better location to build the 1950s-inspired aesthetic. A huge thanks to John, the owner, for always being so open to our creative ideas.
The energy of ‘Bear Grease’ is electric, and we wanted the photos to reflect that spirit—blending nostalgia with a fresh, Indigenous perspective. The portraits capture the charisma of the cast, while the setting and styling reinforce the era’s influence.
