Raphael Merchant

Available to hire

I'm a filmmaker and photographer from Mississauga, ON, with 10+ years’ experience delivering standout visual content for real estate, architecture, commercial, and fashion brands.

About

I’m a filmmaker and photographer from Mississauga, ON, with 10+ years’ experience delivering standout visual content for real estate, architecture, commercial, and fashion brands. As a freelance creative, I specialize in compelling storytelling, creative direction, and producing high-quality photo and video that help clients stand out. My background includes leading projects for companies like CoStar Group and HomeJab, as well as working with a wide range of businesses and agencies across North America. I pride myself on clear communication, reliability, and a strong client-centered approach.

Employment and project experience

Art Director & Real Estate Photographer / Videographer
CoStar Group
2022 – 2023

Lead Photographer & Content Creator
Studio Nostalgia
2016 – 2022

Freelance Director/Photographer
Various Clients (Real Estate, Fashion, Commercial)
2010 – Present

Industry experience

  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Software & Internet
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Professional Services
  • Financial Services

Projects · 14

A striking studio fashion portrait showcasing modern style and expressive femininity. Expert lighting and creative direction highlight the subject’s elegance and confidence, making this image ideal for fashion editorials, personal branding, and commercial portfolios. fashionphotography #studioportrait #feminineenergy #editorial #professionalphotography #modernstyle

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Studio Manager

Professional food photography showcasing artisanal culinary creations. Studio lighting and styling for restaurant menus and marketing materials. #foodphotography #commercial #culinary #styling

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Studio Manager

Complete marketing campaign for upscale dining establishment featuring lifestyle and product photography. Visual storytelling for brand elevation and customer engagement. #marketing #restaurant #commercial #photography

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Studio Manager

Professional corporate headshot photographed for a leading law firm, crafted to convey confidence, credibility, and approachability. Ideal for legal marketing, firm websites, and professional profiles, this portrait showcases the distinguished presence of legal experts in a modern, polished style. corporateheadshot #lawfirm #legalmarketing #professionalportrait #businessphotography #modernbranding

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Photographer
  • +1

An intimate portrait capturing the joyful connection between father and son, with the young boy sitting on his father’s lap and sharing a warm smile and eye contact. This image celebrates family affection and togetherness—perfect for editorial use, personal portfolios, and branding that focuses on genuine human emotion. familyphotography #fatherandson #emotionalportrait #editorialphotography #joyfulmoment #connection

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Studio Manager

A compelling portrait capturing the bond between father and son, with the son gazing thoughtfully into the distance. This image expresses family connection, hope, and generational legacy, perfect for portfolios, storytelling, and editorial content that highlights the depth and narrative of parent-child relationships.

  • Art Director
  • Camera Operator
  • Director of Photography
  • +3

Wedding photography from 2017 #wedding #weddingphotography #love #couples

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Director of Photography
  • +3

Capturing the elegance and joy of a wedding reception, this project showcases beautifully styled desserts and culinary artistry created for a special celebration. Professional event photography highlights unforgettable moments, intricate cake designs, and sweet table arrangements, all tailored for upscale hospitality and memorable wedding experiences. Perfect for use in wedding albums, marketing, and social media content. eventphotography #weddingreception #desserttable #weddingphotography #culinaryart #celebration

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Photographer
  • +1

A heartfelt moment captured between a father and his daughter on her wedding day, this photograph embodies the emotional connection and joy of a bride embracing her father. Perfect for wedding portfolios and storytelling, this image celebrates family bonds and the significance of once-in-a-lifetime wedding day memories. weddingphotography #brideandfather #emotionalmoments #familylove #weddingday #portraitphotography

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Photographer
  • +1

Architectural interior photography highlighting design details and spatial composition. Professional property photography for real estate marketing and portfolio presentation. #architecture #interiors #realestate #luxuryproperty

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Studio Manager

High-end real estate interior photography featuring professional staging and HDR techniques. Architectural photography for luxury properties and commercial listings. #realestate #architecture #interiordesign #photography

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Studio Manager

Premium food photography highlighting gourmet dishes and culinary artistry. Professional styling and lighting for upscale restaurant marketing, menus, and promotional materials. #foodphotography #gourmet #restaurant #commercial

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Studio Manager

Work experience· 8 roles

Studio Manager / Lead Photographer · Studio NostalgiaJan 2023 – Oct 2025 · 2 yrs 10 mos

Oversaw brand marketing and communications operations for a high-volume creative studio, leading a team of 8+ to deliver thousands of event portraits and commercial assets annually. Developed integrated marketing workflows and automation systems, increasing production capacity by 20% while improving client satisfaction and retention. Crafted consistent brand messaging across visual, digital, and experiential touch points, aligning creative output with each client’s strategic positioning. Acted as primary client liaison, translating creative concepts into measurable marketing outcomes, and maintaining strong long-term partnerships through clear communication and delivery excellence.

Regional Art Director / Architectural Photographer & Videographer · CoStar GroupJan 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

Directed marketing and visual communications for a $1.07B commercial real estate portfolio, supporting regional growth of 17% YoY through targeted, data-driven campaigns. Partnered with sales and product marketing to ensure unified brand storytelling across CoStar, LoopNet, and Apartments.com platforms. Designed and implemented AI-powered content systems that reduced delivery time 25% and improved data accuracy to 97%+, scaling output while maintaining creative quality. Led a cross-functional team of photographers, designers, and editors, enhancing creative efficiency and engagement metrics across digital and print channels. Ensured consistent brand standards and communications strategies across markets, contributing to record-breaking listing performance and portfolio visibility.

Studio Manager / Lead Photographer · Studio NostalgiaJan 2023 – Oct 2025 · 2 yrs 10 mos

Oversaw brand marketing and communications operations for a high-volume creative studio, leading a team of 8+ to deliver thousands of event portraits and commercial assets annually. Developed integrated marketing workflows and automation systems, increasing production capacity by 20% while improving client satisfaction and retention. Crafted consistent brand messaging across visual, digital, and experiential touch points, aligning output with client strategy. Served as primary client liaison, translating concepts into measurable marketing outcomes.

Regional Art Director / Architectural Photographer & Videographer · CoStar GroupJan 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 11 mos
Credit Specialist Supervisor · RBCJan 2020 – Oct 2025 · 5 yrs 10 mos
Credit Specialist Supervisor · RBCJan 2020 – Oct 2025 · 5 yrs 10 mos
Creative Director / Founder · Freelance StudioJan 2015 – Present · 11 yrs 11 mos
Creative Director / Founder · Freelance StudioJan 2015 – Present · 11 yrs 11 mos

Education

BFA (Specialised Honours), Minor in Business Economics · York University2014 – 2018
AS/A-Levels: Psychology, History, Photography · Christ the King Sixth Form College, UK2010 – 2012
BFA (Specialised Honours), Minor in Business Economics · York University2014 – 2018
AS/A-Levels: Psychology, History, Photography · Christ the King Sixth Form College2010 – 2012

Certifications and awards

Regional Creative Leadership Award2024 – 2025
Banker of the Quarter2018
Banker of the Quarter2019

Testimonials · 5.0 from 1 review

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