Image Wonderland - A Canon HQ Creator Event

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Canon Canada Headquarters - 8000 Mississauga Rd, Brampton, ON L6Y 5Z7

Discover the Joy of Photography

Join us for an inspiring and interactive experience at Canon Canada HQ! Explore how to capture stunning photos and videos, and get hands-on with the latest Canon technology. Wander through styled creative sets, trial the latest Canon cameras and gear, catch one of the live demonstrations, and take home a free printed and framed photo of your favourite image!

Whether you’re looking to elevate your everyday photography or dive deeper into your creative passion, this day offers something for everyone. Plus, enjoy talks from inspiring creators including Irene Rudnyk (YouTuber & portrait photographer), Sai Balaj (food, travel, and lifestyle creator), and Steve Russell (photojournalist and sports photographer at the Toronto Star) — and get practical tips you can start using right away.

What to Expect

Hands-On Gear Experiences

Experience the latest Canon cameras and gear with guidance from friendly experts. Elevate your creativity and learn to capture memorable moments—from family gatherings to everyday adventures and beyond.

Creative Sets and Attendee Galleries

Explore a variety of styled creative sets designed to spark your imagination and creativity. Discover inspiring attendee photography showcased throughout the venue in various galleries, highlighting the potential of Canon's technology and talented creators. Note: Event registrants will receive further instructions on gallery submissions after registration. 

Print and Frame Your Favourite Photos – For Free!

See how your digital snapshots become beautiful, tangible memories. Choose one of your images to be printed and framed at no cost, showcasing the power and quality of Canon’s innovative printing technology.

In Addition: Explore the newly opened Canon Print Shop onsite and see your images come to life in stunning detail. Attendees will receive a special event-day offer on select printing services.

Relax and Connect

Unwind in our comfortable lounge area with refreshments, meet fellow enthusiasts, share stories, and build connections in a welcoming environment.

Exclusive Access

Explore Canon Canada HQ like never before! Enjoy interactive experiences, attend engaging keynotes from inspiring creators, and immerse yourself in a space where technology and creativity intersect in approachable, exciting ways.

Learning Opportunities

Sharpen your skills through presentations and live demonstrations from talented photographers and creators who share practical, easy-to-apply tips:

Learn Hall Keynotes:

“The Secret to Posing Anyone Effortlessly”

Featuring: Irene Rudnyk (@irenerudnykphoto)

Capturing great photos of friends and family doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult. In this session, portrait photographer Irene Rudnyk will show you easy ways to guide people into natural poses without it feeling forced or awkward. You'll learn a variety of techniques like using simple props, making the most of your environment, and treating your subjects like actors to bring out real movement and emotion. Perfect for anyone who wants their portraits to feel genuine, relaxed, and full of life.

About Irene:

Irene Rudnyk is a renowned portrait photographer, YouTuber, and educator based in Calgary, Canada. With a passion for capturing feminine beauty in a creative and romantic style, Irene has built a significant following through her YouTube channel, where she shares tutorials, behind-the-scenes insights, and DIY photography tips. Her work emphasizes thoughtful composition, natural light, and detailed environments, often taking on roles as stylist and creative director to achieve her distinctive vision. As a self-taught photographer who began capturing photos of her sister Orysia over a decade ago, Irene inspires photographers worldwide through her workshops and online content.

“From Side Hustle to Full-Time: How I Turned Content Creation into a Career”

Featuring: Sai Balaji (@tryit.toronto)

In this session, content creator Sai Balaji (@tryittoronto) shares her journey from posting videos between university classes to building a full-time career in content creation. Sai will dive into key moments that helped her grow — from her first viral video to landing brand deals — and the lessons she’s learned along the way. You'll hear real insights on balancing authenticity with growth, building a community, pitching to brands, and understanding your value as a creator. Whether you're just starting out or dreaming of turning your side hustle into a career, Sai’s story and practical advice will help you take your next steps with confidence.

About Sai:

Sai is a Canadian-based lifestyle and food content creator behind @tryittoronto, a platform with over 475,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Known for exploring unique experiences, food, and hidden gems in the city, Sai turned her part-time hobby into a full-time career in 2 years. She has partnered with leading brands like Uber Eats, Google, Disney and Sephora Canada. With a strong focus on authentic storytelling and community connection, Sai uses content creation to celebrate local culture and spark curiosity!

"In Focus: Photography as a Mental Reset”

Featuring: Steve Russell (@steverussell)

In this honest and inspiring session, award-winning photojournalist Steve Russell shares how photography has become a powerful wellness practice in his life — helping him manage anxiety and find clarity in the moment. With over 25 years capturing stories for the Toronto Star, Steve reflects on how being behind the lens can offer a mental reset and creative focus. Expect personal stories, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on using photography to support your mental well-being.

About Steve:

Steve Russell is an award-winning Toronto Star photojournalist and Canon Canada Ambassador with over 25 years of experience capturing the heart of Toronto’s stories. Renowned for his versatile portfolio spanning news, sports, and feature photography, Steve has earned accolades including the News Photographers Association of Canada’s Best Feature Photo of the Year in 2021 and Photographer of the Year titles in 2011. His work, often described as a “fly on the wall” perspective, vividly documents moments from the G20 protests to intimate pandemic-era scenes, earning him National Newspaper Award nominations.

Live Demonstrations

Behind the Scenes - Portrait Photography

Featuring: Natasha Gerschon (@natashagerschon)

Watch creativity come to life as Natasha Gerschon leads a series of live portrait photography demonstrations, offering tips, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at how she connects with her subjects to capture stunning portraits.

About Natasha:

Natasha Gerschon is an Argentinian-born, Toronto-based fashion and beauty photographer, producer, director, and Canon Canada Ambassador, celebrated for her innovative and boundary-pushing visual storytelling. With a background in applied photography from Sheridan College, Natasha infuses her work with a surreal, experimental style, exploring concepts like distortion, glitch effects, and synchronized dreams to reflect the human psyche. Her collaborations with major brands like Revlon, Aveda, and L’Oréal, along with her award-winning contributions to hair and beauty competitions, have earned her a reputation for creating captivating, emotionally rich visuals. Natasha’s journey from childhood camcorder experiments to leading creative teams inspires photographers through her workshops and speaking engagements.

Who Should Attend?

Creators & Photography Enthusiasts: Whether you capture images on your phone or use a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, enhance your skills and discover new techniques.

Social Media Enthusiasts: Love sharing on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook? Learn to create even more engaging and eye-catching content.

Friends & Family: Enjoy a fun and educational day exploring photography and creativity together in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Tech Lovers: Check out Canon’s latest innovations and see how cutting-edge technology can improve your photography at home and on the go.

Canon Fans: Whether you’re a longtime user or just curious, explore Canon’s newest products and get exclusive access to our headquarters.

Curious Minds: Don’t miss this unique opportunity to visit Canon HQ for a day filled with creativity, learning, and hands-on fun.

All Ages Welcome | $5 Registration

Don’t Miss Out!

Register now for Image Wonderland! Whether you’re here to learn, create, or simply enjoy yourself, this event celebrates everyday photography and creativity at its finest.