Private Car Photography Sessions on the Toronto Harbourfront — Introducing Kevin Pratte and his Modified VW Golf MK5
- Blake Ferguson
- Nov 18, 2017
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Date Published: 11/18/2017
Date Edited: 06/09/2025
Talk about a bright sunny day where my vivid imagination as a hobbyist photographer came to life through the underlying photo session. Allow me an opportunity to paint the vision for those who have not already had an idea of what a picture-perfect automotive photography session might look like. As a car photographer from Newmarket, Ontario, I never fail to immerse myself in the vast concrete jungle of Toronto. However, I never imagined my enthusiasm for the city would intertwine with my passion for cars so heavily. In my hobbyist mindset, it was either one or the other.
However, after an entire day of immersing myself in car show coverage at ImportExpo, I must admit that I was incredibly exhausted and indulging in even more automotive photography was a hard convince. I was not entirely excited about waking up at 8:00 AM the next day to the calls of Kevin Pratte, summoning me for his photo session. Although Kevin demonstrated his commitment, I felt compelled to reciprocate in upholding the car culture experience in Toronto from one who travelled far from Quebec. A fair rule is when you travel an extended distance, you do what you can to throw down with your internet friends.
Kevin embarked on a journey from Toronto to Newmarket, back to Toronto, and then set on his final trip home to Granby, Quebec, after the photo shoot subsided. Kevin spent most of his weekend in the car, but it was all for a dedicated cause: automotive artistry and exploring the city of Toronto to its fullest extent. While it is not an annual tradition, Kevin does not visit us in the West often.
Kevin, a legend in the automotive scene, sets the wave while representing renowned lifestyle brands like EuroQlassic and the renowned streetwear brand All Aspects Inc. Through meticulous attention to detail, from the choice of German vehicle to tasteful modifications and meticulous eye in directing photography, Kevin ensures that every aspect of his stance MK5 Golf maintains a status of excellence- because we all appreciate fine-tuned canvases of automotive artwork.
Running through downtown Toronto, Ontario, with Kevin Pratte and his 2008 Volkswagen Golf MK5. This photo session and follow-up brief remain a tribute to Kevin for choosing the locations- as I ultimately wish every session led to an extensive arsenal of locations like this. Car photography took place in three epic sites, making it one of the heaviest-hitting photo sessions of all time, demonstrating proof that in this age, the art of photography falls irreverent to the equipment you have.
As this photo session quickly sold Behn Ferguson after witnessing the outcome on Lightroom, it felt rewarding to have proof the Sony A300 camera stays fluid with quality among the work of those with more articulate and up-to-date camera bodies.
The first photo session was in the bustling Chinatown, where Kevin skillfully laid down the frame of his VW Golf MK5 in the urban backstreets. After a quick pit stop, the withheld bladder started to show, prompting us to stop at the local convenience store to stay hydrated and grab some snacks. While some may over-glamorize the experience of an automotive photography session, it is always best to avoid lingering the shooter, as it can create unnecessary pressures and hinder the ability of the photographer to capture timely and well-composed shots. While Kevin made his rounds through the store and tinkered around on his phone, he had the utmost patience as I witnessed him avoid interrupting compositions.
The second location and photo session took place in the grunge and grit street-filled scenes of Graffiti Alley, Toronto, which complimented Kevin and his vibrant red paint as the alleyways smeared with vibrant paint-like tapestry. As a hobbyist photographer, I never imagined the opportunity, but Kevin made it happen. Through leftover puddles came appeasing reflections, where raised staircases and alley ramps lead to unique compositions, and angles lead the way.
After conquering an arsenal of scenes and points of view, Kevin enjoyed laying frame with his stance Volkswagen Golf MK5 in such an epic area. Although we were interfering with tourists, there remained those who saw the vision Kevin and I beheld, showing their appreciation.
Sliding out of the Graffiti Alley, a more classy and luxurious location called the name of Kevin and his Wagon. Furthermore, as a Quebec resident, Kevin was determined to indulge in the finest of Toronto without interference. I do not condemn the parking-prohibited locations for the sole purpose of a photo session, but if you are taking the risk- I can only follow up with photographs. We slipped into what may have been a prohibited area, but it was nothing but love on the Toronto Harbourfront. Surprisingly, we were not bothered by security, and only those we never imagined would pull up and ask questions—even to acquire images of their own with the stance car Kevin beheld—led like the day cut out for us to be.
If these describing words painted a picture you would like to see, drop in on my dedicated section for Kevin Pratte and his modified 2000 Volkswagen Golf MK5!
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