Hailey York Creative Lead, Founder, Photographer
I’m Hailey, the eyes, the energy, and the creative force behind The Mighty Studio, a portrait studio based in Toronto that specializes in photography that feels natural, warm, and real. But this isn’t just about pretty pictures. I create what I call mighty portraits: images that capture raw emotion, honest connection, and the beautiful in-between moments that make us human.
The studio began as both a passion project and a tribute, founded in loving memory of my late mother-in-law, Myra, whose vanity plate read ‘MYTMY’ (Mighty My). From the moment I met my husband, Sonny, Myra encouraged me to follow my heart into photography. She was absolutely right.
Though I’ve always had creative projects on the go, photography has been the thread running through every season of my life. I have no formal training, just a mighty obsession with portraits and years of learning by doing. When my friends and I started our families, I couldn’t stop documenting the chaos, the beauty, and the belly laughs, often with a camera in one hand and a toddler in the other.
Now, as a mom of four (plus one very large Golden Retriever), I know how fast time flies and how important it is to freeze the mighty moments. The ones that tug at your heart or make you laugh unexpectedly.
Whether I’m photographing a teething toddler, a global brand, or a bold new chapter, my mission is to create portraits that go deeper than a smile. I ditch the forced poses and let the story shine.
My work is rooted in creativity, artistic integrity, and emotional storytelling. I see portraits as poems, memories as art, and every person as wildly worthy of being seen truly seen. This is your story, told the mighty way.
Maddy Sherman, Marketing, Partnerships & Campaigns Lead
And like all great stories, mine’s been shaped by the people who’ve shown up. Maddy first came in as a client, her girls were in front of the camera, but her spark was impossible to miss. We clicked right away, and after months of dreaming, scheming, and “should we do this?” chats, we realized the answer was yes.
Maddy was mighty material from the start. Now she brings her magic to the studio every day, and it wouldn’t be the same without her. Maddy is the mighty force behind our marketing magic, bringing big-picture thinking, bold ideas, and community connections to everything we do. From managing collaborations to planning events and launching campaigns, she keeps our visibility high and our momentum strong. Equal parts creative and organized, Maddy helps ensure The Mighty Studio is always buzzing with energy and opportunity.
As a mom of two with a background in real estate, Maddy’s got the rare combo of artistic instincts and get-it-done grit. She’s endlessly outgoing, socially savvy, and deeply connected to the local community, which makes her a natural at elevating creative projects and building meaningful partnerships. With a passion for connection, creativity, and keeping things on track (with flair!), she brings her whole heart to everything she touches—and The Mighty Studio wouldn’t be the same without her.
Betsy Wood, Creative Operations & Client Experience Specialist
We met as new moms, our daughters born a week apart, and what felt like an old friendship quickly grew into something more. Late-night chats turned into real-deal planning, and now she helps guide our client experience and business direction with heart and precision.
Betsy is the articulate, energetic force who brings structure and soul to The Mighty Studio. A seasoned lawyer and a mother of three, she made the bold leap from legal briefs to creative briefs, joining the studio not just as a team member, but as a longtime friend who believes in the vision and momentum we're building.
With her sharp eye for detail and deep care for people, Betsy ensures that every client interaction feels seamless and intentional. She refines our communications, streamlines our systems, and brings a steady hand to both the creative and operational sides of the business. Whether she's helping shape a session flow or crafting a thoughtful client message, Betsy brings clarity, warmth, and quiet brilliance to everything she touches.
Her journey from law to creative operations is a testament to her adaptability and passion for meaningful work. As a mother of three, she understands the balance of professionalism and personal connection, making her an invaluable asset to our team and our clients.
Eli Katz, Photo Assistant & Video Lead
And then there’s Eli…who quite literally grew up around the corner from me and somehow became the little brother I never asked for but now can’t live without.
Eli is a low-key powerhouse and a big part of the behind-the-scenes magic at The Mighty Studio. We’re lucky he keeps coming back. Eli is part of the creative spark behind much of the visual storytelling at The Mighty Studio. A passionate photographer and current University of Toronto student, Eli brings a unique blend of technical expertise and artistic vision to our team. Whether he's crafting compelling Instagram reel, assisting with shoots, or fine-tuning the technical aspects of our projects, Eli's contributions are invaluable.
Currently interning at Osler in Toronto, Eli balances his academic pursuits with his dedication to photography. His love for the craft is evident in every project he undertakes, and we're thrilled to have him back with us in September for more creative adventures.