In a city as fast-paced and diverse as Toronto, Mashal Asif has built something rare—wedding photography that slows time down.
The founder of Sanaa Studio, Mashal brings over 15 years of experience, a deep client-first philosophy, and the calm assurance of someone who’s quietly mastered their craft. His journey into wedding photography is rooted not only in creativity but resilience. Born in Afghanistan, Mashal spent his teenage years navigating the instability of civil war and migration before arriving in Canada in 2004. After years working with organizations like the UN and the Canadian High Commission, he eventually followed a different calling—one that brought him back to the simple joy of pressing a shutter.
“I’ve always loved photography, even when all I had was a point-and-shoot film camera,” Mashal recalls. “But it wasn’t until I started assisting a wedding photographer—just carrying lights, observing—that I realized how much I loved being part of someone’s most important day.”
What followed was a grassroots education in the field: mentorship over formal schooling, six months as a third shooter, and a steady progression to becoming a trusted lead. Eventually, Mashal launched Sanaa Studio, named after his daughter, and began building a business grounded in trust, cultural sensitivity, and genuine human connection.
A Style That Serves the Moment
Mashal describes his approach as documentary and photojournalistic—but with an important caveat: “I direct when needed. I’m not shy about stepping in for portraits or group shots, but my preference is to capture the day as it unfolds.”
His clients—often based in the Greater Toronto Area but hailing from richly varied cultural backgrounds—appreciate his adaptability and eye for detail. Whether it’s smoothing a dress, removing distractions from the frame, or helping a couple feel at ease, Mashal has a knack for elevating every shot without drawing attention to the effort behind it.
“Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime for most couples. I treat every one of them like it’s my own family’s wedding.”
From GTA to Growth
Today, Mashal photographs 30 to 40 weddings per year. Some are his own clients through Sanaa Studio; others are freelance assignments for one of Canada's largest multi-shooter wedding studios. It’s a balance that allows him to keep growing creatively while avoiding burnout.
As a father and seasoned professional, Mashal is clear-eyed about sustainability. “There was a time I did four weddings in a row. It’s not something I want to keep doing forever,” he says with a laugh. That’s why he’s building toward a long-term vision: a boutique brand that offers both photo and video under one roof.
Grounded in Gratitude
Despite his introverted nature, Mashal finds meaning in the social intensity of weddings. “Being behind the camera gives you permission to connect,” he says. “You’re not just there to shoot—you’re there to serve.”
This client-first ethos runs through every part of his process. From initial consultations to timeline guidance, Mashal works hard to understand a couple’s vision before ever lifting his camera. He’s less interested in imposing a style than in discovering what matters most to his clients—and delivering it with care.
“In this industry, photography is only part of the job,” he says. “It’s about customer service. Building trust. Making people feel seen.”
It’s no surprise, then, that many of Mashal’s clients come from referrals and word of mouth. After 15 years in the industry, he’s become a fixture at Toronto’s most popular venues—and a trusted storyteller across cultures, communities, and traditions.
Website: sanaastudio.ca
Instagram: @sanaa.studio.to