Michele Thompson
This week we put the questions to the Toronto based photographer and Kase Filters Canada Pro Partner, behind Magpie’n’Moo Photography” Michele Thompson
Michele Thompson
1 What inspired you to pursue landscape photography, and how did you get started?
I started photography in 2018 after being diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxiety. As part of my journey toward mental wellness, I turned to photography as a way to cope. Focusing on a single scene helped calm my mind during challenging moments. Over time, I developed a passion for noticing and capturing moments I hadn’t paid attention to before. This sparked my love for landscape photography, which has since become a meaningful way for me to connect with nature and find peace.
2 What’s been your most memorable shoot so far, and what made it stand out?
I don’t know if I have one particular shoot that stands out above the rest, but if I had to choose, I’d say a memorable one happened on Canada Day last year. Early that morning, around 2 a.m., I captured a crescent moon aligning perfectly with the CN Tower. What made it so special wasn’t just the final shot, but everything that led up to it.
Everything came together perfectly. I’d plotted the alignment using both PhotoPills and Planit Pro, so I knew the timing and location were spot on. Since it was a late-night shoot, I made sure to take a nap beforehand, waking up at 1 a.m. to head to the site. For safety, I brought my kids along—they were awake at that time anyway—and they acted as my security detail (kind of!). The weather, thankfully, was perfect with clear skies.
But the most memorable part was my kids’ reaction. It was their first time really noticing the moonrise, and seeing their awe was incredible. That moment, sharing the experience with them, made it a night I’ll never forget.
3 How do you prepare for a shoot, from research to packing your gear?
Many people might be surprised at how much preparation goes into a planned shoot. My typical process focuses on the 3 W’s (what, when, where) and 1 H (how).
First, I consider what I’m shooting and where. For landscapes, I like to plan my composition in advance. For sunrise, sunset, moonrise, or moonset shots, I use the PhotoPills and or PlanitPro app to determine exactly where and when the sun or moon will rise/set and plan accordingly. If it’s a new location, I’ll often scout it beforehand, visiting the site to figure out exactly where I want to set up, identify potential safety hazards (like trip hazards or personal safety concerns), and check for factors like tide levels or how to access the spot. If I can’t visit in person, I’ll use Google Maps to get a sense of the location and plan accordingly.
I ensure all my camera gear is in working order. I check my camera body, lenses, tripod, and filters, making sure everything is clean and packed the night before. I also double-check that my SD card and battery are in the camera (I’ve forgotten them before!) and pack spares of both. Since I often arrive or leave in the dark for sunrise or sunset shoots, I make sure to pack a headlamp or flashlight. In the winter, I also bring hand warmers to keep my hands and batteries warm.
It’s just as important to take care of your gear after the shoot. If you’re shooting in sandy environments, make sure to clean your equipment Eg tripod and if in very cold conditions let your camera and lens acclimate slowly to prevent condensation when you go back indoors.
Finally, I keep a close eye on the weather ( I like using the clear outside app) leading up to the shoot. Conditions can change quickly, so sometimes shoots are canceled at the last minute—or suddenly, it’s time to go.
4 Do you have a favourite time of day or weather condition to capture landscapes, and why?
Mornings are my favorite time to capture landscapes, especially during sunrise. The soft, golden light at that time of day creates a beautiful, warm glow that adds depth and richness to photos. Plus, as it gets brighter, it feels safer to stay out, especially when I’m shooting in more remote areas.
When I’m shooting sunrises, I always hope for high clouds in the forecast. They help to enhance and reflect the colors, making for a more vibrant and dramatic sky. That said, I also enjoy shooting in foggy conditions. Fog brings a more moody, mysterious atmosphere to the scene, which can add a unique touch to the composition.
5 What’s one piece of equipment you couldn’t live without, and why is it essential to your work?
Aside from the obvious essentials like a camera, lens, charged battery, and SD card, I wouldn’t say there’s a single piece of gear I couldn’t live without, as I’ve managed to make do when necessary. Flexibility is key for a landscape photographer! That said, one piece of equipment that some non/new photographers might overlook is the tripod. It’s crucial for stabilizing the camera, especially in low-light conditions, during long-exposure shots, or when using heavier lenses. A tripod helps me capture sharper images, experiment with techniques like time-lapse or long exposures, and ensures precise framing without camera shake.
6 How do you approach capturing a sense of emotion or story in your landscapes?
1. Playing with Time: Shooting long exposures allows me to capture motion, creating effects like soft, misty water that evoke calmness or a dreamlike quality. In urban settings, light trails from cars can convey speed and energy, reflecting the fast pace of a city. Long exposures can also reveal details like star trails, telling the story of nature’s patterns and cycles.
2. Choosing the right light. The time of day and weather play a big role in setting the mood. Soft, golden light at sunrise or sunset brings warmth and serenity, while fog, mist, or stormy skies add mystery and drama.
3. Fleeting Moments: I’m always ready for those brief moments when something extraordinary happens—a ray of light breaks through the clouds, waves crash dramatically on the shore, or wildlife enters the scene. These elements bring life and spontaneity to the shot.
4. Editing: How I edit a photo helps convey what I felt while capturing it. For example, softening tones can create a sense of calm, while increasing contrast and boosting colors can heighten drama and intensity.
7 Have you faced any unique challenges or barriers as a woman in the photography industry, and how have you overcome them?
Even though the photography profession itself is quite diverse in terms of gender and ethnicity, I’ve noticed that many brand ambassadors in the industry haven’t reflected the same level of diversity. It’s unfortunate because representation matters. People often look for role models they can identify with when pursuing a skill or hobby—the ‘if they can do it, so can I’ mindset. I find that disparity worth noting and highlights the need for continued efforts toward inclusivity within this industry.
As a female photographer, one of the biggest challenges I face, which is likely true for many others regardless of gender, is personal safety. It plays a major role in deciding whether I go out shooting, especially in the dark or in remote locations. To mitigate this, I always try to bring someone with me, whether it’s another photographer, a friend, or a family member.
Fortunately, there’s a strong community of female photographers where I am. We often coordinate shoots together, ensuring that none of us have to go alone if we don’t want to. That support network has been invaluable.
8 Is there a specific location or environment you dream of photographing but haven’t yet?
There are so many! One is the total eclipse which I missed last year in Canada. I also want to see and shoot in the Dolomites, Scotland, Japan and Morocco.
9 What advice would you give to aspiring photographers, entering the field?
You don’t need fancy equipment to take great photos. Great photos are created by the person behind the lens and not the camera or lens itself. As you evolve as a photographer, you can then select the features of the camera and lens that best suits your needs
Shoot as much as possible : The best way to improve is through practice. Carry your camera everywhere and shoot in different conditions, experimenting with various genres and techniques. The more you shoot, the better you’ll understand how to adapt to different situations and what works best for you.
Study other photographers : Look at the work of photographers you admire. Look at what makes their images stand out—how they use light, composition. This can give you new ideas and help you grow as an artist.
Never stop learning and experimenting. Try new things.
10 If your camera could talk, what kind of personality would it have, and what do you think it would say about your shooting habits?
It would have a versatile, adventurous personality—always eager to explore new places and capture the beauty of the world.
It might say something like, “I’m always up for an early start, whether it’s chasing the soft glow of sunrise over mountains, valleys, and sand dunes, or capturing the crashing power of waves along the coast. I thrive in the calm of long exposures, but I also love the energy of city streets in NYC. Whether it’s a time-lapse or a quiet morning by the lake with the CN Tower in view, I’m ready to freeze the moments that inspire you. I love how you take me everywhere, always seeking something new to photograph, whether it’s the tranquility of nature or the rhythm of urban life.”
To find out more about Michele and her work please visit the links below.