Find Photo Shoot locations for rent in Montreal, Canada

About Montreal

If there’s a place in Canada that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe, that would be Montreal, the country’s second-largest city and the largest in Quebec. The French influence in Montreal is pretty evident—you’ll see it in their architecture, museums, concert venues, and restaurants. You’ll also hear it in their everyday language with over 70 percent of its population speaking French as their main language at home.

Montreal is a feast for the eyes that combines contemporary chic with old-world charm. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional photographer, you’ll always find spots to admire and photograph no matter how many times you’ve been here. Explore the streets of Old Montreal and pose in front of one of its historic buildings, like the Le Ber-Le Moyne House and Notre-Dame Basilica, a grand masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

If you’re more into nature photography, head to Mount Royal Park for a long walk while taking photos of the beautiful natural environment. How about a cruise along the St. Lawrence River to see the city in a different light? You won’t run out of photo shoot locations in Montreal no matter which part of the city you go to.

Why Montreal is the Best Destination for Photo Shoots

Still debating whether or not you should choose Montreal as your next photo shoot destination? Here’s why this French-Canadian city is a desirable place for your photography projects:

Affordable Transportation
You'll want to take photos from different parts of the city to capture not only its famous sites but also its hidden gems, but doing so requires a lot of traveling. Thankfully, Montreal’s public transit system will get you to places for an affordable price. Catch a train in the city and it will take you pretty much anywhere. You can also get around by bike, thanks to its many streets with reserved bike lanes. Just don’t forget to wear a helmet and carry around a good-quality lock with you.

Photogenic Locations
It’s so easy to find stunning indoor and outdoor photo shoot locations in Montreal. Start at Old Port Montreal, a classic and favorite spot for wedding and engagement photography. This Canadian heritage site has photogenic alleyways, restaurants, art galleries, and museums including the Pointe-à-callière, the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. If you want a capture the city from above, brave the heights at Grande Roue de Montréal, a 60-meter Ferris wheel, or climb the Old Port Clock Tower, offering a glorious view of the harbor and Montreal skyline.

Iconic Attractions
Numerous attractions mean plenty of photography spots and activities to keep you busy during your downtime. Spend a few hours at La Ronde amusement park to capture people's emotions and the venue's bright and colorful atmosphere. You also can't miss Notre Dame Cathedral, an early 19th-century religious heritage and one of the city's most sought-after locations. If you want to explore further, pack your camera gear and travel to Parc Jean-Drapeau, a park that consists of Saint Helen's Island and Notre Dame Island.

Photo Shoot Companies in Montreal

Although solo photography is now a thing, it doesn’t mean you should always do everything on your own. Check out a few companies and vendors that can help you achieve your creative goals.

Nadia Zheng Photography
If you need professional headshots or business portraits that leave a lasting impression, Nadia Zheng Photography can help. It’s a Montreal-based photography business led by Nadia Zheng, who was raised in China, lived in France, and is currently in Montreal, Canada. She won the Grand Prize in the PDN Studio Contest in 2013 and the 7th Master Cup Honorable Mention the following year. She loves to travel, which inspires her to take photos of people and landscapes from around the world. Apart from headshots and portraits, she can also take care of your commercial and event photography needs.

Excellent Photo
From camera and lenses to photography and video equipment, Excellent Photo has got you covered. It has camera supplies from leading brands such as Sony, Canon, Panasonic, DJI, Fujifilm, Red, and Nikon, among many others. Hobbyists and professionals go to the store to buy brand-new items or update their old camera equipment and accessories at competitive prices. Customers also love visiting the store because of their friendly and knowledgeable staff and outstanding service.

Studio Kay
Studio Kay receives raving customer reviews due to their top-tier service, and they go above and beyond with their production skills and efforts. As a versatile production house, Studio Kay can cover several services, including food photography, commercial photography, and video production. The company also has a photobook library and sells cameras and films, working with known brands like Fujifilm, Kodak, Cinestill, Flic Film, Foma, Reflex Lab, and more.

Customize Your Event: Photo Shoot Trends in Montreal

It doesn’t matter if you’re an established photographer or a newbie—you must keep up with the latest photography trends so that you’re not left behind and are more prepared to take on new challenges. It also helps you create unique images that your clients would approve.

Candid Street Photography
The most beautiful photos aren’t always taken inside a studio; sometimes you must go out in the street, capture candid moments, and embrace natural imperfections. Candid street photography isn’t new, but it continues to evolve as new cameras and technology develop and photographers experiment with various artistic methods. Wear comfy shoes as you wander Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets and make a story out of its people, historic Greystone buildings, street art, and busy stations.

Vintage Photo Shoot
The new generation has discovered the beauty of vintage and retro photography, and there are many unique photo shoot locations in Montreal to do it. Rent a vintage car or shoot in one-of-a-kind spots like a warehouse, hangar, ranch, and parking lot, or do it in a bigger multi-purpose venue like Montreal Olympic Stadium.

Drone Shots
Gone are the days when you had to rely on scaffolding or be in a helicopter for an aerial shot. Thanks to drones, aerial photography is now affordable, accessible, and easy. Almost everyone can capture breathtaking views of nature and Montreal’s skyline without using expensive and tricky methods.

Annual Events in Montreal

Montreal is a place of adventure and fun with all the festivals, concerts, and parties happening throughout the city each year. Here are a few events to look forward to when visiting the metropolis:

Montreal International Jazz Festival
If you’re a jazz music fan and happen to be in Montreal in summer, you’re in luck because it’s the season for the much-awaited jazz festival. Montreal International Jazz Festivals brings together millions of visitors at Quartier des Spectacles. It’s the French-Canadian city’s largest cultural event with thousands of artists performing over ten days in multiple stages in downtown Montreal. Not really into jazz? That’s okay because the festival always includes a mix of headliners playing different music.

MURAL Festival
Bring out your inner artist or admire magnificent art pieces at this international art festival. At this event, everyone celebrates creativity and urban art. In June, Saint-Laurent Boulevard turns into an open-air art museum for several days each year. You’ll see digital installations, large murals, musical shows, and more surprises.

L'International des Feux Loto-Québec
Watch the color of the evening sky changes in mesmerizing colors during the International Fireworks Competition in Montreal. It attracts world-class pyrotechnics teams to compete in this magical display which lasts for about thirty minutes. You’ll see the fireworks in numerous places but the best spots are the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and the grandstands at La Ronde.

Top Neighborhoods in Montreal

The best Montreal neighborhood is different for everyone, and it typically depends on what you want to see and experience. But if you're looking for a good mix of photo spots, shopping, dining, and entertainment, these places are the best:

Le Plateau Mont-Royal
Many consider it Montreal’s hippest and trendiest neighborhood, so you’ll encounter young tourists and enthusiastic crowds filming the cafes, restaurants, designer shops, and bookstores. Take candid pictures of people at Square Saint Louis. The neighborhood’s side streets with spiral staircases and colorful houses are also great photography subjects. If you want to get some exercise, go to Mount Royal or tackle the trail to Saint Joseph Oratory Park.

Downtown
If a bustling area is more of your thing, there’s no better place to go than Downtown Montreal. It’s compact and busy filled with activities, high-fashion shopping opportunities, and entertainment. While there, visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts nestled on the historic Golden Square Mile.

Chinatown
As a French-speaking city in Canada, Montreal has a hybrid culture, but not everything is about Europe or North America. Go to Chinatown and you’ll see a new side of the city. It’s where you can sample authentic Asian cuisines served by Japanese, Chinese, and Hong Kong-style diners. If the goal of your visit is to fill your belly or take in the culture and history, Montreal Chinatown is the place to be.