about us
Natalie and Catherine go way back… like early career, life-before-kids back. We first met years ago working together at Guess, crossed paths, went our separate ways… and then life did its funny full-circle thing.
Years later, we were reunited through family, Natalie’s sister married Catherine’s husband’s hockey teammate, and what started as a casual reconnection quickly turned into something more meaningful. We bonded over our shared love of photography, creativity, and building something of our own.
Natalie had already established a successful lifestyle photography business, Lolabean Photos, and graciously took Catherine under her wing. Mentorship turned into partnership, and in 2019, Lolabean Studio in Burlington was born.
As the studio grew, so did a bigger idea. We realized we didn’t just want a beautiful space for ourselves, we wanted to share it. A space that felt welcoming, inspiring, and thoughtfully designed for other creatives. And naturally, The Nook Studio came to life. A name that already held meaning for us, inspired by the cozy little nook in the corner of the studio where so many ideas first took shape.
Today, The Nook Studio is a light-filled, ever-evolving creative space built by photographers, for photographers (and creatives of all kinds). We’re hands-on, detail-obsessed, and deeply invested in creating a space that feels both elevated and approachable, a place where creativity feels easy and community comes first.
Welcome to our nook 🤍
natalie
Natalie’s career started in the fashion world, working as a Visual Trainer and Area Brand Manager for a global retail brand, travelling across Canada and developing a sharp eye for styling, presentation, and detail.
After becoming a mom of two, she shifted into photography and built a successful full-time family photography business. Her work naturally evolved into interior design and real estate photography, where her understanding of light, composition, and space quickly stood out.
She later co-founded SPACES Collective Inc., combining her photography and design background to grow one of Toronto’s most sought-after staging companies.
At The Nook, Natalie is mostly behind the scenes — managing the business side, systems, and logistics (and yes, happily crunching the numbers). Her practical mindset and attention to detail help keep everything running smoothly while allowing the creative vision to come to life.
catherine
Catherine is a natural light photographer, mother of two, and a lover of pizza, coffee, sneakers… and a good sunset she absolutely will stop what she’s doing to photograph.
Photography was always her passion, but after high school she followed a more traditional path working in the family business. In 2008, everything changed when her niece was born — documenting those tiny, fleeting moments reignited a love she hadn’t realized she had put aside. After having her own two children, that connection only deepened, and lifestyle family photography became a natural calling.
Over the years her work has grown to include branding photography and portraits, helping small businesses and individuals create authentic, approachable imagery for social media and beyond.
At The Nook, Catherine is the hands-on presence in the studio. She manages the day-to-day operations and client communication, working closely with renters and clients to ensure the space feels welcoming, organized, and easy to use. Her goal is for every person who walks through the doors to feel comfortable and inspired to create.