Paolo Azarraga is a Filipino-Canadian Photographer / Art Director based in Toronto. Since 2010, Paolo has led the creative direction, art direction and photography for various brands, boutiques, and retailers. His work has been featured in multiple publications worldwide.
In 2017, Paolo joined HAVEN as their Editorial Director / Photographer to help build the brand’s visual identity while also curating the imagery for their in-house publication, Intelligence Magazine, as the Photo Editor. Working at HAVEN also allowed him to collaborated with some of the world’s leading brands and publications to produce brand partnership editorials, campaigns, and digital content for exclusive releases.
After HAVEN, Paolo worked at October’s Very Own Merchandising, as their Art Director in 2023. He worked to help unify the brand’s visual tone, campaign imagery and e-commerce photography direction alongside many talented members.
In 2024, he joined Roots Canada, as their Studio Photographer. During his time at Roots, he expanded and managed their on-figure studio, while photographing for their brand campaigns and e-commerce.
Paolo now continues to work as a Freelance Photographer / Art Director / Retoucher in Toronto.
Recognition & Accolades — Notable Awards 2017 nomination for ‘Best Photographer in Canada Award’. HAVEN recognized as Vogue.com’s ‘Keep Your Eye on These 5 Canadian Labels’. HAVEN nominated for CAFA 2021 Awards for ‘The Menswear Designer of The Year Award’ category.
Brands — Roots, ©Disney, Nike, Canon, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Arc’teryx, Stone Island, October’s Very Own, Canada Goose, Gore-Tex Products, The North Face, Nobis, PORTER®, Schoeller®, Loro Piana, Diemme, Polartec®, PrimaLoft®, Viberg, Vans® Vault, Converse, New Balance, Dr. Martens, Clarks® Originals, Timberland®, Wings + Horns, Ransom Holding Co., Aveda Canada, Pilot Coffee Roasters.
Music Labels — OVO Sound, Universal Music Canada
Publications — Prodism Magazine, Grind Magazine, The New Order Magazine, Intelligence Magazine, eye_C Magazine, Techhunter Magazine, Mastered.jp, i-D Magazine, Vogue.com, Hypebeast, Hypebae, Highsnobiety, Complex Magazine, Fucking Young!, Client Magazine, The Fashionisto, The Bay St. Bull Magazine, Accent Magazine, GQ Magazine
Exhibitions / Galleries
Cry Baby Gallery — ‘Veilance SS23 Collection’
Five Brock Gallery — ‘Nike ISPA 2019 Collection’
Mooi Space / Studio — 3rd bi-annual Photo Exhibit ‘Diptych’ 2025