Author Portraits at Allan Gardens with Yolanda T. Marshall
Yolanda T. Marshall, Author
This past week I had the joy of photographing Canadian author Yolanda T. Marshall at the lush and vibrant Allan Gardens Conservatory in Toronto. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect—Yolanda is celebrating the launch of her new children’s book, Brown Girl in the Snow, officially available on September 16 (today)! You can find more details and links to purchase through her website: ytmarshall.com.
Allan Gardens felt like it was meant to be the backdrop for this session. Surrounded by plants, greenery, and the life of a tropical greenhouse, it was a natural connection to Yolanda’s story. Brown Girl in the Snow tells the journey of Amina, a young girl who moves from the Caribbean to a snowy new home and longs for the foods and plants she grew up with—coconut trees, sweet potatoes, callaloo. As Amina faces the frosted windows and icy climate, she finds hope in the possibility of growing her favorites again, discovering greenhouses and new ways to make a piece of her past thrive in a new place.
Just like Amina, Yolanda was completely in awe of the gardens around her. You could see how much she lit up being in that environment, making the connection between her book and the flourishing plant life around her even more powerful.
Yolanda T. Marshall, Author
From the moment we started, Yolanda was an absolute joy to work with. She was so easygoing and natural, slipping right into the atmosphere of Allan Gardens. We laughed, explored, and really leaned into the beauty of the space. It felt like we were both in our element—me with my camera, Yolanda surrounded by greenery, her creative spirit so clearly shining through.
Brown Girl in the Snow is a story of resilience, adaptation, and the magic of carrying traditions forward in new places. Yolanda has captured something so many families can relate to—finding comfort in the familiar while embracing the new. It was a privilege to capture her portraits in such a meaningful setting as she launches this beautiful new chapter.
Congratulations again, Yolanda! I can’t wait to see Brown Girl in the Snow in the hands of so many young readers.
