Canadian Photographs Published In Book Aiding Frontline Workers

By Karen Bliss

Wilfred Laurier business student and professional photographer Isaiah Haber has used his downtime during the pandemic to create a beautiful keepsake that benefits frontline workers through University Health Network (UHN), a health care and medical research organization in Toronto. 

The impressive 21-year-old created and produced a 153-page coffee table book, A Night Out, By Isaiah Haber & Friends, which “celebrates the glamorous nightlife we all miss.” Each photographer created their vision of a “fabulous and sensuous” night on the town.

Shot with covid-19 safety protocols in place, at 10 luxury hotels in Toronto — The Hazelton, Omni King Edward, The Westlake, Bisha, Ritz-Carlton, Westin Harbour Castle, The Windsor Arms, The Drake, Hotel X, The Ivy at Verité — Haber managed to involve the participation of close to a hundred photographers, models, hair and makeup artists, and videographers, and about 25 brands (they are all listed on the website under “meet the…”).  It was his way of showcasing people from his own creative community.

Haber, who has one last semester of school this summer before the co-op program begins, had his photography income shrink when the pandemic first hit last March. While he later made the adjustment to outdoor and socially distanced shots of pets and people, he wanted to put his skills and contacts to good use with the charity book.

The first A Night Out print run of 500 copies will raise $5000 for UHN (pre-orders cost $75, but now the book sells for $100; he also has masks for $15). The $8000 production cost was covered by financial organization Pear Tree Canada. He also did a “making of" video about the photoshoot, which can be viewed on the website.

Samaritan’s Karen Bliss spoke to Haber about his history of philanthropy and his aim with this high-end coffee table book, which can be found online here.