Digital, 2021.
Haze in the sky resulted in this stunning sunset where you could see the sun as a defined circle in the sky. This in turn lead into a gorgeous pink and purple sky once the sun started to sink below the horizon.
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Digital, 2021.
My first visit to Toronto’s Shrine Peace Memorial. The memorial serves as a symbol of friendship and peace between Canada and the United States. It’s located on the CNE grounds and there are flower gardens nearby.
The sky was very hazy on the day we chose to visit. This resulted in really lovely subdued even lighting. Overcast skies are my preferred choice of lighting whenever I’m shooting outdoors. It’s easier to achieve soft and well exposed photos. Sunny days usually result in harsh shadows and uneven lighting which isn’t what I’m usually trying to achieve.
When photographing the allium flowers (the circular flowers that look like fireworks), I unluckily walked into a spiderweb. I felt something on my face and went to wipe it off. All I remember seeing is a speck of black on my palm with many legs. Maybe it was an ant. But with my luck and fear of spiders, it was probably a spider. I didn’t check to see what it was as I immediately started shaking my hand. Did I shriek a little? Why yes, yes I did.
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Digital, 2021.
Another trip to the Toronto Music Gardens! This visit was done on a weekday which resulted in a nearly empty space. I prefer no people in my photographs so that was a bonus for me. Plus, it feels like the whole garden is there just for you.
The Music Gardens initially were meant for the city of Boston but when those plans fell through, Toronto stepped in and the gardens found their home here. Inspired by Bach, the garden is meant to be explored while listening to specific musical pieces. I have not had a chance to try that out myself but I can say that the garden is gorgeous and special all on its own, as well.
Since my first visits here occurred this year during summer, I’m very curious to see what the landscape will look like in autumn, with red and orange leaves everywhere. Or in winter, with fresh snow clinging to the trees and architecture.
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Digital, 2021.
Sometimes sunsets don’t pan out the way you thought and you end up with a gorgeous dusk shot instead.
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Digital, 2021.
A water fountain taken during blue hour in Toronto. The calm waves were so captivating to watch in person. I couldn’t resist taking a video to post to my Reels on Instagram!
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Digital, 2021.
I’m so happy I got to capture this sunset here. A soft sunset to go with calm waters. Photographing an intense sunset here is on my photography bucket list but until then, I’ll think of this one!
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Digital, 2021.
Nothing beats summer days by the lake. The air is cooler, the atmosphere is calmer, and the views are spectacular. I was amazed at how clear the water looked that day. I could have watched the gentle waves moving over the stones underwater all day. Sadly, I could not but I made sure to take photos!
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Digital, 2021.
This is an example of the type of sunset I look forward to every summer! One that’s bright, vivid, and gets the whole city talking. These two images were taken exactly 5 minutes apart. I couldn’t choose between one or the other so I kept them both. One of my favourite things about sunsets like these is how their colour and cloud formations change.
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Digital, 2021.
The Toronto skyline surrounded by clouds. I was sunset chasing and snapped this one before the sunset as I really loved how fluffy the clouds were. If you couldn’t tell, the Toronto skyline is one of my favourite photographic subjects.
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Digital, 2021.
I really loved the way the sun looked as it set over the lake. I really wanted a starburst effect so I shot this image at f/22 and 1/1600 sec to achieve it. I love sunsets of all kinds but you have to admit that ones by the water are truly special.
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Gina Staios Photography 