Digital, 2021.
The Humber River at the end of August. If you want magnificent views of the city’s skyline, this is one of the places to go. Sitting on the beach was so lovely with the calm waters and the CN Tower in the distance. I’m looking forward to what it will look like here during autumn when all the leaves turn red.
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Digital, 2021.
The sunset on this night was definitely a conversation starter but what follows a beautiful sunset sometimes is a beautiful twilight. The purple sky combined with the mist rising from the horizon was such a sight to see. I couldn’t help but feel it was the perfect end to the day.
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Digital, 2021.
Photographing an intense sunset at Rouge River has always been on my photography bucket list. I’m so glad I was lucky enough to be able to photograph one. After a hazy day, I had an inkling that we would be getting an intense sunset. That seemed to be the norm on other hazy days so I was super excited for what was hopefully to come. I sat down on the beach with my camera and my phone, ready to take some photos and videos.
When the sky started to turn orange, I knew we were in for a treat. When the sun started to descend, I couldn’t believe my eyes in how defined it was in the sky. When it sank past the bridge, I was in awe at the obvious gradient of colour that covered it. I felt like I was looking at a spread from a photography magazine. I had to make sure I wasn’t staring at the sun for prolonged periods of time for obvious reasons.
I only wish I were able to take a photo of just the sun in the sky or the sun over the landscape. But I didn’t want to move from my spot on the beach and risk not making it to another area quick enough. I would rather have some photos than no photos at all. I wanted to return to take alternate photos but was unable to. At this point in the year, it’s too late for conditions that prompt a hazy sky. And just like that, there’s a new addition to my photography bucket list!
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Digital, 2021.
A blue waterscape at Rouge River during summer. I couldn’t help myself in taking a photo of the waves rolling in. This scene looks desolate but I can assure you that if photos could talk, one would be able to hear the background chatter and children laughing and splashing around in the background.
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Digital, 2021.
Rouge River has quickly become one of my favourite places for photography. This was my first visit during summer and I was interested to see what I would be able to photograph. All my previous visits have been during the fall to capture the leaves changing colour so I was glad to be getting a different perspective to the area.
Right from the get-go, what captivated me were all the lily pads! It was so surreal seeing that many all at once. When I first saw them at a distance, I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking at. I thought maybe they were overgrown plants that had somehow managed to grow above the water. Judging by the reactions of other people there, I wasn’t alone in my captivation and wonder.
These were also taken when the skies were particularly hazy. In my opinion, this contributed to the landscape looking even more ethereal. The lighting was so soft and there was light layer of fog by the horizon in the distance. Even with a cloudy sky, the sunlight still shone through and bathed everything in a beautiful golden light at times.
I’m very pleased I got to experience a scene like this with my own two eyes and I’m thankful I was able to take photos of it as well. I hope to eventually visit during winter, too.
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Digital, 2021.
Lake Ontario looked so beautiful under the glistening sunlight. Being near water in the summer is so relaxing and can help you feel at ease. With the way the light was sparkling on the surface, it was very easy to get lost in those visuals.
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Digital, 2021.
I really liked how sunlight was bouncing off the green grass and leaves in this scene. It was such a quintessential summer landscape that I had to take a photo. I framed the two empty chairs in the distance between the two trees as I thought it was visually appealing. I love using scenes in nature to frame my subject whenever I have the opportunity to do so.
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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.
The CN Tower as seen from Toronto’s harbourfront. A wonderful place to relax and sightsee during summer. The wind coming off the lake is always so pleasant and the view is like no other.
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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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Gina Staios Photography 