A Summer Landscape at Rouge River on August 8th, 2021.

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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Sunset on August 5th, 2021.

Digital, 2021.

A pastel midsummer sunset. The second image is one of my favourites as I love how soft the colours and clouds looked. It almost looks like a long exposure shot with the way the clouds look like wisps in the sky.

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Chairs in the Sun on August 3rd, 2021.

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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Toronto’s Shrine Peace Memorial on July 18th, 2021.

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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Toronto Music Gardens on July 14th, 2021.

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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Lake Ontario on July 3rd, 2021.

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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