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.
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.
An orange hazy summer sunset. The haze in the air is very obvious looking at the last photograph. After the sunset started to fade, I looked over to my right and was captivated by the foggy landscape.
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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.
Such an intense summer sunset!! I was at my usual spot waiting for sundown, but unfortunately the sky remained dull and unchanging. So I decided to leave. I had a feeling that I should have stayed but I didn’t listen to my gut as I should have. There have been many other times where I’d leave thinking nothing would happen only for the sky to start changing minutes later. Sunsets can really be so unpredictable sometimes.
On the drive home, I noticed the sky turning pink. And this wasn’t your standard soft sunset pink. This was a bright pink that was only getting more intense by the moment. We pulled over by a nearby park and I dashed out to photograph whatever I could. Sunsets like these don’t happen every day and I felt so humbled being alone surrounded by a giant expanse of vibrant sky. The energy felt electric and you could smell the incoming rain in the air.
The lighting here was tricky and it made me realize that I really need a new camera that handles low light situations better. I feel regret when I think about the photos that didn’t turn out but there was nothing I could do, both in the moment and in postproduction.
When I felt like I had all of the photos I wanted, the sunset was also starting to fade. Then, there was a sudden shift in the air and I could hear the rain start to make its way in. I grabbed my belongings and made a mad dash to the car before the rain could really get bad. Once I closed the car door, the skies opened up and it just started pouring. Good timing on my part!
What I love about sunsets like these is how they become the talk of the town for the next few days. I really enjoy going on Instagram to see all the other photos my fellow Torontonians have taken. While Toronto is definitely blessed with its fair share of gorgeous sunsets, ones like these don’t happen often and they get all us nature lovers excited!
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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 