Digital, 2020.
The Scarborough Bluffs are one of my favourite places to be. It’s sometimes hard to believe that a place like this exists in Toronto. It’s like a little pocket of paradise within a busy, bustling city.
I have never been to the bluffs during sunset so I was really excited to capture some photos during this time.
Digital, 2020.
This was my second time visiting Rouge River. It’s hard to believe that the first was back in 2014 for my university thesis. To me, this is one of those places that I feel like I have visited multiple times. I had always wanted to come back but never found the time. For many of us, all we have right now is time so we made an afternoon of it.
Rouge River in autumn is stunning. If you’re lucky to be here during golden hour, you’re in for a treat! For the majority of our stay, the sky was cloudy and it even started to rain at one point. This didn’t bother me as I love shooting under overcast lighting and the rain made for some lovely gloomy shots of the lake. Cue everyone running for shelter and me with the biggest smile, camera aimed at the lake.
Not too long after, the sun came out and bathed everything in a warm, orange glow. You can see which photos were taken during this short lived golden hour and which were not. The foliage glows yellow and orange and the whole scene transforms into something more ethereal.
When we visited again a week later, the leaves didn’t look much different. I’d like to visit one more time to get the leaves at their peak but as I write this, it is late October, and it just might be a tad too late. I would love to go back during winter or right after a snow storm to capture winter shots for the first time. Fingers crossed!
Digital, 2020.
After visiting grandparents at the cemetery, I really enjoy walking around and taking photos whenever I can. My favourite lighting is either golden hour or overcast skies. In the later afternoons, it’s usually quiet and it’s very grounding being surrounded by nature.
The flowers belonged to a woman who passed away a few years ago. It was her birthday on that very day and friends or family left her flowers with well wishes. I don’t know this woman but it moved me knowing that years later, she has people that still drop by to give her a present. After snapping the photos, thanked her for letting me, wished her happy birthday, and continued on my walk.
Digital, 2020.
Some end of summer shots while at the cemetery. Overcast lighting is one of my favourites to shoot under and I was really happy with how these shots turned out. The ones with the bench, lanterns, and the tree with the outstretched branches are some of my favourites from this collection.
Digital, 2020.
Some days, there isn’t enough time for me to leave to head off to my usual spots. Luckily, there are some good vantage points right in the backyard. I’m really going to miss these summer sunsets once winter rolls around.
Digital, 2020.
Blue skies and fluffy clouds visible right from the backyard.
Digital, 2020.
I got a call from a friend telling me to go outside if I could. She saw that the sky was turning into a brilliant sunset and had to let me know in case I was missing it. Funny thing is, I was! I appreciate the people that let me know when something is happening sky-wise! I wasn’t able to head off to my usual haunts but I’m happy I still got something.
Digital, 2019.
The cemetery is one of my go to places to take photos of autumn foliage. Surrounded by trees, it’s hard not to find one that isn’t covered by red and orange leaves. If you’re ever lucky to be here during golden hour, it sure is a treat on the eyes!
Digital, 2019.
Niagara-on-the-Lake! One of my favourite places to be! It’s so quaint and quiet and always feels like a refresh for the soul. I’ve only ever been during the spring and summer but wish to visit during autumn or winter one day!
Gina Staios Photography 