Growing up in Toronto, I used to look at photography from other major cities and landscapes around the world and marvel at the incredible photos that came out of them. As I started to dive deep into photography myself, I realized how many opportunities there were back home and all around me. Toronto is almost a tale of two cities… I find the warm weather and sunny days conducive to exploring the outdoors. On the other hand, as night hits and colder weather approaches, the urban center becomes the main draw as the bright lights of city life take center stage. Being an avid painter through most of my life, I’m always seeking vivid colours through my camera, luckily there is no shortage of that as I’m journeying across Canada’s largest city.

With the warm weather comes longer days and lots of light to find interesting places to go. In these warmers times, locals and visitors burst out onto our patios, into our parks and green spaces to enjoy the day. When people think of a place like Toronto, the first thought is its tall towers and downtown core. The real hidden gems come from a place like the Toronto Islands. Oddly enough it’s a place many locals haven’t been to but in recent years it’s become the go-to place for warm-weather walks, picnics and general fun. As a photographer, it’s one of my favourite places to explore as the sun dances through the clouds, leading to some gorgeous sunsets. Land, air, or water, never disappoints.

Toronto truly received the full four-season treatment. With that said, it gives a lot of opportunities to explore areas you may not usually venture off to. For example, springtime tends to lure people over to areas with interesting floral blooms. Magnolia trees and cherry blossoms dart across the city, especially around the Harbourfront, High Park, and the University of Toronto areas. Photographers like myself wake up early to spot wildlife having a snack amongst the flowers. I find myself drawn to the contrast of colours in these scenes. Meanwhile, portrait photographers and families can be seen out for strolls before discovering the latest local restaurants for a tasty treat along the Harbourfront, Bloor West or Chinatown.

This activity also repeats itself every fall as these parks pick up their fall colours. Locals and travellers looking to make the most of our last warm-ish days. Lucky for us, the colours in Toronto in the fall are some of the best you can find without needing to venture far. You can spot vivid blues of blue jays cast amongst ruby-red foliage. Parks like Trinity Bellwoods, High Park, and Downsview Park take colour vibrance to another gear as bright reds, yellows, oranges, and greens surround us. It’s probably one of the most popular times of year for photographers and one of my favourites.

The bright light of the sun gives way to the bright lights of the city as sunset and night hit. This becomes a more predominant vibe during the colder months as it feels like a never-ending night sometimes. Sounds grim? No way! The city comes alive in a very different way during these times as nature takes a back seat to man-made marvels. Something is soothing about watching the city lights slowly take center stage as their lights cover the downtown core like lights on a Christmas tree. In Times like this, you realize the sheer amount of events, restaurants, bars, and activities available under the veil of night. As a photographer, it makes for luminous photos starting with capturing mind-melting sunsets to the movement of lights darting the streets. There is also no better night photo spot than when the Canadian National Exhibition is in town within the Exhibition Place grounds. A tourist gem, an end-of-summer celebration, and an endless supply of photography ideas and over-the-top junk food you’ll probably tell your friends about.

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Mother nature has blessed Toronto with a wide range of possible weather. From hot summers to cold winters, locals are battle tested to the elements. The weather is often the topic of discussion and a marvel to witness. There is a certain joy that comes from seeing the elements interact with the urban environments. Perhaps it’s the perfect opportunity to see nature somewhat take over the city at times. From my perspective, this usually means a night out shooting in some interesting conditions. Whether it be the snow-covered beaches of HTO Park, the ice-encrusted boardwalk of Polson Pier, fog blanketing the core, or the potential puddles of a rainy night.

Toronto feels like an ever-growing city. For as long as I can remember, Toronto has been in a constant state of growth… or construction… depending on who you ask. That means there is an endless supply of architecture to explore. Old and new, they act as encapsulated moments in Toronto’s history. When the sun sets, we set out to explore the history of growth in this city through its architecture. Nighttime has always been my favourite time to capture a city’s urban essence.

Classic buildings, like the old city hall, are tucked into every corner of the city with a strong concentration in and or around Old Town and Distillery District. Brick buildings and unique architectural design from Toronto’s heyday these areas out.

Nathan Philips Square plays host to a variety of pop-up events throughout the year. These pop-up events range from art displays to carnivals, concerts, and everything else under the sun! To celebrate the city’s annual festival, there will be multiple events throughout the city until March 18th.

Perhaps my favourite of all buildings to view and capture, and seemingly with most Torontonians, is the CN Tower. This 533m high structure is the icon of our city. You can see it from almost any part of town and even across the lake in the Niagara region. The CN Tower held the record for the world's tallest free-standing structure for 32 years, from 1975 until 2007. It was an iconic structure I looked up to as a kid. That said, it became a proud and honourable moment for me when I was asked by the CN Tower team to work on photography for them to capture its lighting displays.

Toronto is my home, I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do! Get out there and explore, create and enjoy! The possibilities are endless!