If you’ve ever wondered why one photograph feels warm and another feels flat, the answer is almost always light. It’s the one thing I look for first, and it’s why I’m so particular about when we meet.
The golden hour
The hour before sunset is soft, warm and flattering to almost everyone. In Toronto, that can mean after 9 p.m. in June and before 5 p.m. in December. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you the exact time for your date.
Overcast days are underrated
A cloudy sky works like a giant softbox: gentle, even, and kind to skin. Please don’t cancel because the sky is grey. Some of my favourite photographs happen on days like that.
Choosing the place
- The waterfront and the Islands: wide skies, open water, and a view of the skyline.
- The Scarborough Bluffs: dramatic cliffs and big, quiet scenes.
- The Don Valley and city parks: greenery, paths, and a feeling of being far from the city.
- Old brick lanes and streets: warm textures, good for a more editorial look.
Pick a place that means something to you. The first coffee, the park where you walk, the street near your first apartment. A meaningful place does more for the photographs than a beautiful one.
Things to keep in mind
- Spring and autumn give the softest light and the fewest crowds.
- Summer evenings are lovely, but weekends can be busy.
- Winter is quieter than people think, and the light is gorgeous.
If you’re not sure where to go, tell me what you love and I’ll suggest a few places.