With the summer months nearly within reach of our frost bitten fingers, thoughts of travel and vacationing are in the air. But after enduring such a brutal winter, many of us could’t hold out until the warmer weather to get away and now our holiday funds are depleted. This year might be the perfect time to consider taking a “staycation”- a vacation in your very own city. You’ll save money, avoid busy airports and you just might learn something new about where you live. Toronto
has so much to offer that even a seasoned local can discover new locations, new restaurants and new activities to do in their own backyard.
Looking at your surroundings through a lens will also help you to open your mind and look at things in a whole new light. China town will become vibrant and lively, you’ll suddenly appreciate the views down at Harbourfront and even the subway will look interesting and charismatic.
Here is our list of great shooting locations in Toronto:
1. Kensington Market: colourful and always full of characters, Kensington is a great place to practice street photography and environmental portraiture. On the last Sunday of every month in the summer, they close the streets for a pedestrian market.
Source: http://www.hannainthecity.com/blog/2010/07/kensington-market-–-china-town/
2. High Park: this is a popular spot for engagements shoots because it’s a great location for natural light portraiture. If you go at the beginning of May, you’ll catch the cherry blossoms in season.
Source: http://gailatlarge.com/blog/2012/04/10/16196
3. Graffiti Alley: made popular by the Rick Mercer report, this hidden gem showcases tons of colourful street art. Rush Lane runs west from Spadina Ave. to Portland St. and can be found south of Queen St. before Richmond St.
Source: http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/05/dear_giorgio_my_toronto_includes_graffiti/
4. Distillery District: there’s always more going on at the Distillery District in the summer months so make sure to check it’s calendar for all scheduled events. Even if there isn’y anything going on the buildings make a picturesque backdrop for portraits and street photography.
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stonehouse_Distillery_at_the_Distillery_District.jpg
5. Ripley’s Aquarium: although a fairly new addition to the Toronto scene, the aquarium is a great indoor location when you want to get out of the heat. It’s quite busy on weekends and if there’s a long line outside the building to buy tickets, simply purchase them online on your phone and you can skip into a shorter queue. Don’t miss the jelly fish tank!
Source: http://vacay.ca/2013/10/believe-it-ripleys-aquarium-opens/
For a full list of our classes and workshops, including shooting excursions and Photo 101 lessons for beginners, please visit our website.