Toronto Islands

The session starts before I take a single photo. Something happens on the ferry. By the time the boat docks, the city noise is behind you, and couples stop posing and start being themselves. That is half my job done.

I plan the Islands as a slow afternoon into sunset. The walking is real, 20 to 30 minutes between sections of the island, so I tell couples to wear comfortable shoes and carry the fancy ones. In fall, the maples around the island cottages turn red and orange and the grass disappears under leaves. I have photographed a couple under one of those trees and the whole frame just went warm.

I save the beach for the last hour of light. This is the photo people come for: the full Toronto skyline across the harbour with open water in front of it. One session ended on a driftwood log right at the waterline. The sky behind the CN Tower turned deep orange and they sat there holding hands while I worked. Those frames are still some of my favourites.

A few practical things. Professional shoots here need a City of Toronto commercial photography permit, so this is a location to plan, not one to wing. Budget 30 to 40 minutes from downtown including the ferry. There are paid lots at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, but the TTC is honestly easier.