Toronto is a vibrant city with a multitude of locations perfect for long exposure photography. From the bustling urban streets to the serene natural landscapes, there are endless opportunities to capture the beauty and dynamism of this metropolis.
Long exposure photography is a captivating technique that allows photographers to capture the passage of time in a single image. By using a slow shutter speed that can range between a few seconds to minutes, you can create stunning effects such as smooth water, light trails, and dramatic skies. This technique transforms ordinary scenes into ethereal, dream-like images, offering a unique perspective on familiar subjects.
Toronto offers a diverse range of settings for long exposure photography and I am exploring locations near the city and experimenting with long exposure techniques, to create unique and captivating photographs that highlight the beauty and energy of the city.
All images are taken in the summer of 2024.
Polson Pier: Polson Pier offers one of the most iconic views of Toronto’s skyline. At night, the city lights reflect off the water, creating stunning light trails. This spot is the go to place for capturing sunsets behind the Toronto skyline in the summer.
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant: Looking like the set piece in a dystopian movie, this iconic building has actually been the location of various movies. Sunrise would be a great time to revisit this iconic location as the building will be lit up by the rising sun.
Centre Island: The Toronto Islands provide an unobstructed view of the city skyline and is a great place to capture the shimmering reflections on Lake Ontario and the movement of the ferry as seen in the light trails here.
Leuty Lifeguard Station: This must be one of the most photographed buildings in Toronto is a favourite subject of artists and photographers. A wonderful location for both sunrise as well as sunset.
Sir Isaac Brock Bridge: Also known as the Bathurst Street Bridge this is one of the oldest bridges in the city and gives a grand view of the CN tower while the trains pass by underneath. I have taken light trails of the train from two separate images here.
The Aga Khan Park: It is truly stunning at night and has a magical ambiance. The tranquil reflections of the pond with the mild illumination on the walls allowed for a much longer shutter speed than normal.
Gooderham Building: Also known as the Flat Iron Building this location posed a challenge to shoot one of the most photographed spots in the city differently. I am finally pleased with this shot after making four attempts over the course of one year!
Dufferin Bridge: The view from Dufferin Bridge with light trails from the traffic on the Gardiner Expressway leading in and out of the city.
Union Station: The splendor of Union Station built in adherence to Beaux-Art architecture shines at night when the golden-hued lights illuminate the facade.
Sun Fish Cut at Ward’s Island: This is a great vantage point on Toronto Islands to view the Toronto skyline framed by the vegetation on either side of the channel.
Scarborough Bluffs: Taken from Scarborough Heights Waterfront. this spot offers a spectacular view of the Scarborough Bluffs and Lake Ontario after sunset which is behind me.
Tips & Tricks
1. ISO I always keep at 50. The long exposures with an ND filter at night will makes the images grainy in itself.
2. Look for the weather. My rule of thumb is a cloudy day with blue skies the day after it has rained gives a good colorful sunset.
3. How long do I expose in bulb mode? Use your math skills or use an app like Photopills to calculate from an initial setting for exposure taken without use of an ND filter.
Camera Gear
All images have been taken with a Sony A7Riii camera body with Tamron 11-20 mm, f2.8 lens, 6 Stop ND filter, tripod and a shutter release cable.
Awesome clicks with brief narrative. Love the tips on how to go about tring to get some clicks like these.
Wow Raju, astounding captures with info. briefs. Love them