PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS

I’m sharing some popular photography locations as some inspiration for your upcoming photo session.


Your photos may look different in the same location due to changes in weather, lighting conditions, season, time of session, your outfit choices, and my own changes in editing and photography style.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park - Etobicoke Area

Permit required: None
This is definitely my favourite photography location for its variety. You can get images in beautiful fields, at the waterfront (this is a rocky beach), and there’s even a boat docking area. There is tons of parking and areas to photograph.
Couple sitting together on rocky coastal outcrop overlooking ocean at sunset.
Couple walking together on dirt path with city skyline visible in background.
Couple walking along shoreline at sunset near rocky breakwater.
Couple celebrating with champagne on blanket during golden hour.

James Garden - Etobicoke (Royal York & Eglinton)

Permit required: None
This Etobicoke park Is filled with tons of greenery, a well maintained garden, a forest trail, and pond area. 

Romantic embrace on wooden footbridge surrounded by autumn foliage.
Couple walking hand in hand along riverbank in fall scenery.
Couple sharing intimate moment on wooden bridge in autumn forest.
Intimate moment shared between couple amid vibrant fall foliage.

High Park - West End Toronto

Permit required: None
I haven't photographed here during the summer. One drawback is lack of parking or busy. Otherwise, this an awesome park to shoot at, especially in the summer I'd imagine


A couple embraces on a park path with autumn trees and a lake in the background.
A couple walks hand in hand along a winding park pathway surrounded by trees.
A couple strolls together on a sunlit park path surrounded by tall trees and a metal railing.
A couple sits together by a lake under willow branches in a romantic moment.

Scarborough Bluffs, Scarborough

Permit required: None
Scarborough Bluffs is definitely a top spot for beach photos. A 10 minute walk to get to the cliffs, and there is lots of photo opportunities throughout the walk as well. Make sure to bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty as we trek for 10 minutes to the popular spots.


A romantic couple in white outfits walking hand in hand on a beach with dramatic cliffs in the background.
A romantic moment shared between a couple embracing on a beach with sunlit cliffs behind them.
A couple in matching white outfits walking along rocky shoreline with towering cliffs in the background.
A couple in white clothing standing on coastal rocks overlooking a serene ocean view.
A tender embrace shared between two people on a beach with towering white cliffs in the background.
A couple strolling hand in hand along a beach shore with sunlit cliffs and sparkling water.
Couple walking together on beach near dramatic white cliffs at sunset.
Intimate portrait of couple sharing tender moment among tall grasses.

Osgoode Hall - Downtown Toronto

Permit required: None
Right next to City Hall - this is a great spot for some nice architectural backgrounds. They also have a garden nearby as well and requires no permit.



Wedding couple holding hands with Toronto CN Tower and cityscape in background.
Wedding couple sharing intimate moment on historic stone building steps.
Newlywed couple standing in formal attire on stone steps of historic building with arched windows.
Couple in wedding attire standing on brick pathway surrounded by lush green trees.

Union Station - Downtown Toronto

Permit required: none outdoors, likely need approval for indoor session or we can aim to be discreet.
I haven't attempted indoor yet, but here is a link with some Inspo:
https://thebluebrick.ca/2011/04/08/engagement-photos-at-union-station/


Polson Pier - Downtown Toronto

Permit required: No
This is a cute boardwalk for city skyline and lake images. Cherry Beach is also just a minute drive to add some more greenery and beach vibes to your session.


Cherry Beach - Downtown Toronto

Permit required: no
This location is best for an early morning session due to the high traffic area.


Port Credit - Mississauga

Permit required: no
This location is best for an early morning session due to the high traffic area.




Couple embracing and laughing together during sunset photoshoot.
Couple walking hand in hand at sunset near water with scenic backdrop.
Couple holding hands on bridge with lighthouse in background during evening photoshoot.
Happy couple embracing on waterfront during golden hour with lens flare.
Silhouetted couple crossing street at sunset with golden light.

Distillery District - Downtown Toronto

Permit required: yes for weddings. Easier to get away with engagement photos Avoiding the permit fee is done the easiest for an early morning session.



A couple sharing clear umbrellas on a cobblestone street while sharing an intimate moment in black and white.
A romantic couple stands beneath a vintage clock post in a black and white urban setting.
A couple shares a tender moment in front of a brick wall with illuminated love letters.
A couple poses together inside a large heart-shaped arch on a city street.
A couple embraces under the Gooderham & Worts Limited sign on a brick-lined street.
A couple smiling and embracing while wearing formal attire in an urban setting.
A couple poses in formal wear against a vine-covered archway in black and white.

Brickworks Ever Green - Toronto, East End


Permit Required: Yes for wedding portraits.


Kortright Conservation Area, Vaughan

Permit Required: yes for wedding portraits.




Romantic winter embrace between couple in snowy forest of tall pine trees.
Playful couple sharing intimate moment in snow-covered winter forest.
Couple walking through snowy forest with tall pine trees in winter.
Intimate moment between couple in snowy forest surrounded by tall pine trees.

Scottsdale Farm, Halton Hills

Permit Required: None.



Fall portrait in tall grass field with warm autumn colors in background.
Outdoor portrait session in autumn field with fall foliage backdrop.
Family group photo in casual wear against backdrop of autumn foliage on hillside.
Family enjoying a walk together on a tree-lined path in warm sunlight.
Family portrait of parents and children posing together on a stone walkway in front of white house.
Three people sitting on rustic wooden bench outdoors surrounded by evergreen trees.
Family walking together holding hands through a green meadow on a sunny day.
Family walking down a tree-lined path together on a summer day.

University of Toronto - Victoria College, Downtown Toronto


Permit required: yes for wedding portraits.



A couple poses in front of a gothic stone building with blooming spring tulips.
A romantic couple poses in front of a historic stone building with gothic architecture.
A romantic moment captured in an elegant stone archway with hanging lanterns.
A couple holds hands in front of an ivy-covered historic building on a sunny day.
A couple shares a tender moment against a stone wall backdrop, with her wearing a blue floral dress.
A couple holds hands beneath blooming cherry blossoms with tulips in the garden.
A couple shares a joyful moment sitting together in a stone archway.
A romantic couple sharing a kiss under a Gothic stone archway covered in vines.
A couple stands in the entrance of a historic stone building with Gothic architecture.

St. Lawrence Market, Downtown Toronto



Sunnyside Pavillion Park, Toronto West End

permit required: yes for wedding portraits.



Financial District, Toronto

permit required: none.



Modern urban wedding photo with tall building backdrop in black and white.

Trillium Park, Downtown Toronto

permit required: none.



Grafitti Alley, Downtown Toronto


Permit required: none.



Unionville, Markham


Permit required: none.



Union Station, Downtown Toronto


Permit required: none.



Lakefront Promenade Park, Mississauga


Permit required: none.



INDOOR STUDIOS


Indoor studios are of course another amazing option for your portrait sessions. Some of the benefits of a studio included controlled lighting, a private space, independent of outdoor weather conditions. If your session is date sensitive, I highly recommend booking your session at a studio. The studio design tend to change every few months and have various rooms to fit your style. Here are some popular photo studio options:


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MY BUCKET LIST LOCATIONS:


I LOVE being able to photograph in a new location to expand my creativity. Here are some of my bucket list locations that would make stunning photography spots:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario (entrance tickets required)
  • R. C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
  • Financial District
  • Allen Gardens Conservatory (permit required)
  • Trillium park
  • Exhibition Place
  • Glendon Campus, York University


I hope this helped you in finding your next photography session location.

Please note, weather, lighting conditions, your session time, and even your choice in clothing can change the look and mood of your images