I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get bored with social media (and you may have even noticed). I’m posting less, engaging less, and just overall spending less time on the apps.

Here’s some context: I recently fell IN LOVE with a content creator who goes by the name of @officiallyquigley. She has a lot of great things to say, and you should DEFINITELY follow her. However, the one thing that she’s discussed that really stuck with me the most is how she believes that social media should serve a purpose, and if it doesn’t, don’t use it. It’s that simple: if it’s not serving you, it’s not worth your time.

In the past, I’ve mentioned how my intention is to use social media as a form of connection and communication with others, and this all spurred from another thing Quigley said in The Influencer Podcast: we should all be approaching social media, not with a “what do I have to gain?” mindset, but instead focus on “what do I have to give?” This concept has helped me regain my excitement and inspiration for content creation in a brand new way.

Look out for quality over quantity with The Canadian Creative, in hopes that I can provide my audience with valuable tips, tricks, and perspectives, because no one is quite as unique as YOU and that is something to celebrate! With all this in mind, I wanted to put together a list of a few of my personal favourite places to shoot recently. Some of my all time fave photos have come from shoots at these locations, and that is a testament to their ability to inspire. Read on for some tips and tricks for each spot as well!

1. 110 CHARLES STREET EAST

This killer art piece at the intersection of Charles St E and Mount Pleasant has so many angles to shoot from that it looks different every time. Head on, it looks like you’re standing in a red-drenched urban jungle. Pictured above, this angle makes quite an impact, especially when the subject is wearing contrasting colours. Alternatively, if you stand in the middle of all these metal posts, it seems as though they are growing right out of the edges of the frame - super cool effect.

2. YORKVILLE

Yorkville is obviously an entire neighbourhood, so there are tons of spots to take some inspired photos. Part of the appeal is the Old Toronto architecture, giving off major European vibes. It may seem cliche, because lately I’ve seen a ton of locations tags here, but finding ways to make your content stand out is part of the fun of taking photos in the first place! Find fun pops of colour to add to your image, like these flowers outside the HD Beauty Academy. Summer is prime time to take photos in Yorkville because there are so many planters filled with fresh blooms.

3. PARKING GARAGES

As I mentioned above, Summer is the perfect time to shoot on the roof of a parking garage as well. The light reflects beautifully off the glass exteriors of the buildings downtown, making them the perfect backdrop for an urban-themed shoot. There are so many parking structures all over the city, that you’d have to have your eyes closed not to find one near you. Use the straight lines and angles to your advantage, playing with fun poses and flowier clothing to create more dimension.

4. ALLAN GARDENS

Allan Gardens is a great shooting location because it is open and WARM all-year-round (an important criteria when you live in Canada). The reason I love it so much, even if it may be just as overdone as Yorkville, is because there are so many microcosms within the building that each photo can look completely unique. You can shoot reds and oranges in one corner, and then whites and blues in the next. Make it look like you’re standing in a desert climate, or deep in the thick of the jungle. Have fun with it, and be sure to use props to make your images stand out even more!

Where do you like to shoot in Toronto? I’m always looking for new perspectives and angles to make my photos more unique and impactful! Share your favourite Toronto photos in the comments with the rest of us, or send me an email or DM. I’d love to see some of the cool ways you’re being inspired by the city!