There are several spots in Toronto and GTA region that are amazing to take portraits. Most of these are easily accessible as well as the photographer's favourites too. The below-mentioned are some of the best spots in the city.


DISTILLERY DISTRICT

Portrait of a couple in Distillery District

The Distillery District in Toronto, Canada, is a popular location for portrait photography because of its unique and historic ambiance. Here are some reasons why it makes for an excellent portrait photography location:

Architecture: The Distillery District is home to many well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, which make for beautiful backdrops in portrait photography. The brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic details provide a vintage and industrial feel to the photos.

  1. Variety: The Distillery District offers a variety of locations for portrait photography. You can shoot against the walls of the old buildings, on the cobblestone streets, or in one of the many courtyards. There are also many unique structures such as the Love Locks installation or the sculptures throughout the district that can be incorporated into the shots.
  2. Lighting: The lighting in the Distillery District can be fantastic for portrait photography. The buildings and courtyards create a lot of natural shade, which can be used to create beautiful and even lighting. The area is also illuminated with warm lights in the evening, which can create a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
  3. Distinctive style: The Distillery District has a distinctive look and feel, which can make your photos stand out. The mix of old and new architecture, along with the unique shops, restaurants, and galleries, can create a dynamic and interesting backdrop for your portraits.

Overall, the Distillery District is a great location for portrait photography because of its historic architecture, variety of locations, lighting, and distinctive style. It offers many possibilities for creative and unique shots that can make your photos truly special.


GRAFFITI ALLEY

Portrait of a girl at the Graffiti Alley

Graffiti Alley, located in Toronto, Canada, is a popular location for portrait photography because of its vibrant and colorful murals. Here are some reasons why it makes for an excellent portrait photography location:

  1. Colorful backdrops: The murals in Graffiti Alley provide colorful and unique backdrops for portrait photography. The artwork is often bright and eye-catching, creating a dynamic and visually interesting setting for photos.
  2. Variety: Graffiti Alley offers a variety of locations for portrait photography. There are many different murals and graffiti art pieces that can be used as backdrops, allowing for a lot of creative freedom in composition.
  3. Urban vibe: The alley's urban environment can give a portrait a modern and edgy feel. The grungy and gritty walls and alleys can create a unique and unconventional backdrop that can give the photos a distinctive look.
  4. Lighting: The lighting in Graffiti Alley can be fantastic for portrait photography. The murals often reflect light, creating a soft and even lighting that can be used to create beautiful portraits.
  5. Accessible: Graffiti Alley is located in downtown Toronto, making it an accessible location for portrait photography. It is easily accessible by public transportation and there is no admission fee to access the alley.

Overall, Graffiti Alley is a great location for portrait photography because of its colorful backdrops, variety of locations, urban vibe, lighting, and accessibility. It offers a lot of opportunities for creative and unique shots that can make your photos truly stand out.


Evergreen Brick Works

Portrait of a girl highlighting her eyes through the fall leaves

Evergreen Brick Works is a popular location for portrait photography in Toronto, Canada, because of its natural beauty and unique industrial history. Here are some reasons why it makes for an excellent portrait photography location:

  1. Scenic backdrops: Evergreen Brick Works is situated in a beautiful natural setting, with the Don River running through it and the restored quarry providing a unique industrial backdrop. The site offers a variety of scenic backdrops, including trails, gardens, ponds, and the brick kilns.
  2. Natural lighting: The site's natural setting provides an abundance of natural light for portrait photography. The open spaces and greenery create a soft and even lighting that can be used to create beautiful portraits.
  3. Variety: Evergreen Brick Works offers a variety of locations for portrait photography. There are many different trails and gardens, each with its own unique character and features. The site also offers an indoor location, with the brick kilns providing an industrial and historic backdrop.
  4. Historic charm: Evergreen Brick Works is a historic site that has been beautifully restored, creating a unique and charming atmosphere. The industrial buildings, brick kilns, and rustic structures can add character and interest to portrait photos.
  5. Accessibility: Evergreen Brick Works is easily accessible by public transportation and offers free parking. It is also wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive location for portrait photography.

Overall, Evergreen Brick Works is a great location for portrait photography because of its scenic backdrops, natural lighting, variety of locations, historic charm, and accessibility. It offers a lot of opportunities for creative and unique shots that can make your photos truly stand out.


High Park

Portrait of a girl dancing in High Park

High Park, located in Toronto, Canada, is a popular location for portrait photography because of its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Here are some reasons why it makes for an excellent portrait photography location:

  1. Beautiful landscapes: High Park offers a variety of beautiful landscapes, including gardens, ponds, streams, and forests. The park's natural beauty provides a picturesque backdrop for portrait photography.
  2. Variety: High Park offers a variety of locations for portrait photography. There are many different areas of the park to explore, each with its own unique features and character.
  3. Natural lighting: The park's natural setting provides an abundance of natural light for portrait photography. The open spaces and greenery create a soft and even lighting that can be used to create beautiful portraits.
  4. Accessibility: High Park is easily accessible by public transportation and offers free parking. It is also wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive location for portrait photography.
  5. Seasonal changes: High Park offers different seasonal changes that can add variety to your portraits. The park is particularly beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in the fall when the leaves change color.

Overall, High Park is a great location for portrait photography because of its beautiful landscapes, variety of locations, natural lighting, accessibility, and seasonal changes. It offers a lot of opportunities for creative and unique shots that can make your photos truly stand out.


Toronto Harbourfront

Portrait of a girl at Harbourfront

Toronto Harbourfront is a popular location for portrait photography in Toronto, Canada, because of its scenic waterfront and urban atmosphere. Here are some reasons why it makes for an excellent portrait photography location:

  1. Waterfront views: Toronto Harbourfront offers scenic views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands, providing a beautiful backdrop for portrait photography. The waterfront provides an ideal setting for capturing sunset or sunrise photos.
  2. Urban vibe: The Harbourfront area has a bustling urban atmosphere that can give a portrait a modern and cosmopolitan feel. The mix of modern buildings, public art installations, and water views can create a unique and dynamic backdrop.
  3. Variety: Toronto Harbourfront offers a variety of locations for portrait photography. There are many different spots to explore, including parks, marinas, boardwalks, and public spaces.
  4. Accessibility: Toronto Harbourfront is easily accessible by public transportation and offers paid parking. It is also wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive location for portrait photography.
  5. Lighting: The lighting in Toronto Harbourfront can be fantastic for portrait photography. The water and surrounding buildings can reflect light, creating a soft and even lighting that can be used to create beautiful portraits.

Overall, Toronto Harbourfront is a great location for portrait photography because of its waterfront views, urban vibe, variety of locations, accessibility, and lighting. It offers a lot of opportunities for creative and unique shots that can make your photos truly stand out.


CN TOWER

Portrait of two girls with the CN tower behind them

The CN Tower is a popular location for portrait photography in Toronto, Canada, because of its iconic landmark status and breathtaking views of the city. Here are some reasons why it makes for an excellent portrait photography location:

  1. Iconic landmark: The CN Tower is one of Toronto's most recognizable landmarks, making it a unique and memorable location for portrait photography. The tower can add interest and character to your photos.
  2. Breathtaking views: The CN Tower offers breathtaking views of the city, with panoramic vistas of the skyline and Lake Ontario. The views can provide a stunning backdrop for portrait photography.
  3. Variety: The CN Tower offers a variety of locations for portrait photography, including the observation deck and the revolving restaurant. Each location offers its own unique perspective and views of the city.
  4. Lighting: The lighting around the CN Tower can be fantastic for portrait photography. The tower and surrounding buildings can reflect light, creating a soft and even lighting that can be used to create beautiful portraits.
  5. Accessibility: The CN Tower is easily accessible by public transportation and offers paid parking. It is also wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive location for portrait photography.

Overall, the CN Tower is a great location for portrait photography because of its iconic landmark status, breathtaking views, variety of locations, lighting, and accessibility. It offers a lot of opportunities for creative and unique shots that can make your photos truly stand out.


OSGOODE HALL

Bridgerton themed portrait of a girl at the Osgoode Hall

Osgoode Hall is a popular location for portrait photography in Toronto, Canada, because of its stunning architectural features and historic significance. Here are some reasons why it makes for an excellent portrait photography location:

  1. Historic architecture: Osgoode Hall is a historic building with stunning architectural features that can add interest and character to your portraits. The building's facade, columns, and grand entrance can provide a beautiful backdrop for portrait photography.
  2. Variety: Osgoode Hall offers a variety of locations for portrait photography, including the courtyard, gardens, and surrounding streets. Each location offers its own unique perspective and features.
  3. Lighting: The lighting around Osgoode Hall can be fantastic for portrait photography. The building's facade can reflect light, creating a soft and even lighting that can be used to create beautiful portraits.
  4. Accessibility: Osgoode Hall is easily accessible by public transportation and offers paid parking. It is also wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive location for portrait photography.
  5. Historic significance: Osgoode Hall is a building of historic significance, making it a unique and memorable location for portrait photography. The building has played an important role in Toronto's legal history and can add depth and meaning to your portraits.

Overall, Osgoode Hall is a great location for portrait photography because of its historic architecture, variety of locations, lighting, accessibility, and historic significance. It offers a lot of opportunities for creative and unique shots that can make your photos truly stand out.