Queen West Photo Session at Sunset

This Queen West love photo session at sunset was a whole mood. And Chloe and Spencer.. they have such a vibe. Spending the evening with them adventuring through the streets in and around Ossington had me so very inspired. Trust me when I say you’ll fall in love with them just like I did by the time you reach the end of the photos!

These two were in the middle of moving to New York from Toronto when they booked the shoot—Spencer actually had to fly home for the photos! But when we were planning the session, they talked about their home in Toronto and it turns out it was a neighbourhood I once called home too. They were saying how much it meant to them and how much they’d miss it when they officially made the move to the US, and I felt so in alignment with them.

So, of course, we did their photos in their home area in Toronto, around Queen and Ossington. I have such a soft spot for that neighbourhood—it was home for me for 8 years, how could I not?! I just melt whenever someone wants to do a shoot there, it’s so special. Sunsets are especially pretty, with the way the sun comes through the streets and the bustle of the city all around. It’s such a vibey area.

We started their shoot at Manita, which is the cutest little coffee shop and grocery store that popped up during the pandemic. I love it there. Plus a glass of vino and the yummy fries they have on menu…yasss, please!

When they arrived, they were actually a little late so to ensure our vibe wasn’t rushed or anxiety filled—as I know how Toronto traffic can cause some extra stress in a person—I had some drinks ready for them. We sat and chatted. They sipped and I snapped. Then we walked around Ossington, weaving in between side streets and the main street; chasing light and pausing on spots that had a little extra memory attached. Once we got up to Dovercourt, we went up to their condo, which happened to be completely empty as they are in the process of leasing it out. We weren’t planning on shooting there, only using it as a place for them to change their outfits, but I felt like it was such an important part of their story. Creating some final special memories in this beautiful place they lived together, a home that’s empty now, during such a transitional period of their lives when they’re moving to a big new city…that just felt so meaningful to me.

After that, we picked up their dog — who we of course included in the shoot! — and walked to this adorable pizza place where they have more memories. We immersed ourselves in the area and had such a good time visiting all their special spots and appreciating the beauty of the city. It’s full of so many little nooks and crannies of things that have heart.

Shooting in areas that reflect who you are as a person or couple or family, or an important time in your life is such an amazing thing to have the opportunity to do. It results in photos that are truly YOU—you in a place that you love, that you’re comfortable in, and where you have meaningful memories. In a sense, when you see those images, you’re seeing a story of you at that moment but you’re also getting the opportunity to reflect back on all these other memories. I just think that’s so beautiful.

Chloe and Spencer, I’m totally smitten with you both and am so excited to see your journey continue on in New York.

And to anyone reading this who wants to book in a lifestyle or love session somewhere special to you… let’s chat.

Big love XO

Scarlet