Tips from the pros: How to curate your travel experience with photography

Because of its sheer size, diverse geography, a multitude of towns and cities, as well as a vibrant cultural and culinary scene, Ontario is a wondrous and experience-packed place to travel.

Whether we are drawn by the big-city excitement of such places as Toronto, the small-town charm of such locations as Stratford and St. Jacobs, the colourful tapestry of the changing leaves in Algonquin Park, the lakeside escapes of cottage country in Muskoka or the culture and cuisine of Prince Edward County, our experiences become etched when we take pictures of them.

It’s never been simpler to take a photo. Apple iPhone camera technology, for example, has evolved dramatically since the first model came out in 2007 to a system that now delivers professional-grade results. All you need to do is just point and press a white icon, and then adjust the image for sharpness, cropping, shadows, brightness and definition. Of course, there are still the options of shooting digitally with SLR cameras or on film.

Still, the more accessible the technology becomes, the more tempting it is to snap everything in sight. Before you know it there are 20,000 images saved in the library on your phone.

Some simple advice from people that take photographs for a living can help you better curate your pictures and the experiences you are trying to capture. And the pros will tell you there’s no better time of the year to get out and shoot than the fall.

“Fall is my top season for outdoor photography,” says Damian Dudek, of Dudek Photography, who works with Ontario’s Southwest. “The sunset cloud formations, especially at Lake Huron, add depth and emotion to shots. The vivid foliage and moody light make every scene stand out.

“Pinery Provincial Park on Lake Huron is a favourite for its forests, dunes and stunning sunsets,” he says. “The fall colours and light are unbeatable. Erieau, a quiet beach town, lets you focus on the beauty of Lake Erie and its colourful waters, especially in the fall when it’s less crowded. Rock Glen Conservation Area in Arkona has great trails, a river and a waterfall that looks impressive with autumn leaves. These spots offer diverse landscapes for fall photography.”

It is best to shoot during the golden hours of morning or evening, an hour or two around sunrises or sunsets, for the best light on fall foliage, he adds.

“Get low to the ground for a fresh angle; don’t mind dirt to include foreground like leaves,” Dudek says.

“Step back to capture the full landscape for impact. Adding people to wide shots of landscapes gives scale and makes the scene more relatable. Stick to quiet spots like small towns or conservation areas for unique shots with smaller crowds.”

Barry Best, a photographer who works with Central Counties Tourism, also says that he likes to shoot in the fall and, while northern Ontario is ideal for landscapes, he also focuses beyond the changing colours of the leaves. Best likes fall fairs and different farms that offer authentic experiences.

“I used to shoot weddings, and it taught me to think on my feet,” he says. “That’s why tourism works well for me, because in one shoot I could do landscapes, portraits, details like food, drinks. I really like that kind of challenge.

“So whatever Central Counties wants to give to me, I take it on full force and try to get as much detail as possible, especially in the fall, because there is so much happening.”

Belfountain in Caledon is a favourite spot, with lookouts and “a giant carpet of colour” at your feet in the fall. Trail Hub in Uxbridge is another one.

“That’s what I like about photography,” he says. “It allows you to go in, connect, lower your shoulders, find some calm and peace, especially if you are coming from the middle of the city. Just appreciate everything when you get there. You start seeing things beyond the clutter. You are very spiritually focused.”

You get better photos when you have a more authentic experience. To get the best images, you have to immerse yourself, Best adds.

“Don’t just stand up on two feet – sit down, get on your knees, lay down on your stomach,” he says. “Get your phone out in front of you, if that’s the way you’re going to shoot. Whatever you’re going to do, get up close to that tree, get underneath the tree and inside the canopy. Or climb on a rock. Immerse yourself in the environment, especially in fall.

“There are so many details that most people are missing because they’re just ripping their phone out like it’s any other thing. Be intentional.”

The Village at Black Creek in Toronto is a wonderful location to shoot, Best says. The canopy inside of it is beautiful, which he mirrors with the buildings and the costumes, the people and the animals to make impactful images.

Ideal spots for imagery in the Hamilton area during the fall months include Royal Botanical Gardens (Hendrie Park and the Rock Garden tend to be more manicured, but Cootes Paradise Trails are popular with photographers), as well as Dundas Valley Conservation Area, and Rattlesnake Point and Mountsberg conservation areas.

There is no limit to the variety of recommended options for great photography in the Niagara region, for those seeking atmosphere, contrast and texture. The Niagara Parkway and the Niagara Escarpment are stunning with fall foliage framed by river bends, vineyards and heritage stone walls. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is a photographer’s paradise, especially during the Thanksgiving Festival. There is magic in the morning mists at Queenston Heights Park and the sunrises at Dufferin Islands. Pelham offers a bounty of rural roadways that capture the imagination and Port Colborne’s Mud Lake Conservation Area is an ideal spot for stunning images of birds heading south for the winter.

Guelph is a destination for bountiful outdoor photography opportunities throughout the year, boasting an abundance of ecosystems, from lakes and rivers to deciduous and coniferous forests. Fall colours get beautifully reflected onto the beautiful Guelph Lake, Speed River and Eramosa River. The University of Guelph Arboretum encompasses 400 acres next to the campus, with picture-worthy plant collections, gardens, walking trails, wetlands, meadows and natural woodlands. Riverside Park, especially along the river, is a good spot to capture changing leaves, and Guelph Lake Rotary Forest and Trail features 60,000 trees planted over 15 years.

There are many places in the Haliburton Highlands to take photos during the fall months, from scenic vistas that you may encounter while out hiking with friends to popular lookout destinations that take you high above the trees. Hike Haliburton Festival, taking place Sept. 18 to Sept. 21, is an annual hiking festival with a 20-year history and hallmarks of the four-day event include guided hikes along trails, through forests and along the lakes of Haliburton Highlands, as well as farmers’ markets, arts and cultural sites, and live entertainment at local venues. The Dorset Lookout Tower is a must-see experience for nature and photography lovers, along with the Panorama Park scenic lookout in Minden. With more than 500 lakes and 2,000 kilometres of trails, there is no shortage of beautiful places to explore in the Haliburton Highlands.

Perth County provides a spectacular backdrop for keen photographers. Colourful leaf canopies, a rich patchwork of golden fields and plenty of rolling countryside provide quiet stillness and natural light that reward with enduring images. Favourite fall photo spots in Perth County include Wildwood Conservation Area for its colourful trails and lake views, and the G2G (Goderich to Guelph) Rail Trail for wide-open countryside scenes. Town centres such as downtown Listowel, Mitchell and Milverton also shine in the fall, featuring heritage buildings, festive storefronts and small-town charm that reflect the season beautifully.

City Cruises Canada, which offers dining cruises on the water, with ports in Niagara Falls, Toronto and 1000 Islands, is an unforgettable option for travellers looking for prime opportunities to photograph the beauty of fall.

“Fall’s one of the best times for photograph. It’s right up there with summer, but the light’s softer, the colours just pop and there’s this calm feeling out on the water due to less boat traffic,” says Lauren Barber, marketing manager with City Cruises Canada. “In Niagara, the crisp air makes the mist from the Falls look even more dramatic against the changing leaves along the Gorge. In Toronto, you get to see the skyline framed in gold tones from the Islands and park foliage. And in Gananoque, the 1000 Islands turn into this mix of reds, oranges and golds, all mirrored in the still St. Lawrence River. Plus, fewer crowds, richer tones and those serene, still mild days make it a dream for taking photos.”

Different perspectives available on such a cruise include the famous Horseshoe Falls from the upper deck of the boat, fall colours climbing up each side of the Gorge, skyline shots of Toronto during a sunset harbour tour and a front-row seat to the Toronto Islands’ changing foliage colours among the evergreens.

Blue Mountain is another destination that offers perspectives that are far from ordinary. While sometimes best known for winter ski holidays, Blue Mountain in fall has stunning colour that’s complemented by the brilliant blue of Georgian Bay. Photographers like to head up the mountain to walk the trails and capture the great vistas, including from the lookout on Sticks and Stones trail, or take a ride on the open-air gondola that offers 360-degree views. There is a beautiful waterfall on Cascade trail where photographers can capture the flowing water and colourful trees. And for European charm that includes cobble-stone streets, and quaint shops and restaurants, Blue Mountain Village never disappoints.

So, on your next fall adventure, don’t just grab the camera and go – heed the advice of those in the know and go with intent, an eye for beauty and a spirit of adventure. You’re likely to be rewarded with a camera roll that captures not just memories but enduring images that highlight the wonder of Ontario in autumn.

Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.