This time of the year, these tiger lilies can be found in the a few gardens in Toronto. Although cone flowers are more popular, the characteristic color, shape and orientation of these make them stand out.
The name tiger lily is used for at least two species of flowers. To add to the potential confusion, lilies with downward facing flowers and recurved petals featuring "freckles" are often of the species Lilium martagon, but I have not seen them in orange. And then there is the species Lilium superbum (no typo), which may also have orange down-turning, freckled flowers.
Despite the taxonomical complexity, the flowers in my Instagram post are unmistakably (unless I am mistaken) tiger lilies of the species Lilium lancifolium (Asian origins).
These flowers were shot using a strobe; in daylight no less. This is a technique I am doing more of, when natural light isn't coming from the direction I prefer. It allows me to better separate the flowers of interest from the background.
Outdoor portraits /
I am offering outdoor portraits at scenic locations in Toronto to individuals, couples, families or groups. To see samples of my portrait work, please check out this page. I can suggest several locations with a interesting and colourful background, including rising or setting sun or moon (if timing and conditions permit). Or we can discuss locations of your preference within GTA. I will stay masked and well distanced during the entire session. Contact me by email (chromaticToronto@gmail.com) or on Instagram (instagram.com/chromaticToronto) if interested in finding out more.
Paddle-out ceremony for Lucas Murnaghan /
Nearly two months have passed since my last blog post. I am resuming with a good one …
A couple of years ago, I came across the photography of Torontonian Lucas Murnaghan, and was mesmerized both its aesthetics and emotions. Earlier this year, I read about his passing and, subsequently, learned more about the person behind the camera, and became even more impressed.
Murnaghan was more than a great fine art photographer. He was also a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, a diver, a competitive waterpolo player, a retail entrepreneur, an Iron Man triathlete and an avid surfer. Yes, he literally walked on water, which was the medium in many of Murnaghan’s endeavours, including his photography featuring men seeking shelter in immersion.
The surfing community in Toronto celebrated Murnaghan’s life last Sunday in a paddle-out ceremony, which I was honoured to photograph.
Return of the #solarMirage /
In Toronto, during the cold months of the year, we often get to witness a special celestial phenomenon — an omega-shaped sunrise. This solar mirage (could occur with a sunset too but I haven’t caught this in Toronto yet) is the product of sunlight being refracted by a temperature gradient, which often forms above Lake Ontario in the early morning during the winter months. This morning, because of an overnight drop in temperature, Toronto was treated to a somewhat rare summer mirage.