One of the most spectacular golden hours of the year is happening in Toronto this weekend, and you don’t want to miss it. “Torontohenge” is a rare phenomenon that happens when the sunset aligns with the city’s east and west streets.
If you’re like us and want to capture the moment, this local photographer shared a few tips on how you too can snap a beautiful picture of the scene.
What is “Torontohenge”?
The jaw-dropping solar display, “Torontohenge,” was named after the same phenomenon in Manhattan called “Manhattanhenge.” This was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, according to The Weather Network.
The sun’s rays between the skyscrapers create an effect similar to Stonehenge, a prehistoric sundial-shaped monument in England, hence the word “henge” in its name.
The spectacular event occurs twice per year at sunrise and twice at sunset, according to civil engineer Ralph Bouwmeester, who specializes in tracking the sun and shadows.
“Although Torontohenge technically falls on the dates given below, great photos can be taken for about a week before the August and October dates and a week after the February and April dates as the rising/setting sun passes over the street,” states Bouwmeester on his official site.
“Not great for driving, but quite a sight just the same.”
You’ll find that local photographers capture some of the most stunning images as the sun sets between buildings on either side of the street of Wellington Street W., King Street W., Adelaide Street W., and Richmond Street W.
“Capturing a fleeting moment”
For Toronto photographer and creative Shahbaz Sheikh, capturing these rare and time-sensitive moments is the thrill. And Torontohenge is one he doesn’t miss.
Sheikh used to be a CPA but ditched the spreadsheets for scenes about five years ago. “My iPhone was actually my first camera! I used it to dabble and practice, and started posting on social media for fun. Next thing you know, my account took on a life of its own, and the rest is sort of history,” Sheikh told Curiocity.
Quitting his job just two years later, Sheikh has garnered over 362,000 followers on Instagram, where he showcases his creativity through the lens. Although he creates all sorts of content through different formats, capturing the Torontohenge is something special.
“As a photographer, one of the concepts that I’m obsessed with is rarity, capturing a fleeting moment, something that you don’t see every day,” shared Sheikh.
“So the ‘Torontohenge’ being an event that only happens twice a year fits that mold perfectly. Also, who doesn’t love an incredible sunset? It’s an excellent way for photographers to challenge themselves in a time-limited environment.”
Tips for snapping Torontohenge
But you don’t need to have a fancy camera to snap the perfect picture. All you need is your phone. Sheikh’s iPhone 17 Pro Max is what he calls one of “the best and most versatile tools” he can use. It all comes down to capturing different perspectives and angles.
“Professional cameras have the downside of having to change lenses to change perspectives, but that takes time, and that’s a luxury you rarely have when capturing a fleeting moment such as this,” he added.
So now that you have your phone on you, where do you go?
“Toronto’s construction season can be rough. Two super popular locations are the Gooderham Building and the Eaton Centre Crossing Bridge on Queen. Both areas are unfortunately under construction this year,” shared Sheikh.
“But fear not, head over to Bay and King this year for an excellent unobstructed corridor of light as the sun begins to set!”
Whether you’re starting off your photography career or simply love taking pictures, you don’t need much to capture a timely moment.
We can’t wait to see the shots you take of “Torontohenge” on Feb. 15.
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