How to brave Toronto's cold and snap perfect winter photos

Professional photographer Ryan Bolton braves bone-chilling temperatures to take photos of life in Toronto. Want to do the same? Here's how.

Photographers say preparation both in clothing and equipment is key

Adrian Cheung Posted: Jan 04, 2018 8:00 AM EST | Last Updated: January 4, 2018

A frozen-over Lake Ontario reflects the brutally cold winter Toronto has endured to start 2018. (Ryan Bolton)

Toronto is getting ready for another extreme cold warning as temperatures of -30 Care expected between Friday andSaturday, making it as good a time as any to huddle under the covers inside.

Sorry, Toronto. Another cold snap is on the way

But not for Ryan Bolton. The Toronto-based professional photographer, who has a following of thousands on Instagram, braves all seasons including the bone-chilling cold to take the perfect snap.

Bolton dresses to be outside in the cold for hours. (Paul Borkwood/CBC)

"As a photographer, what you want to do is showcase the beauty of this city ... One of the greatest things about the winter is the landscape is constantly changing," Bolton said.

CBCToronto reporter Adrian Cheung went out on a shoot with Bolton Wednesday and got some valuabletips for burgeoning photographers on how to capture that beauty while staying relatively warm.

What to wear

It can take hours to take the perfect shot and Bolton said you have to prepare properly.

A shot Bolton took in front of Toronto's city hall. (Ryan Bolton)

"Dress for something that's even colder than you think it is," he told CBC Toronto.

Bolton sayshe wears multiple layers including an extra fleece sweater, a military grade winter coat, thick toque and gloves.

Photographer Ryan Bolton (left) shows CBC Toronto's Adrian Cheung how to compose the perfect shot during winter. (Paul Borkwood/CBC News)

"A hood [on the jacket] is crucial, especially to keepthe head warm, the rest of the face warm.

What to pack

Camera equipment can be sturdy but in sub-zero temperatures, itcan easily fail too.

The inside of Bolton's bag is packed with extra camera bodies, lenses and wiping cloths. (Paul Borkwood/CBC News)

"I always bring two camera bodies, extra batteries, a variety of lenses and something to clean off in case there's snow or ice on it.

Bolton urges photographers to bring more batteries than they think they'll need, as they are known to quickly deplete in the cold.

Whatmakes winter shootingdifferent?

Despite the threat of frostbite, Bolton said he loves shooting in the winter.

"There's adventure from seeing your city in a different way ... This is a totally different perspective," he said.

Long exposure shots can take a long time but Bolton said they are well worth it. (Ryan Bolton)

He also recommends bringing different lens filters depending on different light and glare given off from snow and ice.

But even winter warriors experienced in preparing for the cold have their limits. Bolton isn't planning to spend time outside if temperatures plungebelow -30 C.

"I'm happy with how things are going [on this shoot]. But those days, it's too cold."

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