Getting to know the Toronto Sunrise Meetup

It’s all about getting up early to spend quality time with like-minded individuals.

My first sunrise meetup was back in November of 2017. Hoping that more people would join me in this time of wonder, I planned it out so that we could meet at one of the latest times the sun would rise in the year: the last day of daylight savings time.

My intention was to be able to get out at sunrise with more people so that we can all share in the love of photography and Mother Nature’s sunrise. It’s been a lot of fun meeting the greater Toronto photography community as I often don’t get to meet or chat with many people online. Reception has been great over the years with people coming in from as far as Hamilton and London, Ontario.

What happens at these meetups?

While there is no formal lesson plan from myself—it’s a meetup, and not a workshop—anyone is free to ask me any questions should they need. It’s even better if you ask the person standing next to you! We are all here for the same reasons so making unexpected connections like that are welcomed by anybody who attends. If you want to bring props to take photographs you’re more than welcome to do that too.

After the sun has risen over the horizon, we usually gather together for one big group photo.

After the group photo we mingle, exchange contacts, and chat amongst each other. While most people opt to go out for breakfast with their friends new and old, some of us stick around to walk around the park to see what we can find.

Which park do you go to?

The park we meet at will change depending on when the event is held. But suffice it to say, normally these meetups take place at one of the many parks along the lakeshore in the west end of the city.

I try and change parks depending on where the sun will rise that morning. If I can find some additional point of interest, then I will take that into consideration as well.

I don’t own a dSLR or mirrorless camera. Can I still come?

Yes of course! This meetup is open to anybody who wishes to see the sunrise. As a matter of fact, many people just come with their mobile phones and enjoy the company of those around them.

Where do I sign up?

Signing up for these sunrise meetups is not necessary as I do not keep attendance records. If I have a special meetup where attendance needs to be limited, then I will link to the sign up page during my announcement.

When is the next meetup?

If you want to find out when the next Toronto Sunrise Meetup is, you can sign up for my mailing list here:

Generally speaking I will always try and host one in November on the last day of Daylight Savings time. If Ontario decides to scrap DST in 2023, I will most likely still have it at this time before old man winter makes his presence. New for 2022 was the Summer Solstice edition of the Toronto Sunrise Meetup, held in June. It was very well received with about 50 people in attendance so chances are good that I will do another one in June of 2023.

I will also post the details on my instagram account @smaku, but if you’re not engaging with my account, then chances are you will miss the notice. I recommend you just sign up to my mailing list. I only send seasonal newsletters outlining what’s new with me, and any new workshops and/or photowalks that you can join.

---