Interview with Charles Ponte, Toronto Landscape and Cityscape Photographer (Member Feature)
Tdot Shots Five Questions Interview with Charles Ponte
Interview and image selection by Mike Simpson aka @tdot_mike.
About the Photographer
Charles Ponte is a passionate and talented GTA landscape and cityscape photographer who is active in the local photography community. The creator co-hosts events such as a PhotoPills meetup to shoot alignments of the CN Tower and has joined our own Tdot Shots photo walks.
Follow the photographer on Instagram: @charles.ponte.
Who are you?
Hi, I am Charles Ponte, dad to my daughter and husband to my high school sweetheart Nikki! My two best supporters and biggest inspirations!
I was born in Aylmer, Quebec but moved to Barbados when I was five years old and lived there until I was 17 and had finished high school. After that I moved back to Canada, met my wife Nikki, and have now lived here in Toronto for the last 30 years. Barbados will always be a big part of me and who I am but now Toronto is where I feel most at home!
How did you get into photography?
I really just love to be outside and thought it would be fun to capture some of the things I found interesting! I started off taking family photos, landscapes, and a bit of wildlife in Barbados whilst back on vacation. Soon after that I bought my first camera which was a Nikon D7500 and from then on, I took photos of just about everything and wanted to learn as much as I could about photography, which at that point became a bit of an obsession. I loved that when I was outside taking pictures, I could clear my mind of other things and just enjoy the moment.
What do you like to shoot and where?
I enjoy shooting at Tommy Thomson Park and other spots along the lakeshore where I can combine nature and wildlife with the city skyline and lake. I also really enjoy shooting cityscapes and alignments with the moon and sun and venturing into the city from time to time to capture its beautiful architecture and bustling city life!
What gear do you use?
I ‘m currently shooting with a Sony A73 and for lenses I have a 28-70, 70-200 and 200-600
Who are your favorite photographers?
There are so many great photographers in the city, and I like stuff from other cities and counties too, here is a few of my favorites on Instagram right now: @Jungraphy_ @fredrik.axling @viewfinderthis @mindzeye @tylersjourney @kurt.wang @fsbragaphotos
Credits & Thank You
All images by the photographer Charles Ponte.
Thank you Charles for contributing to this series!
Please do follow the artist on IG: @charles.ponte
Love this feature Charles! You have such a sweet diversity in your gallery. Don’t give up the street either! Looking forward to arranging a meetup with you sometime. Cheers for sharing your thoughts for this interview. 👍