Toronto Reference Library
Designed by Raymond Moriyama and opened in 1977, the Toronto Reference Library contains one of the most dramatic interior atria in the city, a soaring five-storey open space wrapped in warm brick, cascading greenery, and interconnected balconies that beg to be photographed. Head to the upper floors and shoot downward to capture the full depth of the atrium, or position yourself at the lower level and point your lens skyward toward the skylights for a striking geometric composition. A wide-angle lens in the 16-24mm range works well here, and a tilt-shift can help correct converging verticals if you have one available. Natural light from the skylights is softest on overcast days, reducing harsh contrast between shadow and highlight. The library is free to enter and open daily; weekday mornings before the crowds arrive give you the cleanest shots of the space. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
