It was a bright and sunny day the morning I arrived at HTO Park to depart on my first-ever sailing tour around Toronto. My talented friend, Jazmina Alzaiat who is a professional lifestyle photographer, approached me to go on a sailboat shoot just a few days earlier and without hesitation, I jumped at the opportunity. It was something I’d never done before so as soon as I heard the words sailboat and photoshoot together, I was more than happy to play model for the day. What proceeded onwards was one of the most magical days I’ve had in awhile – a perfect end to an unpredictable but eventful summer.

 

We left promptly from the pier at 9AM in a small sailboat operated by the multi-talented, Alexander. He was not only responsible for giving us a taste of sailing life but also helped take many behind-the-scenes shots while we worked. Turns out he actually went to film school so he was a natural when taking videos for us. We were going for a Ralph Lauren themed shoot that day and I believe we nailed it. Dressed in an all-white jumpsuit and matching straw hat against the backdrop of Lake Ontario, I felt like I’d come straight out of a Ralph Lauren ad. Jazmina did an amazing job in making me feel like such a model that I probably could’ve posed for hours. She even got me to teeth smile the whole day – something that I rarely do.

 

We weren’t expecting nice, let alone perfect weather that day. In my mind, I was expecting to be thrown around by the wind as we sailed around the lake but we lucked out this time. It was absolutely gorgeous as the sun beamed down on us, making me feel like I was in the Caribbean somewhere getting my tan on. The water also never looked more beautiful during those two hours; it was a sparkling shade of blue, as if coming straight out of a dream. Was this even real life? In that moment, life felt too good to be true and it sure looks like it from the hundreds of shots we took on that beautiful August morning.

Wearing: Wilfred Jumpsuit | Jenny Bird Earrings | Welly Merck Watch | Kate Spade Necklace

 

Although I loved the continuous modelling I got to do while sailing, one of the highlights of the day was actually when we switched roles and I got to be the photographer for a moment. I didn’t know what I was signing up for apparently because as soon as Jazmina handed me the camera, I was instantly weighed down by the ten pounds that was her Nikon D850 with 24-70mm lens. My arms got quite the workout for the whole five minutes that I tried to balance the camera, while keeping the shot in focus and framed properly. Note to self: being a professional photographer takes a whole lot of muscle as well as mad skills. Check out the shot I took of Jazmina down below!

 

This shoot was really different from anything I’d done before. We were aiming for a lifestyle shoot so it was less fashion-esque from my usual content. That’s the reason for the big smiles, which I’d never done so much of in my life. Other than smiling for the shoot, I think I was just happy to be having that experience in the first place so in actuality, it didn’t take that much effort to look as happy as I felt.

The price for a sailing tour isn’t cheap but if let’s say, you’re booking a romantic date for a special occasion, the price is pretty worth it because how often do you get to go sailing around Toronto? For those dying to do a sailing tour yourself, go check out Jazmina and Alexander’s new Airbnb experience that gives you an hour and half sailing experience with a professional photoshoot included! You can even try your hand at sailing under Alexander’s guidance for the price of $250 per person.

 

After circling around Lake Ontario for a bit, bathing in that natural sunlight and breathing in that fresh summer air, we approached Toronto Island – our final destination. Alexander dropped us off at Hanlan’s Point – known as Toronto’s only nude beach – and we were off on our next adventure. We did a second impromptu shoot on the beach, which reached scorching hot temperatures that day. My feet burned just from walking on the sand and I regretted so badly for not bringing my swimwear. However, I did change into my mauve slip dress to get some pretty beach shots. It was my first time wearing this dress from Aritzia, which became a perfect match against the dreamy blue sky. After that, we packed up and rode the ferry back to Toronto.

Wearing: Babaton Slip Dress | Jenny Bird Earrings

 

The whole entire sailing tour with travel time back to the city took about three and a half hours. I was completely exhausted after that; we’d just spent three of those hours taking photos from various angels, positions and locations. If you’re going on a sailing tour yourself, make sure to pack a snack or light meal because there aren’t many food options on the island. I’d only brought water with me that day but good thing the ferry ride back is only about twenty minutes so we grabbed lunch right after near the harbourfront.

Looking through my favourite shots from that day, they were actually the close-ups of me sitting on the ledge just seemingly enjoying life. Jazmina is so talented for her portrait shots that I was pretty impressed with what she got me to do that day. Out of all the shoots I’ve done to date, this was probably the most rewarding as a blogger. I’m pretty sure I’ll be physically printing and framing these photos from our end-of-summer sailing trip. I just love how she captured me in a completely different light, one that I’m not used to – I call it my happy and free self. Maybe I should go sailing more often?

 

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Photography by Jazmina Alzaiat

www.jazminaalzaiat.com
IG: @jazminaphoto
AirBnb Sailing Experience