If you’ve ever had to endure a staged photo shoot you know that grins can quickly turn to grimaces, especially when little ones are involved. Today’s amazing smartphone cameras make it easier than ever to catch captivating candids while your family is out having fun. Plan an outing to these parks, trails, gardens and conservation areas for snap-worthy scenic backdrops that are sure to make your family smile.

GRAND RIVER

The SC Johnson Trail runs 14 kilometres between Paris and Brantford through farm fields and rare prairie grasslands with several scenic vistas overlooking the Grand River. For a fun outing and a great action shot, bring your bikes along and go for a pedal on the packed gravel trail.

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Canada’s largest botanical garden has endless options for scenic backdrops. Let little ones run and climb on the amazing play structure to get their wiggles out and then head to Hendrie Park’s Rose Garden. There you’ll find reflecting ponds, beautiful iron gates, fountains, bridges, and acres of incredible flowers and plants that make great backdrops for group photos.

RATTLESNAKE POINT CONSERVATION AREA

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area in Milton is home to five spectacular lookouts that offer some of the best Niagara Escarpment views. Hike to Buffalo Crag Lookout, Nassagaweya Lookout, Nelson Lookout, Pinnacle Lookout or Trafalgar Lookout for a picture-perfect perch. Watch for turkey vultures soaring in the sky.

QUICK TIPS FOR BETTER SMARTPHONE PICS

Want to snap a smartphone pic that’s worthy of prime holiday card placement? Here are three easy things you can do to score a better shot on your next outdoor adventure.

1. Take a turn
Most of us tend to keep our phones in the vertical position to take pictures simply because that is how we’re used to holding them. Turning your phone to take pictures from the landscape perspective will allow you to capture more background, which is especially important when you have great scenery to share.

2. Think in thirds
Photographers use what’s referred to as “the rule of thirds,” to enhance the composition of their pictures. It’s actually a trick from Renaissance painters that has stood the test of time. Simply put, it involves dividing the picture in your frame into a nine-box grid and then setting up your shot so that the placement of the main subject falls where the lines intersect on either the left or right third of the frame. For a visual guide, go into your phone’s camera settings and ensure that the “grid” preference is turned on.

3. Shoot for the “golden hour”
Just before and just after the sun sets is the perfect time to capture outdoor photos as the light is softer. If your travels have to be mid-day when the daylight is strongest, wait until the sun goes behind the clouds to soften and diffuse the light for better photos.

Don’t keep your great shots to yourself. Share your favourite photos on social media using #NatureUnexpected and be sure to include the location details in the comments.

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Now thru December 31

Home of #99 Taste Adventure

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a five+ hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

Now thru March 28

Special Exhibition: Sound, Just Sound

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

Date & Time: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm Ticket Price: included with regular admission...

March 23 - 24

Visit with the Easter Bunny

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

Date & Time: Mar 23rd & 24th, 10:00am to 4:00pm Event Price: $50.00 One digital...

March 29

Spring Floral Centerpiece Workshop at Steel Wheel Brewery

Steel Wheel Brewery

105 Powerline Rd, Brantford, ON N3T 5L8

Date & Time: Mar 29th, 7:00pm - 9:00pm Workshop Cost: $75.00 + Tax Cost includes...

Now thru December 31

Private Date Night Painting for 2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Whenever Date Night is! Event Price: $165.00 + hst per couple.

March 24 - 26

Simply Be: SOOTH

Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre

1 Bethel Rd, Paris, ON N3L 3E3

Date & Time: Mar 24th to 26th, Starting Sunday at 3:00pm Retreat Fee: $556.00 for...

Now thru June 1

Sung Tieu – Civic Floor

Oakville Galleries

Oakville Galleries, 120 Navy Street Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4

Dates & Times: Feb 3rd - Jun 1st, 10:00am to 5:00pm Closed on Sundays +...

Now thru March 29

Maple Syrup Season at Westfield

Westfield Heritage Village

1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON, L0R 1X0

Event Dates; March 3, 10, 13, 14, 17, 24, 29, 31 Free for HCA Membership...

April 13

Sugarbush Wagon Rides At Terra Cotta Conservation

Terra Cotta Conservation Area

14452 Winston Churchill Boulevard, Halton Hills, ON, L0P 1N0

Date: Apr 13th Times: 4:30pm to 7:30pm with rides every half hour Price: $20.00 each...

May 18 - October 13

On The Water with Six Nations Tourism

Six Nations Tourism

2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0

Season Dates: May 18th to Oct 13th Length: 3 hours. All tours must be booked...

Now thru June 30

MYndful Movement: Stretch, Gentle Yoga, Qigong, Mindfulness

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre

1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd E, Oakville, ON L6H 7B2

Dates & Times: Every Thursday, 7:00pm to 8:00pm Class Costs: Drop-In: $20 6 class package:...

Now thru December 31

‘To Market We Go’ – Brantford & Brant

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This Tasty Road Trips Tour is a full-day trip experience with a customized...

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