Case Study: Sunrise Over Lake Ontario – A Personal Passion Project
The Vision
This was more than just a series and photography project - it was moments of presence, connection, and peace. A passion project rooted in my love for capturing the subtle beauty of nature, the quiet power of a sunrise, and the way these elements influence our well-being.
Standing by the water’s edge as the first rays of light break over Lake Ontario, I feel a deep connection to the world - a kind of stillness that resets everything. Dr. Laurie Santos, cognitive scientist and professor at Yale, talks about how
🌳 “we often overestimate the power of external achievements and underestimate the simple joys that bring true happiness.”
This series was about that: a simple joy, a quiet moment, a deep breath before the day begins.
The Science of Sunlight & Water
I’ve always been fascinated by the neuroscience of happiness, and this project allowed me to intentionally create an experience that aligned with that science.
Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford, speaks on the importance of natural light exposure:
☀️ "Morning sunlight sets our circadian rhythm, boosts dopamine, and enhances mood and focus throughout the day."
The idea that something as simple as watching the sunrise can prime our brain for clarity and energy is powerful. There’s a reason why I’m drawn to these moments and why I wanted to capture them in a way that feels immersive and real.
Similarly, Wallace J. Nichols, in Blue Mind, describes the unique effects of water on our well-being:
🌊 "Being near, in, on, or under water can provide a sense of calm and clarity, reducing stress and increasing happiness."
It’s no coincidence that so many of us feel at peace near the ocean, a lake, or a river. There’s something deeply primal and restorative about it.
The Importance of Happiness
Happiness has always been an important part of my life—not in a way that demands constant joy, but in a way that makes space for fulfillment, purpose, and presence. Dr. Joe Dispenza, known for his work on neuroplasticity, says:
🧠 "Where you place your attention is where you place your energy. If you’re constantly focused on stress, that’s what you’ll experience. But if you focus on gratitude, beauty, and possibility, your brain rewires itself to see more of it."
I don’t need to be happy all the time, but I refuse to live in unhappiness. This project was a reminder of that—a chance to intentionally seek out beauty, presence, and peace.
Final Thoughts
Photography is about capturing moments, but this project was about experiencing them, too. As the sky shifted from deep blues to soft oranges, I wasn’t just behind the camera—I was connected to something bigger than myself. And maybe that’s what happiness really is: not chasing, but noticing.
The Approach
☀️ Golden Hour Light – Flying at dawn to capture the first rays of sunlight painting the water in soft hues.
🌊 Stillness & Serenity – Composing shots that emphasize the vastness and tranquility of the lake.
🎥 Emotion in Every Frame – More than just visuals, each shot is about the emotions tied to those quiet, reflective moments.
🌊 Stillness & Serenity – Composing shots that emphasize the vastness and tranquility of the lake.
🎥 Emotion in Every Frame – More than just visuals, each shot is about the emotions tied to those quiet, reflective moments.
