Toronto is a hub of photography. In addition to being one of the most photographed cities in the world, some of the best professional and amateur photographers out there can be found roaming our streets with camera in hand. To keep tabs on all this local talent, every Saturday we feature the work of a Toronto-based photographer in our series "Toronto through the lens of."

This week I chatted with Remi Carreiro.

When did you start taking photos, and what inspired you to pick up the camera in the first place?

I began taking photos in the summer 2007 at the age of 16. My first camera was a Nikon D40 with the kit Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6. For the year leading up to my decision to buy a camera I had been following Sam Javanrouh's Daily Dose of Imagery blog religiously. Waking up to see the image of the day and sometimes staying up just late enough to see the next day's image. Needless to say, I was in love with the work. I pretty much started up from there.

I see things as being beautiful and interesting. Photography, to me, has always been about the image and less about its meaning. I just want to share the beauty I find in the things around me. In other words, a new perspective on my surroundings - perspective being a key element of my photography.

What is your favorite subject matter to photograph?

Since day one I wanted to do architectural photography though I am not strictly confined to that. I think just shooting images of Toronto as a whole is fantastic. I've certainly had lulls in my shooting but I always find something new to explore and capture. Whether it is a shot from another photographer or just finding something interesting while travelling around the city, there's always something to see. 'Urban landscape' is the term I've been using for the last while to describe my work.

What are your favorite places to shoot in Toronto?

The city's center is where I like to be most. I live downtown and I just love spending my time exploring it. Skyscrapers, construction, crowds, noise and colour are just some of the things that draw me to it. There is a huge assortment of shapes and lighting around the area, City Hall being of particular interest. It looks fantastic at any time of year.

Additionally, the waterfront is amazing. Recent developments along the eastern waterfront have added great places to shoot and shoot from but the harbourfront has got to be everyone's favourite. I try, as much as I can, to explore this massive city; I ride around on my bike always trying to find interesting spots and attempt to share something that most people most likely haven't seen. I have the good fortune of having occasional access to rooftops and balconies and they always offer up unimaginable views of the city.

If I'm ever in the GTA I definitely enjoy the amount of negative space provided by more spaced out landscapes. Parking lots, plazas and highways all have amazing forms about them and they can definitely be beautiful.

Canon or Nikon?

Ah, the age old question! I shoot Nikon. All you ever hear is "Canon makes printers, Nikon makes optics." I don't really see the justification because from where I stand, it seems that Canon is making huge leaps. Either way, I have been tempted countless times to switch over to Canon simply because of their low-light capabilities - my D200 behaves like film at higher ISOs.

I absolutely love the Canon 5D Mark II but I haven't got deep enough pockets for one and of course, it would be a huge hassle to switch over. A D700 would also due the job just as well. Pick one and stick with it, is what I'd say. The one thing I love about Nikons though, the shutter sound. That never gets old. Canon's all have a plastic and abrasive sound about them. I'll leave it at that.

Previously in the series:

• Toronto through the lens of Miles Storey
• Toronto through the lens of Ryan Raz
• Toronto through the lens of Tong Lam
• Toronto through the lens of Grey Van Der Meer
• Toronto through the lens of Frank Lemire
• Toronto through the lens of Erik M
• Toronto through the lens of Sara Collaton
• Toronto through the lens of Michael Chrisman
• Toronto through the lens of Carl W. Heindl