Over the weekend I flew to Toronto for a ten-day visit with my family. Ever since I've become an avid Instagrammer, I've become more attuned to the various qualities of light—and being here in the Great White North makes realize how spoiled I am to live in Southern California where the light is nearly always plentiful! Even at peak daytime hours, the winter light is elusive and so different from what I'm accustomed to. 

 

So now not only am I back to square one with my own photos, I've got an even greater respect and admiration for those who live here all the time and use the light to their advantage! Here are three must-follow Instagrammers who make their frigid climes look positively magical. At top is Joe St. Pierre, whose images of his Massachusetts home have both warmth and mystery thanks to deep shadows and rich textures.

Next up is Cider with Salt, the Instagram feed of Sara Michelle who writes a beautiful Minneapolis-based blog of the same name. Clean, clear whites and a dreamy glow characterize her snaps of domestic vignettes. Finally, Jeannemap of Montreal captures crisp, snowy days and finds the beauty in each icy moment! Join me at @citysage on Instagram and see how I adjust to these chilly conditions!