At First Sight: A Winnipeg Photographer Is Passionate about Showing the Beauty of His City

In a world where bustling metropolises often steal the limelight, gems are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be explored. One such treasure is Winnipeg, a city often overlooked but brimming with unparalleled charm. Amidst the misconceptions lies a captivating cityscape, and one man has made it his mission to showcase its splendour to the world.

Meet Anthony Urso, a passionate content creator and Winnipeg enthusiast whose love for his city knows no bounds.

“I’m not gonna sit here and tell everybody it’s the most spectacular city; it’s certainly not,” admits Anthony, acknowledging the city’s less-than-glamorous reputation. “Winnipeg has such a bad rap in most of the outside world, but once you actually stay here and live here and get to know the people, it really is an awesome place to be.”

In his quest to reveal Winnipeg’s authentic charm, Anthony organizes photo walks, inviting fellow enthusiasts to explore the city together. Through these experiences, he aims to redefine the narrative surrounding Winnipeg. “One of my goals is just to show Winnipeg to the world and all the beauty it can offer,” he explains with a smile.

When asked about his favourite spot in the city, Anthony’s eyes light up with enthusiasm as he talks about the Exchange District. “I always call it our mini New York,” he shares. The Exchange District, Winnipeg’s heritage center, boasts timeless architecture, with brick-and-mortar buildings that echo the elegance of a bygone era. “It has that New York feel… that warmth, energy, and artistic background,” he adds, emphasizing the district’s cultural significance.

What sets Winnipeg apart, according to Anthony, is not just its physical beauty but also the warmth of its people. “Friendly Manitoba,” as proudly proclaimed on license plates, isn’t just a phrase; it’s a way of life. The community here is not just friendly but also helpful and welcoming, embodying the spirit of the city.

Winnipeg, Anthony believes, strikes a perfect balance. Unlike the chaotic hustle of larger cities like Vancouver and Toronto, Winnipeg offers everything one needs without feeling overwhelmed. “It’s beautiful, and, personally, those big cities, they’re just so chaotic and so difficult to get around. Winnipeg is a big enough city that it has absolutely everything you need, but it’s not so big that you feel like it’s chaotic. It’s just the perfect size in my mind.”

In Anthony’s lens, Winnipeg isn’t just a city; it’s a canvas of experiences waiting to be explored. His passion for this hidden gem has transformed misconceptions into admiration, showcasing Winnipeg’s unique allure to the world. As he continues to organize photo walks and share the stories of the city’s inhabitants, he invites everyone to look beyond the stereotypes and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary. After all, in Winnipeg’s unassuming corners, there lies a beauty that captures the heart and soul of every visitor, proving that sometimes, the most enchanting love stories begin “At First Sight.”

–Yuliia Kovalenko, U Multicultural