(I share links at the end of this post.)
Toronto in Turquoise
This blog post is about Lomography Turquoise XR film.
It is one of several film types that shift colours.
In this case it really highlights orange and turquoise.
Reflective City #2
Lomography states that this film:
"...turns yellows and reds into blues, blues into yellows and bright oranges, while greens and greys turn into emeralds."
Every strongly coloured scene presents an opportunity.
I took Turquoise to the Beach...
Leuty Lifeguard Station
Analogue photography naturally delivers surprises.
You wait for the film to be developed and then discover what the image actually looks like.
Colour-shifting films like Lomography Turquoise provide an extra level of surprise.
Turquoise film can add a whole new look to a portrait...
Thanks to My Pal Sammy for playing along!
I put Lomography Turquoise in my Sprocket Rocket Camera...
Sunshine on Leuty
The historic and scenic R.C Harris Water Treatment Plant
Beach by the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
Good Food (aka "The Goof")
Main Street Bridge
Land - featured in PhotoED Magazine's 2024 Land Issue.
I naturally took a few photos at my favourite summer event - the Canadian National Exhibition.
Icee
Midway Light
I strolled with Turquoise near OCAD...
And then visited the Art Gallery of Ontario...
Corner of Dundas & McCaul
Click here to read the fascinating story of this sculpture by Brian Jungen.
It feels a bit subversive, but I dared to shift the colours on paintings by Group of Seven painter Lawren Harris...
...but isn't all art a bit subversive?
Paintings by Lawren Harris at the Art Gallery of Ontario
I went on a road trip to NYC and put Lomography Turquoise in an untested compact camera.
The camera clearly had some light leak issues, but I still appreciate how the images looked...
Orchard Street Blues
Place of Rebirth
New Yorker
A nature reserve in Woodstock, NY
Ford Tough - Woodstock, NY
A few from back home in Toronto...
Installations for the Luminato Festival.
I'll end with images from one of my favourite cities, Montréal, Québec, Canada...
Monsieur Rose et Monsieur Vert
Art known as Le Mignonisme by artist Philippe Katerine.
Click here to see my Montréal on Film blog post.
Societé de Transport
A few scenes in Old Montréal...
Marché Bonsecours
Land Back
Click here to learn more about the Land Back movement.
Montreal has a wonderful Mural Festival that happens in June.
Chameleon on Wheels
La Femme Cachée
Steven and an adorable Corgi named Cashew
Everyday Sunday
Aux Merveilleux
Sanctuaire
Inclusion & Diversité
Inclusion and diversity feels like a good place to end.
As promised, here are blog posts about about some other unique film types...
- Seeing Red: Lomography Redscale XR FIlm
- Purple Poses - Lomography Purple XR Film
- Colours of Coney Island - Captured on Revelog Kolor Film
Click here to see my other film related blog posts.
Click here to see more on Instagram.
If you are interested in prints of any images, please message me here.
Thank you for looking!
]]>Here are some of my favourite colour film photos of 2024...
Beach Chairs - Fujicolor 400
Sun on Sun - Fujicolor 400
Furniture - Fujicolor 200
Tracy Hardware - Fujicolor 200
There were many prominent and important protests in 2024.
Free Navalny - Fujicolor 200
Tragically, Alexei Navalny was killed in prison shortly after I took this photo.
No More Genocide - Fujicolor 200
Censored - Fujicolor 200
I was told that each of the people featured on his sign were silenced or censored for their views.
Detour - Kodak Ektar 100
Picture in Picture - Kodak Ektar 100
The eclipse in April 2024 was quite an event...
Take Me With You - Kodak Gold 200
My sons and friends posing with Colin Bolton, holding his sign saying "Take me with you", in Riverdale Park East.
Click here to see more photos from the eclipse viewing event.
Empori Rugs - Fujicolor 200
Final Discount - Kodak Portra 800
Click here to see more images taken with the Lomography Sprocket Rocket camera.
Night time is a fun time for film...
Massey Hall Snowfall - Reflx Lab 800
Imperial Pub - Reflx Lab 800
Jewels - Reflx Lab 800
Hot Dog $ - Reflx Lab 800
Double Skyline - Reflx Lab 800
A double exposure of the Skyline Restaurant neon sign and store window, done in-camera with my Nikon F80.
Roncesvalles Lights - Reflx Lab 800
Hey Player - Cinestill 800t
Click here to see more night scenes created with Cinestill Film.
Night Train - Cinestill 400D
Inspired by Bruce Cockburn's fantastic song, Night Train.
Best Limbs Forward - Colour Edition - Kodak Ektar 100
(See a B&W version of this image in my Year in Black and White Film - 2024 Edition blog post)
Blank Canvas - Kodak Ektar 100
Colours of Love - Kodak Ektar 100
Meeting Place - Kodak Ektar 100
I love meeting people as I explore various neighbourhoods of Toronto.
Here are some of the good people I was fortunate to connect with in 2024.
Andrew (The Smile) - Roncesvalles - Kodak Ektar 100
Georgia - Caribbean Queen of Patties - Kodak Gold 200
Click here to see more photos of Georgia.
Jean - McCaul St - Kodak Ektar 100
Click here to see more images of Jean.
Tristan - Trinity Bellwoods Park - Kodak Ektar 100
Click here to see more cherry blossom moments in Trinity Bellwoods Park.
Elvis - Church Street - Kodak Ektar 100
Sgt Thompson - Queen and Jarvis - Kodak Ektar 100
Construction, or deconstruction, often gets my attention...
Nothing to See Here - Flic Film 250D
Blame - Kodak Ektar 100
End of an Era - Kodak Pro Image 100
Choices - Kodak Gold 200
Adventures in Wonderland - Kodak Gold 200
I'm looking forward to weather like this again, where umbrellas shade you from the sun...
Summer in the Square I - Kodak Gold 200
Summer in the Square II - Kodak Gold 200
Bikes keep finding their way into my photos! 🤷🏻♂️😊
Smoke & Variety - Kodak Ektar 100
Unisex Haircut - Kodak Ektar 100
St. James Welcome - Kodak Ektar 100
Acadia Art & Prints - Kodak Pro Image 100
Wheels Up Danforth - Kodak Gold 200
Grow A Pair - Kodak Ektar 100
Some bikes are especially cool...
Three Wheels East - Kodak Ektar 100
Genevieve and Bike - Kodak Gold 200
Electric scooters also catch my eye...
Layers of Red - Kodak Ektar 100
This is Paradise - Kodak Gold 200
Life is Sweet - Artwork by Benny Bing at Craig's Cookies, Queen & Logan - Flic Film 250D
Stay Puft - Ontario Ghostbusters at Stan Wadlow Park on Canada Day - Flic Film 250D
I Couldn't Picture This - Kodak Pro Image 100
Double exposure of artwork on a King Street East construction hoarding (I couldn't find the artist's name) and the Toronto skyline.
Made in camera with my Nikon FE.
Strength of a Dynasty - Kodak Portra 160
WKRP in Cincinnati - Kodak Ektar 100
Sun and Spheres - Kodak Gold 200
Keele Station Lookout - Kodak Portra 160
Gotta Go! - Kodak Portra 160 - Ace Hotel
Taken in late October during a photo walk put on by Cinestill Film, Downtown Camera and Graination.
Click here to see more images from the walk.
One last photo before I go - a fun moment on New Year's Eve in Montréal...
Vive le Montréal! - Psychedelic Blues film #5 (my son gave me a roll of this fun film as a birthday gift)
Click here to see more images taken by me with this unique film.
I am thankful for all the adventures I had in 2024. Thank you for sticking with me and following my journey!
To see more of my favourite colour film photos from previous years, click any of the below links:
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
All of my past film photo blog posts can be found here.
Follow me on Instagram to see a wider variety of images - both film and digital.
Thanks for looking!
]]>This post shares some of my favourite black and white film photos made in 2024.
Thanks for joining! Let's get started...
Bike and Bird - Lomography Potsdam 100
Tracy Hardware - Fomapan 200
Winter Chairs - Fomapan 200
No Bills - Fomapan 200
This cafe near Bloor and Dundas St W has such a great atmosphere...
AM Coffee Studio - Fomapan 200
In January 2024 I documented some moments of a protest in support of the Palestinian people.
Don't Normalize Genocide - Fomapan 200
Jews Say No - Fomapan 200
Silence is a Sickness - Fomapan 200
I remain moved by the horrendous suffering in the Middle East.
Let Our Children Live - Fomapan 200
Sometimes a window display catches my eye...
Magic Box - Fomapan 400
I often meet interesting people while on my photo walks.
Dr. Kashyap, seen below, was definitely one of the most interesting people I have met.
I hope to write more about him later, but I loved how he passionately called his career "a matter of fate and destiny". I felt the same way about my chance meeting with him!
Dr. Kashyap - Fomapan 400
With old school Toronto venues becoming increasingly rare, I find myself returning to capture ones that are still around...
The Worst Lap Dance (Filmore's Hotel) - Fomapan 400
The annual Winter Stations at Woodbine Beach are always a joy to explore.
View From Inside A UFO - Kodak Tri-X 400
(One of my favourite Winter Stations of 2024.)
Bobbin - Kodak Tri-X 400
(Another fantastic Winter Station of 2024.)
Winter Garden Lights - Kentmere 400
Tre Mori Bakery - Kentmere 400
Mi Mi Restaurant - Kentmere 400
Red Rocket Coffee - Ilford HP5+ 400
A Great Pairing - Ilford HP5+ 400
(Frank and Oak and Jimmy's Coffee, 735 Queen Street West)
Convexion I - Ilford HP5+ 400
Convexion II - Ilford HP5+ 400
A few favourites from my trip to Detroit in April 2024...
Love You Larry - Kodak Double-X 5222 250 ISO
Culture - Kodak Double-X 5222 250 ISO
Phil at the Fox and My Pal Sammy - Kodak Double-X 5222 250 ISO
For more about Detroit, please see my two blog posts:
Detroit City I: Art & Architecture
Detroit City II: People and Places
I had the opportunity to document some of the Art Gallery of Ontario staff as they picketed.
Fair Pay Not Peanuts - Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400
Beaux-Arts - Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400
Waiting at St. George - Kodak Double-X 5222 250 ISO
Imperial Pub - Kodak Double-X 5222 250 ISO
Change Is Constant - Ferrania P30
Solitude - Ferrania P30
Hands Off Poor Neighbourhoods - Ferrania P30
Learn more about this meaningful protest at 230fightback.com.
The Phoenix Concert Theatre - Ferrania P30
This historic concert venue was scheduled to close but will now stay open until 2026.
Best Limbs Forward - Ferrania P30
Emo Night at The Velvet - Ferrania P30
I love visiting Montreal. Here are a few images I captured there, several which feature crosswalks...
Viennoiseries - Reflx Lab Double-X 250
Why Fly? - Reflx Lab Double-X 250
Mile End Crossing - Rollei Paul & Reinhold 640
Inside and Out - Rollei Paul & Reinhold 640
Back in Toronto, City Hall is always an interesting place...
Happy Day - Rollei Superpan 200
The Archer - Rollei Superpan 200
The Archer is a sculpture by Henry Moore. Click the above link to my Instagram post for a few more details.
Moments of serendipity...
Lost & Found - Rollei Superpan 200
Cornering the Market - Rollei Superpan 200
Centre Shadows - Ilford FP4 120 format - Diana F+ Camera
(Lower level of The Eaton Centre)
Woodbine Wheels - Ilford FP4 120 format - Diana F+ Camera
LANDBACK - Kodak T-Max 400
Keele Street Blues - Kodak T-Max 400
Union Station Shadows - Kodak T-Max 400
Sometimes someone looks so stylish, you have to stop and chat - and then take their photo...
Roan and his Bike - Kodak T-Max 400
(I later shared photos with Roan, who loved how they turned out.)
Sometimes you encounter a photographer so full of energy, you're left amazed!
That's what happened when, while leading a photo workshop, I encountered James in Kensington Market. Wow, what a personality!
James in the Market - Kodak T-Max 400
James definitely knows how to talk people up and to get them to pose for his two cameras. If you see James, say hi from me! :)
I'll end with something patriotic, seeing as our country is being denigrated by our southern neighbour.
The historic Princes' Gates with a row of Canada flags flying proudly.
Princes' Gates - Kodak T-Max 400
Here are two websites to help Canadians and friends/allies to stand up for Canada:
For more black and white film photos, here are my favourites from previous years:
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
All of my past film photo blog posts can be found here.
Click here to see my favourite photo moments of 2024.
Follow me on Instagram to see a wider variety of images - both film and digital.
Thanks for looking!
]]>
Beach Chairs - Fujicolor 400 - January 2024
This is my annual look back at favourite photo moments of the past year.
Thanks for joining me! Let's jump right in!
1. Meeting People / People Portraits
I aim to do a photo walk at least once a week.
One of the great pleasures of exploring any neighbourhood is meeting the people who make that area unique.
This past year was again a real gift in terms of meeting people. Here are but a few of the good people I was able to photograph.
Tsering in the Square
Assim with his 1964 Thunderbird (see more on Instagram) - Kentmere 400 film
Tristan in Trinity Bellwoods Park - Kodak Ektar 100
In late 2024 I acquired a portrait lens - one that I had wanted for a long time.
Soon after getting the lens - thanks to a quick string of serendipity - I was able to take portraits of three people I met in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood, all within a very short space of time.
L-R: Deniz, Muhammed and AC Peterson (See this Instagram post for details.)
2. Non Profit Work
I had the pleasure of working with several non-profit organizations in 2024.
A real highlight was working with The Neighbourhood Group Community Services documenting many of their programs in photos for use on their website and annual report.
The Neighbourhood Group Community Services 2023-2024 annual report.
(cover image and many photos in the report taken by yours truly)
I have a long background of helping non-profit organizations tell their story visually. If I can be of service this way for you or your organization, please send me a message and I'd be happy to help.
3. Feature with PhotoED and Tamron
Thanks to PhotoED Magazine and Tamron Americas I was given the opportunity to borrow a lens - the 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di VXD for Nikon Z mount.
Here are a few photos I took with this lens...
A view of the Dufferin Gate leading into The Exhibition grounds.
Captain Chris Markham and his crew pose for a moment on Tecumseth Street near Queen Street West.
I loved using this lens. It is so versatile - perfect for event photography - capable of capturing a group photo and then zooming in for a close-up.
Ajeuro - one of the excellent staff at Downtown Camera.
Many thanks to Rita Godlevkis, the editor of PhotoED Magazine, for sharing an interview with me about my photography and my use of this lens.
(Cette interview est également disponible en français.)
4. Film
2024 was another strong year for me of shooting film.
I shot quite a few rolls with an Olympus Pen EE-3 half frame camera...
Lover - Kentmere 400 film
I shot more panoramic images with my Lomography Sprocket Rocket.
Final Discount - Kodak Portra 800 film
In late October I joined a photo walk run by Cinestill Film, Downtown Camera and Graination.
Cinestill Photo Walk - Kodak Portra 160 (taken by me using a fisheye lens)
Many photographers took part and the range of film cameras on display was very impressive.
Toronto photographer Neill Sturgess, taken during the photo walk. Kodak Portra 160
View from the Ace Hotel, where we ended the photo walk. Kodak Portra 160
Thanks to Cinestill, Downtown Camera and Graination for the fun!
- Click here to see my favourite black and white film photos of 2024
- Click here to see my favourite colour film photos of 2024
- Or click here to see my favourite film photos from past years!
5. Travel
There is nothing like travel to stimulate the senses and to encourage creativity.
Here are some of the places I was fortunate to visit in 2024.
- Detroit
In the spring my friend Sammy and I went to Detroit.
Mural by Ryan Doyle in Detroit's Eastern Market.
There was so much to see and do that I wrote two blog posts about it.
The first post covers Art & Architecture.
A beautiful mural by @hera_herakut in downtown Detroit.
The second post covers People and (Unique) Places.
Nate and his dog Prince
Youana and Brotherly
I may have a third Detroit blog post to share! Stay tuned!
- NYC
In June my sons and I did a road trip to New York City.
We had so much fun along the way, and while there, visiting places they wanted to go to, and a few of my favourites also. :)
My sons looking into the Oculus.
Watching fireworks at the end of a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game in Coney Island.
Sea Beach - an exhibit by Ismail Ferdous, 2023 winner of the Leica Oskar Barnack award, on display at the now closed Leica store in Soho.
- Southern France
Speaking of sea beach... my wife and I had the unique opportunity of visiting southern France in September.
We had no such plans earlier in the year, but when a good friend invited us to celebrate a big birthday in a very special way, we just had to go!
Antibes Pier - Kodak Portra 160
Nice Umbrellas - Kodak Fuji Velvia 100
The birthday celebrations, the local culture and the climate were wonderful experiences. I will have to share more photos from this trip!
Click here to see my travel photography blog posts!
6. Photo Workshops
I had the privilege of running personal street photo workshops with a number of talented people throughout 2024.
Visitors from Vancouver, California, as well as fellow residents of southern Ontario trusted me to help them learn principles and approaches to street photography.
If this interests you, please get in touch. More info can be found on my website here.
7. Photo Exhibits
2024 was the first year in a while that I did not have a solo photo exhibit.
It was good to have time to recharge and to develop vision and energy for a future exhibit. (One is coming in 2025!)
Several of my photographer friends had exhibits 2024. Here are a few that I enjoyed attending...
- Faysal Derrar
I enjoyed visiting Faysal's solo show titled "Meet Oran in Toronto" which featured images from Oran, Algeria. Beautiful work Faysal!
Click here to visit Faysal's website and here for his Instagram account.
- Alan Bulley
I really enjoyed seeing Landscapings, a Contact Photo Exhibit put on by Alan Bulley and two other Ottawa area photographers.
Alan Bulley is also a writer for PhotoED Magazine.
Click here to see Alan's website and here for his Instagram account.
- Simon Remark
I loved seeing Simon Remark's exhibit titled "Close to Home" at 99 Frames.
Check out Simon's photography site here and his Instagram here.
- Vivian Maier
Another exhibit I saw in 2024, that I must mention, is Vivian Maier: Unseen Work at Fotografiska in New York City.
My sons viewing a Vivian Maier self portrait.
It was very impressive to see prints of Maier's work - and her Rolleiflex camera - in person.
In early 2024 I read Vivian Maier Developed - a very well researched book by Ann Marks about the life of the once unknown photographer. If you appreciate Maier's work, or reading unique biographies, you will enjoy this book.
8. Interesting Photo Assignments/Events
- The Solar Eclipse
Like so many photographers I had to go watch the solar eclipse in April 2024.
People awaiting the eclipse on the hillside in Riverdale Park East.
I didn't point my camera skywards very much (long lenses and special filters are needed to do so successfully - and many did an excellent job at that), but I was definitely intrigued by what was happening here on earth during this celestial event.
Excited viewers of the eclipse
One playful person (named Colin Bolton) held up a sign during the eclipse that says Take Me With You. My sons and their friends joined in and struck a pose with him.
See more of my Eclipse photos on Instagram here.
In July I had a great time joining a bus full of media folks heading up to the Highland Cinemas to watch a screening of the film The Movie Man.
The Movie Man tells the story of how Keith Stata built an unlikely multiplex movie theatre in Kinmount, Ontario (cottage country).
Highland Cinemas is amazing - a place that must be seen and experienced - full of so much movie memorabilia. Many elements of the building are rescued from shuttered cinemas around North America and possibly beyond.
Sammy Younan Interviewing Ed Robertson of the Bare Naked Ladies, Executive Producer, Matt Finlan, Director,
and Keith Stata, founder of Highland Cinemas and star of The Movie Man.
Click here to hear Sammy's interview with Keith Stata and to read more about the film and Highland Cinemas.
Thanks to the Hollywood Suite, who aired The Movie Man on their channels in Canada, for organizing the trip to seeing the film - and to My Pal Sammy for helping me join in to capture the experience!
Turner Classic Movies has previously broadcast the Movie Man in the United States and hopefully will do so again.
- TIFF
Speaking of movies... I shot a couple of red carpet events at TIFF in September 2024.
- The launch of Dullsville and the Doodleverse
L-R: Doodles CEO Julian Holguin, Pharell Williams and Director Burnt Toast
Here's a great write-up about the Dullsville and Doodleverse launch event with more photos and videos on My Pal Sammy's site.
I had a wonderful time meeting and photographing the cast, production team and associated supporters of I Am No Queen.
Group photo of cast, production team and supporters of I Am No Queen
- Meeting fellow photographers
While at TIFF I also had the pleasure of meeting these two talented photographers...
We bumped into each other on King Street West and hit it off thanks to Saul Porto's playful conversation starters. (I observed him in action applying this skill several times while we were together.)
Saul and Brent are incredibly talented and both very fun to talk to. Check out their excellent work at the above links.
At one point while we were talking, there was a buzz and some commotion, and then a large group of people came walking towards us, heading into Roy Thomson Hall. One of them can be seen in the below photo...
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was heading into an event. Saul Porto managed to get a handshake, and I got the photo...
Saul Porto shaking hands with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
A fun moment. One of many I experienced at TIFF.
Perhaps I will do more TIFF events in the future!
- Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift mania took over Toronto and I naturally had to capture some of it.
See more of the Swiftie-mania on my Instagram here.
9. Arts Fairs and Markets
I again did a range of art shows and markets throughout 2024, in the fall in particular.
At one of my favourite events - the annual Danforth East Arts Fair in September 2024.
If you are looking for artwork for your home or office, or as a gift, please keep me in mind.
My art images and many photos on my blog posts and Instagram feed are available as framed prints.
I also offer photo art bags and pillows. If you see something you like, just send me a message and I'd be happy to help!
10. New Year's Even in Montreal!
My family and I mixed things up and headed to Montreal for a few nights over New Year's.
A display inside of Studio Argentique - one of my favourite Montreal camera stores.
Pizza and Poutine - Montreal
This was our first time celebrating New Year's Eve as a family outside of Toronto.
Old Montreal and the Port were packed with music and activities. It was a lot of fun!
A few Montreal police officers and I - taken with the unique Psychedelic Blues Film #5.
I am thankful for all the opportunities and adventures of 2024. Thanks for joining me in this journey!
Click here to see my highlights from previous years.
Click here to see my film photography blog posts.
Click here to follow me on Instagram.
]]>
In my last post I shared some of my favourite street art & architecture. This post is all about people and some unique places in this great city.
Easy Peasy. A bar that is now open in downtown Detroit.
Alright, lets jump in.
My friend Sammy and I rolled into Detroit early one afternoon in April 2024 with an appetite. Our goal was to have a Coney Island dog or two for lunch.
We parked nearby and noticed someone standing with his bike and holding a camera - two things I love, so naturally I started a conversation.
That's how we met Quinten...
Quinten is one of Detroit's super creative souls. Check his Instagram and see. He knows Toronto too, and talked about some of the cycling routes that he'd like to ride in my home city. I was impressed, and even more so when I saw his photography.
Meeting Quinten was a fantastic kickoff to our trip, but the story gets even better. I'll share more later in this post.
The Coney Island dogs hit the spot.
BTW, there are two Coney Island dog shops in downtown Detroit - Lafayette and American - and both make an appearance in the recent Beverly Hills Cop 4 movie.
After lunch we met Nate and his dog Prince.
Nate was super friendly and happy to talk. Prince was a little unsure and came in for a closer inspection.
Later that same afternoon, while heading to see a cool clothing shop called Xhibition, we noticed two fashionable people walking in the same direction. We all arrived at the store only to find it closed. We started talking, and so got to meet Youana and Brotherly.
Youana and Brotherly are both involved with fashion, and it clearly shows.
After talking for a bit, we exchanged Instagram accounts. (Youana is the owner and creative force behind @cairoscreative and Brotherly is a creative director involved with multiple projects.)
After finding my account Brotherly looked up at me in surprise: "You know Quinten?!!". (Instagram showed that we have one friend in common: Quinten!) I was equally surprised. Meeting three super creative people in one day was great, but finding out that they know each other was rather amazing.
While exploring the epic architecture of Detroit we met Commissioner Tim Killeen of the Wayne County Commission (Tim can actually be seen in my previous Detroit blog post, in very small scale beneath the awning in front of the majestic entrance to the Guardian Building.)
Tim has a long and distinguished career in civil service. He was happy to talk and to have me take his photo.
We got outside of the downtown core for a couple of adventures. One was trying out Vicki's BBQ at 3845 W Warren Ave.
All I can say is wow! The atmosphere in this place was so old school. No tables - just a single bench to sit on while waiting for your food.
The language and salty dialogue between the staff person serving the food and her boss and the customers - it was all very fun.
While waiting for our orders, I had the chance to talk with two older men who had each been coming for many years, if not decades, to Vicki's BBQ. They had lots of good things to say about the place. Vicki's was established in 1964, so they clearly are doing something right.
Yours truly making a complete mess of myself. (No regrets!!)
We had the chance to talk with Randall, the owner of Vicki's BBQ and to take his photo. If you have the chance, give Vicki's BBQ a try!
Later that same day we visited Hitsville, USA - the home of Motown Records original recording studio and now a museum dedicated to sharing the history of all the great music that was produced here.
Before going inside we met King, who was celebrating his birthday.
The tour of the museum was definitely worthwhile. Our guide was very knowledgable and the displays were fun and engaging.
\
Original recording studio inside of Hitsville, USA.
If you love music, then Hitsville, USA is a must see while in Detroit.
While heading to the final game of the season for the Detroit Pistons, Sammy and I met Phil at the Fox Theatre.
When posing for a photo with Sammy he said "My man with the specs!". What a classy and friendly individual.
Look for "Phil at the Fox" when going to the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Shot on Kodak Double-X 5222 film.
(I wish I had used colour film as Phil's jacket and beret were both a very vibrant red.)
One of the last people we met before heading home was the owner of Taz the Tailor.
Taz the Tailor can make just about any clothing item, but his signature items are shirts and outfits made out of bedsheets. So fun!
We discovered Taz the Tailor while visiting Kitab Cafe, a nearby Arabic cafe and bookstore where we stopped for a tea.
Not too far from Kitab Cafe is Third Man Records, the record shop and studio owned by Jack White. Another place worth seeing while in Detroit.
A view from inside Third Man Records
(Kodak Pro Image 100 film)
Just a few more magical places before I wrap up!
Good food abounds in Detroit and one place we had to try was Mom's Spaghetti, owned by local Detroit rapper Eminem.
(The restaurant name comes from a line in one of his biggest hits "Lose Yourself".)
There's a limited selection of food items on the menu, but boy are they good.
You order your food from a window in an alley. After they hand you your food, you can then go sit in a small area inside.
There's a store above the restaurant with many cool Eminem related artifacts as well as items for sale (hoodies, drinking glasses, spaghetti sauce and more).
"Spaghetti with (meat)balls" from Mom's Spaghetti
If you like comics and graphic novels then you'll definitely want to find your way to Vault of Midnight.
My Pal Sammy in front of a wall of comics at Vault of Midnight's Detroit location.
Click here for details on Vault of Midnight's three Michigan locations.
I will end with a magical place - Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum!
Marvin's is in Farmington Hills, a short drive outside of Detroit, but if you like old school coin-operated arcades then this place is absolutely not to be missed.
There are many curious old school interactive machines...
A great lineup of pinball machines...
Every single part of Marvin's is filled with games and old school signage. Watch this YouTube video for a better sense of how amazing this place is!
I will close by returning to the people of Detroit. Sammy and I couldn't help but notice the level of civic pride that Detroit residents have in their city. It showed not just in what people wear - Detroit hats, sports jerseys and more - but also in the art and signage on the streets and how people spoke about their city. I'm not sure I've felt that as strongly elsewhere the way I did in Detroit. Well done Detroit!
That's it for now! (I may have more about Detroit. Stay tuned!)
In the meantime - here are some handy links worth exploring:
- Part one of my Detroit blog posts: Detroit City: Art & Architecture
- Throwbacks - a very cool vintage home decor and merch shop in downtown Detroit
- Detroit Travel Guide for the First Time Visitor
- More Travel Blogs by yours truly!
- Follow me on Instagram @culturesnap!
Send me a message for any feedback or comments!
Thanks for looking - and thanks to the good people of Detroit who were so welcoming to Sammy and I!
Crossing the Ambassador Bridge into Detroit, Michigan.
We went for the Detroit Film Festival, but also - as always - to explore as much local culture we can!
In this blog post I'll be sharing some of the gorgeous art and architecture of Detroit City.
Mural of Stevie Wonder by Richard Wilson based on a photo by Douglas Kirkland.
Let's start with street art...
"Black Pride Matters. Black Community Matters." Stenciled on a Detroit sidewalk.
The Detroit streets we walked on were dripping with creativity and the people we met were full of civic pride.
The murals we saw - and there are so many cool murals in Detroit - showed that also...
After many tough years, some people are saying that "Detroit is Back".
Local artist Sheefy knows otherwise.
There is so much street art in Detroit it is impossible to cover it all. Here are a few more highlights of what we encountered...
My Pal Sammy gets playful in front of a delightful mural by global artist Kevin Lyons.
Murals are all over...
There is No Beauty Without Strangeness.
Mural by members of international arts collective @wearelunchmoney.
Many murals are found near the fantastic Eastern Market - a must visit place when you go to Detroit!
Fate Favors the Fearless mural by @pro_gress
(I'm still looking for the creator of the "Are You Ever Going to Bed?" mural.)
Jukebox Cowboys, by @nychos and @flyingfortress5410
A fantastic mural by LA based Hebru Brantley.
Sammy in front of a great mural by @pro_gress.
Mural of the late artist J Dilla holding an Akai MPC3000 in front of a wall of Doughnuts.
(J Dilla's best known album is called "Donuts".)
Mural by the multi-talented Tylonn J Sawyer.
Want more murals? Check out Murals in the Market!
Sports themed artwork can be found on utility boxes all over downtown Detroit.
I could say so much about the street art in Detroit, but let's pivot to point #2 in my alliterative title - architecture!
Whenever I visit American cities I always leave impressed at the wonderful architecture there. Detroit was no exception.
Here are just a few that left me in awe...
Westin Book-Cadillac Hotel
This is a beautiful old building with some real history, near where we stayed during our visit.
Buhl Building
What a gorgeous building! Read more about its history here.
A hallway inside the Buhl Building.
Sammy and I clowned around a bit with a sign inside the Buhl Building, naturally...
Through the archways of the Buhl Building, you can see the next building that I'll feature here...
Guardian Building
Stunning detail inside and out. If you're in Detroit, don't miss it!
Click this link to learn more about the Guardian Building.
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
The Coleman A. Young Municipal Center is known especially for The Spirit of Detroit statue out front of it.
The statue was created by Marshall Fredericks, but got its name from the Bible verse seen on the wall behind it:
"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" - II Corinthians 3:17
"The inscribed plaque in front of the statue reads: “The artist expresses the concept that God, through the spirit of man, is manifested in the family, the noblest human relationship.” - The Encyclopedia of Detroit
The NFL Draft was happening the week after we visited. The NFL jersey on the statue was just one element showing the excitement that was building throughout the city.
Renaissance Center
A sticker on a lamppost near the Renaissance Center.
A short walk from the Coleman A. Young Center is the Renaissance Center, a multi-tower building along the waterfront. Inside is a great tribute to the history of GM. Worth a look!
Detroit has a free "people mover" that runs throughout the downtown core. Here it is (showing promos for the NFL Draft) pulling into the Renaissance Center.
Fisher Building
Another gorgeous building! Definitely worth seeing.
Stella Good Coffee - a very nice coffee shop inside the Fisher Building.
If you're looking for quality souvenirs, Pure Detroit - in the Fisher Building and elsewhere - is well worth a visit!
Detroit Institute of Arts
Incredible murals by Diego Rivera on display in the Detroit Institute of Art.
This link provides more background about Diego Rivera and these murals.
A number of Detroit Film Festival screenings were held at the DIA.
One of the films we saw was Frida, about the life of Frida Kahlo, including her relationship with Diego Rivera. A portion of the film was about their time in Detroit.
This blog post only scratches the surface of all the street art and architecture that Detroit has to offer. There is so much more to explore.
Stay tuned for part two of this blog - Detroit City: People and Places!
In the meantime, here are some handy links...
- Detroit Free Press (FREEP) Film Festival
- Detroit's Most Iconic Buildings, Mapped
- Detroit Travel Guide for the First Time Visitor
- More Travel Blogs by yours truly!
- Follow me on Instagram @culturesnap!
Send me a message for any feedback or comments!
I'll leave you with this message, seen on a wall in Detroit's wonderful Eastern Market...
Say nice things about Detroit. - Emily
I normally publish this much earlier in the year, but some things got in the way. I'm glad I can do so now!
(Please click here to see my favourite black and white film photos of 2023.)
OK, let's jump right in!
King's Food Market
Kodak Portra 400
These two images were captured on Lomography Redscale film...
Warden Water Tower
Birds of the Square
Click here to see my blog featuring more images captured with Lomography Redscale film.
(Stay tuned for a future blog post about Lomography Turquoise film!)
Here are three - all on Kodak Gold film - from a trip I made to California in the spring of 2023...
Cadillac
Joshua Tree Sunset
Roy's Motel Cafe
To see more images from California, please visit these blog posts:
- California Road Trip Pt I: Amboy and the End of the World
- California Road Trip Pt II: Joshua Tree and 29 Palms
A number of my favourite colour film images featured yellow...
Symbiotic Relativity
Kodak Ektar 100
Fuji Colour 200
One of many great vintage stores found in Montreal
Kodak Vision 3 250D
Click here to see more of Montreal on Film.
St. Jacob's Sky
Kodak Vision 3 250D
Grow Up!
Kodak Pro image 200
Loving Eyes
I couldn't help but smile at seeing this wall!
Kodak Ektar 100
Reds also caught my eye...
Painting the Town
Kodak Vision 500T
Foxy
A double exposure of opposite sides of Queen Street West
Kodak Vision 500T
Shuter & Victoria
Kodak Ektar 100
Never Stop Loving
Kodak Gold 200
Bayview Car Wash
Kodak Ektar 100
Rouge Park Horizon
Kodak Ektar 100
Digital Outputs
Kodak Ektar 100
Fall on McCaul
Kodak Gold 200
Tree Time
Reflx Lab 800
Meeting people along my weekly photo walks is always a joy for me. Here are film photos of a few people I met in 2023.
Kathleen Byers
A wonderful crossing guard that I encountered with my kids.
Click here to see a photo feature I did of Kathleen on Instagram.
Kodak Ektar 100
Michael
I met Michael at an Indigenous Music Festival at Yonge & Dundas Square. His dancing brought joy to many who were there.
Click here to see my post about Michael on Instagram.
Madison Shadwell
An artist I met on the Danforth. Click here to see my post about Madison and his art.
Dr. Jeffrey Stevens
I had a friendly chat with Dr. Stevens (Stephens?) about his great shoes and style in general.
Unfortunately I did not get the exact spelling of his name or his contact info so that I could share these photos with him!
Kodak Gold 200
Sam, a Beck Taxi driver I met along Jones Avenue.
Sam has a very compelling story of how he came to Canada many years ago. I hope to share it in a future Instagram post.
Kodak Pro Image 100
Paul Collins, a very talented artist I met outside of the Stephen Bulger Gallery while on a photo walk with a Simon Remark.
Click here to see my post which also shows an intriguing surprise double exposure image of Paul.
Kodak Ektar 100 with a plastic Holga camera
Happy Couple
In late December my daughter and I were in Nathan Phillips Square and we witnessed an engagement of the above pair. No one around seemed to notice except my daughter and I. I had a good film camera on hand, and offered to take a few photos of the happy couple.
Reflx Lab 800
A few more colour images taken throughout 2023...
For Who?
I held an exhibit about Notice of Development signs back in 2022 called On Notice. These signs continue to draw my eye.
Kodak Ektar 100
Colours of Queen
Kodak Ektar 100
Chanel
Fuji Colour 200
Love
Fuji Colour 200
LOVE
Fuji Colour 200
Chill Out
Kodak Ektar 100
Look Closer
Kodak Ektar 100
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Facility
A panorama made from merging two film photos.
Kodak Ektar 100
Strange Love
Kodak Gold 200
I'll throw a playful one of me in here for good measure...
Kodak Vison 500T
And I'll close with this last image, taken near the end of 2023...
Christmas Eve Candles
Reflx Lab 800
To see more of my favourite colour film photos from previous years, cllick any of the below links:
- 2022
- 2021
All of my past film photo blog posts can be found here.
Follow me on Instagram to see a wider variety of images - both film and digital.
Thanks for looking!
]]>Welcome to my annual look back at favourite black and white film photos from the previous year! The 2023 edition!
I again shot a lot of film in 2023, experimenting with a wide variety of film types.
The first image I'll share here brings to mind some classic Dylan lyrics:
Well there ain't no goin' back
When the foot of pride comes down
Ain't no goin' back
Foot of Pride
JCH Street Pan 400 - Jan 2023
JCH Street Pan 400 - Jan 2023
Santa 1000 - Jan 2023
My son looks up at a billboard paying tribute to the late Michael Snow
Santa 1000 - Jan 2023
Mamakas Taverna on Ossington
Santa 1000 - Jan 2023
Waiting Game
Arista EDU 200 - Jan-Feb 2023
Agfa APX 400 - Jan - Mar 2023
Man in Black
Agfa APX 400 - Mar 2023
Life Is Beautiful
Agfa APX 400 - Jan - Mar 2023
Agfa APX 400 - Jan - Mar 2023
Agfa APX 400 - Jan - Mar 2023
Not For Sale
Arista EDU 200 - Mar 2023
The next four images were taken on Rollei RPX 100 film with an Olympus Pen EE-3 half frame camera that I received from my father.
The first two images were taken immediately one after the other and were intended as a pair.
Taken during an unexpected mayoral election campaign, to me they represented opposing views of where Toronto might be headed.
I like how the next two images pair together also...
There's been a lot of buzz in the film community lately due to Pentax releasing a new half frame camera called "17" (a great write-up by Analogue Wonderland).
It looks like a very well put together camera for half frame film photography.
Reformed Film Lab did a helpful video about the new "Pentax 17" as well.
The next three images are from a trip to California that I did in May of 2023. All taken on Kodak Tri-X 400 film.
The above image appears in my California Road Trip - Part II blog post.
The next six images were shot in May - June 2023 with Ilford Pan F 50.
This was a new film type for me to shoot with, and I'm especially happy with what I captured here...
The remains of one of the beautiful arches at Bloor Street United Church. The church is undergoing a massive redevelopment that will finish in 2026.
In June 2023 I shot a roll of Kodak Tri-X 400 with my Lomography Sprocket Rocket panoramic camera...
Click here to see more images - mostly colour photos - that I captured with the Lomography Sprocket Rocket.
I shot another roll of Ilford Pan F 50 in July 2023.
The next three images were captured on that film.
But Here We Are
WHAT'S NEXT
Warning!!! x 3
Yonge and Dundas - a place to encounter a wide variety of ideas
The next four images were taken on Kentmere 400 during a visit to Montreal in August 2023.
Chez Schwartz's / Schwartz's Deli
Chez Schwartz's / Schwartz's Deli
The view from St. Joseph's Oratory
Rue Ste Catherine
The next five images were taken in August 2023 with Arista EDU 200 film.
Private Property is Fake
I had a nice chat with the owner/guardian of these two dogs. This was right next to the wonderful Berczy Park Dog Fountain.
Lee's Benevolent Association of Ontario
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
I got a deal on an old Holga 120 film camera and shot a couple of rolls with it. Here is one image that I especially liked:
Ilford Delta 400 Pro
In August 2023 I purchased an expired roll of Kodak Tri-X film from a vendor at the St. Jacob's Farmers Market.
When I finished shooting the roll and had it developed, I was very surprised to discover that it had already been exposed!
I was not informed of this by the person who sold me the film - only that it was from a local photographer who had kept it refrigerated.
This led to some rather wild double exposures that are worthy of a separate blog post.
Here are three images taken from that roll.
The first image features Paris, France based artist Paul Collins in front of the wonderful Stephen Bulger Gallery - blended with a wintery scene.
Kodak Tri-X film - Nov-Dec 2023
The double exposure factor is less dramatic the the next two images, but I particularly like these compositions.
Annex Stroll
Kodak Tri-X film - Nov-Dec 2023
The Hidden Path
Kodak Tri-X film - Nov-Dec 2023
A trip to the Christmas One of A Kind show in November 2023 brought me a few nice exposures (the next three images).
Enercare Centre
Kodak Double-X 5222 250 film
Kodak Double-X 5222 250 film
Sacrifice
Kodak Double-X 5222 250 film
Long Live Palestine
Kodak Double-X 5222 250 film - Nov 2023
This next image came about as one of the workers saw me with my camera. He tried guessing what camera I was using and I learned that he is also a photographer. He and his colleagues let me take their photo and we exchanged contact info.
His reaction when I sent him this photo really made me smile. "NO FREAKING WAY That's so sick!!!!"
Potsdam 100 - Dec 2023
I'll end with this photo of two artists that I chatted with inside the AGO. They were making beautiful sketches of the buildings across the street.
I'll share more about this encounter in a future Instagram post.
Fomapan 400 - Dec 2023
Click here to see my Favourite Colour Film Photos of 2023!
For more black and white film photos, here are my favourites from previous years:
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
All of my past film photo blog posts can be found here.
Follow me on Instagram to see a wider variety of images - both film and digital.
Thanks for looking!
]]>
This post is a continuation of my California Road Trip Part I.
If you haven't yet seen that first post, please click here before reading onwards.
Unless indicated otherwise, all images were taken with my Nikon Z6 II
Drifting Sand
Kodak Tri-X 400
- Joshua Tree
Before visiting Joshua Tree National Park, I first explored the town itself.
Joshua Tree is fairly built up now, with quite a few large chain stores and restaurants.
Of course I was mainly attracted to the more unusual places...
Alex's Barber
Ilford SFX 200
Zippy Tax Service
Kodak Tri-X 400
The True Vine Fellowship Ministries
Kodak Tri-X 400
While in the area to take photos* for the cover of their Joshua Tree album, Irish rock band U2 stayed in the Harmony Hotel.
As a big fan of the band, I had to pay the hotel a quick visit.
*Dutch photographer Anton Corbijn created the images of U2 for The Joshua Tree. (I'm also a big fan of his work!)
Photo of U2 (by Anton Corbijn) on the wall inside the Harmony Hotel.
(The above photo made with my iPhone 15 Pro)
Essential selfie in front of the Harmony Hotel sign (iPhone 15 Pro).
- Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is truly something to see.
There is so much biodiversity to discover in this region.
Thankfully the National Park Service website is full of helpful information!
Multi-image panorama of one area of the park.
We arrived a little before sunset, which brought long shadows, golden hues and made bold silhouettes out of the trees.
Ilford SFX 200
Here is a short video of driving through the park
This link on the NPS website provides some useful information about Joshua Trees.
Joshua Tree National Park is well worth a visit. If you can make the trip, I highly recommend it!
- 29 Palms
29 Palms is another fascinating community, found just east of Joshua Tree.
It has its own quirky style...
A playful installation by Hooked Hands (on Instagram, ironically) as seen in 29 Palms.
iPhone 15 Pro
29 Palms has a number of unique stores that offer locally curated and produced goods - the kind of stores I am always drawn to when visiting a new place.
One collection such stores is found at a spot known as Corner 62.
Resting my feet at Corner 62. Mural by CJ Troxell.
iPhone 15 Pro panoramic photo
The shop I enjoyed visiting most at Corner 62 was The Desert General.
It was a pleasure to talk with Patrick, one of the co-owners. He and his wife moved to 29 Palms from France to start this lovely eclectic shop that offers a wide range of art, books, and locally made goods.
A view through the alley next to Desert General.
Ilford SFX 200
Desert General has some lovely vintage black and white photography on display and for sale. One was this image below...
iPhone 15 Pro
The stunning photo in the above frame (try to ignore the reflection in the glass) is by Patricia de Gorostarzu, a French photographer I had never heard of before. I really love this composition. (That's actor Steve McQueen on the billboard in the lower right of the image.)
Next to the above frame was this small book by the same photographer, featuring beautiful black and white images of New York.
iPhone 15 Pro
I loved chatting with Patrick, exploring The Desert General, and encountering such wonderul art as that of Patricia de Gorostarzu.
By the way, if you like reading, The Desert General is one of the sponsors/organizers of the 29 Palms Book Festival, happening November 8-9, 2024. The lineup of authors is growing. I'd love to return and attend!
Before leaving I stopped for some gorgeous sunset views...
Fencing indicating the boundary of the National Park.
Eventually we had to leave this dusty land of artists and head back to Los Angeles.
Ilford SFX 200
Ilford SFX 200
This whole area left a strong impression on me and I hope to return.
If you get the chance to explore the Joshua Tree region, I highly recommend it!
Here are a few helpful links:
- Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Information
- Guide to visiting Joshua Tree (the town and surrounding area)
- 29 Palms Visitors Information
- Corner 62 shops on Instagram
Happy road tripping if you go!
If you do - send me a note and share how it went!
If you haven't yet read it, here is my previous post: California Road Trip Part I: Amboy and the End of the World.
Feel free to check out my other blog posts, or just my travel blog posts, follow me on Instagram or view my photo art products.
Thanks for looking!
iPhone 15 Pro panoramic image
A billboard promoting The Kid Laroi at Coachella, seen while driving towards Joshua Tree (iPhone 15 Pro).
It was so good to catch up with friends there after several years away.
I had a great time in LA, but a real highlight was my visit Joshua Tree and the surrounding area.
A side road near the town of Joshua Tree (iPhone 15 Pro).
An early morning over the desert landscape.
I will cover this journey in two parts.
In this post, Part 1, I will cover:
- A Visit to Amboy (very cool spot!)
- The End of the World (don't worry!)
Part 2 - my next post - will cover:
- Joshua Tree National Park (so beautiful!)
- 29 Palms (loved this place!)
I will share both film and digital images.
Unless indicated otherwise, all photos were captured with a Nikon Z6 II.
- Amboy
Amboy is a historic town about an hour's drive northeast of Joshua Tree.
I recommend a quick read of Wikipedia for more details about Amboy.
The drive there was quite interesting all on its own...
Amboy is a roadside attraction along the infamous Route 66.
iPhone 15 Pro
The major destination of Amboy is Roy's Motel Cafe. A number of movies have been filmed at or around here.
Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Gold 200
Here's another worthy read - about the late Albert Okura, the founder of Juan Pollo Restaurants, who purchased and helped to restore the town of Amboy in 2005.
Kodak Gold 200
The motel (seen in the background of the below image) is no longer active, but remains on site for historical/tourism purposes.
Kodak Gold 200
The motel's front desk has been very well preserved.
A decent flow of people arrived while we were there, including the owners of two classic Mustangs...
The drivers were on their way back from a large gathering of fellow Mustang owners in another town.
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Driving onwards, away from Amboy.
2. The End of the World
In an area known as Wonder Valley - an area known for being popular with artists - we visited this curious sign...
Kodak Gold 200
The sign was created in 2022 by an artist named Jack Pierson.
He has been quoted as saying that Wonder Valley is "a place known for those who drop off the edge of civilization."
"...as we know it, and I Feel Fine"
Traditional media is certainly coming to an end...
The End of TV
(A double exposure of part of the sign and a TV left abandoned nearby.)
It was fascinating to see nice sports cars driving through such a desert conditions. (Apparently some use local roads to drive from LA to Las Vegas.)
Cyclists also manage in such dry and dusty conditions.
I'll end this post with the above image - as I do love bikes, wherever I can find them!
Click here to see Part II of my California Road Trip, where I cover Joshua Tree, Joshua Tree National Park, and 29 Palms!
This whole area left a strong impression on me and I hope to return.
Please feel free to check out my other blog posts, or just my travel blog posts, follow me on Instagram or view my photo art products.
Thanks for looking!
]]>
1. Redacted City Exhibit
Having another exhibit in the DesignTO Festival was a real thrill for me.
(Many thanks to artist SJ Kim for collaborating with me to create a collage using elements of my exhibit images.)
For years I have been documenting signs that had been covered up, or the traces of their absence and this show, titled Redacted City, gave me the opportunity to show my favourite images.
Restaurant, March 2012
Hudson's Bay Company, October 2022
(Thanks to Sammy Younan for the above photo from the exhibit's opening night.)
I'm thankful for the wonderful turnout and response to the show!
2. SNAP Auction
Another big thrill for 2023 was having my Beauty image in the SNAP Auction which raises funds for the meaningful work of the AIDS Committee of Toronto
I was stunned as the bidding went up and up and up. My humble image (which had the lowest starting valuation) went all the way up to a final price of $2600 - all in support of ACT!
A big thanks to the SNAP Auction selection committee, including PhotoED editor Rita Godlevskis, for the opportunity to make a difference in this way.
3. California Trip
In May 2023 I visited family who live in the Los Angeles area.
Newport Beach
It was so nice to reconnect and to have some fun visiting Joshua Tree and 29 Palms.
Driving to Amboy
Sunset view near Joshua Tree
These were such beautiful areas to explore. Hopefully I will find time to share a blog post or two about this trip.
4. Speaking at Photo Clubs
I had the privilege of speaking to two photo clubs in 2023 - the Barrie Photo Club in late April, and the Don Mills Camera Club in mid-October.
While I shared unique content at each club, my title for both talks was "A Pilgrimage of the Street: Finding Meaning and Creating Art on the Streets of Toronto".
(Thanks to Sammy Younan for the above photos of me speaking at the Barrie Camera Club.)
It was a real joy to meet fellow photographers and to share about my journey in photography.
5. Experimenting with Film
In addition to shooting with my favourite colour and B&W film stocks, I also experimented with some unique types of film and cameras....
Click here for a blog post about shooting with Lomography Redscale film.
My Pal Sammy submitting to the colour shifting effects of Lomo Turquoise XR Film.
I hope to do a blog post about Lomography Turquoise film later this year. Fingers crossed!
I also tried shooting with
- a Lomography Sprocket Rocket camera
Many thanks to PhotoED Magazine for featuring the above two images in digital editions of their magazine. (If you love photography and or photo art, then I highly recommend subscribing to this wonderful Canadian publication.)
Click here to see my blog post about creating images with the Lomography Sprocket Rocket.
- I also tried a Holga 120 camera
I love how this portrait of artist Paul Collins (a serendipitous encounter while on a photo walk with Simon Remark) turned out!
6. Interesting Photo Assignments
I had a number of interesting photo assignments in 2023, including...
- Do You Hear What I Hear?
I've had the pleasure of working with Director Cat Mills to capture stills/behind-the-scenes images for a number of her documentary films.
The latest was Do You Hear What I Hear?, a short film that was part of Hot Docs' Citizen Minutes program which featured Ingrid Buday's work to update Toronto's outdated noise bylaws.
- Safe Third Country Protest
I captured images of a protest in opposition to the Safe Third Country Agreement.
The protest began outside of M.P. Marco Mendocino's office and marched all the way down Bathurst to Lake Ontario at Harbourfront.
The energy and dedication of all involved, including many connected with various NGOs that serve refugees and newcomers to Canada, was inspiring.
Thanks to Anne Woolger, the founder of Matthew House (and leader of the aforementioned protest) for inviting me to document the event.
- Non-Profit Organizations
I worked with a number of non-profit organizations before becoming a photographer, and am always thankful for opportunities to contribute to such meaningful work by telling their stories through images.
Images I captured in Iqaluit, Nunavut, for an international publication in partnership with the Canadian Bible Society.
(The above images were captured in the fall of 2021 and published in the spring of 2022.)
In 2023 I had the opportunity to work with several non-profit organizations, including The Canadian Bible Society and The Neighbourhood Group Community Services. My thanks to the staff at both for the opportunity to serve them.
-299 Queen Street West
I was on the red carpet at Roy Thomson Hall capturing photos at the launch of a new documentary titled 299 Queen Street West.
The film by Director and Producer Sean Menard celebrates the heyday of MuchMusic, features many of the original on-air personalities and looks at the very entertaining behind-the-scenes goings on with the launch and rising success of Canada's counterpart to MTV.
Former MuchMusic staff and on-air personalities during a post-screening Q&A with the audience at Roy Thomson Hall, September 22, 2023.
I highly recommend seeing this film!
- Riverdale Share
One of my final assignments for 2023 was a last minute request to capture images of Riverdale Share - a long-running annual fundraising concert held at the Danforth Music Hall.
It was a thrill to participate in this very special evening.
7. GO WIDE Exhibit
In October 2023 I held an exhibit titled GO WIDE: Wide Angle Views of Toronto at the Don Mills Library.
Certain images only feel right within a panoramic aspect ratio. There's just something about this format that I enjoy.
So I was especially happy to show some of my favourites in this new exhibit at the Don Mills Library. Here are some examples.
Click here to learn more about this exhibit.
8. Las Vegas
In October my family and I visited Las Vegas.
My boys standing over Elvis Presley's star, part of the Las Vegas Walk of Stars.
We went to see U2 perform in the new Sphere venue. It was incredible, as you might imagine.
A display at the free Zoo Station exhibit inside the Venetian Hotel.
In addition to the concert, seeing the Grand Canyon and visiting the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas were also real highlights of the trip.
Click here to see my blog post about the Arts District of Las Vegas!
9. Photo Workshops & Training
For the past few years I have been offering street photography workshops.
The Silver Dollar Room
This past year I again had the opportunity to assist a number of people in one-on-one trainings on how to creatively create artistic images on the streets of Toronto.
Grid City
If this interests you, just send me a message and we can take it from there!
10. Meeting People
I meet many people while walking about Toronto and many allow me to take their portrait.
This was a lot of fun for me in 2022, and continued to be in 2023.
Micheline is a super talented designer and artist and was part of CBC Gem's Best in Miniature Season 2.
See some of Micheline's miniatures here!
I met SketchNate, another multi-talented artist, at the same exhibit space as Micheline on Jan 2, 2023.
Check his work on Instagram here, and all his other links here, including a free downloadable game called "'Nump"!
I was struck by how full of joy Kathleen was in her job as a crossing guard. Click here to see my post about her, and here to visit her on IG.
I met Michael at an Indigenous Music Festival called Ziigwan that toook place in Yonge Dundas Square. He was dancing freely and so full of life and joy.
Click here to see my post about him and to find him on Instagram.
Mark Baker, aka U2Brothr - a fellow U2 fanatic, who I met at Dublin Calling for the launch of a U2 album.
Mark is a teacher, a DJ, the bass player in U2 tribute band Acrobat, and has some amazing stories related to meeting U2. It was very fun meeting him!
I am thankful for all the adventures and opportunities that 2023 brought me. Thank you for sticking with me and following my journey!
Click here to see more of my highlights of previous years.
Click here to see my blog posts about film photography.
Click here to follow me on Instagram.
]]>
(Image from Lomography's Sprocket Rocket website)
The Sprocket Rocket is a film camera that takes wide panoramic images - the equivalent of two frames in a single exposure - on 35mm film.
The camera also gives you the option of exposing images onto the sprocket holes that run along the top and bottom of the film, or to keep your exposures only within the usual boundaries.
Including the sprocket holes is the most natural thing to do though - it's implied in the name of the camera itself!
I used this image to promote my GO WIDE exhibit. It also appeared on the title wall of my exhibit.
I was preparing for an exhibit in October called GO WIDE: Wide Angle Views of Toronto - a show which shared some of my favourite panoramic images that I've created over the past ten years or so - and the Sprocket Rocket seemed like a great way to create some fun new images for the exhibit.
This triptych of waterfront images also appeared on the title wall of my GO WIDE exhibit.
I was also inspired by a very fun podcast called I Dream of Cameras, whose co-host Jeff Greenstein has been sharing panoramic images created with his X-Pan cameras. You can find links to his images via the I Dream of Cameras Instagram account.
So for this blog post I am sharing some of my favourites from the four rolls of film that I put through this camera! I hope you enjoy the wide views!
Break the Rules
Many thanks to PhotoEd Magazine for including the above image, taken with my Sprocket Rocket, in a recent edition.
PhotoEd is a wonderful Canadian magazine that celebrates unique photography. I highly recommend becoming a subscriber.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Sprocket Rocket cameras are fun to use almost anywhere!
Top Cash
Money
One of the challenges of the Sprocket Rocket is that it only has two shutter speeds - 1/100 ("N") or Bulb ("B"). It is very easy to bump the lever and accidentally move the setting to Bulb, which allows you to do a long exposure, for as long as you hold the shutter down.
The below image, of my sons jumping off the end of a dock in the Muskoka region, is one of several that I accidentally captured in the Bulb setting.
Summer Joy
I shot a roll of Black and White film (Kodak Tri-X 400)...
No More Towers
Before You Cross
Walking Pape
Hats
A few scenes from the Scarborough Bluffs...
A very curious scene on the Dufferin Bridge...
I called City of Toronto's 311 to put in a request that Animal Services help this poor possum, which seemed stuck on the fence above the tracks. A few passersby also helped place something near the fence so that it might have something to use to climb down.
A view of the Japanese Canadian Centennial Temple Bell at Ontario Place. People who care about the bell, which has been moved and is now in storage, have set up an Instagram account worth following. I also highly recommend following Ontario Place For All.
I think my roll of Portra 800 film delivered the best results from this camera. Here are my favourites, several from the CNE...
Here is a good place to close, with a message from Glendale Lazaro, who submitted this message to the Talking Fences project at Downsview Park...
We definitely need more kindness in our world.
Thanks for looking!
Click here to see more blog posts sharing my film photography!
Click here to follow me on Instagram!
]]>
Waitin' for my ship to come in
But now no joker, no jack, no king
Can take this losing hand and, and make it win
- Leaving Las Vegas, Sheryl Crow
When you think of Las Vegas, what comes to mind? Neon glitz? Showgirl glamour? Elvis conducting a wedding?
If someone told you that Las Vegas had an arts district, would you be surprised?
I recently asked a friend who goes to Las Vegas a lot about the Las Vegas Arts District and they were dumbfounded. They had never heard of it.
In early October my family and a group of friends went to Las Vegas to see U2 in the Sphere.
An ad for U2's latest single, Atomic City, pasted up in the Arts District.
The U2 concert - and the Sphere itself - was amazing.
I could write a lot about that, but for this post I'd like to share about the fun my friend Sammy and I had exploring the super cool neighbourhood of Las Vegas known as the Arts District.
With my limited knowledge of Las Vegas (a lot of CSI Vegas episodes plus a 2 day trip there some 12+ years ago) I was ready to take in all that the District had to offer!
The Arts District started in 1998 as an 18 block district to promote the arts. Hence why it is at times referred to as 18b, although it has expanded beyond the original area.
Fantastic Clint Eastwood inspired mural by @latin.artist (link to their Instagram page).
Our cab driver dropped us off near the building with the giant LOVE LAS VEGAS mural and we set out for adventure!
We encountered the Retro Vegas shop, which was currently closed at this location...
Great mural by @geometrkart (link to their instagram page).
We quickly were taken in by alleyway upon alleyway of incredible mural artwork...
A mural being created while we watched.
Artwork by Joe Pagac (link to their instagram page).
You can count on Sammy and I to ham it up a bit for the camera...
Here I am, playing my part...
The above mural was created by Recycled Propaganda, who has a store and exhibit space in the Arts District. A must see if you go!
Here are some of what we encountered in Recycled Propaganda...
If you like Adbusters, as I do, or any creative work that counters the dominant ad-based world that we live in, then you will appreciate checking out Recycled Propaganda (also on Instagram).
Immediately next door to Recycled Propaganda was that most American of businesses, a 24 hour bail bonds operation.
Naturally Sammy provided some joyful visuals!
Freedom & Justice!
On the side wall of the bail bond shop was another powerful mural by Recycled Propaganda...
And nearby was this quote...
Stickers and street art were found aplenty as we walked...
We stopped for lunch at the Houston Hot Chicken restaurant. Boy was it good!
Chicken tenders and fries at Houston Hot Chicken.
There were so many cool shops to explore, especially the vintage and antique stores.
Here are a few items that we saw...
Zoltar Speaks - available for $9,999!
$2 Billion in Lenny Kravitz bills. Merely $29.99!
An antique vampire hunting kit (!?!). I was amazed that this store had more than one of these.
I could go on and on about how cool this area is. Exactly the kind of neighbourhood I love to explore.
Art continued to be found around every corner!
A mural by the very talented @pwoz.art (link to their instagram).
Naturally I captured some street scenes...
Kodak Gold 200 film
Kodak Gold 200 film
The Strat Tower loomed large, especially as we worked our way south...
Juvenile Juxtaposition
Sammy took a phone call in the back patio of the super cool ReBAR...
Once he hung up, Sammy's poise and perspective quickly returned...
One thing is sure, if you are looking to get away from the thumping noise of the Vegas Strip, the LV Arts District is the place to go.
You can get there by the Deuce bus, by taxi or rideshare, or on one of those hop-on hop-off tour buses...
The Vegas Strip has a lot to offer, but if you can find the time, give this wonderful neighbourhood a visit.
This is one bet you are sure to win!
Scroll down for additional helpful links...
Greetings from Las Vegas
A beautiful mural by the ubiquitous @greetingsmural (link to their Instagram page).
Related links worth exploring...
- Official Las Vegas Arts District website
- Vegas.com's Guide to the Arts District
- Vegas Food & Fun's Guide to the Arts District
- Main Street Las Vegas - business listings for Antique Alley in the Arts District
- Las Vegas Murals Guide
- Best Art Murals in Las Vegas
- Map of bus stops along The Deuce bus route
- Tips for places to see along the Deuce bus route
- My Pal Sammy's Substack page
- Yours truly on Instagram!
- "Vegas" - a song by one of my favourite singer-songwriters, Martyn Joseph
If you enjoyed this blog post, or have suggestions, edits, additions, etc, please send me a message and let me know!
Thanks for reading. Click here to see more of my blog posts!
]]>Recently I tried another - Lomography Redscale XR film.
Tow Away Zone
Redscale film originated from an experimental technique tried out years ago by some adventurous souls.
They tried exposing images onto what was normally considered the back side of the film.
The results were surprising and delightful - to some at least (I'm sure others were not impressed!).
Here then are some of my results with Lomo Redscale film. All shot with my Konica Auto S3.
Lane of Light
Golden Puddle
Parking Booth
(an increasingly rare entity)
Photo of a wall sized image of "Tommie peeking out of room window" by Mary Ellen Mark, from a display at The Image Centre for their exhibit of Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81.
This was such a powerful exhibit. Click here to see more of the images that were on display at The Image Centre.
Photo of the exhibit print of "Tommie peeking out of room window" by Mary Ellen Mark as seen in Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81 at The Image Centre.
I've enjoyed many engaging exhibits at The Image Centre. Click here to see what is currently showing there.
Square Sky
Lomography Redscale Film has an ISO range that can be set anywhere from 50 to 200. These images were shot at ISO 200.
Analogue Wonderland (a wonderful site for film shooters) has a great write-up and video about Lomo Redscale film. Check it out here!
Something about this water tower compels me to raise my camera...
A series of images from a small plaza in Scarborough...
Here There Everywhere I
Colonial Car Wash
Charlie Brown Stairs
Glove Booth
Incredible
Here There Everywhere II
Birds of the Square
Curves and Contours
Caméra Mécanique
Speak No Evil
I enjoyed shooting Lomography Redscale film.
The results are certainly unique and add a new dimension to images that already have something interesting going on in them. I would consider shooting with this film again.
Additional blog posts featuring unique film types:
- Purple Poses: Playing Purposefully with Lomography's Purple XR Film
- Colours of Coney Island - Captured on Revelog Kolor Film
Click here to see more film photo blog posts!
Thanks for looking!
]]>Here are some of my favourite colour film photos of 2022. I hope you enjoy them!
NPR did a great feature about this award-winning singer.
Kodak Ektar 100 - Canon AE-1
Send In The Clown
Kodak Gold 200 - Nikon AF600
Repairs to All Makes
Kodak Gold 200 - Nikon AF600
Previous images of this location can be seen here, here and here!
Hotel
Kodak Portra 800 - Canon AE-1
Look After Yourselves
Kodak Portra 800 - Canon AE-1
A Winter Station by a design team from Türkiye
Read more about the Winter Stations at this link.
Kodak Ektar 100 120 Format - Fujica GS645W
Winsom - a very talented artist I met outside the AGO.
Click here for more about my experience meeting this accomplished artist.
Kodak Ektar 100 - Konica Auto S3
Cherry Street Skyline
Kodak Ektar 100 - Konica Auto S3
Three Crosses
Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church
Kodak Ektar 100 - Fujica GS645S
Closing Sale
Kodak Portra 400 - Canon AE-1
Beach Reach
Kodak Ektar 100 - Olympus Stylus Zoom
Kensington Cloud
Click here (and scroll down a ways) to see a similar image in Black & White.
Kodak Ektar 100 - Olympus Stylus Zoom
Kodak Ektar 100 120 Format - Fujica GS645S
The Colours of Vintage
Kodak Ektar 100 120 Format - Fujica GS645S
Kodak Ektachrome 120 Format - Fujica GS645S
Cinestill 800T 120 Format - Fujica GS645S
Skyline Restaurant (A Toronto classic!)
Cinestill 800T 120 Format - Fujica GS645S
Take Away
A window of The Lakeview Restaurant that recently closed, at least temporarily.
Cinestill 800T 120 Format - Fujica GS645S
Click here to see a blog post with more Cinestill images.
Since 1860
Window at McTamney's former Church Street location, now located on the Danforth.
Kodak Ektar 100 - Canon AE-1
Roll Around Heaven All Day
(Lyrics from Lucky Old Sun)
Kodak Ektar 100 - Canon AE-1
East End Proud
Kudos to DECA for all that they do in the Danforth East area.
Kodak Ektar 100 - Canon AE-1
Long Limbs
My son and I clowning around. 😊
Kodak Portra 160 - Nikon AF600
Flying the Flag
Kodak Portra 160 - Nikon AF600
A Simple Dream
Kodak Gold 200 - Nikon AF600
Overpass Lookout
Click here (and scroll down a ways) to see a black and white view from this spot.
Kodak Gold 200 - Nikon AF600
East York Pride
This East York home was once a shoe store and has always caught my eye - so it was very nice to meet the owner and to take his photograph.
Kodak Ektar 100 - Canon AE-1
No Wake
Kodak Ultramax 400 - Canon Sure Shot Telemax
One of the great music venues of Toronto.
Kodak Ektar 100 - Canon AE-1
Electric Avenue
A street in Buffalo, NY - a city I loved visiting with My Pal Sammy in October 2022.
After Buffalo we went to Rochester, NY - click here for a blog post about our time there.
Kodak Ektar 100 - Canon AE-1
Elusive
Kodak Ektar 100 - Canon AE-1
This next batch are ones I that I considered for my Redacted City DesignTO exhibit.
Church Redacted
Kodak Gold 200 - Nikon AF600
Lowe's Redacted
Kodak Ektar 100 - Canon AE-1
Royal Redacted
Kodak Ektar 100 - Canon AE-1
While this is one that I did include in the Redacted City exhibit...
We Scoop
Kodak Ektar 100 120 Format - Fujica GS645S
I'll close with a few atmospheric night scenes.
Leslieville
Cinestill 800T - Nikon F80
A wonderful theatre in the Beaches neighbourhood.
Cinestill 800T - Nikon F80
Bestway
Prototype 640T - Nikon F80
Here are my favourite colour film images from previous years
- A Year in Colour Film - 2021 Edition
- A Year in Colour Film 2020 - Part One
- A Year in Colour Film 2020 - Part Two
- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part One
- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part Two
- A Year in Colour Film 2018 - Part One
- A Year in Colour Film 2018 - Part Two
Click here to see all of my film photography blog posts.
Follow me on Instagram to see a wider variety of images - both film and digital.
Thanks for looking!
]]>
Here is my annual post looking back at my favourite black and white film photos of the past year (2022).
Monk's
Kodak Tri-X 400 / Konica Auto S3
The Cinesphere
Arista EDU 100 / Konica Auto S3
George Street Stools
Arista EDU 100 / Konica Auto S3
Keep supporting small businesses like The George Street Diner.
Changing Times
Fuji Acros 100 II / Konica Auto S3
Watch Now
Fuji Acros 100 II 120 Format/ Fujica GS645W
Shout out to multi-talented actor Andrew Phung, seen in the upper left corner.
Street Lantern
Fuji Acros 100 II / Konica Auto S3
Hydro-Electric
Fuji Acros 100 II / Konica Auto S3
Bully The System
- For equal opportunity - For peace - For sustainability - For health
Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400 / Topcon RM 300
Cherry Beach Skyline - 2022
Kosmo Foto Mono 100 120 Format / Fujica GS645W
Marlene and Winsom
Ultra Fine 100 120 Format (expired) / Fujica GS645S
It was a gift to meet Winsom, an accomplished Canadian artist, and her friend Marlene, outside of the AGO.
Click here for a colour film photo of Winsom and more details about her and our meeting.
Wrong Way
Kodak Tri-X 400 / Konica Auto S3
Friendship
Kodak Tri-X 400 / Konica Auto S3
Kyiv Ukraine
Kodak Tri-X 400 / Konica Auto S3
Forgive Your Self
(posters by the very talented - and kind hearted - Adam the Illustrator)
Astrum Foto 200 / Konica Auto S3
Empty Cart
Astrum Foto 200 / Konica Auto S3
Toronto Life
(light leaks in lower right area)
Ilford XP2 Super 400 120 Format / Fujica GS645S
Since 1860
Astrum Foto 400 / Konica Auto S3
Cycling Parliament
Ilford XP2 Super 400 / Konica Auto S3
Contemplative Corner
Ilford XP2 Super 400 / Konica Auto S3
Overpass Lookout
Ilford XP2 Super 400 / Konica Auto S3
The Saint
Kodak T400CN (expired) / Konica Auto S3
Job Well Done
Kodak T400CN (expired) / Konica Auto S3
On July 26, 2022 a large portion of the Bloor-Danforth line shut down and everyone had to take shuttle buses. This TTC driver, Esau or Issa (sp?), helped to keep passengers calm during a very stressful situation through his kind, playful, and encouraging messages over the speaker system. I thanked him as we exited the bus and asked if I could take his photo. I shared about his good work and this photo with the TTC. Hopefully he hears about it and receives the photo.
Looking South on Spadina
Kodak Tri-X 400 / Konica Auto S3
Beach Pastime
Kodak T400CN (expired) / Konica Auto S3
Cohen at the AGO
Lomography Earl Grey 100 / Konica Auto S3
I loved seeing this exhibit. On until April 10, 2023.
Daily Rituals
Swan Street Diner, Buffalo, NY
Lomography Earl Grey 100 / Konica Auto S3
One of our stops during a road trip to visit the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, NY.
Po ice Station
Buffalo, NY
Lomography Earl Grey 100 / Konica Auto S3
Buy Sell
Kodak Tri-X 400 / Konica Auto S3
Terminal
Kodak Tri-X 400 / Konica Auto S3
Into the Mist
Kodak Tri-X 400 / Konica Auto S3
Kensington Cloud
Kentmere Ultrafine 100 / Konica Auto S3
(I'm not sure what happened to my film to create the darkened area in the centre.)
From here on in, my photography is going to the birds...
A Bird Above
Lomography Earl Grey 100 / Konica Auto S3
Life Is Beautiful
Arista EDU 100 / Konica Auto S3
Polson Pier Goose
Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400 / Topcon RM 300
Gray Coach Pigeon
Ultra Fine 100 120 Format (expired) / Fujica GS645S
Sunbathing Ducks
Kodak Tri-X 400 / Konica Auto S3
Wheels, Wires, Wings
Ultrafine 100 / Konica Auto S3
Tip of the Hat
Kodak T400CN (expired) / Konica Auto S3
Sculpture by Huang Wei Zhu commemorating the life of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen
There is another sculpture of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in Riverdale Park.
For more black and white film photos, here are my favourites from previous years:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
All of my past film photo posts can be found here.
Follow me on Instagram to see a wider variety of images - both film and digital.
Thanks for looking!
]]>Thanks for joining me as I share some of my favourite photo moments from 2022:
1. Exhibiting Old World Shoes in DesignTO
In January 2022 I was able to show my Old World Shoes project in Capri Shoes as part of the 2022 DesignTO Festival.
Having the exhibit in the DesignTO Festival allowed more people to see the project, and to consider the value of small and local shoe and shoe repair stores.
Participating in DesignTO led me to winning a "Best of Exhibition" award which was a big surprise!
Many thanks to Paola of Capri Shoes, and to all the hard-working business people who allowed me to share their stories in Old World Shoes.
2. Film Photography
I continued to enjoy shooting film in 2022.
Colour...
A Simple Dream
Aug 2022 - Kodak Gold 200 - Nikon AF600
...Black and White...
Jan 2022 - Arista EDU 100 film - Konica Auto S3
...and less common film types were a joy to shoot with in 2022.
Stay tuned for more film blog posts in 2023! (Click here to see my past film photography blog posts!)
3. Xanap Double Exposure
In early 2022 I participated in a film exchange project organized by XANAP Filmlab of Thailand.
Rolls of film that had been exposed by photographers in Thailand were given to photographers in eight different countries to shoot with.
I was thrilled to be selected to participate by Downtown Camera.
I had a few weeks to shoot the film and then Downtown Camera collected the rolls from participating photographers and sent them back to XANAP filmlab.
In April 2022 I received the scans of the developed film. It was very intriguing to see the results.
Click here to see Instagram posts that are tagged in relation to this project.
I hope to post more about this project, but it definitely was another favourite photo moment of 2022.
4. On Notice
In May 2022 I exhibited On Notice in the Contact Photo Festival.
On Notice explored Toronto's ever-present Notice of Development signs. I owe my friend, filmmaker Simon Madore, a huge thanks for this.
Affordable Housing Now
Simon co-directed a short film called Excluded By Design that was part of Hot Docs Citizen Minutes.
The film features civic activist Dave Meslin and addresses how public notice signs can more effectively engage citizens.
House of Music
We opened On Notice with a screening of Excluded By Design along with a panel discussion which was facilitated by Dave Meslin.
L to R: Dave Meslin, Chimwemwe Alao of Mass LBP, Myself, Hanen Nanaa founder of BAM Collective and Daniel Fusca - Manager, Public Consultation, Parks, Forestry and Recreation. Thanks to each of the panelists for their insightful contributions.
I couldn't have dreamed up a better event or way to show these images!
Many, many thanks to Simon Madore and his colleagues at Dave & Moi and RingFive for helping to make it happen!
5. Newfoundland and Labrador
In the summer of 2022 my family and I travelled to Newfoundland.
A sign on the trail to Bakers Brook Falls in Gros Morne
Sunset in Bonavista
I need to do a separate post (or three!) about this trip, but needless to say it was a real highlight for me in 2022.
6. The Exhibition
In August 2022 the Canadian National Exhibition opened for the first time in three years.
As someone who has been going to "The Ex" for many decades, and made it a family tradition, it was wonderful to have it back.
I tried to just relax, camera-wise, and celebrate having the Ex back again.
Of course I did take a few fun photos though...
I went back more than once, including a visit with my friend Sammy who was possibly as excited as me to be there.
My Pal Sammy in front of the Princes' Gates
7. Meeting People
One benefit of taking weekly photo walks around Toronto is getting to meet people of many backgrounds and life experiences.
I love hearing different perspectives and personal stories so these encounters often feel like a gift.
Here are a few of the good people that I met...
Alex - Fuji Acros 100 - March 2022
City Councillor Mike Colle with Gloria and Joe outside of Caribbean Slice Restaurant - April 2022
Winsom - Kodak Ektar 100 - April 2022
It was a wonderful surprise meeting Winsom, an award-winning artist who has exhibited her work in many galleries.
I was taking photos near the AGO and Winsom called out to me. She said she could tell I was an artist. Winsom and her friend Marlene and I had a very nice conversation, after which Winsom allowed me to take her photo. I love moments like these.
I may need to do a blog post, or something more, to celebrate the great people I've met here in Toronto!
8. Being Published
I had several nice moments seeing my work getting "out there" in various ways in 2022.
An assignment I did in 2021 about two indigenous elders was published in an international faith-based journal...
Harvey Satewas Gabriel with his family and with local Grand Chief and Council members - published spring 2022
My On Notice exhibit was featured in BlogTO
BlogTO article about my On Notice Exhibit - May 2022
A photo I took for a documentary by director Cat Mills appeared in the Toronto Star...
Images of the Mesdames of Mayhem, taken while working for Director Cat Mills, published in the Toronto Star.
CBC and Al-Jazeera articles included images I created for director Cat Mills for her Billboard Squad documentary.
I'm so thankful for these opportunities. Click here if you wish to see more of my published work.
9. Rochester Road Trip
In October 2022 my friend Sammy and I went for a quick trip to Rochester, NY.
There was a talk by Martha Cooper on at the George Eastman Museum - a great reason to get out there and enjoy ourselves.
Myself with Martha Cooper and her latest book Spray Nation
I wrote about the experience in a blog post, which was shared by the Eastman Museum on their social media feed.
Sammy and I actually did one of our first road trips together in August 2006 to Rochester, NY.
We saw Bob Dylan play at Frontier Field, with several Texas blues artists opening up for him, including Jimmie Vaughan.
That was such a fun night. Road trips are worth it people!
10. Art exhibits
I'm thankful to have seen many great photo exhibits this past year.
Here are a few of them:
Art Gallery of Ontario
- Leonard Cohen: Everybody Knows (on until April 10, 2023)
Art Museum at the University of Toronto
- As We Rise: Photography From the Black Atlantic
The Cardinal Gallery
- David Hunsburger - Saturday Social
- Joan Latchford - Love Isn't Limited
Stephen Bulger Gallery
- Jill Freedman - Social Documents
- Gabor Szilasi - book signing and film screening
The Image Centre
- Sunil Gupta - From Here to Eternity, A Retrospective
Paper Mill Gallery
- Lori Spring - Bus Station
My thanks to all of the above artists and galleries!
I'm sure there is much more to say about 2022, but I will stop there.
Thanks for sticking with me!
Click here to see my previous annual year in review blog posts!
Click here to follow me on Instagram!
Cheers and best wishes to you!
]]>If you love photography, then a visit to the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York is a definite must.
George Eastman's legacy is quite vast, but amongst his many accomplishments is founding the Eastman Kodak company, which helped make film photography a popular pursuit around the world.
A display of images created with Kodak cameras, seen in the George Eastman Museum.
We began our time in Rochester though with a visit to the Rochester Public Market...
And a quick visit at Pendulum's Finds & Keeps, a fun vintage and thrift store just across the street from the Market...
The view from inside Pendulum's Finds & Keeps.
(Canon AE-1 with Kodak Ektar 100 film)
And then grabbed lunch at the Highland Park Diner - a classic old school eatery with friendly staff and a great menu.
After lunch we headed to the George Eastman Museum for the afternoon.
We started in the gardens next to the Museum, which were beautifully lit on that fall day...
A few film images in front of the Museum, fittingly shot with Kodak film...
Me in the front garden of the George Eastman Museum.
(Canon AE-1 with Kodak Ektar 100 film)
My Pal Sammy of My Summer Lair podcast.
(Canon AE-1 with Kodak Ektar 100 film)
The house, or mansion, side of the George Eastman Museum.
(Canon AE-1 with Kodak Ektar 100 film)
We started the Museum on the gallery side, planning to visit the mansion side afterwards.
The gallery side of the Museum.
A highlight of the Museum galleries was Flood Zone by Anastasia Samoylova - a fascinating look at the nature of climate change in south-eastern United States.
They did a wonderful job displaying the exhibit.
I found many images in the show quite beautiful and moving.
Flood Zone was also on exhibit earlier this year in Toronto as part of the Scotiabank Contact Photo Festival.
In the hallway outside the galleries was a wall displaying chemicals used in the production or developing of film.
It was fascinating to look closely at the many small jars of chemicals...
After the galleries we explored the mansion.
My parents took my family to the "George Eastman House" several times when I was a kid. I have distinct memories of learning about photography from the displays I encountered. My Dad was an avid photographer, and my Mom an artist, so I'm sure they both equally loved taking us there.
The mansion is filled with many fascinating items that reflect the era of George Eastman's life.
This mansion offers additional opportunities to learn about the history of photography and of the Eastman Kodak Company.
I couldn't resist getting a few photos inside the mansion...
Photo by My Pal Sammy
The George Eastman Museum is not a funhouse, but it is a fun house!
...and more film photos of the gorgeous fall colours in front of the Museum...
(Canon AE-1 with Kodak Ektar 100 film)
(Canon AE-1 with Kodak Ektar 100 film)
The main event of our trip was a talk by Martha Cooper.
Martha Cooper, also known as "Kodak Girl" due to her collection of vintage Kodak ads, is renowned for documentating the early days of street art in New York City and beyond.
A case at the George Eastman Museum displaying some of Martha Cooper's collection of Kodak advertisements that feature women photographers.
In the centre is the Kodak Girl book (link includes a slideshow of images from the book) which shares more of Martha Cooper's collection
along with essays discussing the significance of women in the early history of photography.
Everyone was fascinated as Martha Cooper shared about the early days of meeting and photographing street artists and their creations, as well as where her work has taken her since then.
I especially appreciated Martha Cooper's honesty about originally wanting to be a different kind of photographer, and how she found her calling along the way of pursuing what she loves.
Afterwards Martha Cooper signed her latest book, Spray Nation. It was special to meet her and talk with her a bit during the signing.
Martha Cooper wearing a jacket by visual artist Wagner Wagz.
The jacket's artwork is based on a photo of Martha Cooper in her early days in New York City.
I recomend following Martha Cooper on Instagram, where she is very active posting her latest activities.
After the talk, we drove around exploring some of the city, including a theatre known as "The Little".
(Nikon F80 & CInestill 800T film)
(Nikon F80 & CInestill 800T film)
(Nikon F80 & CInestill 800T film)
My Pal Sammy is ready for his close-up!
(Nikon F80 & CInestill 800T film)
We also drove by the Kodak Tower.
Naturally I also took some film photos here...
(Nikon F80 & Cinestill 800T film)
(Nikon F80 & Cinestill 800T film)
All in all it was a great day!
If you love film, or photography in general, be sure to plan a trip to the George Eastman House. It's well worth it!
My thanks to the good people at the Museum for all that they do to celebrate and elevate photography!
Here are some relevant links:
- George Eastman Museum website
- George Eastman Museum's Youtube page (Try the Wish You Were Here series to hear other photographer talks)
- George Eastman Museum on Instagram
- Martha Cooper on Instagram
- Wall Therapy - a mural art festival based in Rochester that has a global impact
- Visit Rochester - Rochester's official tourism website
- Click here to explore more blog posts that feature film photography!
- Click here to read about the inspiring photography of Jamel Shabazz.
Thanks for looking!
]]>In my previous post I shared about the unique results offered by Lomachrome Purple XR film.
In this post I will share some of my favourite images captured with Cinestill 800T film.
Cinestill describes this film as "based on the same gold standard motion picture technology used by top cinematographers around the world. Designed for difficult low light tungsten situations, this flexible film is suitable for use in different lighting situations to achieve a variety of looks."
Towers and Bridges
While this film can be used in the daytime...
Good Time Coffee
All Day Breakfast
Ulster Arms Tavern
Product of the Year
...I much prefer the look it gives when capturing nighttime scenes, especially neon lights.
William's Shoe Store
The images in this post were taken from January to February and October to November 2021 (two rolls of 35mm film) and in June 2022 (one roll of 120 film).
Fatima Jewellery
Fatima Jewellery
Cinestill film uses a film type that was used by filmmakers. From Cinestill's website:
Now, anyone can use film in the same lighting situations as new blockbuster movies and TV shows such as Inception, Argo, Lincoln, all of the Batman movies, Django Unchained, Man of Steel, Les Misérables, The Master, the new Star Trek films, the Star Wars films, all Wes Anderson's films, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Boardwalk Empire...
Speaking of movies - many movie scenes have been filmed at the Lakeview Restaurant. Click here for details.
Lakeview Restaurant
Take Away
Lakeview Restaurant - Cinestill 120 film
One key feature of Cinestill 800T (some would call it a bug, not a feature!) is the halation, or glow, it creates around lights. This is due to the removal of a "remjet" layer from the film. This layer served important purposes for filmmakers, but removing it allows the film to be developed more easily using the more commonly available C-41 process.
There are many great write-ups online about the technical features of this film, along with more sample images of what it can deliver.
Here are two trusted sites where you can explore more about this film:
- Analogue Wonderland - Cinestill 800T Review
- The Darkroom - Cinestill 800T Film Review
AAA Auto Glass
Star Convenience
Distant Light
Superfly Alley
Superfly was a Parkdale bar that closed this past year.
I have to include some of what must be my favourite neon sign in Toronto...
Pay them a visit the next time you're in Parkdale. The Skyline is a true classic!
Rendezviews is definitely one of the best patios in the city. It is very colourful in the daytime, thanks to artwork by Clandestinos Art, but also has great atmosphere at night.
Rendezviews
Guardians of Queen West
Miss Jones
I really love the CHUM Radio sign at Richmond and Duncan Streets...
I captured a scene near the CHUM Radio sign back in 2014, which can be seen here in my Art Show Portfolio.
Imperial Pub
Cinestill 120 film
Lover's Glow
Cinestill 120 film
Rol San Restaurant
Cinestill 120 film
Rol San's All Day Dim Sum sign, plus their neon lights, always make me smile.
The famous neon lights of Rol San Restaurant.
Cinestill 120 film
Cinestill 120 film
This historic music venue keeps drawing me back for photos.
I've seen many artists perform here. My favourite was Daniel Lanois in 2003. Such a great show.
Cocktails & Dreams
Cinestill 120 film
A bartending school on Dundas St W. Take a look at their very fun website.
I will close with one more image of the Skyline Restaurant. Perhaps my favourite of all I've captured there, and from this film type also.
Skyline Restaurant
Cinestill 120 film
If you are interested in exploring other unique film types, have a look at these:
- Purple Poses - Lomachrome Purple XR
- Colours of Coney Island - captured with Revelog Kolor film
To see other blog posts of my film photography, just click here.
And for more of my photography - film and digital - follow me on Instagram.
Thanks for looking!
]]>Engineer, Physician, former NASA astronaut and first black woman to travel into space.
Shooting film has made a big comeback in recent years.
There are many reasons why, but the twin feelings of anticipation while waiting for your film to be developed, and of surprise when you get back your images, are definitely included on that list.
Canon AE-1
Experimenting with unique film stocks - ones that have been pre-exposed or have unusual chemical formulas - elevates those elements of anticipation and of surprise.
I've enjoyed trying out several film types for this very reason. One of them is Lomography's Lomachrome Purple XR 100-400 film.
Monarch Butterfly I
In this blog I will share some images I captured with this unique film type. All were taken in September 2021 with my Canon AE-1.
Purple is rich in symbolism, often linked with royalty, but with many other associations also. I'll let you draw your own conclusions though, as you view the images shared here.
Monarch Butterfly II
The essential thing to know about Lomochrome Purple XR is that it shifts colours. Blue becomes green, green becomes purple, yellow becomes pink but reds stay as red. So it definitely offers some surprises, especially if you capture scenes with blue, green and yellow.
Butterflies enjoying the lush plant life in Toronto's Kew Gardens - on a gorgeous September day - provided me a great opportunity to try out the colour shifts that Lomachrome Purple has to offer.
A Pair of Monarchs
Others have written much more in-depth about the chemistry of this film, and of how to shoot images with it. Here are two such links well worth looking at if you are considering trying out this film:
- Emulsive's tips and users guide to Lomochrome Purple
- Matt Loves Cameras' review of Lomochrome Purple
A former Black's store in Toronto's Beaches neighbourhood
Black's is still active under new ownership as an online photo business, but their bricks and mortar stores closed in 2015.
Colours of Queen
I love the architecture of this building.
Making Space
A scene just across the street from the previous image.
In some images the colour shifts are more subtle...
McTamney's
One of Toronto's biggest pawn shops - seen here on Church Street but now located on the Danforth.
While in other images the colour changes are much more dramatic...
Leafy Floor
A view of the grounds of Toronto's Metropolitan United Church.
Greenwood Graffiti
Channeling Chi
Greenwood Park
Thou Shalt Not Steal
A bike with a sign noting the eighth commandment.
The bike hasn't moved in months. I guess the sign is working!
Tasty Restaurant
Tasty
A Blooming Lie
Kim's Convenience
Purple on the Tracks
Workers repair streetcar tracks at Queen Street and University Avenue
Crossing McCaul
Cycling McCaul
Passing OCAD
AGO Colours
AGO Reflections
I really like how the butterfly images turned out, so I'll end with one more...
Monarch Butterfly III
If you liked this unusual film type, you might enjoy my blog post featuring images of Coney Island captured on Revelog's Kolor film.
If you like film photography, click here to see my other blog posts featuring film images.
Thanks for looking!
"Be different. Be original. Nobody will remember a specific flower in a garden filled with thousands
of the same yellow flower, But they will remember the one that managed to change its color to purple."
- Suzy Kassem, 'Rise Up And Salute The Sun'.
]]>(Check out Sammy's email, podcast and Twitter feed for all kinds of pop culture goodness.)
HAHAHA
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
Montreal is home to the Just For Laughs festival (see image above), the Montreal Jazz Festival, and hundreds of other cultural events in the summer - nevermind all that happens there in other seasons.
I previously published a blog Bikes of Montreal from that trip.
Wheels and Hearts
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
In this post I will share my favourite film photos of Montreal.
St. Christophe Street Mural
Wall2Wall Montreal has a great collection of this artist's work.
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
Sammy & I both like tea, so naturally we went by Camellia Sinensis in the Villeray neighbourhood.
Good to the Last Drop
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
Here's an alternate take on a scene I shared in my Bikes of Montreal blog post.
Guardian of the Bike
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
Seeing Old Montreal was essential...
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
Old Montreal Love
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
We enjoyed exploring the Plateau neighbourhood...
Restaurant Le Fameux
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
Salades
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
A Bargain Find ;)
Nikon FE
Kodak Portra 160
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
Restaurant Mont-Royal
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
J. Omer Roy - a vintage sign that locals fought to preserve
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
It's Been A While
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
We did the requisite line-up for a lunch at Chez Schwartz's...
Chez Schwartz's
(Yes that's My Pal Sammy raising his arms in victory. We finally made it!)
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
Let's go to black and white now. All on Kosmo Foto Mono 100 filnm with my Konica Auto S3.
Me in front of the wonderful hat store, Henri Henri!
I'm wearing a shirt by Montreal artist PLB.
Just as they do in Toronto, Montreal bikes have a way of disassembling themselves...
Streets of Verdun
Candles inside Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Catholic Church in Verdun
Out for a Walk
In front of Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montreal
Art by French artists 123KLAN made in connection with the annual Under Pressure graffiti festival
Statue of Mother Émelie Gamelin by Raoul Hunter in the Berri Subway Station
(Fencing was around the statue due to repair work taking place.)
We were fortunate to meet these two talented artists who graciously invited us in
to their home and shared their work with us. Pay them a visit when you are in Montreal!
I'm Your Man
A mural of the great Leonard Cohen based on a photo by his daughter Lorca Cohen.
Cohen has a way of showing up in Montreal
Visit this link for more on this wonderful mural by Kevin Ledo
Visit this link for more on Cohen, Jewish history and food (and a brief mention of this mural) in Montreal
Nikon FE
Kodak Portra 160
Montreal
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
Poutine Lafleur
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
I tried my hand at a few double exposures...
Nikon FE
Kodak Portra 160
Nikon FE
Kodak Portra 160
I met Fethy, who allowed me to take his portrait...
Nikon FE
Kodak Portra 160
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Ektar 100
One of the friendly staff at Henri Henri
Nikon FE
Kodak Portra 160
Lions in Winter
Books being given away on the street
Nikon FE
Kodak Portra 160
Henry Birks
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
Vert Bahamas
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
Justice Needs a Bath
Canon Sure Shot Telemax
Kodak Pro Image 100
And there's Sammy - a few steps closer to securing us lunch!
Nikon FE
Kodak Portra 160
À plus tard!
P.S. Click here to see my Bikes of Montreal post
Feel free to check out my other blog posts, follow me on Instagram or to see my photo art products.
Thanks for looking!
]]>
Wings Over Coxwell
Kodak Portra 400
This blog post, now an annual tradition for me, shares some of my favourite colour film images of 2021.
Jesus Loves You
Kodak Portra 400
It takes me a while to share these, but taking time helps my selection process too, I feel.
Keep Your Ambitions Moving
Kodak Portra 400
In previous years I shared my favourite colour film photos in two separate blog posts, but this year, for the sake of time, I will share just one.
Open Saturdays!
Kodak Pro Image 100
Hopefully I'll have time to blog a bit more before summer comes and things get extra busy!
Ray
Kodak Pro Image 100
Ray and I have met and talked a few times over the past two years. I shared a photo of Ray in my recent Favourite Black and White film photos of 2021 blog post as well.
Love is Good, Good People
Kodak Pro Image 100
Friendly Corner
Kodak Pro Image 100
Refined Spaces
Kodak Pro Image 100
A number of different cameras were used to make these images. I will list them at the end of this post.
Work to Be Done
Kirkland Colour 100 (Expired Film)
Doors of St. James
Kirkland Colour 100 (Expired Film)
Work and Play
Double exposure on Kirkland Colour 100 (Expired Film)
SPINCO
Kodak Ultramax 400
Cops on Queen
Kodak Ultramax 400
Kodak Ultramax 400
A few more from the Danforth...
Postables
Kodak Ultramax 400
I love book stores...
Kodak Ultramax 400
Kodak Ultramax 400
$5 Vintage Books (at The Scribe)
Kodak Ultramax 400
Our Greatest Strength
Quote found at From The Neck Up Massage
Kodak Ultramax 400
Danny Sunshine
Kodak Ultramax 400
I Want You...
Kodak Ultramax 400
Dressy Boutique
Kodak Ultramax 400
Email God
Kodak 400, Expired (March 2021)
Email God II
Kodak Ektar 100 (May 2021)
Give
Kodak 400, Expired
Okay! Blue Jays
Kodak Ektar 100
That Way
Kodak Ektar 100
Pscychic Shop
Kodak Ektar 100
I keep returning to the AGO...
AGO Magic
Kodak Ektar 100
Anthony
Kodak Ektar 100
I love meeting people while I'm out and about. Anthony was very friendly and we talked for a bit before I took his photo.
Style is Eternal
Kodak Portra 160
Love is Love
Kodak Portra 160
The Rosedale Diner - once featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives
Gil and Hilary were happy to pose for a few photos.
Be sure to keep supporting local places like this!
Kodak Portra 160
Danger Due To...
Kodak Gold 200
#HAULER
Kodak Gold 200
Needs More
Kodak Gold 200
Danforth Variety & Fruit Market
Kodak Gold 200
Storefront Faith
Kodak Gold 200
Money
Kodak Ektar 100
Between Fate and Luck
Kodak Ektar 100
Town & Country
Kodak Pro Image 100
Danforth Sunrise
Kodak Pro Image 100
Snoopy
Kodak Pro Image 100
Major Convenience
Kodak Pro Image 100
Orange on the Tracks
Kodak Gold 200
Wherever You Go
Kodak Gold 200
Eyes on Spadina
Kodak Gold 200
Economy Fruit
Kodak Ektar 100
Still Life
Kodak Ektar 100
Kingsway Cinema
Kodak Ektar 100
Crossing Queen
Kodak Ektar 100
Motel Cadillac
Kodak Portra 160
"For me it is the people" - Abeba
Kodak Portra 160
\
Talented staff of this Queen West Classic
Kodak Portra 160
Returning Home
Kodak Portra 400
I love the reds of Kodak Ektar 100 film...
China Island
Kodak Ektar 100
Home Hardware
Kodak Ektar 100
Perfectly Free
A street scene showing a section of the Dupont Underpass Mural by multi-disciplinary artist Joel Richardson.
I created these images using a Canon AE-1, Canon Sure Shot Telemax, Nikon AF600, Nikon FE, and an Olympus Stylus Zoom.
Click here to see my favourite Black and White Film Photos of 2021.
Here are my favourite colour film images from previous years
- A Year in Colour Film 2020 - Part One
- A Year in Colour Film 2020 - Part Two
- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part One
- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part Two
- A Year in Colour Film 2018 - Part One
- A Year in Colour Film 2018 - Part Two
Follow me on Instagram to see a wider variety of images - both film and digital.
Thanks for looking!
]]>This blog features my favourite black and white film photos of 2021. They were primarily made with my Konica Auto S3 camera.
Staff Meeting
Ilford HP5+ 400
These images are, for the most part, presented in the order they were taken over the course of 2021.
Coin Laundry
Ilford HP5+ 400
I have included links to many of the businesses featured in my images. Please give them a visit and show them some love! They and you will be better for it! :)
A beautiful window display at The Scribe Bookstore (375 Danforth Avenue)
Astrum Foto 400
Astrum Foto film is made in Ukraine. Stephen Dowling of Kosmo Foto and Alex Luyckx of the Classic Camera Revival Podcast each have nice write-ups about Astrum film stocks.
Bau-Xi Photo Gallery, 350 Dundas St W
Astrum Foto 400
I visited the Bau-Xi Gallery in Toronto (across the street from the AGO) with my family when I was growing up and the name (named after founder Bau Xi Huang) stuck in my mind and imagination. I am glad it is still around and thriving. They expanded in 2010 to add a gallery space just for photography (seen in the above image).
Coxwell and Danforth
Ilford Delta 400 Pro
Ray
I've met Ray in my neighbourhood and enjoyed good converations with him a few times over the past year or two.
(Click here to see a colour image of Ray in my Favourite Colour Photos of 2021 blog post.)
Ilford Delta 400 Pro
Lines to Be Crossed
Ilford Delta 400 Pro
I love experimenting with different film types as each has a unique character of tone and grain.
Japan Camera Hunter's Streetpan 400 is definitely one of my favourite film stocks...
Acadia Book Store (232 Queen Street East)
Acadia is one of the oldest, and certainly one of the most unique, book stores in Toronto.
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Shop Cat (Acadia Book Store)
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Waiting
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Jimmie Simpson Shadows
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Enforced
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
avant garde
(Store window at the very stylish Shernett Swaby at 632 Queen St W)
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Store Window at Monty's Credit Jewellers (1482 Queen St W)
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Charles on Church
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Still Alive
Super Wonder Gallery, 584 College St
Ilford HP5+ 400
Church of the Holy Name (71 Gough Avenue, near Danforth and Pape)
Taken while working on Humans of the Danforth
Ilford HP5+ 400
Meant to Last
Tote bag from PhotoEd Magazine and SPAO celebrating great Canadian women photographers
Ilford HP5+ 400
Toronto Tableau
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Our Greatest Strength
From the Neck Up Massage, 592 Danforth Ave
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Vintage
Black Market Clothing, 347 Queen St W
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Many of the images here and in my other blog posts are available as prints. More can also be seen in my Art Photo section. Send me a message if interested.
In Tandem
Kodak Tri-X 400
Looking Back
Kodak Tri-X 400
Old Friends
Fomapan 100
Walk the Lines II
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Is Not
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Now Playing
Ilford Delta 400 Pro
Our Way
Kodak Tri-X 400
Congo Coffee (298 Gerrard St E)
Kodak Tri-X 400
Riverdale Branch of the Toronto Public Library
Kodak Tri-X 400
Time is Pilin' Up
(Lyrics in Bob Dylan's Mississippi)
Fuji Acros 100
Empty Ferry Blues
(Billy Bishop Airport Ferry)
Kodak Tri-X 400
Heading North on Parliament
Bergger Pancro 400
When the Man Comes Around
(This image makes me think of a song by Johnny Cash)
Bergger Pancro 400
Sun on Spadina
Bergger Pancro 400
Parallax
Bergger Pancro 400
Outlaw Josey Wails
Bergger Pancro 400
Bar Stools at Larry's Folly (1462 Queen St W)
Kodak Tri-X 400
Something to Chew On
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
(Words by poet and artist S.C. Lourie)
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Dreamer's Way
Japan Camera Hunter Streetpan 400
Keep dreaming my friends - and keep working towards it! May you find your way there!
My favourite black and white film photos from previous years can be found here...
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
And my Favourite Colour Film Photos of 2021 may be seen here.
Follow me on Instagram to see a wider variety of images - both film and digital.
Thanks for looking!
]]>
1. Kim's Convenience
I was sad to see the wonderful Kim's Convenience show come to an end. I watched it from the start and loved the stories of the Kim family and how the show represented life in Toronto.
While feeling sad, I had the unique thrill of seeing my image - one that I created four years earlier - appear more than once in the final episode of the show.
I laughed out loud when Jung (played by Simu Liu) said to his sister Janet (played by Andrea Bang), "I thought your photography was getting better?" as he handed a photo that I had taken back to her!
The photo is used in a more meaningful way later on in the episode as Jung pitches a business plan to his family that would add a variety of business opportunities to the store.
OK See You!
A film photo I captured in June 2020.
My thanks to the creator of Kim's Convenience, Ins Choi, and to all the actors, for bringing this show, that is so filled with joy, to life.
Thanks to my photo being on the show, I was able to connect with the great people behind KimBits - a group of fans who have done so much to support the community of people who love this show! Click here to follow them Twitter where they continue to spread the love for Kim's Convenience and for the show's actors as they rise in their careers.
For those who may be interested, I have a few items available at my ShopCultureSnap.ca store with the Kim's Convenience image on it, including a pillowcase, a wood block print and a tote bag.
2. Film Photography
I shot a lot of film again in 2021. Many thanks to the good people at Downtown Camera for their great work developing it for me.
Suitable for Framing
Ilford HP5+ 400
Love Is Good, Good People
Kodak Pro Image 100
I intend to share blog posts of my favourite colour and black and white images of 2021. Please stay tuned!
Update: Here are my Favourite Black and White Film Photos of 2021!
And here are my Favourite Colour Film Photos of 2021!
Unique Film Types
Every once in a while I like to try to shoot with film types that are a little different than the usual colour and black and white films that I use.
Lakeview Restaurant
Cinestill 800T
Kew Gardens Butterfly
Lomachrome Purple 100-400
I think these films may deserve a separate blog post. Stay tuned!
Update: Here are my blog posts about these film types:
- Purple Poses - Playing Purposefully With Lomagraphy's Purple XR Film
- Still of the Night - Toronto Street Scenes With Cinestill 800T Film
Expired Film
I found myself with quite a number of rolls of expired film in 2021.
Work To Be Done
Kirkland Colour 100
Crossing Queen at Spadina
Kodak Gold 400
These expired film images may also deserve their own blog post. I will try! Stay tuned!
3. Street Photography
My artistic discipline involves doing a photo walk at least once a week.
A Train to Catch
This is good for my heart, mind and soul and also good for ensuring I create interesting photo art.
Rare and Ancient Treasures
A street view alongside the wonderful Acadia Books, one of the oldest book stores in Toronto.
Street photography also helps me meet interesting people!
The friendly staff of Steve's Music
Follow me on Instagram to see my latest street images (film and digital).
4. Being Featured
- SNAP Auction
I learned in late 2020 that two of my images would be in the 2021 SNAP Toronto Auction to raise funds for the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT).
Screenshot
Screenshot
The auction went ahead in March 2021 and I'm very happy to say that together my images helped to raise over $1200 for the AIDS Committee of Toronto's important work.
- Photo Ed Magazine
I was very happy to have four of my images in PhotoEd Magazine's issue about Black and White photography.
PhotoEd is the only photo magazine left in Canada. They are very supportive of photographers and photo artists and subscriptions are low cost.
By subscribing to PhotoEd Magazine you support Canadian publishing, Canadian artists and get to enjoy wonderfully creative content - so definitely consider doing so!
5. Montréal
I was scheduled to attend a conference in Montréal in late April 2020, but it had to be cancelled. So it was a gift to be able to travel once again in 2021 - and to be able to visit one of my favourite cities, Montréal.
My friend Sammy and I had a great time exploring many wonderful neighbourhoods and meeting up with a good friend there which made our time even more enjoyable.
I've shared one blog post from the trip - Bikes of Montreal - but hope to share more this coming year.
Mural of Willie O'Ree (seen on a wall in Montréal), the first black player in the NHL, by street artist Pints.
6. Humans of the Danforth
In the summer of 2021 I had the privilege of working on Humans of the Danforth - a project led by the wonderful people at East End Arts and the Greektown on the Danforth BIA and run in partnership with STEPS Public Art, the Toronto Library and the TTC.
Humans of the Danforth on display in Chester Station (left and right side windows).
The project was understandably delayed a few times so it was exciting to finally get started in the summer of 2021
Humans of the Danforth in Pape Library
It was challenging getting 26 businesses on board and then scheduling interviews and photo shoots all within a very short window, but I loved every minute of it!
George of Apollon Pharmacy
I heard many challenging stories from business owners as they shared about some of their hardest months of the pandemic, but I also heard many wonderful accounts of how their customers and fellow business owners showed their support.
Lina and Dustin of Greenwood Smokehouse
The exhibit lives on online thanks to STEPS Public Art. Click here to see the portraits and to listen to people's stories (scroll down to the "Walking Tour" and click on the grid of portraits to get to the tour). You can also hear them via YouTube here. Kudos to Anahita Dehbonehie as well for editing the audio from the interviews.
Click here also for a ArtSkool Educational Guide about the Humans of the Danforth project!
Me holding a photo of Stacia of IQ Living, outside of their store window
My sincere thanks to East End Arts for giving me such a great opportunity to use my skills to do what I love - celebrating people! Keep shopping local and keep supporting small businesses like these!
7. Kanesatake and Nunavut
In October I had the wonderful opportunity to meet indigenous leaders in two communities. I met Harvey Satewas Gabriel in Kanesatake, outside of Montréal and Jonas Allooloo in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Harvey Satewas Gabriel holding a book of the four gospels in Mohawk, as translated by his great grandfather Chief Sose Onasakenrat (also known as Joseph Swan), in Kanesatake United Church
Jonas Allooloo in his office at St. Jude's Anglican Church in Iqaluit, Nunavut
I was hired to take photos of Harvey Satewas Gabriel and Jonas Allooloo as an assignment for a faith based publication which was doing a story about their work translating the Bible into Mohawk and Inuktitut, respectively.
A copy of the Kanesatake Mohawk Dictionary, created by Harvey Satewas Gabriel.
After many years their translation work is nearing completion. Finishing the translation is significant not only for local faith communities but for the preservation of language and culture as well.
Iqaluit Sunrise
A view of St. Jude's Anglican (centre) and Koojesse Inlet (right) in Iqaluit, Nunavut
There is so much I could write about this assignment that a blog post is definitely necessary.
8. Old World Shoes
After two previous exhibit dates were cancelled due to the pandemic, it was wonderful to finally have my Old World Shoes project go ahead in December 2021.
Opening Night of Old World Shoes at Daniels Spectrum, part of the 2021 Contact Photo Festival
L-R: Emmanuel Farré of Farré by Emmanuel, Peter Feeney of Peter Feeney Bespoke Footwear, George of Yiorgos the Cobbler, Henry VanderSpek and David and Richard Markowitz of DAVIDS.
Opening night was a real joy.
Peter Feeney of Peter Feeney Bespoke Footwear and myself on opening night
Emmanuel Farré of Farré by Emmanuel and I
Emmanuel Farré was kind enough to loan me a pair of his beautiful hand-painted shoes for the opening night. I felt like a star!
See this page for more details about the exhibit (currently on until Feb 19th at Capri Shoes), including media coverage, as well as my thanks and acknowledgements of the many who helped to make it happen! A special thanks to Olga Schellenberg, along with other Artscape staff, who helped so much with making it happen!
My friend Sammy Younan interviewed me for his podcast about my photography and Old World Shoes. I got a bit choked speaking about my Dad, but I think it was a good discussion thanks to excellent interview questions by Sammy. Please have a listen!
9. Assisting With Two Documentaries
In early 2021 my friend, filmmaker Simon Madore, spoke with me about a project he was working on called "Excluded by Design" which is part of a program by Hot Docs called Citizen Minutes. The theme of the film - about Notice of Development signs and how governments can improve their civic engagement, featureing Toronto activist Dave Meslin - aligned with a photo series that I have been working on. In the end I was able to contribute three of my images for use in the project. Here is one of them:
In late 2022 I had another opportunity to work with Cat Mills, a documentary filmmaker who has made a number of creative and meaningful films.
I had a great time working as an on-set photographer for Cat Mills on Big Men, Small Dogs and Mesdames of Mayhem, so when a new opportunity came up, I could not say no!
This new documentary, titled "The Billboard Squad", is about illegal billboards in Toronto and, funny enough, also features author and activist Dave Meslin's work to raise awareness and to provoke action on them.
Dave Meslin has been a leader on so many important issues regarding civic engagement, and is the founder of both the Toronto Public Space Committee and Cycle Toronto, so it was a privilege to capture images of him taking creative action on this issue.
10. Being Thankful
Like many artists, I have moments of discouragement and self-doubt. I wonder whether what I am doing is meaningful or making a difference, or where I am headed with my work. Looking back on the past year like this helps me to listen to logic over emotion, and to recognize that I have received many good opportunities, and have much to be thankful for. I feel that very much as I look back on 2021, and indeed give thanks.
I will close with this image...
Beauty
"It's true today as it ever was. He who seeks beauty will find it."
- Bill Cunningham (said in Bill Cunningham: New York)
Best wishes and stay well!
P.S. If you wish to see any of my Favourite Photo Moments of past years, click the links below:
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
]]>Sammy and I had plans to be in Montreal in April 2020 but that was of course not possible.
Strange objects, scrawled messages, light and shadow, and intriguing juxtapositions all call out to me when I'm walking around - but nothing quite draws my eyes the way a bike in a distinct setting does.
And so, I present to you, Bikes of Montreal! I hope you enjoy the ride!
I love Montreal. I have great memories of many family vacations there from when I was younger, and have gone back many times since.
Bikes - even when leaning against a wall - can at times feel like works of art to me...
When they are found outside of an art gallery there's another level of atmosphere about them.
A bike in front of La Guilde, founded in 1906 to "preserve, promote and increase awareness for Inuit art, First Nations art and Fine Crafts from Canada".
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (south side of Sherbrooke St W). "Twin 6' Hearts" sculpture by American artist Jim DIne.
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (north side of Sherbrooke St W). The elaborate glasswork art is by Dale Chihuly.
Bikes add a stylish touch to almost any setting, whether a graffiti covered wall, or next to a beautiful mural (Montreal has plenty of those)...
A bike outside of Camellia Sinensis, a stylish tea shop in Montreal's Villeray neighbourhood.
No Justice No Peace, by artists Louis Letters and Tshoko, working together as @salesmomesmtl.
Live Free. Love Life. Art (in the above three window spaces) by Montreal artist Adida Fallen Angel.
Old Montreal offered many moments to celebrate bikes...
A bike in front of the very tempting ice cream shop Mlle Catherine in Old Montreal.
Le Petit Dep in Old Montreal.
We had fun exploring the thrift stores and funky shops in the Plateau and Mile End neighbourhoods (near Mont-Royal and St. Denis)...
Super cool vintage store Hadio 514.
Paul's Boutique has an incredible collection of music and movies.
A scene from the window of Le Fameux Deli.
A Montreal classic - Wilensky's.
Schwartz's Deli is well worth the trip - but so is Wilensky's.
Be sure to check them out when you visit Montreal! (Right near Fairmount Bagel, another classic worth visiting!
We had a nice time strolling the pedestrian and bike-friendly Wellington Street of Verdun...
Employees of Cloud 9?! (The fictional store featured in the popular comedy series "Superstore".)
A Peugot outside of a Loco grocery in Verdun.
Stairs are a big feature of many Montreal homes...
Just like in Toronto, bikes in Montreal also have a mysterious way of coming apart!
A few more bike images before I end...
I've only previously seen bike parking like this in Europe. Well done Montreal.
Cleverly named bike store Bikurious.
The marquee at Club Soda music venue advertises a show for comedian Rosalie Vaillancourt.
Paix Peace
I've done three other "Bikes of..." blog posts:
And here are some of my favourite images of bikes as well as my Instagram feed, where bikes often appear in my images.
Many of my images are available as prints, so if you are interested, just send me a message and I'll be happy to help.
I will end with one of my favourite images that I took in Montreal - of Leonard Cohen overlooking a lone cyclist on Crescent Street.
Click here to learn more about the mural, which was made by Gene Pendron and El Mac and is based on a photo taken by Leonard Cohen's daughter Lorca Cohen.
Stay tuned as I hope to feature more posts of images from Montreal.
UPDATE: I've added a blog post featuring Montreal on Film. Click here to have a look!
Thanks for looking and happy cycling wherever you may be!
]]>
YES
It is spring in the northern hemisphere as I write this, and many are choosing two wheels as a safe way to navigate their hometown, so it feels timely to share images of bikes in all their glory.
Bushwick Colours
In this blog I will share:
- street scenes with bikes in them, including some taken on film, from New York City in July 2019
- info about street photography workshops in NYC
- info about bike advocacy
- links to my other bike related posts and images
My apologies if this post makes you want to shop for a new bike. If you've tried to buy a new bike this past year, you'll know how hard it is to find one given the global shortage. I wish you success if you are looking!
Brooklyn Heights Deli
Crossing Atlantic (Avenue)
Except Bikes
Psychic Crystal Readings
No Trash
Soho Grand Hotel
Amici Ristorante
Crossing Mulberry
Pershing Square
Thumbs Up
Great Minds
Crossing 42nd Street
E-bikes were not very common in Toronto in 2019, but in New York we saw them were everywhere we went.
They are much more common in Toronto now.
Sunshine I
Big Lies
Diamond Bike I
Diamond Bike II
Panama Wheels
Street Photography Workshops
Some of the images shared here were taken during a photo workshop I took one afternoon with Leanne Staples who runs Shoot New York City.
Leanne offers photo tours in a range of New York neighbourhoods. The Midtown Manhattan workshop that I participated in was a great experience. Leanne is a licensed New York City tour guide and a talented street photographer. She got to know each of the tour participants and shared personalized tips and insights and took us to unique spots that we likely would not have noticed otherwise.
Leanne is again able to offer workshops, following proper safety protocols, so if you can make it to New York City I highly recommend taking a workshop with her through Shoot New York City.
If you are interested in learning street photography in Toronto, please contact me. I run training sessions for individuals or small groups and will be ready to do so again once health conditions allow. Click here for details about what I can offer and click here to send me a message.
Business As Usual
All Year Long
Sunshine II
Spring Loaded
Bike Blues
Wings & Wheels
Ready to Rock
This next one is dedicated to my friend James, who I've shared many travel adventures with...
JAMES, New York
Shu Han Ju
Setting The Standard
Apple Parking
Defend The North
Manufacturers Trust Company
Wheels Up In Soho
Here also are some film photos of street scenes with bikes that I took in July 2019:
Brooklyn Black and White
Konica Auto S3, Kodak Tri-X 400
Golden City
Canon Sure Shot Look, Kodak Ektar 100
6th Avenue
Canon Sure Shot Look, Kodak Ektar 100
Long Island Restaurant
Canon Sure Shot Look, Kodak Ektar 100
Red Cap and Ready
Canon Sure Shot Look, Kodak Ektar 100
Bike Advocacy
If you have a bike advocacy organization in your city or region, I highly recommend becoming a member. Organizations like Cycle Toronto do excellent work to advocate for safe cycling conditions and to educate and inspire people to get out there and ride safely.
I Do Love Bikes...
Bikes have been a big theme for me in my photography.
In 2014 I did an exhibit at the Runnymede Public Library called "The Foot That Moves the Pedal"...
I've done three other "Bikes of..." posts:
- Bikes of Mexico City (2017)
- Bikes of Havana (2019)
- Bikes of Montreal (2021)
And here are some of my favourite images of bikes as well as my Instagram feed, where bikes often appear.
Most of my images are available as prints, so if you are interested, just send me a message and I'll be happy to help.
I will end with one last image from New York City, July 2019. A timeless rule to live by...
Love Your Neighbor
Canon Sure Shot Look, Kodak Ektar 100
]]>by the light you brought to me
I listen through your ears,
And through your eyes I can see
- Stuck In A Moment, U2
This post is Part II of "My Year in Colour Film 2020". Click here to see Part I.
Unless mentioned, all images here were taken with my Canon AE-1 camera.
Film types, and alternate cameras used, are indicated below each image.
OK See You
Kodak Colour Film
Canon Sure Shot Look
I was very disappointed to hear the news that one of my favourite shows, Kim's Convenience, will be ending with the current season. This show brought so much joy and laughter and will be dearly missed by so many.
I can't help but mention that one of my images will be on a future episode of the fifth and final season. (Click here to see more about my image being on the final episode). I am so excited and thankful for the opportunity.
My best wishes to each of the Kim's Convenience creators and actors as they move to new projects.
Colours at Work
Kodak Ektar 100 120 film
Fujica GS645W (Click here to see more images shot with this camera)
Terry's Milk
Kodak Ektar 100 120 film
Fujica GS645W (Click here to see more images shot with this camera)
The faded yellow sign drew me in to take this photo. It has since been replaced with a newer one, proving that the best time to take a photo is now!
Crossing Spadina
Kodak Ektar 100
Carolyn
Kodak Ektar 100
I took this portrait of Carolyn, who has cut my hair for many years now, in June 2020. It was my first haircut in many months.
Carolyn is an artist and a very creative person who I am thankful to know. As with many who have been out of work due to pandemic related closures, it was also a tough go for her. One way that Carolyn made use of her time while away from her profession was by serving those without safe shelter living in a nearby park.
Heading East On Queen
Kodak Ektar 100
Steve's Music
Fuji Velvia 100
I love Steve's Music, one of the original stores of Queen Street West.
True Love Café
Kodak Ektar 100
The café is closed, but true love never dies. :)
Take What You Need
Kodak Gold 200
I love all the encouraging messages that I saw on the streets of Toronto over the past year.
I shared some of them in my Colours of Love blog post, seen here.
Won't Be Beat
Kodak Gold 200
Canon Sure Shot Look
Taken in Grand Bend, August 2020
Self Portrait
Kodak Portra 160
Taken at the lovely "A Room in Paris" store on Queen Street West.
You'll Love What You Find Here
Kodak Portra 160
Secure Checkout
Kodak Ektar 100
This cart full of security cameras left on Queen Street East was a real mystery.
Heaven is a place on earth
Kodak Ektar 100
Salonica Pant Shop
Kodak Ektar 100
Rode Klompen
Kodak Ektar 100
One of many colourful things in my mother's home.
Skyline Restaurant
Kodak Ektar 100
Be Kind. Thank you!
Kodak Color Plus 200
Olympus Stylus Zoom
Passing Portrait
Kodak Color Plus 200
Olympus Stylus Zoom
I have a photo of the auto shop in the background in Part One of this blog.
And It Was All Yellow
Kodak Ektar 100
A classic car in front of the classic Downtown Camera, where I get my film developed.
To know more about this vehicle, read the comments in my Instagram post of this image.
Toronto to the Core
Kodak Ektar 100
The Avenue Diner
Kodak Ektar 100
Blue Diamond Jewellers
Kodak Ektar 100
Find The Love
Kodak Ektar 100
A wonderful mural by Bareket Kezwer
Portrait of my good friend Sammy Younan, host of pop culture podcast My Summer Lair.
Rolling Through The Six
Kodak Ektar 100
Taking It In
Kodak Gold 200
What's In Fashion
Kodak Gold 200
Click here to see a black and white version of this scene that I shared on Instagram.
Latin Fever
Kodak Gold 200
Ahmed
Kodak Color Plus 200
B & B Fish & Chips
Kodak Color Plus 200
We Buy Your Books
Kodak Color Plus 200
Textures of Toronto
Kodak Ektar 100
What If We All Had Love?
Kodak Ektar 100
Wait Here
Kodak Ektar 100
Olympus Trip 35
Bench and Board
Kodak Ektar 100
Olympus Trip 35
Thanks for looking! Best wishes and stay well!
Most of my images are available as prints. To inquire, just click here and send me a message.
Related blog posts:
- A Year in Colour Film 2020 - Part I
- A Year in Black and White Film - 2020
- Favourite Photo Moments of 2020
- 120 Vision - Medium Format Film with a Fujica GS645W
]]>But the nights you filled with fireworks
They left you with nothing
- Stuck In A Moment, U2
Getting to know, first-hand, the unique qualities of a variety of colour film types over the past few years has been a lot of fun.
I shoot a lot more colour film than I do black and white, so will share my favourites of 2020 in two parts (as I did last year). So please stay tuned for a follow-up post.
The majority of images shared here were captured on my Canon AE-1, with a 28mm or 50mm lens. I will indicate the film type below each image, and alternate camera, when used.
Here we go...
Queen East Snowfall
Kodak Ektar 100
This auto shop has been converted into the Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Company. Read more here.
Capitalism Kills
Kodak Ektar 100
Alright
Kodak Ektar 100, Double Exposure
Sideways Snow
Kodak Gold 200
Nikon Lite Touch compact camera
My Damn Self
Kodak Color Plus 200
Coming Soon
Kodak Color Plus 200
Ossington Love
Kodak Color Plus 200
Kaleidescope of the Senses
Winter Station by Charlie Sutherland of SUHUHA Architecture of Edinburgh, Scotland, seen on Woodbine Beach, Toronto
Kodak Ektar 100
Canon Sure Shot Look camera
This year's winter stations have been selected, but are delayed. Click here to see the very neat designs, hopefully coming soon.
Classy Corner
Kodak Ektar 100
El Mocambo
Kodak Ektar 100
If you follow me, you know I have a thing for this great music venue (link to their website).
Here's hoping live music will play there again in 2021.
Home TV Service
Kodak Ektar 100
Around the Corner
Kodak Gold 200
Morals on Church
Expired Black's 200 Film
Burt's Fish and Chips
Expired Black's 200 Film
ABC Books
Kodak Gold 200
Canon Sure Shot Look
The Saj
Kodak Gold 200
Canon Sure Shot Look
In This Together
Kodak Gold 200
Canon Sure Shot Look
Days A Week
Kodak Portra 400 120 film
Fujica GS645W camera (Click here to see more images shot with this camera)
Dolce & Gabbana
Kodak Portra 400 120 film
Fujica GS645W camera (Click here to see more images shot with this camera)
Housing 4 All!!
Kodak Portra 400 120 film
Fujica GS645W camera (Click here to see more images shot with this camera)
4 Bites More
Kodak Portra 400 120 film
Fujica GS645W camera (Click here to see more images shot with this camera)
24 HRS
Kodak Portra 400 120 film
Fujica GS645W (Click here to see more images shot with this camera)
Life Is Cancelled
Kodak Gold 200
Corona Capitalism
Kodak Gold 200
Capes For Kids
Kodak Gold 200
Classic Wheels
Kodak Gold 200
City Bench
Kodak Gold 200
Made In Toronto
Kodak Ektar 100
Social Bubble
Kodak Ektar 100
Self Portrait
Kodak Ektar 100
New York Fur
Kodak Ektar 100
Social Norms
Kodak Ektar 100
Take Care Of Each Other
Kodak Ektar 100 120 film
Fujica GS645W (Click here to see more images shot with this camera)
Pappas Grill
Kodak Ektar 100 120 film
Fujica GS645W (Click here to see more images shot with this camera)
The Future Is Not Set (quote on poster by Shawn Micallef)
Kodak Ektar 100 120 film
Fujica GS645W (Click here to see more images shot with this camera)
Charlene
Kodak Gold 200
Canon Sure Shot Look
I always enjoy meeting people while I am out taking photos. Charlene and I had a good conversation about the boarded up stores on Bloor Street that day. You can read more about our meeting in my Boards Up, Walls Down Part II blog post.
Thanks for looking! Stay tuned for a part two of this blog post.
Related blog posts:
- A Year in Black and White Film - 2020
- Favourite Photo Moments of 2020
- 120 Vision - Medium Format Film with a Fujica GS645W
]]>In this post I share my favourite black and white film photos from 2020.
Most of these images were taken with my Konica Auto S3. I indicate which film type was used below each image.
Thirsty Branches
Kodak Tri-X 400
Wherever possible, I have included website and Google Maps links for the small businesses that appear in these images.
Please continue to support local businesses and to keep local alive.
A McCaul Moment
Ilford Ortho 80
The image below of a pedestrian getting splashed by a passing TTC bus, from February 2020, seemed to foreshadow what was coming in the year ahead - a deadly virus that caught most of us quite off guard.
Pape Puddle
Kodak Tri-X 400
Tasty Shadows
Ilford Ortho 80
I have another photo from this spot that has been popular at my art shows.
One Last Text
Kodak T-Max 400
Hung Up
Kodak T-Max 400
Reverse Psychology at Work
Ilford HP5+ 400
I enjoyed shooting 120/medium format film with my friend Simon's Fujica GS645W.
To see more medium format photos click on the words "120 film" below any of the next three images.
Expired Kodak Acros 100 120 film
Captured with a Fujica GS645W
Layers of Motion (Triple Exposure)
Expired Kodak Acros 100 120 film
Captured with a Fujica GS645W
Ordinary Streets
Expired Kodak Acros 100 120 film
Captured with a Fujica GS645W
Bring Joy
Kodak Eastman Double-X 5222
Danny's Hairstylist for Men
Kodak Eastman Double-X 5222
Restored
Kodak Eastman Double-X 5222
My Mommy is the Best
Lomography Potsdam 100
I met the owner of this classic Pontiac Parisienne while I was in Bobcaygeon last summer and he kindly let me take photos of his beautiful vehicle.
Bobcaygeon Parisienne
Kodak Tri-X 400
Danforth Free Bird
Kodak Tri-X 400
Too Much to Dream
Ilford HP5+ 400
Parabolas
Ilford HP5+ 400
Ilford HP5+ 400
Pigeons of Parkdale
Ilford HP5+ 400
Lomography Berlin Kino 400
What's In Fashion
Fuji Acros 100 II
25% Off
Fuji Acros 100 II
Essentials
Fuji Acros 100 II
Fuji Acros 100 II
Yonge & Dundas Square
Kodak T-Max 400
Going in Circles
Kodak T-Max 400
In Stitches
Kodak T-Max 400
Oppositional Forces
Kodak T-Max 400
Chair Shadows
Kodak T-Max 400
Do You Love Freedom?
Ilford HP5+ 400
Ilford HP5+ 400
Colonialism Does Not Spark Joy
Ilford HP5+ 400
B-Side Bike
Ilford HP5+ 400
Money
Ilford HP5+ 400
There are a number of black and white film photos from 2020 that I did not include here as I already posted them on Instagram. Click here if you'd like to see those ones also.
Despite the discouragements of 2020, I had a number of encouraging moments. Click here to see my Favourite Photo Moments of 2020.
Here are my favourite Black and White photos from 2019, and 2018.
Most of my images are available as prints. If interested, click here to send me a note and I'll be happy to help.
Best wishes to you in 2021!
]]>But I don't know what alright even means"
- Bob Dylan, Trying to Get to Heaven Before They Close the Door
The above song by Bob Dylan was one of several songs that frequently came to my mind in 2020.
While 2020 was quite discouraging at times, my family and community were a great support in getting through.
Throughout any discouragements, I remained deeply aware of how much I have to be thankful for.
In that spirit of thankfulness, I share my annual post of my favourite photo moments of the past year...
Alright
Kodak Ektar 100 Film, Double Exposure
1. You Are Here Exhibit
I was happy to have my image "From Mind to Body" included in the "You Are Here" exhibit.
"You Are Here" was exhibited in March 2020 by the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information Studies at the John B. Aird Gallery on Queen Street West.
The exhibit brought together many talented artists with a wide range of styles and methods.
I was honoured that my image was chosen for the poster and promotional materials.
2. Film Photography
I continued to shoot film photos throughout the past year...
Classy Corner
Kodak Ektar 100 Film
I mainly used my old Canon AE-1 for colour film, and my Konica Auto S3 for black and white.
Wash & Fold Service
Kodak T-Max 400 Film
One fun change for me was shooting 120 medium format film with my friend Simon's Fujica GS645w camera.
4 Bites More
Expired Kodak Portra 400 film
Click here to see my blog post about shooting 120 film with the Fujica GS645w.
Be Kind - Thank You!
Kodak Color Plus 200 Film
I recently added a blog post of my favourite black and white film photos of 2020, which can be seen here.
Here is Part I and here is Part II of my favourite colour film images of 2020.
One Last Text
Kodak T-Max 400
3. Documenting Scott Mission
In the first week of the pandemic I was able to capture images of the staff of The Scott Mission at work.
The Scott Mission, does excellent work assisting those living on the street and who are facing income challenges with a range of services.
2020 brought extra challenges to all shelter and street-serving agencies, and to those that they serve, making their work more important than ever...
I am thankful that my images of The Scott Mission staff serving Toronto could be used in a large number of their email, social media and print campaigns (all of the images shown here were taken by me).
Click here to visit The Scott Mission's website, or here to follow them on Instagram.
If your organization needs help with telling your story in images and in words, I am available to assist. I have 15 years experience working for non-profit organizations, and several years more in documenting the meaningful acts that they do every day. Here are some kind words about my work. I can be contacted here.
4. Running/Phone Photography
Running (at a safe distance from others) was one of the few activities that I was able to continue doing during the 2020 lockdown.
Having my phone with me while running allowed me to document many of the changes I was seeing due to COVID-19.
Simon's Wok, 757 Gerrard St. E.
It was heartbreaking to see how local small businesses were affected by the pandemic.
Stunning Nails, 272 Danforth Avenue
I was encouraged by the many community efforts to shop local though.
Riverside Toronto BIA sign
Here are some of the blog posts I shared in 2020 that mainly feature images I captured with my phone while out running:
- Signs and Streets of the Quarantine - Part One
- Signs and Streets of the Quarantine - Part Two
- Street Photos of 2020 - Phone Edition
5. Street Photography
Going out to capture street scenes once a week (at minimum) is part of my artistic discipline.
Self-portrait
- in front of A Room In Paris, at 1631 Queen Street West.
I naturally had to pause my street photography once the March 2020 lockdown happened, but after a few months I was able to establish a safe approach to doing so once again.
A Yonge Moment
Love Yourself
Here are some additional blog posts of street scenes that I shared in 2020:
- Boards Up, Walls Down - Part One
- Boards Up, Walls Down - Part Two
6. A New Online Store
I normally participate in some 8-10 or more art shows every year.
Photo by Jan Willem van Swigchem
Taken several years ago at the Danforth East Arts Fair
These events are where I normally sell my photos, as well as pillows, bags and other items with my images on them.
Unfortunately I was unable to participate in any such events in 2020.
Thankfully I was able to benefit from a program called Digital Main Street/Shop Here that helps artists and businesses get their products online.
I now have a website called ShopCultureSnap.ca where almost all of my art products can be purchased!
My thanks to those who run Digital Main Street/ShopHere!
If you are an artist or own a small business and want to get your work online, be sure to check them out.
7. Good News
While 2020 was a slow year for my art and event photography, I did have at least two extra good news moments:
- Kim's Convenience
In the fall of 2020 I was invited to have one of my images used in the very popular CBC sit-com Kim's Convenience. My image, shown below, will appear in the upcoming Season 5, Episode 13. I'm so excited to see the episode and am very thankful to the Kim's Convenience team for this opportunity.
- SNAP Toronto
I was very happy to learn in 2020 that two of my images were selected for the SNAP Toronto Auction, which raises money for the AIDS Committee of Toronto. I have submitted images to this event once or twice in the past, but this is the first time my work has been selected.
Life is Cancelled
Kodak T-Max 400 Film
Gryphons of College Street
Lomography Potsdam 100 Film
While I received both of these good news points in 2020, they each happen, or come to life, in 2021 - so expect to see these mentioned next year in my blog looking back on 2021!
8. Shoe Store Project
Since late 2017 I have been documenting older shoe and shoe repair stores of Toronto.
Shoe Lasts at Nick's Custom Footwear & Repair, January 2020
I am thankful that I was still able to do a number of interviews for this project in 2020.
Interviewing City Councillor Brad Bradford at Aviator Restaurant on the Danforth.
Thanks to Stewart Pope for this photo.
I am looking forward to May 2021, when I will be exhibiting Old World Shoes in the Contact Photo Festival. Stay tuned for details!
9.Through Our Eyes Collective
In the spring of 2020 I joined up with several other photographers to form the Through Our Eyes Collective, thanks to the leadership of Nicole Cyhelka.
In a time of social distancing, having this group to connect with via Zoom meetings, was a real gift.
Being part of a community of photographers is something I really value, and the TOEC helped to keep that alive this past year.
In early June we did our first online exhibit featuring images each of our members captured during the early part of the pandemic.
In the fall each of us worked on interpreting the phrase "Colours of Love" in our images.
We then presented our work in our second online exhibit, appropriately titled "Colours of Love".
I shared my images from this exhibit in this blog post, Expressions of Love in 2020.
The TOEC continues to meet on a regular basis to encourage each other in our photography skills and creative vision.
10. Good Friends
For the past several years I have enjoyed an annual trip for educational and cultural purposes with my good friend Sammy Younan.
Mexico City, 2017
I would attend a conference or workshop on photography, and Sammy would interview talented authors, start-up innovators, or artists for his podcast My Summer Lair.
Sammy interviewing Ali Hassan in Toronto, December 2019.
Sammy and I were scheduled to be in Montreal in April 2020, but of course that wasn't possible. Instead we found a few times to meet up for socially distant walks here in Toronto - exploring and taking photos, much like we did when visiting other cities.
Sammy in front of Find The Love mural by Bareket Kezwer on the Danforth.
Kodak Ektar 100 film
Even though we couldn't travel in 2020, and perhaps not in 2021 either, I'm thankful for good friends like Sammy.
Seen on Sammy's website: "Batman had Alfred, pop culture has me."
If you like lively interviews with interesting authors, artists and more, be sure to check out My Summer Lair or follow Sammy here and here on Twitter.
11. Light Up Live
I observed many campaigns on Toronto's streets in 2020.
Keep Your Rent - Gerrard Street East
Toronto Speak Out
Signs against racism by East York community members posted outside Michael Garron Hospital.
Housing 4 All!!
Coxwell Avenue
Expired Portra 400 120mm film
I am thankful for all who are standing up in support of the most vulnerable, for social justice and for equality - during the pandemic and at all times.
One campaign that I had the chance to document more intentionally was the Light Up Live campaign.
Light Up Live was a campaign to raise awareness of the challenges facing the live event industry. Live music and theatre venues all across Canada took part.
While I really miss live music and theatre, I expect no one misses these as much as those involved with running these arts organizations...
Canadian Stage Company staff gather outside of the Berkeley Street Theatre on Sept 22nd 2020, in recognition of the Light Up Live campaign.
Click here to see more images of the Light Up Live campaign in Toronto.
Many issues remain, so let's stay engaged and active for good in 2021. Doing that will get us closer to finding what "alright" means.
I will leave you with this image, captured in early 2020 while on a run along Kingston Road...
Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?
Best wishes and stay safe in 2021!
P.S. If you wish to see any of my Favourite Photo Moments of past years, click the links below:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
]]>I always make it a point to carry a camera with me at all times...
I just shoot at what interests me at that moment."
— Elliott Erwitt
In this blog post I share my favourite street scenes that I made with my phone in 2020.
Danny's Hairstylist for Men
I shared several posts in 2020 featuring scenes that directly relate to COVID-19 and the pandemic:
- Signs and Streets of the Quarantine - Part One
- Signs and Streets of the Quarantine - Part Two
- COVID Words: Pandemic Messages Found on Toronto Streets
- Light Up Live - A Call To Action For the Live Event Industry
- Colours of Love: Expressions of Love in 2020
Birds of Gerrard Street East
In this post though, I only share street scenes that are free from COVID-19 events or messaging (as much as they can be, given that they are from 2020).
Rainy Skyline
Most of the images I share here were captured while out on runs - an activity I was already doing before the lockdown, but which has been very helpful for my physical and mental health.
Wok & Roast Chinese BBQ
Running allowed me to see parts of the city I would simply not have gotten to this year, given the lockdown and my busy life at home.
Free From Time
I ran at least three times a week, distances ranging from 5 or 6 kms on weekdays, to 20-22 kms on my weekend run.
So while it may appear that I took photos more than I ran, that was not the case! :)
Lucky Star Restaurant
I've always loved the look of the Lucky Star Restaurant. There is clearly such character and history in this place. Unfortunately I believe it has recently closed.
China Lily
China Lily is another place that I love the appearance of (click here to see a photo I took here a while ago).
Sadly the China Lily sign was recently taken down - a likely indicator of changes to come at this spot.
Count me in on any old school signage and typography - such as is found at the Leslieville Variety...
Leslieville Variety
Some scenes seemed to tell a story...
Altered Priorities
I live close to the Danforth, and love the character and variety of what can be found there.
So naturally I am drawn to Danforth signage...
(Each of the above images were taken on different dates.)
Pape Avenue always offered interesting scenes...
Vincent on Pape
I Acknowledge
(A land acknowledgement in a store window.)
Take For Free
At the Crossroads
Early in the summer I was in Ottawa and went for a run through the city...
Statue honouring the life and music of Oscar Peterson by Ruth Abernathy.
The Canadian Bank of Commerce on Sparks Street
Running for Office
(Canadian Parliament Buildings, view from Wellington Street)
Back in Toronto I encountered a number of things that made me smile...
The Original Tweet
Call Mom
Hello wonderful
Nooo Men
Slow Dance With Me
Free Compliments
These scenes from a summer trip to the Kawartha Lakes region also made me laugh...
No Trespassing Paul
(So specific!)
0 Assing
Some of my runs took me through downtown Toronto...
The Saj
Spadina Morning
You & Me
Honest
Dundas Dragons
Let's Go
The Solitude of Yonge
Condos Ahead!
Full Of Style
Shopping carts made a regular appearance in curious ways...
Canadian Cart
Stay Well Toronto
Free Free Now
Secure Shopping
Broke Every Record
This early morning sky took my breath away...
And this neon scene made an evening run extra sweet...
Circus Books and Music often caught my eye...
Across the Lines
Along A Long Road
Book Ends
Curious items and arrangements caught my eye...
Fenced In
True Prep
90% Angel
First Class Seat - 2020 Edition
Lines Are Drawn
Over the months I observed changes in graffiti...
This is stupid, for good!
Tokyo!
(This graffiti artist is very active in this area, near Woodbine and Gerrard.)
I enjoyed a number of runs along the scenic boardwalk in The Beach neighbourhood...
I'll share a few more scenes from along the Danforth...
(A wonderful Danforth chocolate shop. Click the above link to visit them online.)
Trail of Toffee
Heading East
Two more from Gerrard Street East...
Birds of Gerrard Street East II
Wheels on Gerrard
And I will end with this...
Lonely Nights In Toronto
I am very thankful I could get out the door in 2020 to run, and to take photos.
Thank you for sticking with me, and for viewing my images.
Please stay tuned for a post with my favourite photo moments of 2020. (An annual tradition for me.)
Best wishes to you in 2021!
]]>It's the only thing, that there's just too little of
- What The World Needs Now, Burt Bacharach
In early December I joined with fellow members of the Through Our Eyes Collective in presenting the online exhibit Colours of Love.
Colours of Love was presented by Zahra Baksh, Nicole Cyhelka, Sabrina La Vista, Ahely Shemontee, Lorraine Stanislaus, and myself, and facilitated by Deena Rich. Each photographer brought a unique vision of the theme Colours of Love which they shared in images and their accompanying narrative.
Click any of the above links to follow these talented photographers, and here to follow the Through Our Eyes Collective.
In this blog post I share my presentation for the Colours of Love exhibit, which I entitled "Expressions of Love".
(Lights at Meridian Hall)
While 2020 has brought so much hardship, I have been moved by the many methods people have taken to spread love this past year. I have grouped these into seven points, with some overlap between them:
- Creative Interventions
- Black Lives Matter / Anti-Racism Movement
- Artist: Mrs. D.
- Support For Frontline Workers
- Artist: Unicorn Shannon
- Light Up Live
- Words Of Love
Many of these images were taken on my cell phone while running - an activity that helped keep me in balance during this very tough year.
1. Creative Interventions
This may be the largest category that I observed this past year - caring people using creative means to help us see the world with fresh eyes, and to free us from negative perspectives that may understandably set in due to the pandemic.
1.a - On This Day Signboard
I spotted this whiteboard off of Donlands in East York while out on a run in the spring...
...and again many times since. What a great way to engage people with thoughtful and inspiring moments from history!
Follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @UBIboard to keep up with their daily signs.
1.b Free Roses
"Have A Rose. Have A Great Day." So simple and so kind and encouraging.
(Seen a few times along Mortimer between Coxwell and Woodbine in East York).
1.c Free Plants and Seeds
This kind soul on Mortimer, a little east of Broadview, had a very organized giveaway of plants and seeds on their front lawn. The cards and messages found there were especially touching - and, as seen above, this person is also running a "bike project" of some sort!
There are clearly many wonderful people in this world that we never hear about - but who are doing so much to show love to others.
1.d Humour
I expect humour helped many of us break out of our doomscrolling, right? I've laughed so many times in 2020 thanks to memes that pointed out the absurdity of all that we are experiencing this year.
(Found in East York earlier in the year.)
1.e Kindness Rocks
If you look closely, there are some very nice messages to be found on these stones.
My thanks to all who took the time to make and to place these where we would see them and be encouraged.
(Seen in multiple locations in East York and The Beach.)
1.f Public Art
So much could be said on this point! I actually single out two artists that inspired me later on in this blog post, but the point needs to be said clearly: art was even more meaningful to many this year due to the pandemic.
The Distillery District had art with encouraging messages that many needed to see and hear.
STEPS Initiative, local BIAs like the Danforth Mosaic BIA and the Royal Bank brought public art all over Toronto via the I HeART Main Street Art Challenge. Such a great program!
Thank you to all the artists who shared their love and creative vision in 2020!
2. Black Lives Matter / Anti-Racism Movement
2020 was a massive year for facing up to racial injustice and inequality, as well as personal privilege and biases.
I was moved by the many voices and actions calling for change. I observed many of these in signs around the city...
Tokyo Smoke (formerly HMV music) boarded up in advance of Black Lives Matters protests (as many downtown stores were that weekend) due to a misplaced fear of violence.
To see more of boarded up Toronto please visit Part One and Part Two of my "Boards Up, Walls Down" blog posts.
Some horrible acts of hate occurred at construction sites around Toronto, including at the Michael Garron Hospital in East York. The local community responded powerfully with signs and messages of defiance of these acts, and in support and of love for all people.
These signs and messages really made me proud, and showed the deep well of love that resides in local citizens of Toronto.
A very detailed mural in Scarborough that shows the heartbreaking loss of Black lives over the years.
(Seen while out for a run. I believe this was by Rosetta McLain Gardens on Kingston Road, south of Danforth Avenue).
(Seen a few blocks north of Broadview and the Danforth).
I saw similar additions to several of these signs in East York.
(On Haldon Avenue by the entrance to Taylor Creek Park.)
Use Your Love! Not Your Hate.
(Michael Garron Hospital)
Thank you to all who stood up against hate and for love of all people in 2020. May we continue to do even more for justice and equality in 2021.
3. Artist: "Mrs. D"
One of my running routes this year took me past a post that was regularly updated with fresh artwork...
They were all signed by someone known as "Mrs. D".
I especially love those birds with the big eyes.
My thanks to "Mrs. D" for taking the time to share her art all throughout 2020 for all to see. You shared love with many and it made a difference!
(See on Woodfield Road, near Wapole Avenue in East York)
4. Support For Frontline Workers
A very clear expression of love this year, shown throughout the world, was all the messages in support of Frontline Workers. Here are some that I observed...
A number of trees and lightposts along Mortimer Avenue had rainbows on them, all in support of essential workers. This was done in connection with a campaign called Abbey's Goal (click the link to learn more about this great campaign).
Homes in East York
Seen at Michael Garron Hospital
(Seen on Mortimer Avenue, between Coxwell and Woodbine.)
(Seen in a storefront window in The Beach.)
Thank you Frontline Workers!
Thank you to all who shared love and support for them as well!
5. Artist: Unicorn Shannon
I noticed this great artwork on the wall at Michael Garron Hospital wall earlier this year.
Later I began seeing this artist's work in other places around East York.
East End Arts (a wonderful Local Arts Service Organization!) did a nice feature on Unicorn Shannon earlier this year, which helped me to know who was making this lovely artwork.
Thank you Unicorn Shannon for bringing love and creativity to Toronto!
Follow Unicorn Shannon on Instagram @unicornstudiostoronto.
6. Light Up Live
There were many dedicated campaigns this year in support of those most vulnerable during the harsh economic reality brought about by COVID-19 closures and restrictions. I am thankful for each of these and the love and passion put into them.
One campaign that I documented more intentionally this year (with my Nikon DSLR) was the #LightUpLive campaign.
Meridian Hall, lit up in red for Light Up Live
Light Up Live was a national campaign in support of live event workers of all types - in the music industry, theatres and beyond - all who have lost their livelihoods due to the shutdown of the live event industry.
Live event venues across Canada lit up for one night, on September 22nd, to raise awareness of their struggle.
Workers at the Canadian Stage Company gather outside the Berkeley Street Theatre in recognition of the Light Up Live campaign.
As someone who loves live music and theatre, and has photographed many live events, I dearly miss this industry and all the joy that they bring to our lives.
My thanks to the Light Up Live organizers for engaging Canada with this important campaign. May we attend live events once again in 2021!
(To see more images of this campaign please visit my Light Up Live blog post.)
7. Words of Love
Much of what I have shared here could fall under this category, but I needed a separate section to share the random messages of love that I encountered throughout Toronto in 2020.
So here goes...
It's Okay To Have A Bad Day
Love Yourself
Live More Worry Less
(Lomography Potsdam 100 Film, by Foot Locker on Yonge Street)
Be Kind - Thank You!
(Kodak Color Plus 200 Film, at the Queen Street East Value Village)
Spread Love! Not Hate! Seriously!
(Parliament Street near Lakeshore)
It seems fitting to close with the question raised in this next image:
What If We All Had Love?
(Kodak Ektar 100 Film, near Lakeshore & Leslie)
Indeed, what if we all had love?
Perhaps the best way to find out is to keep on showing love to those around us?
Imagine what 2020 would have been like if no one had shared all of the above creativity? Imagine what 2021 can be like if we see even more of this?
If you have an idea for a creative and artistic intervention - consider making it happen 2021!
Art by Unicorn Shannon
Thanks to all who brought love in 2020! Let's keep it going in 2021!
Best wishes to you for a healthy and successful New Year!
]]>Each of these books will make a great gift for the photographer or photography lover in your life.
As life is still in lockdown for many of us, what better to curl up with and enjoy than a wonderfully engaging photo book?
I am including eleven books, each chosen based on what draws my interest and what I enjoy. They are not in any particular order.
I will start with a Canadian legend of colour film...
1. Modern Color by Fred Herzog
The late Fred Herzog was an early pioneer in shooting colour film. He captured Vancouver in a way that few have done then or since. His work is a real inspiration to me and how I capture street scenes.
Fred Herzog is represented by Equinox Gallery in Vancouver, B.C. I noticed that Modern Color is on sale on the Equinox Gallery website until December 19th, 2020.
If you love street or film photography, or just art that reveals unique human moments and insight, then I highly recommend this book.
2. San Francisco Noir by Fred Lyon
I saw an interview with Fred Lyon on an Adobe Youtube channel a few years ago and fell in love with his wonderful images of San Francisco.
There is something about Fred Lyon's timeless black and white images that is so engaging.
I highly recommend San Francisco Noir. Even if you don't buy his book, do pay a visit to Fred Lyon's website to enjoy more of his images.
3. Small World by Martin Parr
Many years ago I told a few friends how I'd love to see a coffee table book about tourists - not just about the destinations that tourists love to visit. I had lived overseas for a while and had seen all kinds of painful behaviour by tourists where I was living. So when I encountered the work of Martin Parr many years later - thanks to a photography class I took at Ryerson - it was a real "Yes!" moment.
Small World shows images captured by Martin Parr of tourists - and the tourist culture that surrounds them - in all of their absurd glory.
I heard Martin Parr speak at the AGO and had the chance to meet him afterwards also - a very fun moment.
There is so much more that could be said about Martin Parr's work. I recommend exploring the large catalogue of books that he has released over the years.
If you appreciate poking holes through false surfaces, or have a taste for the absurd, then give Small World a try, or at least visit Martin Parr's website.
4. Music Makers by Lisa MacIntosh
I first met Lisa MacIntosh several years ago through Twitter. Before we even met in person, it was clear to me that Lisa is a wonderful human being - the kind who takes time to say kind words and to give encouragement, even to those she has not yet met.
Lisa knows many in the arts community in Canada and well beyond. Her photo book Music Makers: Portraits at The Great Hall is a testament to this fact. Even more so, Music Makers illustrates how skilled Lisa is at creating unique and delightful portraits.
Whether you come for the portrait skills, or for the musicians you know and love, Music Makers: Portraits at The Great Hall is well worth buying and enjoying. Unfortunately it is sold out! You can still see many of the Music Makers portraits on Lisa's website though. I recommend following Lisa on Twitter and discovering her fantastic ASK series on Instagram. Thank you Lisa for being a bright light to so many.
5. Fashion Climbing by Bill Cunningham
If you love New York City, or photography, and haven't watched "Bill Cunningham: New York" then you are missing something vital. I highly recommend it. The story of this lovely human being and dedicated New York street fashion photographer is inspiring and very moving, I guarantee it. (The film can be seen on Kanopy for free if you have a Toronto Public Library Card - click here to sign in to Kanopy).
Once you get that done, and perhaps wipe a tear or two away from your eyes (OK, maybe it was just me?) then there is a good chance you will want to know more about Bill Cunningham's life. If so, then you will enjoy reading Fashion Climbing. It is not a photo book, but it is a touching auto-biography of the life of Bill Cunningham and how he moved through the world of fashion to become the person you see in Bill Cunningham: New York.
Bill Cunningham shares some incredible stories and insider information on the world of high fashion. I really enjoyed reading this book.
If you want a book that shares Bill Cunningham's street photos directly, then have a look at Bill Cunningham: On The Street (click the link for a great write-up about the book). It is on my Christmas list for this year!
6. Steve McCurry Untold: The Stories Behind The Photographs
I can hear critical voices responding to this selection. Isn't a bit cliché to suggest the work of classic National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry? Isn't he from another time? His type of photography out of date?
Well perhaps yes, but I still admire Steve McCurry's work. His images will be undoubtably with us forever and the stories of how he got his most famous photos remain inspiring.
Hard work, ingenuity, people skills and even good luck will always be important for any photographer who wants to succeed, and Steve McCurry's stories prove this to be true. This book adds much insight into his journeys over the years, and includes artifacts and elements that add to the whole story of his life and work.
(By the way, I met Steve McCurry a number of years ago. It was quite a fun moment. I may have to blog about it some day!)
7. Street Photography: A History in 100 Iconic Images by David Gibson
I received this book as a gift a while ago, and found myself a bit skeptical given its title. "Who can really tackle the history of street photography in 100 images?" I found myself thinking. I was still grateful though for the thoughtful gift and for the chance to continue learning about a genre of photography that I love.
I enjoyed the book's layout and found myself pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of photographers that were included - not just the "usual suspects" that I often hear about but a solid range of international photographers whose work does not receive the attention of as the likes of Joel Meyerowitz, Garry Winogrand and other prominent names in street photography.
I found a balanced review of this book at StreetPhotography.com which echoed my concerns and raised some valid points, but still in the end gives it a recommendation. If you want to go wider than some of the usual names, but aren't ready for a heavy duty text book such as Joel Meyerowitz's Bystander (which I'd also recommend if you're up for a heavier tome), then this is a great book for you or a friend.
8. Bathers by Ruth Kaplan
Ruth Kaplan is a skilled Canadian documentary photographer and an instructor at Ryerson University and at Gallery 44. I feel privileged to have taken a few courses with Ruth, and to have received guidance and input from her on my Taxi Drivers of Toronto project.
A while ago I purchased a copy of her book Bathers. This piece from Artbook gives a good description of Bathers:
"Bathers, by Toronto-based photographer Ruth Kaplan, explores the social theater of communal bathing. Kaplan’s journey began in the nudist hot springs of California in 1991. By participating in the baths, Kaplan gradually became accepted and was able to make photographs of her fellow bathers, occupying the dual role of voyeur and participant. From California she then traveled to Eastern Europe, seeking a more traditional form of the practice in the spa towns of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Romania. The unique display of individual body types and ages became a component of the work, as did the decaying architecture of the interiors. She then traveled to higher-tech spas in Germany, France, Italy and Denmark, completing the series in 2002 in Moroccan hamams and Icelandic hot springs. Hedonism, sensuality, innocence and social bonding are some of the underlying themes that emerged."
In 2020 PhotoEd Magazine (a great Canadian photo magazine worth subscribing to!) put out a call asking people to submit names of Canadian women photographers that everyone should know. Many names were submitted and a vote was held to select the top five, which were then put onto a tote bag.
I was very happy when they announced the final list and learned that it included Ruth Kaplan. (You can read a list of those who were selected or considered here.)
Explore Ruth Kaplan's work, and consider buying a copy of Bathers as well.
Please note that there is nudity in Bathers.
9. 100 Ideas That Changed Photography by Mary Werner Marien
If you want to get a wider understanding of where photography has come from, and in many cases where it is headed back to (exploring old film processes is very popular now), then this book is worth a look.
It is divided into easy to digest sections that bring forward the most interesting points about important developments and innovations in photography over the years. You can jump in anywhere in this book and find something fascinating to read about.
100 Ideas That Changed Photography is a great book for anyone who wants to broaden their understanding of the history of photography. As I mentioned earlier, many of the techniques and processes listed in this book are still being used or reinvented today.
10. How to Read A Photograph by Ian Jeffrey
When I got this book, I thought it would do as the title says - teach me how to analyze images by each of the great photographers found within. What it does do is offer great insights into each of the photographers' works, approaches, and the times they lived in - which may be the next best thing.
While a history of photography textbook can be daunting (something I may have experienced while studying History of Photography at Ryerson University), a book like this allows meaningful insights into each photographer without committing to forty pages of dense reading.
This is an enjoyable book for anyone who loves classic photography and learning more about the moments and themes that shaped each photographer's creative work.
11. Coincidences by Jonathan Higbee
I was aware of Jonathan Higbee's very fun street photography work, so when I came across this book at a local thrift store it was an exciting moment.
The beauty of Higbee's work is making his images look like just that, coincidences.
Having seen Jonathan Higbee apply his skills in a YouTube video, it is clear that he works very hard, even over several visits to the same location, to get the kind of image that he is after. He is very dedicated.
If you or someone you know enjoys playful street photography, then this book is well worth a purchase.
In Conclusion!
There are so many photo books out there. What I have shared here is just what I especially enjoy from my own collection. I hope this list is a useful starting point, but keep exploring - you are bound to discover so much more.
As a random example - have a look at these fun photo books about cats and dogs in Hong Kong by Dutch photographer Marcel Heijnen.
Here is a handy directory of Canadian booksellers for finding one near you. Consider supporting independant booksellers when making your purchase. Small retailers give personal service and contribute to warm local culture that is so vital to any community.
Enjoy curling up with a good photo book this winter! Thanks for looking!
]]>
- photo by Simon Madore
The Fujica GS645W shoots 120 medium format film and has a fixed 45mm lens, which is roughly equivalent to a 28mm field of view on a 35mm camera.
- photo by Simon Madore
I often use a 28mm lens on my Canon AE-1 (a 35mm film camera), so framing images with the GS645W felt familiar to me.
The Danforth Music Hall
Expired Fuji Across 100
I had two rolls of 120 film in my fridge that were overdue for usage (expired by 8-9 months) so I appreciated the opportunity to borrow Simon's camera.
Naturally I bought two fresh rolls of film so I could make the most of my time using this camera!
City Dig
Expired Fuji Acros 100
In this post I share some of my favourite images from those four rolls of 120 film, as well as a few comments on using the GS645W.
Litter
Expired Fuji Acros 100
The GS645W creates images with 6 x 4.5 dimensions, hence the "645" in its name.
Each roll of 120 film gave me 14 exposures, vs 24 or 36 images from a 35mm roll of film.
Vanity Co.
Expired Fuji Acros 100
Ordinary Streets
Expired Fuji Acros 100
The GS645W is relatively compact compared to many medium format cameras - something I appreciate as I often carry more than one camera on my photo walks, and don't want to be too weighed down.
Here is a series of images shot on the GS645W with Kodak Ektar 100 film, the first three are from on The Danforth...
See You All Soon!
Body Blue
Pappas Grill
I live near Danforth Avenue and love the great shops and restaurants found there.
Check out the Broadview Danforth BIA and The Danforth Mosaic BIA websites to explore and plan a visit.
Thank You
The Future Is Not Set
120 film is much larger than 35mm film so each exposure offers a higher level of resolution and detail - something us photographers tend to enjoy.
Here are some of my favourites from a roll of expired Kodak Portra 400 film...
No Bills
Days A Week
Dolce & Gabbana
To see more boarded up Toronto click here and here.
Canadian Drycleaners
Housing 4 All!!
Click here to see more "COVID Messages"
4 Bites More
24 HRS
I shot a second roll of Kodak Ektar 100 film, one of my favourites film types...
Shut Down Hate
I am proud of my community in East York and Danforth East. People have risen to the challenge of hateful acts with determination and with love. The signs posted above were made by many, many individuals who wanted to show what our community overwhelmingly stands for.
Toronto East Anti-hate Movement, or TEAM, are one of the groups leading these actions. The good people at the wonderful Old's Cool General Store are also great leaders in this movement.
Thank you neighbours and all who are standing up against hate with love and positivity.
Continuing on with my neighbourhood, here are a few images from Woodbine Avenue...
Woodbine Auto Service
Kodak Ektar 100
New Stars Video
Kodak Ektar 100
Terry's Milk
Kodak Ektar 100
Beer Store
Kodak Ektar 100
Terry's Milk Part II
Kodak Ektar 100
A favourite landmark in the east end...
Wheels East
Kodak Ektar 100
The last image I'll share is one that I find quite intriguing...
Layers of Motion
Expired Fuji Acros 100
This is an accidental triple exposure that I somehow created in-camera.
The scenes in the above image are as follows:
1) runners passing Bloor Street United Church
2) a cyclist near Spadina Avenue
and 3) a person crossing McCaul street with their dog.
I loved using the Fujica GS645W camera and am very happy with the images it helped me to create.
To see more film images by me, please explore my blog.
Thanks to Simon Madore for lending me his camera, and thank you for looking!
]]>- Red, by Daniel Lanois
It was a Tuesday night when Canada went red.
On Tuesday September 22nd, 2020, live event venues of all kinds lit up red in acknowledgement of the crisis facing the live event industry.
The Light Up Live campaign brought together "Organizations, grassroots groups, and individuals..." to illuminate live event landmarks in red in order to bring light to "the many performers, creators, technical, logistical, and management support personnel who drive a $100 billion Canadian economic engine."
There was an amazing list of organizations that participated. Click this link for a map showing venues in every area of Canada (zoom in to see details).
With close to 70 venues participating in Toronto alone, there was no chance I could get to all of them, so I planned a route that would take me to some of my favourites.
One of my first stops was the Berkeley Street Theatre, where I encountered a friendly group of Canadian Stage Company staff hanging out together in recognition of the Light Up Live camapign.
Young People's Theatre was clearly showing their support...
Meridian Hall (formerly Sony Centre, formerly Hummingbird Centre) had a great array of red lights...
The great lights there compelled me to stay and capture a few more scenes...
Meridian Hall's sign at Yonge and Front also helped to spread the campaign message...
From there I went to one of my favourite spots - the Princes' Gates at Exhibition Place, which was also lit up in red...
My final destination that night was Ontario Place, which allowed me to get more images of another favourite structure, the Cinesphere...
While the main Ontario Place sign and the Budweiser Stage were lit in red, the Cinesphere wasn't, so I made some adjustments to help it join the campaign...
On my way back to my car I captured skyline photos of Toronto, with the CN Tower lit in red for the Light Up Live campaign.
May each of these venues - all of them across Canada - be back to full steam creativity reaching thrilled audiences once again soon. To paraphrase Neil Young, "Long May They Run".
Thank you for reading this post. If you share it on social media please use #LightUpLive and/or #EclaironsLesScenes.
Please continue to support local art in whatever way that you can. Keep Live Alive!
Click here to see more of my blog posts.
Best wishes. Masks and social distancing work. Stay healthy and stay well friends.
]]>Grabbed my pen and bowed my head
Tried to summon all that my heart finds true
And send it in my letter to you
Things I found out through hard times and good
I wrote 'em all out in ink and blood
Dug deep in my soul and signed my name true
And sent it in my letter to you
- Letter to You, Bruce Springsteen
In the months since we went into lockdown I have seen many messages on Toronto's streets.
Freeze Rent, Coxwell Avenue
In this post I share messages found on the street that address the COVID-19 pandemic, or issues that became more severe during the pandemic.
Unlike Bruce Springsteen's Letter (see lyrics at the start of this blog post) these messages are not signed. They are anonymous and are not associated with any business, nor approved by the city or the property owner where they are posted.
Unless indicated, all images taken with my iPhone 11 Pro.
Some incorporate art in their messaging...
Whatever, Artist Unknown, McCaul Avenue
Lomography Potsdam 100 Film
Konica Auto S3 Camera
If you know this artist, please share their social media contacts so I can properly credit them!
Wash Your Hands, Coxwell Avenue
(definitely referencing The Simpsons character, Milhouse)
By an artist named Cosmo Cam of Scarlet Begonias Tattoo Studio
Virtual Reality, Pottery Road
Keep Ur Distance
(Very Banksy-like)
Seen on the bridge connecting Riverdale Park East with Riverdale Park West
Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay ?
Jones Avenue
Stay Safe
Queen Street West
(I see pieces by this street artist a lot around Toronto.)
If you know any of the above artists please share their contact info so I can credit them here.
Some are discouraging...
Life is Cancelled, Millwod and Overlea
Kodak T-Max 400 Film
Konica Auto S3 Camera
Life is Cancelled
Kodak Gold 200
Canon AE-1 Camera
Some are upset...
"How are we supposed to wash our hands frequently???
Washrooms at Queen's P(ark) and City Hall are open.
Here the washrooms are closed. Why?"
- Found on the Beach Boardwalk
Some spread conspiracies...
Messages found on Gerrard Street, east of Carlaw.
COVID Is A Hoax
Gerrard Street East and Victoria Park Avenue
Wake Up!!
Kingston Road
Some feel angry and keyed up for a fight...
This is How It Starts... Fear(Less), Woodbine Avenue
I suspect someone added the "Less" as it looks quite different from the rest of the text.
Fight or Obey, Woodbine Avenue
Don't Belelieve This Shit, Woodbine Avenue
Others (myself included!) are more concerned...
I Give A SHiT
Some spots have a clash of voices, sending mixed messages...
People Over Profit
Danforth & Donlands Avenue
Some encourage political activism...
Housing 4 All!!
Coxwell Avenue
120mm Kodak Portra 400
Fujica GS645W Camera
Or question our economic order...
Corona is the Virus, Capitalism is the Pandemic
Eastern Avenue
Kodak Gold 200 Film
Canon AE-1 Camera
And challenge our opposition to systems that are more compassionate and just...
"When I give food to the poor they call me a saint.
When I ask why the poor have no food they call me a communist."
Dundas Avenue East
Some address how society has changed...
Social Norms Has Been Reset to Factory Settings
Queen Street West
Kodak Ektar 100 Film
Canon AE-1 Camera
I found these words and scene very engaging, so took a number of photos there...
Also a couple in black and white...
Ilford HP5+ 400 Film
Konica Auto S3 Camera
While many messages were intended to challenge and provoke, thankfully many were made to encourage and inspire...
Coxwell Avenue
Donlands Avenue
Woodbine Avenue
Spread Love! Not Hate! Seriously!
Cherry Street and Lakeshore Boulevard East
Live More, Worry Less
Yonge Street, across from the Eaton Centre
Lomography Potsdam 100 Film
Konica Auto S3
Love Yourself
Gerrard Street East
"...it is the courage to continue that counts."
- Winston Churchill
Sammon Avenue
We Love You Ever!
Woodbine Avenue
Don't forget to Be Kind...
Be Kind - Thank You!
Kodak Color Plus 200 Film
Olympus Stylus 35-70 Zoom camera
I'll end with this heartfelt message...
You've Got A Heart of Gold
Logan Avenue
Let's all live up to that and show our hearts of gold.
There's no doubt that we need more love and kindness these days, especially as the pandemic carries on much longer than any of us would like.
Thanks for reading and viewing this post!
Visit some of my recent blog posts for more:
- Boards Up, Walls Down In Toronto - Part One and Part Two.
- Remembering the Raptors Victory Parade
- Signs and Stores of the Quarantine - Part One and Part Two.
]]>
(iPhone image captured near Lawrence and Avenue Road)
The protests followed in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and many other horrible events that unfolded in the United States, but were also in response to the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet here in Toronto, who died while police were present.
(iPhone image captured the morning of June 6th, 2020)
Out of concern for violent actions taking place during these protests, many businesses in downtown Toronto boarded up their storefronts. Thankfully these fears were misplaced, and no such violence took place.
(iPhone image captured the morning of June 6th, 2020)
In my previous blog post I shared images of a boarded up Toronto that I took with my phone on the morning of Saturday June 6th, 2020.
Aritzia
In this post I share images taken in the late afternoon of Saturday June 6th.
The majority of images in this post were taken with my DSLR (Nikon D750). A few others were taken on my iPhone or on film, and I have indicated this below those images.
Sign outside of Aritzia: "How Does Canada Treat Its Indigenous"
Sign outside of Aritzia: "Canadians Are Racist Too" (iPhone image)
A group of friends read and discuss the signs outside of Aritzia.
Scotiabank
Van Cleef & Arpels (a view of Birks Jewelry Store)
Maison Birks
All Merchandise Has Been Removed
Banana Republic
Sephora
Sephora Sign
Welcome to the Future
Holt Renfrew Men
The Most Reliable Way
Hermes
Beam of Shadow
Royal De Versailles
Dolce & Gabbana
While outside Dolce & Gabbana I met Charlene Ashby.
As Charlene was approaching, I heard her expressing her feelings about the stores being boarded, so I started a conversation with her.
Charlene had come downtown to shop and expressed how she's "disgusted" and "disappointed" at the stores being boarded up and closed for the weekend.
I learned that Charlene has lived in Toronto for 25 years, and had appeared on Kenny & Spenny when they came downtown to film for an episode.
Charlene mentioned that "right now I'm trying to set something up with Drake, because Drake knows me" and how Drake's "on Instagram right behind me".
Alternate portrait of Charlene
(Kodak Gold 200 film, taken with my Canon Sure Shot Look)
I enjoyed meeting Charlene. She carried on her way, and so did I with my photos...
J. Crew
Mulberry
Mulberry sign
Winners / HomeSense
Cartier
Gucci
Escada
Bloor - View From Above
Max Mara
Mont Blanc
I crossed the road to the north side of Bloor and headed east...
Louis Vuitton
Tiffany & Co.
I chatted with a security guard* outside Intermix.
She was on a long shift - which saw no violence - and was looking forward to finishing.
(*Unfortunately I misplaced her name, so cannot share it here. I will update this post if I find it.)
Winners / HomeSense
Brooks Brothers
J. Crew
I crossed back to the south side of Bloor for a few moments, as there was something about the light and colours there that caught my eye...
Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana
(Fujica GS645W camera with expired 120mm Kodak Portra 400 film)
Royal De Versailles
Royal De Versailles
Hermes
Holt Renfrew Men
Holt Renfrew sign
I headed north into Yorkville...
lululemon
lululemon sign
lululemon
(Kodak Gold 200 film - taken with my Canon Sure Shot Look camera)
Yes We're Open
Brunello Cucinelli
Versace
Versace
(Fujica GS645W on expired 120mm Kodak Portra 400 film)
Chanel
Christian Louboutin (red store in background)
Yorkville is always great for spotting beautiful cars. The 1958-62 model Corvette - as seen above - is one of my favourite classic cars.
I headed back to Bloor and east towards Yonge...
Harry Rosen
Banana Republic
Banana Republic sign
Nordstrom Rack
(Kodak Gold 200 film, taken with my Canon Sure Shot Look)
I'll end with this image...
Welcome to the Future
Click here to see part one of this blog post.
To see more of my work please follow me on:
And/or join my email list to find out about my latest exhibits and events. I only email 6-8 times per year. To join, just click here and send me a note that you'd like to join and include your email.
Thanks for looking and stay well!
]]>
Simon's Wok (797 Gerrard Street East)
I found these handwritten and personalized signs very moving. (Click here for part one, and here for part two to see more of this photo series).
John's Hairstyling (742 Broadview Avenue)
In this blog post I share images of stores that were boarded up due to a perceived threat of violence that might occur during protests against anti-black racism that were planned for the weekend of June 6 and 7 2020.
Aritzia (50 Bloor Street West)
While violence did occur in Toronto ten years ago during the G20 protests (an event I was present at and documented elements of) - mostly due to a group of "Black Bloc" actors who infiltrated the protests (see this BlogTO article for more on the "Black Bloc") - the Black Lives Matter marches and protests that happened June 6 and 7 were peaceful and free of any violence.
Roots Eaton Centre (220 Yonge Street)
I was unable to attend the protests, though I would have liked to so I could listen, learn, and show my quiet support.
The images shared in this post are from a run through downtown on Saturday morning, June 6th, and are all taken with my phone.
I returned in the late afternoon that same day, and captured more images of a boarded up downtown with my DSLR and on film. I will share from those images in a second blog post in the next few weeks.
Royal De Versailles (101 Bloor Street West)
Winners and HomeSense (110 Bloor Street West)
Gucci (130 Bloor Street West)
Max Mara (151 Bloor Street West)
The white Ghost Bike is in acknowledgement of the death of Darcy Allan Sheppard.
ARC is the most current site I can find for more information about ghost bikes in Toronto.
Visit CycleTO for current information on safe cycling in Toronto.
Louis Vuitton (150 Bloor Street West)
I headed south off of Bloor and came across this sign at College and Spadina...
Seeing strong advocacy movements and activism always makes me encouraged for the future of Toronto.
I headed east across Queen Street and made a quick stop at Toronto City Hall...
Lone Pigeon
Sunlight on the Square
I then headed east on Queen and back up Yonge Street.
Sweat and Tonic (225 Yonge Street)
Burger King (243 Yonge Street)
Roots Eaton Centre (220 Yonge Street)
Shoppers Drug Mart (279 Yonge Street)
Formerly Friar's Tavern, an important site of music history in Toronto.
Who Is With Me?
10 Dundas East Shopping Centre
Rogers Store (302 Yonge Street)
Tokyo Smoke (333 Yonge Street)
I'll always remember this address as the site of HMV, one of the great music stores
on Yonge Street that I loved to frequent along with Sam the Record Man
and Sunrise Records (which is thankfully still in business, although no longer on Yonge Street).
Some businesses were not afraid to remain open...
Ginger Viet Famous Food (355 Yonge Street)
Zanzibar (359 Yonge Street)
Some businesses were boarded up well before the June 6-7 weekend, due to the coronavirus lockdown/quarantine,
and had artists/artist collectives such as @kadence.world make amazing artwork on their boarded up exteriors.
Here is a great write-up - "The Art of Appreciation" - about with lots more details about these.
While fear led to the boarding up of shops, a quote that I saw along my run on the morning I took these photos seems quite appropriate - for the weekend's circumstances, and for the times that we are living in...
"Here is the world.
Beautiful and terrible things will happen.
Don't be afraid."
- Fredrick Buechner
From "Beyond Words: Daily Readings in the ABCs of Faith"
I will share another post soon with images captured later this same day (June 6, 2020) with my DSLR and my film cameras.
Let me end with a photo I saw (not during this morning run) on Avenue Road, north of Lawrence, which delivers the message that was being communicated during the protests happening on June 6 and 7, and at events since then - a message that I/we need not fear, but acknowledge and face up to and take action based on...
Visit these links to learn and to take action:
It certainly felt like all of Canada was present at the parade in Toronto. The crowds were incredible.
My family and I arrived early on University Avenue, a little after 9:00 AM, and settled into place. We heard that the parade should come by around 10:30 - 11:00 AM. It soon became clear that that wasn't going to happen.
We waited with a very friendly crowd in the hot sun for hours. People shared snacks and water. It was a great atmosphere. People did the wave...
The crowd built up over the hours and seemed to fit into every possible spot...
It wasn't until after 1:30 PM that Superfan Nav Bhatia came through.
Soon after came a boom camera, a very upbeat Masai Ujiri, and then Nick Nurse.
The Raptors' mascot took the stage and streamers fell from the sky...
Then the players came through and the crowd really went wild. I'll let the photos speak from here...
Many thanks to the Raptors for the amazing accomplishment and the joy that it brought to our city. Go Raptors Go!
]]>
In this post, Part Two, I share images of a wider range of signs and scenes in East Toronto.
I captured all images in this post with my phone, while out for socially distant runs, between mid-March and early May 2020.
In order to make shopping local easier to do, I have attempted to include websites and street addresses for every business or organization featured in this post.
As the situation is continually changing, please check directly with each business or organization to find out their current status.
While it is now commonplace, in the early days of the lockdown it was a bit jarring to see masks and hand sanitizer for sale in convenience stores.
Platon Variety and Dollar Store
781 Danforth Avenue
Donation boxes covered with tape to prevent possible contamination was also a new sight.
And this sign, in the window of the above organization, OASIS Movement Addiction, Recovery and Employment Services (921 Danforth Avenue), is likely one of the toughest signs I have read:
Thankfully the sign below it notes that staff are still available.
I noted many churches with messages to communicate...
949 Greenwood Avenue
719 Greenwood Avenue
1050 Danforth Avenue
1891 Gerrard Street East
2174 Danforth Avenue
I noticed the Madinah Masjid (1015 Danforth Avenue) thanking frontline workers and reaching out to help those in need:
Sign near Madinah Masjid
1015 Danforth Avenue
And while messages of fear and conspiracy are out there...
Many are doing great work to help those who need it most...
St. John the Compassionate Mission (155 Broadview Avenue) runs many meaningful programs, which can be read about here.
I first discovered the mission through their bakery - which offers delicious sourdough bread and other goods - many years ago at the East York Farmers Market.
St. John's Bakery also serves as "a place of employment for individuals less fortunate".
The bakery remains open at 153 Broadview Avenue.
Some wonderful businesses along the Danforth had messages to share...
1214 Danforth Avenue
1276 Danforth Avenue
1364 Danforth Avenue
This poem by J.G. Lutes on a bike post (Danforth Avenue, a little east of Woodbine) caught my attention.
I don't know if this was posted before or after the lockdown.
Either way, the poem takes on added meaning in our current context.
2777 Danforth Avenue
2831 Danforth Avenue
Farther east along the Danforth, a gas station signaled their change in service...
3561 Danforth Avenue
I admired the Riverside BIA's messaging in support of local businesses.
One of those Riverside stores had this great artwork in their window...
792 Queen Street East
A little further east, in the Leslieville BIA area...
Good Neighbour (935 Queen Street East), with its stylish clothes and home products,
shares a positive message it their window:
"We are all in this together."
The stores in "Olde East York Village" on Coxwell (between O'Connor and Plains Road) were also communicating their status:
A fun window display of pet names at
1035 Coxwell Avenue
I discovered that Tails is now closed.
They are referring customers to Wag on the Danforth (1918 Danforth Avenue).
I know one of the owners of Wag on the Danforth - he is a talented photographer and a very nice person.
Please support their store, if you can!
Pulp and Paperie - a wonderful local gift shop
1042 Coxwell Avenue
I found the sign in this barber shop window rather surprising...
The coronavirus is definitely more than just a "seasonal outbreak".
1000 Coxwell Avenue
The signs at my local library branch, S. Walter Stewart, also caught my eye...
And this chalk graffiti (enhanced to make the words more apparent), at the same branch, made me smile:
170 Memorial Park Avenue
Some people are especially committed to sharing a "stay safe" message...
Seen off of Don Mills, south of Eglinton.
Unfortunately some are missing a key point of the stay safe messaging...
I see this poor behaviour so frequently while out running that I stopped taking photos it early on in the quarantine period.
I've seen many social media posts expressing frustration and amazement at this phenomenon.
Why do people improperly dispose of PPE - used to protect themselves - and potentially expose others to the coronavirus?
To quote Mr. Mehta in the wonderful CBC show Kim's Convenience, "The mind boggles."
Thankfully some are communicating the need to stop such ignorance...
I'll end with some words of encouragement that I've found along my runs...
To see more signs and streets of the quarantine, click here for my first post.
In the coming weeks I will share another post of street scenes that I've captured recently.
Thank you for reading this post. Please continue to support local small businesses as you are able in this tough time.
]]>
The April 1st, 2020 Toronto Star, with a poem by Toronto Poet Laureate Al Moritz on the cover.
My experience of this time has likely been similar to many others: it is hard. Hard to not go to one's favourite café, hard to miss exciting work assignments and associated earnings, hard to be at home - especially home with active kids (whom I love dearly!) - all day long.
Maintaining good health has never been more necessary, but also never more challenging.
One important part of my physical, emotional and mental health over the past several years has been running.
My view heading up the Verrazzano Bridge while running in the November 2019 New York City Marathon - the biggest highlight of my running journey so far.
Since the social distancing and stay-at-home messaging began, I have found solo running - done at a safe distance from others - an even more vital part of maintaining my overall health.
Shooting street photograpy weekly has been part of my artistic discipline - and has contributed to my emotional and mental health.
As I can no longer explore unique corners of Toronto with my larger digital and film cameras - I recently began capturing images with my phone while running.
What caught my eye early on was the many closed stores, and the signs posted in their windows.
While the signs on corporate stores, such as the one above from Tim Hortons, communicate necessary messages, it is the hand-written signs and the personalized notes in windows of small businesses that are especially touching.
They are heartfelt, moving and only serve to deepen my concern for the future of small businesses in Toronto.
Bell's Martial Arts at 2200 Danforth Avenue.
This blog post features images of stores in East Toronto, and their associated signs.
Wherever possible I have included links so that you can, if you wish, support these small businesses during this challenging time. (At the end of this post I suggest additional actions you can take to support local businesses.)
Images shown here were taken between March 17th to April 21st. Businesses may have updated policies about their services so check directly with them to get their latest news.
The Handwork Department, 1884 Danforth Avenue, one of my favourite stores along Danforth East.
Queenie's Cards at 1808 Danforth Avenue, another of my favourite Danforth East shops. (There are many!)
Click through and see all the unique stationary and gifts that they have!
Simon's Wok at 797 Gerrard Street East.
CH Hardware at 789 Gerrard Street East.
Mi Mi Restaurant at 688 Gerrard Street East.
Farside Toronto at 600 Gerrard Street East.
Easy Living Depot at 328 Broadview Avenue.
Love the name and love the look of this place. They seem to offer almost everything.
John's Hairstyling at 742 Broadview Avenue, just south of The Danforth.
Mike's Music at 105 Danforth Avenue, just east of Broadview.
La Di Da on The Danforth, at 128 Danforth Avenue (Currently offering free delivery on orders of $25 or more.)
Stunning Nails at 272 Danforth Avenue
La Diperie at 372 Danforth Avenue.
All About Eve Boutique, 602 Danforth Avenue.
Circus Books and Music, 866 Danforth Avenue.
Meating on Queen 1160 Queen Street East.
The Framemaker at 1171 Queen Street East.
Sweet Bliss at 1304 Queen Street East.
Ritz Restaurant, 310 Donlands Avenue.
Ritz was the last restaurant I ate in before the lockdown. It was my first time eating there and I loved it.
The staff and customers were very friendly and the food was delicious.
I look forward to eating there again after the stay home order ends.
Since I started documenting local stores, news of small businesses closing due to financial hardships has been on the rise. A recent survey by the Broadview Danforth BIA found that "61 per cent of Toronto small businesses will close within three months unless further rent relief programs are implemented."
Small businesses are truly what make our cities, and our neighbourhoods, unique and vibrant. It would be devastating to local culture to have so many close.
There are some things that we can do:
1) Sign this petition to support small businesses.
2) Shop at local stores, if it is safe for you to do so. Many have safe-distance shopping policies and/or offer take-out or contactless delivery.
3) Some businesses are offering gift cards which can be redeemed later. This allows them to survive now.
3) Share ways to support small businesses with your social media feed. (Your local BIA will normally list this information.)
If you know other ways to support small businesses let me know and I will update this list.
I will share more blog posts of images captured while out running, as time allows, in the coming weeks so please stay tuned.
May 14/20 Update: Click here to see Part Two of this post, with a wider range of signs and scenes of East Toronto.
Please stay home, stay well and take all necessary precautions for essential outings.
P.S. I don't have photos, but I want to offer a shout out to Legacy Indoor Cycling Studio (1506 Danforth Avenue). My wife and I have been members for several years and Andy, the owner, hosts a gallery of my work there, which I am very thankful for. Legacy has been hosting live workouts on their Instagram and Facebook feeds. Be sure to follow them and to join workouts - a great way to stay healthy during life under lockdown!
]]>I've made a few blog posts from that trip already (links found below), but have a few more that I'd still like to share.
Here are my favourite black and white film images from NYC taken in July 2019. All except three were taken with Kodak Tri-X 400 film.
I am writing this post during winter, but it is worth mentioning that New York City was in the midst of a full out heat wave while we were there. Every day was sweaty with the only relief being the air conditioning found in major chain stores, which we naturally visited often to cool down.
We started by hitting the gritty streets of Brooklyn...
Wheels and Shadows
Kodak Tri-X 400
Which included passing through Broadway Junction Station...
Broadway Junction Station
Kodak Tri-X 400
And seeing the Brooklyn Heights Deli...
Brooklyn Heights Deli
Kodak Tri-X 400
By the way, if you love film photography, be sure to look up Brooklyn Film Camera when in Brooklyn! They're only open on weekends but are very nice people and have a great selection of film!
We added thousands more steps on the streets of Soho...
Bikes on Broome
Kodak Tri-X 400
The following five images were captured while on a Midtown Manhattan photo walk with Leanne Staples of Shoot New York City.
Lowering Prices
Kodak Tri-X 400
Boots, Beard, Beret.
Kodak Tri-X 400
Tony Fung
Kodak Tri-X 400
Tony shoots with a Graflex camera during his lunch break. He shared how he gives young people rolls of Ektachrome as a way of encouraging them to try and shoot film. It was great to meet him and talk film photography for a few minutes before moving on with the photo walk.
55
Kodak Tri-X 400
Sport & Diamonds
Kodak Tri-X 400
If you want to explore New York City with a camera I highly recommend joining a street photo session with Shoot New York City. They offer a photo walks in a number of different areas of the city as well as creative workshops, such as abstract street photography. I had a great time with them.
After the photo walk I passed by a protest about immigration policies near the Central Library. Some protesters were arrested and taken away on an MTA bus.
On the Bus
Kodak Tri-X 400
Greenpoint Avenue Station captured my imagination...
On Delivery
Kodak Tri-X 400
We caught a train to meet the incredible New York photographer Jamel Shabazz...
Platform A
Kodak Tri-X 400
Sammy Younan interviewing Jamel Shabazz in his home
Kodak Tri-X 400
Jamel Shabazz
Kodak Tri-X 400
Sammy Younan and Jamel Shabazz in Jamel's office
Kodak Tri-X 400
This visit was a real gift. To see and learn more about Jamel, please see my blog post "Vision and Purpose: The Inspiring Life of Jamel Shabazz".
In that post you can also find a link to Sammy Younan's podcast interview with Jamel.
We visited the local architecture-for-instagram's-sake phenomenon known as the Hudson Yards "Vessel"...
What Next?
Kodak Tri-X 400
Focal Point
Kodak Tri-X 400
Below the Vessel
Kodak Tri-X 400
I captured some street scenes near the Javits Conference Centre...
Between Two Shrubs
Kodak Tri-X 400
Cash Only
Kodak Tri-X 400
New York Minute
Kodak Tri-X 400
Who is Oliver?
Kodak Tri-X 400
PD NY
Kodak Tri-X 400
Food Town
Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400
WE BUY
Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400
Ascending
Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400
Broadside
Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400
Thanks for looking!
To see more of my NYC photos, please visit these blog posts:
- City of Liberty: NYC Street Scenes on Colour Film
- New York Subway Scenes
- Colours of Coney Island - Captured on Revolog Kolor Film
- Vision and Purpose: The Inspiring Life of Jamel Shabazz
]]>
In this new post I share my favourite film photos captured in Havana.
I used three types of film, as indicated below each image.
Hope you enjoy!
Havana Skyline
A panorama of two images stitched together
Kodak Ektar 100
I loved seeing the old architecture of the city...
Pillars of Home
Kodak Ektar 100
Palms and Arches
Kodak Ektar 100
We had a great visit to the Sephardic Synagogue and Malpaso Dance Company...
Leg Up
Kodak Ektar 100
Visiting the Cuban School of Boxing was a great experience...
Gimnasio de Boxeo
Kodak Ektar 100
Escuela Cubana de Boxeo
Kodak Ektar 100
Seeing the classic cars of Havana never got boring...
Pink and Blue
Kodak Ektar 100
Old Red
Kodak Ektar 100
Silver and Grey
Kodak Ektar 100
Road Worthy
Kodak Ektar 100
We passed by some Havana hot spots...
Floridita
Kodak Ektar 100
Lafayette Restaurant
Kodak Ektar 100
We met friendly locals...
Se Vende La Casa
Kodak Ektar 100
Havana Style
Kodak Ektar 100
Exploring back streets and capturing street scenes was perhaps my favourite thing...
Havana Shadows
Kodak Ektar 100
Sun and Shade
Kodak Ektar 100
Sidecar and Sidekick
Kodak Ektar 100
I captured a few frames on 120mm film with my old plastic Lomography camera...
Sliver of Light
Lomography Colour Negative 400 Film
An accidental exposure captured while visiting a produce market.
The colours on the left are from my shirt, and on the right is Cuban photographer Alfredo Sarabia, who was our very helpful guide.
The dots and numbers seen in these two images is due to the film's backing paper fusing to the film (which was well past it's expiry date).
Shades of Blue
Lomography Colour Negative 400 Film
I captured a few frames on Kodak Ektachrome as well...
Window View
Kodak Ektachrome 100
Ron a Granel
(Bulk Rum)
Kodak Ektachrome 100
Dispensario
Kodak Ektachrome 100
One last image to share...
Open Line
Kodak Ektar 100
Thanks for looking!
To see more images from Havana, please visit my previous blog posts:
]]>I shot quite a few rolls of colour film, and a lesser number of black and white ones.
I recently shared my favourite colour film photos of 2019, in two posts (found here and here).
Here now, are my favourite black and white film images (of those taken in Toronto) - of 2019...
Park Discount
Ilford HP5+ 400
Bamboo Drapes
Ilford HP5+ 400
Sud Forno
Ilford HP5+ 400
View From St. Lawrence Market
(Click here to see a colour film version of this scene)
Kosmo Mono 100
Matador Club
Kosmo Mono 100
Hudson's Bay Bike
Kosmo Mono 100
Time is a Train
(A U2/Zoo Station reference)
Kosmo Mono 100
Old school Yonge continued to draw me in...
VIP Billiard Club
Kosmo Mono 100
Yonge Street Mission
Kosmo Mono 100
I returned to City Hall with black and white film...
Kosmo Mono 100
Kosmo Mono 100
Kosmo Mono 100
Luminous City
Kosmo Mono 100
Crossing the Square
Kosmo Mono 100
Morals
Ilford HP5+ 400
Share the View
Ilford HP5+ 400
Free Day Care
Ilford HP5+ 400
Stretch Out
Ilford HP5+ 400
Breaking it Down
Ilford HP5+ 400
Stairwells to Climb
Ilford HP5+ 400
Union Pillars
Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan
Island Airport View
Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan
Cutting Clouds
Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan
❤ is IV ALL
Fuji Acros 100
Ahead of the Curve
Fuji Acros 100
Nuit is Near (B&W Edition)
(see a colour view of this scene in this blog post)
Fuji Acros 100
On Notice
Fuji Acros 100
Due West
Fuji Acros 100
I thought I'd make a rare appearance..
Selfie, captured in a mirror-like utility box at Berczy Park.
Fuji Acros 100
Skyline Restaurant
Ultrafine 100
The Report
Ultrafine 100
Heart and Soul
Ultrafine 100
Serano Sunlight
Ultrafine 100
Weather Like This
Ilford HP5+ 400
Princes' Gates
Ilford HP5+ 400
Out of Order
Ilford HP5+ 400
Roncscevalles Shadows
Ilford HP5+ 400
Gifts Come True
Ilford HP5+ 400
Crossing Dundas at Broadview
Ilford HP5+ 400
Thanks for looking!
To see more film images, here are some additional links:
- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part One
- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part Two
- City of Liberty: Street Scenes of New York City on Colour Film
- Colours of Coney Island - Captured on Revolog Kolor FIlm
- A Year in Colour Film 2018 - Part One
- A Year in Colour Film 2018 - Part Two
- A Year in Black and White Film 2018
To follow my latest work and learn about upcoming events, follow me on social media:
Cheers!
]]>This post is part two, featuring colour film images captured from late June until the end of December
As with part one, this post only includes Toronto street scenes. I am sharing film photos captured elsewhere in other posts (such as here and here of NYC).
OK, here we go...
Money
Kodak Ektar 100
Eddie's Convenience
Kodak Ektar 100
Renfrew Reno
Kodak Ektar 100
Refuelling
Kodak Ektar 100
The Kingsbrae Diner
Kodak Gold 200
Crossing McCaul
Kodak Gold 200
Good Luck Buddha
Kodak Gold 200
Stan Wadlow Sky
Kodak Gold 200
CNE Sky
Kodak Gold 200
Keeping Live Alive
Kodak Gold 200
High Wire Act
Kodak Gold 200
Last Quarter
Kodak Gold 200
Dundas Crossing
Kodak Gold 200
Ossington Bikes
Kodak Gold 200
United Drug Mart
Kodak Gold 200
Buddhist Association of Canada
Kodak Gold 200
Jazz Bistro
Kodak Gold 200
Never Meet Your Heroes
Kodak Gold 200
McTamney's
Kodak Gold 200
Toronto Supreme
Kodak Gold 200
FO5H Was Here
Kodak Pro Image 100
Big Smoke Brass
Kodak Pro Image 100
Nuit Is Near
Kodak Pro Image 100
Sunset Grill
Kodak Pro Image 100
Companions
Kodak Pro Image 100
King Spic & Span
Kodak Gold 200
Simply Beautiful
Kodak Gold 200
Icy Souls
Kodak Ektar 100
Eagle Gas
Kodak Ektar 100
Bike Sale
Kodak Ektar 100
Light Maintenance
Kodak Ektar 100
Sauntering Through
Kodak Ektar 100
Classics
Kodak Ektar 100
A Friend With Wheels
Kodak Ektar 100
Thanks for looking!
Stay tuned as I will soon share my favourite black and white photos of 2019.
In the meantime, here are some of my other film photo blog posts:
- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part One
- City of Liberty: Street Scenes of New York City on Colour Film
- Colours of Coney Island - Captured on Revolog Kolor FIlm
- A Year in Colour Film 2018 - Part One
- A Year in Colour Film 2018 - Part Two
- A Year in Black and White Film 2018
]]>
This is part one of my favourite colour film images of 2019.
The images in this post were captured from January through June 2019.
All images shared here are from Toronto. Images I captured elsewhere are shared in other blog posts (such as here and here of NYC).
Here we go...
Coxwell Snowfall
Kodak Gold 200
Temple Gates
Kodak Gold 200
Colour With Me
Kodak Gold 200
We Create Illusion
(artwork by the wonderful Time and Desire, also known as St. Marie Walker)
Kodak Portra 400
Crossing University
Kodak Portra 400
We Create Illusion, Pt II
(artwork by the wonderful Time and Desire, also known as St. Marie Walker)
Kodak Portra 400
I did a number of photo walks between Bloor and Queen in 2019,
capturing what remains of old school Yonge Street.
Here are just a few images from those walks.
Crumbs
Kodak Gold 200
XTC
Kodak Gold 200
The Big Slice
The Big Slice was very popular for late-night pizza on Yonge Street.
Sadly it closed in 2016 after forty years in business.
This was one of my more popular film images that I shared on Instagram in 2019.
Kodak Gold 200
Doors on Yonge
Kodak Gold 200
Disassembly Required
Kodak Portra 400
I experimented with Ektachrome for the first time in 2019...
Fashion Choices
Kodak Ektachrome E100
I keep coming back to the El Mocambo...
Since 1948
Kodak Ektachrome E100
City Business
Kodak Ektachrome E100
Looking West at Yonge and Dundas
Kodak Ektachrome E100
AGO Shadows
Kodak Ektachrome E100
Dominion
Kodak Portra 400
I developed another roll of expired Lomography 120 film (click here for more)
Double exposures and images that fused with the backing paper made for interesting effects.
Woodbine Beach Park
Creativity Is
Exposed
Take me anywhere old school and I'll be sure to bring my camera...
Gold's
Kodak Ektar 100
Laundry Seats
Kodak Ektar 100
Matador Dancing
Kodak Ektar 100
Matador Club
(The Matador Club may be come a six storey "mixed-use residential building"
that preserves some elements of the original venue. More details here.)
Kodak Ektar 100
Blood and Bandages
Kodak Ektar 100
Please, Ring The Bell
(The view from Sunflower Camera Repair on Lansdowne)
Kodak Ektar 100
Coming Soon-ish
(I'm very happy to have the Paradise Theatre back again. They've done such
a great job bringing it back to life, and the film line-up looks fantastic.)
Kodak Ektar 100
Downtown Signs
Kodak Ektar 100
Queen & Jameson
Kodak Gold 200
Abuse of Power
Kodak Gold 200
Breaking Bread
Kodak Gold 200
Thanks for looking. Stay tuned for Part Two!
(Click here and here to see my favourite film images of 2018).
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Before jumping into 2020 though, please join me as I celebrate my favourite photo moments of 2019.
1. Exhibiting my Work
I had the privilege of exhibiting my work in a number of shows this past year:
- InFocus 2019 (February 2019)
For the third year in a row I had images in this national photo exhibit held in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2019 I had two images - Grid City and Gooderham Snowfall (seen below) - in the show.
Gooderham SnowfallCaptured on a beautiful snowy night in late 2017. This image will be on exhibit in the annual InFocus Photo Exhibit in Edmonton, AB in February 2019 and is eligible for the People's Choice Award.
This image is available as a print, on a greeting card, or also as a pillow.
- Nikon Contact Photo Exhibit
I was honoured to have two of my images - Grid City and Cuban School of Boxing (shown below) - selected to be in Nikon Canada's Contact Photo Festival show.
The images were on exhibit the same night as a talk by talented and accomplished photographer Caitlin Cronenberg. I really enjoyed learning more about Caitlin Cronenberg's career, which has included shooting many celebrities, such as Toronto's Drake.
Thank you Nikon Canada for celebrating Canadian photo artists!
- Streetcar Exhibit
In June 2019 the Artists' Network held a wonderful exhibit of artwork inspired by Toronto's beloved streetcars. There were all types of mediums represented - oil, collage, photography, and more.
I was proud to have my Broadview Hotel Snowfall image on display in the good company of so many talented artists.
- Elaine Fleck Gallery
In early November I had two images of my images in the Elaine Fleck Gallery's New Submissions exhibit.
It was great to have my images alongside talented artists from a range of styles, and to also share a few words about my work with those present at the opening reception.
- A Way With Words - Toronto Library Arts Program
For the month of November I had an exhibit entitled "A Way With Words" at the Northern District Library near Yonge and Eglinton.
- Photo by Sammy Younan
The show consisted of my favourite Toronto street photos where words have a role to play in each scene.
I was encouraged by some great feedback on my work in the guest book I had on display, as well as by several inquiries about purchasing images that came from this exhibit.
To read more about this show, please see my blog post about it.
To view more of my art images, including ones featured in the "A Way With Words" show, please click here.
My thanks to the staff at Northern District Library - and to those running the Toronto Library Arts Program - for this opportunity!
2. Event Photography
I worked for 15+ years in the non-profit sector, prior to launching my photography career, so I feel a strong affinity to any organization doing meaningful work for social good.
It was a gift then, to be able to capture and tell the stories of several non-profit organizations this past year. Here are some of them:
- Metcalf Foundation
Early in the year I was hired by the Metcalf Foundation to capture two important events for them.
Additional images from these events may be found on the Metcalf Foundation's website:
- 2018 Toronto Sector Skills Academy fellows graduate
- Creative Strategies Incubator 2016 & 2017 cohorts join forces
- Institute for Canadian Citizenship
I captured two citizenship ceremonies for the Institute for Canadian Citizenship this past year.
One ceremony was just before Canada Day in The Bentway (a unique park beneath the Gardiner Expressway), which I documented in a blog post.
I captured another ceremony in mid-November at Ryerson University.
I always find these ceremonies quite moving, and a wonderful reminder of all that we in Canada stand for and represent as a country.
My thanks to the ICC for the opportunity to work for them again in 2019.
- Woodgreen Foundation
I captured the Annual General Meeting for Woodgreen Foundation at the East York Civic Centre in late September.
It was a moving night with many powerful stories of transformation.
My thanks to the Woodgreen Foundation for the opportunity to capture this significant event!
3. Visiting Havana
In March I visited Havana with my family. I'm very thankful we arranged for a local photographer (Alfredo Sarabia) to guide us around, as he offered us an insider's view of Havana that we would never have had otherwise.
Havana is such a beautiful city. I would gladly visit there many more times again.
I have written about the experience in several blog posts, which may be seen here:
- Sephardic Synagogue and Malpaso Dance Company
I have at least one more blog post to share - of film photos taken in Havana. Stay tuned for that in 2020!
4. Magazine Features
My Silver Dollar Room image was featured in Photo Life Magazine's regular feature called "Showtime".
I was thrilled to have several of my film images featured in a two page spread in PhotoEd Magazine's online edition also.
Thank you to Photo Life and PhotoEd magazines!
5. My Photo Art Pillows on TV
Thanks to the wonderful folks at Funkyture in Toronto's Junction neighbourhood, I had set decorators purchase my pillows for two different TV shows. My Gooderham Snowfall and BUY pillows were bought to be on the sets of In the Dark and of Glamorous.
While Glamorous was shot as a pilot only, and has not been broadcast, In the Dark aired a full season of episodes. I managed to get a screen capture from that show where you can see one of my pillows in the background:
That's my Gooderham Snowfall pillow on the couch in the background! To see all my pillows please visit this link.
6. Visiting New York City
In July 2019 I visited New York with my good friend Sammy Younan, host of a very engaging podcast called "My Summer Lair" (found here on Apple podcasts, and here for online listening) .
We had a great time visiting many corners of the city.
I try to find learning opportunities wherever I travel, and this trip was no exception. I had an excellent time joining Leanne Staples of Shoot New York City on a mid-town Manhattan photo walk. I hope to share more about that experience in an upcoming blog post.
Here are my posts so far from that trip:
- Vision and Purpose: The Inspiring Life of Jamel Shabazz
- Colours of Coney Island - Captured on Revolog Kolor Film
- City of Liberty: NYC Street Scenes Shot on Colour Film
I expect to have at least two more blog posts about New York City, including film photos, so please stay tuned!
7. On-Set Photography for "Mesdames of Mayhem"
In 2017 I worked for director Cat Mills as on-set photographer for her very fun "Big Men, Small Dogs" documentary.
In 2019 I had the privilege to again work for Cat Mills on her latest short documentary, Mesdames of Mayhem. It felt good seeing my photos in a number of spots on CBC's website...
It was very fun learning more about this collective of authors!
Be sure to check out the documentary here, and to learn more about the mystery authors at their website, here.
8. Film Photography
I only shared two blog posts of film images in 2019:
- Colours of Coney Island - Captured on Revelop Kolor Film
- City of Liberty - NYC Street Scenes Captured on Colour Film
I shot a lot more 35mm film in 2019 though than what I've shared in the above two posts. All of it was developed by the good folks at Downtown Camera.
I've recently added Part One of my Favourite Colour Photos of 2019.
Please stay tuned as I will share more of my favourite colour and black and white photos of 2019 in the coming weeks.
9. Photography Training
In 2019 I began offering street photography training.
I enjoyed providing one-on-one sessions with several individuals in Toronto.
Thanks to an invitation from Diana Nazareth, founder of Project Kids and Cameras, I also was a guest photographer with the Crescent Town Club's PhotoVoice project.
While there, I had the opportunity to share about doing documentary work and to coach participants on approaching people to share their stories and to have their portrait taken, as a way of telling the stories of their neighbourhood. It was inspiring to see the students succeed in taking on this challenge.
I also ran a week-long summer camp for my daughter and her friends in August.
The camp included...
Visiting The Stephen Bulger Gallery, and getting a tour from Stephen Bulger himself.
Meeting and learning from local photo talents such as John Jethi.
And visiting Gallery 44's darkroom, as well as other significant Toronto photo galleries and organizations. My thanks to each of them for opening their doors to us and helping my students learn!
I look forward to doing more photo training in 2020. If interested, please contact me for details.
10. Documentary Work
Since showing my "Taxi Drivers of Toronto" exhibit in 2017, I have been working on a new project that celebrates older shoe stores of Toronto.
In 2019 I visited ten different shoe selling and shoe repair stores to document their work, some of them for repeated visits in order to interview customers and/or their students.
It was a joy to learn of their stories and how they have contributed to Toronto's rich cultural life.
I have a few more stores to document in early 2020.
I am planning for an exhibit, but dates are still to be determined. Please stay tuned for details.
Thank you!
It has been quite a year. Thank you for being part of it!
To stay connected just message me with your email (I send only 6-8 emails a year) or follow me on social media:
Best wishes to you in 2020!
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Self-portrait in The Jane Hotel (shot with my Nikon D750 camera).
In this post I share some of my favourite New York City street scenes shot on colour film - primarily from three rolls of Kodak Ektar 100 colour film that I shot while there this past summer.
So let's get started...
Believe. A mural on the Houston Bowery Wall by the artist known as Queen Andrea.
"I am deliberate and afraid of nothing." - Audre Lorde.
As seen through the window of the Word Bookstore in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Read more powerful quotes by this activist poet here.
Golden City
Tick Tock
City of Liberty
Apple Parking
Imagine a Future
The Y
The Rolling Stone
Poets of Gesture
Welcome to the Met
Flatiron Crossing
Beneath the Flag
Manley's
Love Your Neighour
YES
Montero Bar & Grill
Cheat Death
Show Your Whole Face
Cigars
Look Twice
American Society of Buddhist Studies
Car Park
Home of the Brave
Rockefeller Station
"Since 1904"
Remembering Lennon
A couple gazes at the south entrance to The Dakota, the site where John Lennon was killed.
Click the above link to learn more about this historic building, and the many notable figures who have lived there.
I'd like to end with a final image shot on Revolog Kolor film. It's a leftover frame from the roll I shot in Coney Island.
It isn't Kodak Ektar 100, like the others in this post, but the words in the below scene seem to fit with other images in this blog.
Don't Be Afraid of Anyone
Thanks for looking!
Stay tuned for more New York City blog posts. In the meantime, here are a few others I have already posted:
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I also showed some of my favourite street images in an exhibit called "A Way With Words: Toronto Street Photography Where Words Have a Role to Play". This was in the Northern District Library near Yonge and Eglinton and it ran for the entire month of November.
Photo by Sammy Younan
Words appear in every street. Some words - such as those found on road signs - serve an official purpose, while some, such as graffiti, are less official.
I have always been drawn to how words, symbols and human presence interact to create scenes that have greater resonance and impact. After years of shooting images in Toronto and elsewhere, I have accumulated a large number of such images that still speak to me, and putting them together into a show made a lot of sense.
This was my third show in a Toronto public library. I am so thankful to the Toronto Public Library Arts program for giving me this opportunity once again.
Book Lovers
My first show - "The Foot That Moves the Pedal", showing creative images with bicycles from around the world, was at the Runnymede Library in 2014.
My second library exhibit, "Taxi Drivers of Toronto" was also at the Northern District Library, shortly after I exhibited it with Artscape at the Daniels Spectrum building in the May 2017 Contact Photo Festival.
Photo by Diana Nazareth of Project Kids and Cameras
I held an opening event for my "A Way With Words" exhibit early on in the month.
Photo by Sammy Younan
With my good friend Sammy Younan, host of a fantastic pop culture podcast entitled "My Summer Lair".
Late October and early November were quite busy for me (I ran the NYC marathon on my 50th birthday in early November!), and I didn't manage to invite many out, so the opening wasn't a big affair. I did have a few friends come out, including former Toronto City Councillor Janet Davis, who has been a big supporter of my work (Several years ago she invited me to exhibit my images in her City Hall office - something I am still so thankful for!)
I have shared a few of my favourite images from the show in this blog. The images from the show that are not shown here, and others where "words have a role to play", may be found in the art section of my website.
Thanks again to the Toronto Public Library Arts Program - and to each of you for looking and for your support!
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This blog contains New York City subway scenes captured in July 2019.
Every journey seems to tell a new story.
The subway is a point of reference for all New Yorkers...
You know when you travel the subway, there will always be some tales...
So descend you must, with skateboard in hand...
Or tophat up top...
Into the wilds of the underground...
You might be heading Uptown...
Or just looking for a place to catch some shuteye...
You might be a suit hanging tight, trying to stay afloat in the market...
A sleepy tourist...
Or just looking for a snack...
You may miss a train...
But when you get to your stop, there'll be a spring in your step...
You may get a little lost...
So take some time to rest...
And reflect...
Imagine peace even...
Or maybe hum your favourite T-Pain song...
Life moves fast in the big city...
Don't let a hard day's work get you down...
It's not the end of the line, but the start of a new journey...
Let the subway breeze sweep you away...
You have a show at MSG to look forward to tonight...
Eventually it's time to head up...
Into the city light...
To deliver that briefcase of diamonds...
Or to meet your friend Slim, with the rocket popsicle socks...
But first there's just one more ride...
Maybe one more snooze...
Whichever it is, I know that you'll get to your destination...
Dedicated to the people of New York City and the hard working staff of the MTA. Thanks for making NYC great!
To see more from NYC please visit:
- Vision and Purpose: The Inspiring Life of Jamel Shabazz
- The Colours of Coney Island - Captured on Revolog Kolor Film
Thanks for looking!
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Welcome to Coney Island
(Nikon DSLR image)
For as long as Coney Island has been around, it has been a source of fascination to artists of all kind. Just scanning this wikipedia page on the topic is a bit exhausting, but also amazing. I remember reading from Lawrence Ferlinghetti's Coney Island of the Mind in high school English class. Nevermind how many novels, movies and music videos take advantage of Coney Island's compelling atmosphere.
(Nikon DSLR image)
Before visiting Coney Island, I made sure to visit Brooklyn Film Camera early on in my trip. Brooklyn Film Camera is a fun place, with limited hours, tucked away in a very cool neighbourhood of Brooklyn. They list themselves as "one of NYC’s premier destinations for analog photographers" so I just had to go.
(Nikon DSLR image)
(Nikon DSLR image)
Brooklyn Film Camera indeed had a great selection of cameras and film types. One film that caught my eye was Revelog Kolor 200. The film is pre-exposed with different colours, which delivers a surprise in the developed images. I immediately thought this would be perfect for my Coney Island visit later in the week, so I bought a roll, along with a stylish Brooklyn Film Camera t-shirt.
Take Home Food
So - this blog post shares my favourite images of Coney Island shot on Revelog Kolor film (starting with the above image). All were captured on a little Canon Sure Shot Look camera, which I purchased just prior to this trip. I hope you enjoy!
They Came, They Ate, They Conquered.
Coney Island is home to the famous annual hot dog eating contest - hosted by Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, which is also based there.
Bumping Disco
Trust Zoltar. He knows, sees, tells all!
(Visit the Zoltar official site for more!)
Cyclone
(Two film images stitched into a panorama.)
Bowery and 12th
The Wonder Wheel is a bit like Zoltar - it looms above and "sees all" on Coney Island
Wonder
Thrills
Look Up
Tickets
The Claw
(Spot someone in the background?)
One cannot visit Coney Island without exploring the magnficent boardwalk.
Karaoke on the boardwalk drew quite a crowd.
Up on the Boardwalk
Boardwalk Bench
Boardwalk Busker
The Flavor of New York
The Meaning of Life
Officer John - one of several friendly police officers that I spoke with while in NYC.
Apologies for misfocusing my little Canon Sure Shot Look! Officer John may appear in sharper focus in a future blog post, captured with my Nikon DSLR.
Candy Apple, Cotton Candy
Nathan's Famous at Night
Coney Island is quite a colourful place - so many bright signs, neon lights and interesting characters. Revelog's Kolor 200 film brought it's own dynamic colours into the mix.
The colours that the film added to my images were more subtle than the sample images on Revelog's official page for their Kolor film, but nonetheless it was a neat experiment with fun results.
Revelog does have a wide variety of films which add intriguing effects to images. I'd recommend that you have a look at them. If you are in or near Toronto you can currently find a range of Revelog film types at Downtown Camera.
I will be blogging about New York City more soon, including images captured with my DSLR in Coney Island. Thanks for looking and please stay tuned!
]]>Over the past year I have had two opportunities to encounter someone who has done just that - and inspired many others to do the same - and it has been a real gift.
In November 2018 my friend Sammy Younan and I had the privilege of hearing accomplished photographer and humanitarian Jamel Shabazz speak at a joint presentation of Ryerson's Tanenbaum Lecture Series and International Issues Discussion Series.
Jamel Shabazz's work has been published in numerous books and has been exhibited in galleries around the world. In 2018 he was recognized with the Gordon Parks Foundation Award. His photography and his leadership have inspired many. Hence we were quite excited to hear him speak.
It was a powerful night, with many wise words and inspiring stories shared. You can hear the entire talk by clicking this link.
After the talk Mr. Shabazz was very warm and open to greeting all, including my friend Sammy and I.
Jamel Shabazz greeting an attendee of his Ryerson Talk
Jamel Shabazz signing one of his books for a fan
Jamel Shabazz and Sammy Younan
Jamel Shabazz and yours truly
We had a good conversation and Sammy exchanged contact info with Jamel, with the plan to interview him for his podcast show "My Summer Lair" (also available on Apple Podcasts) when we visited New York in 2019.
Jumping ahead now to July 2019, when Sammy and I spent a week in New York City. Sammy had arranged to visit Jamel in Long Island, and we took a train ride outside of Manhattan.
Jamel warmly welcomed us into his home and Sammy set up to interview him.
Here are some powerful quotes from Sammy's interview:
"For me it was bigger than photography. It was about really connecting with people, and the camera became a compass that led me to different situations and people. And the photograph became evidence of the conversation."
"As a young child I absorbed books. I was always looking for photography. There was something about that language of photography that just drew me in. My father was a photographer. He had a vast library within our home so I was always moved by the images. He taught me how to develop. So I developed an appreciation early on for that slow process of creating an image. You know, to really absorb the essence of photography and what it is to create images."
"When I returned back to America in the summer of 1980 after serving time in the United States Military I came back to a very changing time. It was a moment in New York history when a lot of young men were dying prematurely of violence. There was a lot of hatred in the city, and I realized that I had to make a difference."
"I returned back to my old neighbourhood and I had my camera in tow, and my chessboard, and I realized that I had to use my voice to speak to young people, to be a guide and mentor to them in a way that I wasn't really guided on my path."
"I look at the camera as a compass. Once I started to appreciate the science of photography and image making, it put me on a particular path that... led me to a place where I was able to connect with people all over the globe, based off this language of photography. I did not know when I picked up the camera that I would be on this path. It took me 35-plus years to understand what this camera represented. It allowed me to understand the fact that I was an alchemist. That I had the ability to take something out of nothing and bring it into life."
"It has led me to an incredible path. I have met people around the world under the language of photography. People who are using this craft to make the world a better place."
"When I first saw the light and possibility it was on a local level. It was beautiful at that point, but I never would have imagined that my path would lead me to this stage of my life right now, where I have met people from everywhere. I get emails from people from Russia, from Korea, Japan... South America. We may not speak the English language, but it is through the image - that language of photography."
"One of the greatest accomplishments of my life is in the making right now, where I am curating an exhibition of people that I met on social media. I've decided to curate an exhibit called "Perspectives"*. At this stage in my life I've been able to bring together from different cultural backgrounds under that one umbrella of photography and using individual voices to address issues that are presssing right now. And that's what the path has led me on."
*Perspectives was shown at Photoville New York in September 2019. Click here for a summary of the exhibit.
"So that has been the direction that for all these years I've been on - trying to understand what is my purpose in life, and I struggled with it. Now at this stage I have total clarity - it's about coming together, under that language, like never before - and not only photographers but artists in general - and using art as a form of activism to make this world a better place."
I encourage you to listen to the entire interview on Sammy Younan's podcast "My Summer Lair". Click here to listen online, or click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
What does it mean to live a life of vision and purpose? How can one use their talents - whether photography, the arts or any skill - to make a difference?
Meeting Jamel Shabazz, and learning from his life, it is clear that each of us have the possibillity before us to do just that.
Thank you Jamel Shabazz for your leadership and for your inspiring example of how to live.
To learn more about Jamel Shabazz visit the below links:
- Jamel Shabazz's website
- Jamel Shabazz on Instagram
- The podcast interview of Jamel by Sammy Younan - online and on Apple podcasts
- An interview with Jamel Shabazz, that includes some of his photos, on Afropunk
- Back in the Days (book by Jamel Shabazz)
- Jamel Shabazz: Sights in the City, New York Street Photographs (book by Jamel Shabazz)
]]>Since then I have published four blog posts about my travels there:
- Sephardic Synagogue and Malpaso Dance Company
- Cuban School of Boxing
- Street Scenes of Havana
- Bikes of Havana
For this fifth Havana post I will share my favourite images of cars in Havana.
Havana is known around the world for its classic cars. These have remained, no doubt, due to the trade embargo imposed upon Cuba for many years. Importing foreign vehicles was a challenge and hence cars that remained in Cuba were well maintained out of necessity. Now they won't go away due to nostalgia and tourism - and, perhaps, possibly due to a renewed trade embargo by a certain large neighbouring nation.
To learn more about cars in Cuba, here are a few links:
- History on Wheels - an excellent article from Salon.com
- The Cars of Cuba - a video documentary found on Youtube
- Three classic cars that define Cuban History
And on to the photos...
A short walk from the port of Havana brings you to one of many spots found throughout the city where classic cars sit, waiting to be hired.
We hired a somewhat simpler car - a Plymouth...
And piled in!
Me with my nephew and my daughter.
We headed to the Sephardic Synagogue, training centre for the Malpaso Dance company (covered in this blog post), where another classic Plymouth was parked out front.
Floridita, known as one of Ernest Hemingway's favourite hangouts in Havana. To learn more click here.
Cool Story Bro
Fairlane 500
Climbing the hill to see the statue "El Cristo de la Habana"
"El Cristo de la Habana"
The view from the lookout point next to the "El Cristo de la Habana" statue - well worth the ferry ride and walk.
And back to the cars!
The Best
Long live classic Cuban cars!
Thanks for looking! All images are available as prints. To inquire, just send me a message at this link.
To see more of my images from Havana, please view one of the below links:
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I must admit though, that those thoughts aren't always at the forefront of my mind. Life is busy and I often have less lofty goals to strive for - getting kids to appointments, picking up groceries, work to complete, household chores...
The opportunity to document a Canadian citizenship ceremony for the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, held in late June - just days before Canada Day, helped to bring those more meaningful thoughts and convictions back to my heart and mind.
I'll share some highlights of the event in this post.
The ceremony was held in The Bentway - a popular new public space beneath Toronto's Gardiner Expressway.
A large number of volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds came together to be hosts for roundtable discussions.
Hosts for discussion groups were prepared for their role - to facilitate meaningful conversations about citizenship with those present at their table.
Lively discussions were held at each table, with participants sharing stories of their journeys to Canadian citizenship.
Following these meaningful discussions, individuals came forward to share thoughts from their table groups.
There was much excitement leading up to the ceremony...
The ceremony proceeded with all swearing the Canadian Oath of Citizenship.
New citizens received a certificate of Canadian citizenship...
The singing of the national anthem was an emotional moment for all...
Words of insight and inspiration were shared by Yasir Naqvi, the CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship...
After the ceremony and inspiring words, new citizens gathered with family and friends for photos and to continue their celebration.
Mary Wiens of CBC Radio interviewed new citizens following the ceremony.
Elder Laureen Blu Waters, present as an honoured guest and speaker at the ceremony, celebrates with new Canadians.
I love how these events model meaningful dialogue and inspire all who attend to live as active and engaged citizens.
Congratulations to all the new Canadian citizens and thank you to the Institute of Canadian Citizenship for the opportunity to serve them once again!
(I previously captured images for them in August 2017 - click here to see my post from then - and had an equally wonderful and moving time.)
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- Sephardic Synagogue and Malpaso Dance Company
With World Bicycle Day having just passed (see my Instagram post in honour of that day), a blog post sharing my favourite bike images of Havana feels like a natural next step. I've thrown in a few extra related images here too, just for good measure!
Let's begin!
After our time at the Sephardic Synagogue and Malpaso Dance Company, we walked along through local streets.
We came across this corner food vendor. There was a bike so naturally I took a photo. We then stopped by to say hello...
We received a warm greeting from Helena, who ran this clearly popular corner shop.
We then walked onwards to the Vedado neighbourhood, where we were going for lunch.
Classic cars and bikes go together well in Havana.
We had a great lunch in a paladar (privately owned restaurant, as opposed to one run by the government) called El Atelier. I didn't take many photos there, but here is one from inside the restaurant:
We then headed to the Cuban School of Boxing. Funny enough, one of the athlete's bikes appeared in several of my favourite images...
The above image is probably my favourite image from our time in Havana. It was exciting to have Nikon Canada feature the above image, and another of mine called "Grid City", as part of a 60 image exhibit in their Contact Festival Gallery Night at the Hot Docs Cinema on May 29th. Talented photographer Caitlin Cronenberg was the guest speaker and shared about her journey as a photographer and her fascinating work photographing celebrities.
But I digress. Back to bikes in Havana!
The bike taxi is extremely popular in Havana. Here is a series of images showing them at work...
This fellow (named Williams, I believe) talked me up for a bit. I got distracted, I confess, by the scene over his shoulder.
Calle Habana
Everyone needs a break once in a while...
Bikes are naturally important for transporting goods as well...
Sol
Later in the day we took a ferry across to the other side of the bay, to a place called Casablanca.
The ferry offered us a good view of the city and of the cruise ship that my family and I were travelling on.
On board the ferry there was a bike, well stacked with goods...
The architecture of old Havana is very beautiful. Even when in a state of repair and reconstruction, bikes just add to their beauty and atmosphere.
There's a great bike rental program in Havana called Habici which started in November 2018. Below are a few Habici bikes in action. (If you can read Spanish, here is a handy article about the program).
Long live bikes and long live Havana!
Many images featured on my blog are available as art prints. Just send me a note, if interested.
My next blog post will be about Cars of Havana. Stay tuned!
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Plymouth Walk
This is a collection of images captured over two days in Havana in mid-March while visiting there with family. On our first day we were guided by talented Cuban artist Alfredo Sarabia, which made it a wonderful experience.
(Follow these links to see my images of the Malpaso Ballet Company and of the Cuban School of Boxing.
Please, read poetry.
Fridge, on delivery.
Public Phones
Along the Malecon
King of the Castle
A street in the Vedado neighbourhood of Havana.
On Break
A line-up for goods at the Royal Palm Mercado. Our guide told us that Havana "is a city of lines".
View through a souvenir shop window.
Bringing home the groceries.
A Hard Day's Night
Streets of Jazz
Many cafes and restaurants in central Havana had live music playing, which of course added to the ambience and mood of this beautiful city.
Checking in with friends.
Nobility and Joy
My daughter spent some time talking (as she was able, with her limited Spanish) to these two girls. I love the contrast between the dog's expression and the girls' laughter and joy.
San Juan de Dios Park
It is clear where wifi access is, as you'll find many using their cell phones nearby.
Thanks to our guide we were able to visit the home of a family in Central Havana. I captured the above scene as we left their building.
Lafayette Restaurante
The BBC recently shared an article about restoring Havana's neon, and featured this sign in the article's lead image. The article featured the work of Cuban artist Kadir Lopez. Thanks to our guide, Alfredo Sarabia (who knew so many people in Havana), we were able to get an advance preview of Kadir Lopez's new neon exhibit which was being prepared while we were there. I'll try to update this blog post with some photos from that visit when I have time.
I Heart Cuba
Perdida!
Late Day Shadows
Towards the Light
Convento de San Francisco
Arches
Jose Marti
Busts of Jose Marti, a national hero in Cuba, can be found in many spots throughout Cuba. Alfredo Sarabia, Cuban artist and our guide for one of our days in Havana, has done a very engaging photo series on these which may be seen here.
Fresh Produce
Vendors of fresh produce may be found throughout Havana. My photographer friend Natalia Shields has done many wonderful images of these during her travels to Havana, which may be found if you scroll through her great Instagram feed. Have a look!
Hasta la Victoria Siempre
Tourists walk back towards the port after a day in Havana. "Hasta la Victoria Siempre", a popular quote by Che Guevera found on a t-shirt in the above image, when translated means "Ever Onward to Victory".
See more of my Havana images at these links:
- Sephardic Synagogue and Malpaso Ballet School
I will next share images of Cuban cars and Bikes of Havana! Please stay tuned and thanks for looking!
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This blog is the second of a series of posts sharing images I captured that day. To see the first post, please click here.
In early afternoon we visited the Cuban School of Boxing (Escuela Cubana de Boxeo).
- A view of the street from inside the Cuban Boxing School in Havana
We were running late after a wonderful lunch at a local paladar (a privately owned restaurant), and so the boxers were already in the ring sparring. We were welcomed to begin taking photos.
Some neighbourhood children came by to watch.
I appreciated the walls, which were covered with inspirational artwork and quotes about boxing, or Cuba.
"Boxing is me." - Eligio Sardinas (Kid Chocolate)
"The attack is only half of the art of boxing."
- "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Your hands cannot hit what your eyes cannot see. " - Muhammad Ali
"I dedicate my victories to Fidel" - Julio Cesar de al Cruz, world champion Cuban boxer
- "No Latin-American country has done more than Cuba for sport." - Fidel Castro
- "I believe in Fidel like any religious believes in Christ." - Mario Kindelan
Coach Miranda took some athletes aside to train on specific skills.
Coach Michel continued to work on sparring skills with other athletes.
All of the boxers then did a circuit training routine, moving from station to station in timed sessions.
- "A champion is someone who gets up when he cannot."
The athletes then stretched and cooled down back in the ring.
David, who arrived a bit later than others, continued to work on his skills at the punching bag.
And gave us a final one-two punch for the camera.
Many thanks to the boxers, the coaches, and to Alfredo Sarabia for allowing us to be there with them.
This is the second of several bog posts I am doing from my visit to Havana. To see the first, about a ballet school and synagogue visit, please click here.
Thanks for looking and stay tuned for more!
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Panorama view of the Terminal Sierra Maestra (cruise port area) of Havana
In advance of my trip I communicated with a local Cuban photo tour agency to ask about a guide who could show me and some family members around. I was thriled when, after a few rounds of emails, I was paired with a professor of photography at the Havana University of Art. I could not have been happier about this arrangement.
Panorama view of Havana from the opposite side of our cruise ship
We met Alfredo Sarabia, a professor of photography and an accomplished Cuban artist, in the main square (Plaza de San Francisco de Asis Square) near the cruise port, and headed out for a full day of discovery. Alfredo had a list of places planned for us to visit, but left of plenty of time for us to take photos of whatever inspired us along the way.
This blog will be the first of several I will do about our time in Havana, and will focus on our first stop, at the Malpaso Ballet Company of Havana.
After walking a short distance (very slowly as some of us needed photos beside the classic cars!) we took a taxi to the Sephardic Jewish Centre Synagogue of Havana.
I learned that the synagogue was founded in 1954 and is the only Sephardic Synagogue in Havana. Sephardic Jews are Jews who were expelled from Spain by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492. Here is a brief but helpful article saying more about this.
The synagogue also serves as an education centre in memory of the Holocaust and to raise awareness of ongoing persecution against Jews around the world.
We were led inside the synagogue sancturary where members of the Malpaso Dance Company were practicing their skills. We were welcome to take photos without interrupting their training.
We should not have been surpised at the incredible skills of the dancers, as the Malpaso Dance Company is internationally renowned, and has toured in many countries. Nonetheless were were captured by the beauty of their form and technique as we watched them practice.
We were also free to explore, and take photos, throughout the entire synagogue.
A fisheye view from the balcony.
Window views from inside the synagogue.
After some time there, we went back out into the street to continue our tour of Havana.
Many thanks to the Sephardic Synagogue of Havana and the Malpaso Dance Company for the opportunity to visit and discover both history and contemporary dance together!
]]>Naturally I took my camera with me and created photos before and after my appointment.
Here then, are a few images from last week.
The path I often run - with fellow runners from the Beach Running Room - was completely covered with ice and snow.
The weather doesn't phase power line workers.
The wind and snow made beautiful formations in the sand.
I discovered just how powerful the wind was once I walked on the beach - bits of sand and snow continuously pelted my face.
The wind formed long trails of snow across the beach. (Not ideal conditions for beach volleyball!)
Nothing stops Beach residents from walking their trusty canine friends.
Toronto cyclists constantly inspire me.
Artik Ice.
The famous Leuty Lifeguard Station braces against the powerful winds.
Thanks for looking! Try to stay warm!
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InFocus Exhibit
I was privileged to participate, for my second time, in the annual InFocus Photo Exhibit in Edmonton, Alberta. The show took place in February 2018. This time I had my image "The Silver Dollar Room" in the show.
The 2019 InFocus Exhibit will take place in February 2019. I am thrilled to again be part of the show. This time two of my images - Grid City and Gooderham Snowfall - are part of the show. Gooderham Snowfall is eligible for the annual People's Choice Award. The winner is chosen by voting, which is daily until February 6th. I would love your vote!
Picture 2050
I had a wonderful time participating in Picture 2050 - a photo contest with an environmental theme that invited participants to envision what Toronto could be like in the year 2050. I was thrilled to receive some recognition for my images which were part of a gallery in City Hall.
Island KayaksA view of the city from the Toronto Islands.
This image was selected as an Honourable Mention in the Picture 2050 photo contest.
To read more about the contest, you are welcome to view my blog post here.
Island Kayaks - an image selected for exhibit by Picture 2050
Picture 2050 images on display in Toronto City Hall.
To learn more and view additional photos please visit my blog post about Picture 2050.
Photo Ed Field Trip
In early May PhotoEd Magazine held a forum for teachers who teach photography. I was allowed to participate as someone who intends to teach photography. It was a wonderful event. Below is a photo I captured that day. To hear and see more about the event, click here to see my blog post about the day.
Give Love
Guest Photography
On several occasions I have had the opportunity to be a guest photographer with Project Kids and Cameras - a wonderful program run by talented photographer Diana Nazareth. In late May 2018 I had the opportunity to do so once again. This photo is from one of my visits in 2017...
Click here to learn more about Project Kids and Cameras upcoming workshop opportunities!
Live Music
I haven't shot live music in clubs very much in the past year or two, but in 2018 I got out to capture a few bands for Canadian Music Week once again. Here are a few highlights...
Booklyn Doran at Night Owl
Royal Prospect, from Sweden, performing at Night Owl
Sean William Clarke at The Paddock
In related music matters - I have had a great time being the official photographer for Air Guitar Canada for the past several years. Here are a few images from the 2018 championships - the winner of which went to represent Canada at the World Air Guitar Championships in Finland...
Art Shows
I love getting out to art shows to share my work. People are so kind and the feedback on my images is very encouraging. This year I participated in the Danforth East Arts Fair, Queen West Art Crawl, Spring and Holiday Artisans Market at Sick Kids, The Leslieville Flea Holiday Market, and the West Rouge Holiday Market. Below is an Instagram post featuring some of the fantastic volunteers at the Queen West Art Crawl.
To see my art images and photo pillows click here. To receive updates on my shows and photo art news, send me your email and I will add you to my e-mail list (only 4-6 emails per year).
Trip to Portland and Seattle
I had a wonderful time visiting Portland and Seattle with two good friends in July 2018. Here is a photo that I shared on Instagram that I will include in an upcoming blog post (or two!) about the trip...
Event Photography
In November 2018 was invited to document National Children's Day for Children First Canada - a meaningful organization that works to raise awareness, and to implement change, so that children are respected and can live healthy childhoods. National Children's Day gathered participants from across Canada to discuss issues that are pressing to children and youth. Here are a few images from the day...
Contact me to discuss how I can help document the great work of your non-profit organization!
Documentary Work
Since late 2017 I have been working on a new documentary project that celebrates older shoe and shoe repair stores of Toronto. I have photographed and interviewed on video owners of about seven stores since I began. The below Instagram post shows one store that I visited in November 2018.
I am very thankful to all the store owners who shared their stories with me. I am also very thankful to SJ Kim, a student who interned with me this past year. SJ helped in a number of ways, but especially with several photo and video shoots for my shoe store project.
Thank you SJ!
Stay tuned for updates on my shoe store project by following me on Twitter, Facebook or on Instagram. If you know a store I should feature, please send me a message!
Film Shooting
I had so much fun shooting film in 2017, I did even more in 2018. Here are my blogs on the subject:
- A Year in Colour Film - Part Two
- A Year in Black and White Film
- A Year in Colour Film - Part One
- All In WIth a Half Frame Camera
- Toronto Street Photography on Kodak Portra 400 Film
Thanks for sticking with me in 2018! I wish you all the best in 2019!
I shot some Kodak Ektar 100 in July..
Doors of Massey Hall
Muskoka Sunset
I gave Agfa Vista 400 film a try...
Lake Huron Waves
Yonge & Queen in Motion
Classic Yonge
I enjoyed the look of Portra 400...
Food Building at Day
CNE Skyline (view from the Swing Tower ride)
Food Building at Night
I came back to Kodak Gold 200...
Antiques on Queen
Remembering the Danforth Tragedy
Junction Volvo
Facing West at Gerrard and Logan
Williams Design
Had fun with Kodak Ultramax 400...
Dog and Scooter
Some of my Favourite Things
(another version of the above, shot on a digital camera, can be found on instagram here)
I could not keep away from Kodak Ektar 100 film, or Massey Hall for that matter...
Reds, Greens and Yellow
Corner Office
Colour Sale
Late Day Shadows
I came back to Kodak 200 again...
View from St. Lawrence Market
View from St. Lawrence Market - Take II
The Rex
And, finally, I ended the year with Fujicolor 200 film...
ABC Books
Hanging the Scrim
(more on the renewal of OCAD's Rosalie Sharp Pavilion can be found here, and here)
Classic Yonge Part II
A Legendary Christmas
I will end with a scene I expect to see more of in 2019 - the wall of film at Downtown Camera! (Shot on Agfa Vista 400 film)
Thanks for looking! Best wishes to you in 2019!
P.S. To see part one of this blog post, please click here. To see my favourite black and white film photos of 2018, please click here.
]]>My first roll of B&W film for 2018 was Kodak T-Max 400, which I shot in February:
My next B&W roll was Ilford Pan 400, which I shot on a half-frame camera in June and July of 2018:
Junction Selfie
Ilford HP5+ film was with me in July and August 2018:
I gave Kodak Tri-X 400 a try in August 2018:
Sub-Station D
Why Work
I went back to Ilford HP5+ in September 2018:
I shot a roll of Ultrafine 100 film, a film brand I had not heard of before, in September and October:
Persona
Joy
I am a third of the way through a roll of Ilford HP5+ that I began shooting in November. I will add my favourite images from that roll to this blog, once I have them developed, so please stay tuned!
Thanks for looking! To see more of my film images, please visit these blog posts:
- Going Back to Film
- Toronto Street Photography on Portra 400 Film
- All In WIth A Half Frame Camera
- A Year In Colour Film - Part One
To see more of my art photography, please click here.
I can be found on social media at:
]]>Choosing my favourites takes time. The strongest images come back to my mind after months of not looking at them. That's one way I know that I have something worth looking at.
This blog is part one of my favourite colour film images of 2018. Stay tuned - I will have part two and a black and white favourites to share before too long!
I tried shooting 120 film for the first time in late 2017 and into early 2018. I shot it with a Lomography Diana camera. I was shooting with expired film though, and I discovered that the film backing had fused to the front of the film - creating an interesting effect, as you can see. I'll have to try 120 film again some day!
Streaks of light and colour. A Toronto subway station.
Thomas Hinds Tobacconist.
I tried some expired Kodak Max film which I found in one of my Dad's camera bags...
Kensington Fresh Air.
Light Leaks on McCaul Street.
The other side of McCaul.
I then shot Kodak Portra 400 on a half-frame camera, which provides two images for each regular frame of film. (For more half-frame images read my blog post about it here.)
How many differences can you spot between the two images below? ;)
Sammy Younan, host of My Summer Lair (where he interviews all sorts of amazing people), and Program Director of Girth Radio, strikes a pair of poses.
A portrait at Ontario Place and a view of the Cinesphere.
Click here for more about shooting with a half-frame camera.
I shot Kodak Portra 400 on a regular 35mm camera...
Lightman's. Danforth Avenue East.
#777 is Coming. Spadina Avenue.
Fuji Velvia was one of my favourite films years ago. I tried it once again, this time in a half-frame camera. I wasn't totally happy with the results, possibly due to the lack of manual setting options on my half-frame camera. Next time I will try Velvia in a regular 35mm camera. (Note: these half-frame shots have been cropped to show single images.)
Woodbine Light.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
I grew to love Kodak Ektar 100 film...
Danforth Banksy.
Toronto Skyline.
China Lily.
I met a local resident Terry near this historic terracotta brick home in Toronto's Junction neighbourhood. The home was scheduled to be demolished, against many local residents' wishes, and Terry shared a number of interesting details about it with me. To learn more about this house read this Toronto Star article.
You Can't Take My Youth Away. The Junction.
I also tried Kodak Gold 200 film...
HMV.
Ray's Discount.
Queen East Bike.
George Street Diner.
I hope you're enjoying the colour film journey like I am! Stay tuned as I will have more colour film from 2018 and a post about black & white film to share soon as well.
Thanks for looking! To see more of my art photography click here.
]]>I have at least 1-2 more Mexico City blog posts in me to share, so here is one of them: Street Scenes of Mexico City (images that don't fit into the Doors of Bikes categories).
I hope my images reveal how beautiful Mexico City is. I've included links to give more context where relevant. There is so much to explore about the long and fascinating history of Mexico.
All images shared were taken on a Fuji X100F that I rented from Vistek. I have added a comment or two on images, where relevant, but otherwise I've let these unfold without much commentary. I hope you enjoy them.
An exhibit of Dali artwork in a Mexico City shopping mall.
A row of cacti outside of the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House Studio Museum.
"Quiero que me den un abrazo bien fuerte..."
"I want you to give me a very strong hug..." (using my best Google translate skills!)
Gorgeous art murals are to be found throughout Mexico City.
The Leon Trotsky museum was one of our many stops during an extensive walkabout the city.
A luche libre fighter (or imitator?) hugs a vendor in the wonderful Chapultepec Park.
Enjoying the view from Chapultepec Castle in Chapultepec Park.
"The secret of the great hearts is enclosed in a single word: perseverance." - Victor Hugo
People observing damage caused by an earthquake that took place several weeks before our visit.
The damage was contained to specific regions of the city, but where it did strike, the impact was quite significant.
"Revolution in the beds, in the houses and in the squares."
Views of the famous "Angel of Independance" in Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma.
Adios Mexico City!
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As is always when I head downtown, I brought my camera. I like to be prepared for unique moments to capture, as my photo art shows. On this day I brought a standard zoom lens (24-70 2.8) and a fisheye lens, which I occasionally use to add some fun variety to my images.
It was a unique day to visit Toronto City Hall, as the Ontario Supreme Court was going to make a decision on whether to stay the decision of Justice Belobaba on a bill (Bill 5) which would shrink Toronto City Council from 47 to 25 councillors. As the announcement was to come at 10:00 AM, I decided to first go by the nearby Supreme Court grounds, before going into City Hall. When I arrived I encountered a major hubbub of activity...
I initially took this as a sign of hope - people were prepared to protest if the Supreme Court decision went badly. But alas - it was only a crowd of people who had evacuated a nearby building due to a fire alarm!
When I got closer to the Supreme Court building, I was left scratching my head (that is not me in below photo) - why were only two media outlets present? I learned that the Supreme Court were deivering a written decision, and hence no one would be speaking directly to the press.
Shortly thereafter the Ontario Supreme Court's decision was announced. They did in fact stay the previous Justice's decision. Like many, I was disappointed with this outcome.
I went to Toronto City Hall and, while there, learned that Mayor John Tory would soon be speaking to the press in response to the Ontario Supreme Court's decision. I had attended press conferences by Mayor Rob Ford, our current premier's brother, in the past, so was familiar with navigating the "presser" environment. (To see some of my past photo interactions with Rob Ford, please see this blog post from 2016). I decided to stay and capture some photos of our current Mayor's response.
The room was packed, and Mayor Tory delivered some clear and strong words expressing his disappointment with the Ontario Supreme Court's decision. I found these to be the most significant:
"I have opposed, and continue to oppose, the provincial government's actions. They are unfair, they are unnecessary, and they are unprecedented."
I appreciated Mayor Tory's words and listened in as several reporters asked additional questions.
Following the press conference I did some additional photography inside City Hall and around Nathan Phillips Square...
It was, if nothing else, another fascinating visit to City Hall. I have visited there many times before, and no doubt will again.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for my next blog in the coming weeks.
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Raising Voices SignA sign pointing towards the Raising Voices' main office in Kampala, Uganda.
At the time I was in the middle of a photography studies program at Ryerson's Chang School for Continuing Studies, and about a year and a half into my role as a stay-at-home Dad. Prior to this, I worked with World Vision Canada for close to eight years, and took many trips to Tanzania and Rwanda as part of my work. So when the opportunity with PWB presented itself, I was quite ready to apply my photo skills in a region of Africa that is close to my heart.
After receiving the news that I was accepted for the assignment, I launched a crowd-funding campaign (the video is still available to be viewed) to raise the costs needed for me to go. By the end of the campaign I received all the support I needed to cover my trip and program expenses. I remain deeply thankful to all who got on board to help make the trip possible.
Raising Voices StaffA few of the very kind Raising Voices staff that I had the opportunity to meet and work with during my time in Uganda.
I was welcomed by the very kind staff of Raising Voices and introduced to all the staff of their three story building in Kampala.
Raising Voices' Office in KampalaThe main office for Raising Voices in Kampala, Uganda.
My goal was to document the impact of Raising Voices' Good School program. The Good School Toolkit is a comprehensive program that involves all levels of a school - students, teachers and administrators - that aims to reduce violence in schools and deliver positive educational outcomes. It takes two years to fully implement and shifts schools from punitive methods towards more positive methods of discipline. Student voices are encouraged and their ideas incorporated.
Good School muralA portion of a mural on the wall of Raising Voices' main office in Kampala, Uganda.
Murals and signs are in frequent use at schools as a method for sharing concepts found in Raising Voices' Good School toolkit.
I was taken to many schools by Hassan, one of the excellent staff of Raising Voices.
Hassan, speaking to a classRaising Voices staff Hassan speaks to a class at KCCA Primary School. Hassan would often address the class and introduce me before I would take document the teachers and students at work.
Visiting the schools was a real joy, as I hope these images make clear...
I won't share every detail of my time in Uganda, but will instead offer an excerpt from one of the emails that I sent supporters, as a sample of my experience:
I am now in Luwero, Uganda, about 45 minutes to an hour north of Kampala. We arrived yesterday and visited two schools, visited two more today, and will visit one more tomorrow morning before returning to Kampala. The weather has been mostly overcast here, with the rare sun breaking through. Both yesterday afternoon, later last night, and again today there were heavy rainfalls. Hearing the rain pound on the steel roof of a school yesterday while in a class was quite something.
Visiting schools here has been really incredible. At each school we first visit the headmaster or headmistress and meet for a while, sign the visitor's book, and then are brought into classes and introduced. The students stand, often clap in rhythm, and recite in unison replies to greetings from the head teacher or from the Raising Voices staff. The Raising Voices staff introduces why we are there, I share a few words, and then we are free to take photos of the students and teacher at work. There is a lot of giggling from the students. The teacher usually says a few words to the students during the giggling, and the word "muzungu" (white man) stands out as one I recognize.
At each school I am meeting teachers and hearing their stories of how the Good School program has been making a difference to their school. I am capturing their quotes on video and will try to use these with the portraits I am taking of them at the door to their classroom. Hopefully these together will help Raising Voices promote the Good School program as well.
I am also meeting the student committees and student courts at each school that we visit. The committees are students who help implement the Good School approach at their schools. There is some overlap between these students and the ones on the student court. The court is a peer-to-peer approach to school discipline, which helps students show leadership while caring for the social dynamics of their school's. The students are sharing their stories as well on what is making a difference, as well as what is challenging.
A Teacher and His StudentsA teacher speaks with his students at Kagana St. Jude Primary School in Uganda.
I was so impressed with the work of Raising Voices. Their program of involving students, teachers and administrators in a program that encourages student voices and positive forms of discipline is clearly making an impact in Ugandan schools, and beyond.
Here are a few more images showing how the Good School Toolkit messaging and approach is present within partnering schools...
(c)Henry VanderSpek culturesnap.ca
The Best InvestmentA teacher at Zirobwe Primary School looks out of the school's office doorway.
I am very pleased that Raising Voices staff were able to use the images that I created for them in their print, social media and online publications, including in a special report entitled "Is Violence Against Children Preventable" which may be downloaded here.
Upon my return to Canada I had the opportunity to exhibit my images at Vistek stores throughout Alberta and Ontario. This was a real privilege and provided some great exposure to the excellent work of Raising Voices.
Later, Vistek used one of my favourite images from Uganda in a magazine ad as well. Many thanks to Vistek for their support!
One of my images from Uganda was also awarded with an "Excellence in Photo Art" award at Ryerson University's Chang School's 2014 photo exhibit.
The View From HereThis image received an award for Excellence in Photo Art at Ryerson University's Chang School's 2014 photo exhibit.
Five years later and I am still deeply touched by the experience of working with Raising Voices. I am especially thankful to their staff, particularly Hassan and Mastula, who each did much to show me around and introduce me to the staff and students of schools that they partner with. Many thanks to Dipak, the co-founder and co-director of Raising Voices, as well as their many other staff, who each showed me such warmth and hospitality.
Thanks and CelebrationRaising Voices staff share cake and a gift as a kind gesture at the end of my time in Uganda.
My sincere thanks also to Danielle DaSilva, the founder of Photographers Without Borders, for giving me the opportunity to work with PWB, and to all my friends and supporters who helped make it happen.
If you are considering applying to work with PWB, I highly recommend it. Click here to learn more.
P.S. Near the end of my time in Uganda I had three unique experiences:
- Visited the Source of the Nile and the Equator
- Learned about the Bwaise "slum" area, thanks to Kisirisa Muhammad, the co-founder of AFFCAD (a non-profit serving that region)
- Met the child, and her family, that my family and I had been sponsoring through World Vision Canada
Each of these could be a single blog entry, so I'll save more for another post or three!
]]>Early this year I began using my Dad's old Olympus Pen EE-3 half frame camera (click here to see samples of this camera on ebay). It is a small camera and easy to carry around, but also has other features that make it interesting. The EE-3 shoots two images for every one image shot on a regular 35mm SLR camera. So a roll of 24 provides 48 images. A roll of 36 gives 72 exposures. The default field-of-view when looking through the EE-3's viewfinder is also unique. Instead of a landscape view, as I see when using my Canon AE-1 film camera, I get a portrait view. These two elements add variety to the regular shooting experience.
As a result of the EE-3's half-frame nature, my processed image files come with two images, instead of a single image. I didn't really take this image-pairing aspect into account when I first tried out the camera - I just wanted to confirm if the camera actually worked properly. On my second roll of film though, I tried to be more intentional with the opportunity to create "diptychs", or image pairs that add interest when side-by-side.
Here are sample images shot using the Olympus Pen EE-3 camera - in images pairs as delivered to me after being processed and scanned. (Images shot on Kodak Portra 400 and Fuji Velvia 50)
And here are the same images, but cropped down to individual images, unpaired:
I threw a bonus one in there - of a busker in Ottawa's ByWard Market neighbourhood. (If you know the artist, please let me know who he is so I can send him a copy of that image!)
I've had fun using the EE-3 and look forward to shooting more with it in the future.
If you like this post, feel free to send me a comment using my contact form, or to share this on twitter (tag me @culture_snap) or on Facebook (@CultureSnapPhotography). Cheers!
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PhotoEd's Field Trip was geared to photography and media educators from any institution. I hope to share my experience in street/art photography through photo walks one day and wanted to take advantage of the great content that PhotoEd had on offer to help me reach that goal.
The day included a session on how to lead a photo walk by the very talented (and personal friend of mine!) Diana Nazareth of Project Kids and Cameras. Fuji brought cameras to loan out for the walk, which was a nice treat. Later Flixel shared their fascinating Cinemagraph technology. In the afternoon we visited three exhibits put on as part of the 2018 Contact Photo Festival (be sure to check out the many shows on - now until the end of May!). That was followed by a great discussion about selecting and applying for post-secondary education with representatives from five colleges that offer photography programs.
Toronto photographer Christine Love Hewitt did an excellent job capturing the day, and I am sure PhotoEd Magazine will be sharing those on their website and on social media.
Here are a few of my images taken during the photo walk.
Thank you PhotoEd Magazine, and all of the presenters, for a fantastic day!
]]>Picture 2050 was organized by the Toronto Climate Action Network, The Atmospheric Fund, and Transform TO. The organizers' aim was to both inspire Torontonians to become more engaged on environmental issues, but also to motivate Toronto City Councillors to dedicate actual money to Toronto's Climate Plan. The Climate Plan is a great document on paper, but until early 2018 no city money had been dedicated to bringing it to life.
- David Coulson leading a photo walk for Picture 2050.
The contest organizers hosted a photo walk in Toronto's dynamic Regent Park neighbourhood, led by talented nature and environmental photographer David Coulson (who I've since learned, like me, partners with Photographers Without Borders). David led a workshop on storytelling through images and then took participants on a photo walk through Regent Park to apply what we learned. Hopefully we would generate some worthy images for the contest in the process.
- A photo walk participant discusses photography techniques with walk leader David Coulson
The photo walk was a very enjoyable experience. It was a cold winter day but that didn't stop any of us from getting out there and enjoying creating images.
- Fresh Food, Fresh Air - one of my submissions to Picture 2050, taken during the photo walk
After the contest closed, I learned by email that one of the images I had submitted was selected as an "honourable mention" in the contest. My image would be displayed in Toronto City Hall for a week - a week leading up to, or during, the budgetary process. The intent was to influence City Councillors as they allocate city finances.
- Picture 2050 images on display in Toronto City Hall's main rotunda.
I managed to catch the City Hall exhibit, and was pleasantly surprised to find that not just one but three of my images were on display in the exhibit.
- Three of my images on display at Toronto City Hall.
On February 6th I attended the reception at the City Hall Member's Gallery. It was a lovely night hearing from organizers and celebrating all who participated, as well as those who won awards. While there I was invited on stage to receive a certificate for my image submissions.
- Yours truly, receiving a certificate for participating in the Picture 2050 photo contest (Photo by Sammy Younan)
Thankfully some good results came from the voices expressed through Picture 2050, and from the many other groups who have been advocating for change in Toronto, as shared by Diana Yoon in this summary about the contest:
"Responding to clear community support, City Council provided new funding for TransformTO. By adding 30 new staff across several divisions, the City will advance community engagement, building energy efficiency retrofits, community energy planning, an electric vehicles strategy, renewable energy investments, and much more."
That's good news!
To see the winning and finalist images of the Picture 2050 contest, click here. To see images from the reception, click here.
With Earth Day coming up on Sunday April 21st (and spring weather coming soon, I'm sure!), there's no better time to get involved with meaningful planet-friendly action. These two sites provide immediate opportunities for Earth Day related action:
- Toronto area Earth Day events listed on Eventbrite
Any time of the year is a good time to get active for a better environment. Check out some of these great organizations (not all are affiliated with Picture 2050) to do just that!
- Toronto Climate Action Network
- Toronto Environmental Alliance
Join a campaign, become a volunteer, sign petitions and donate. Do something good for our world!
I will close with one of my images from the contest. May it inspire your vision of Toronto in 2050!
]]>Kodak Portra film is known for producing more natural skin tones and having balanced colour and lower grain. If interested in learning more about this film, these pages from Wikipedia, The Phoblographer, and Flickr will help you dig deeper.
Images shown here were shot in May 2017 and are unretouched or have minor adjustments in Lightroom. My old Canon needs some servicing, hence the regular appearance of light leaks on many of the images.
My first images are from Eglinton Avenue West. I decided to do a photo walk there last May, despite the agressive ongoing construction taking place for the Eglinton LRT. Here are a few images...
- Midnight Prices
- Joe Terrone of Dynevor Furniture. Dynevor has been open for some 75 years, and Joe has been the owner for the past 50 years. Not many businesses stick around for that long any more!
- More and More
- $15 and Up
I later took a few shots around Queen Street West and Bathurst...
- Bathurst Bike
- Oak Leaf Steam Baths
- Power Lines
- James Dean on the Scene
- William's Shoe Store
Later I captured a handheld long exposure in the subway...
- Dundas West Light
And finally, an image of Sammy Younan, Program Director at Girth Radio, as he interviews me about my "Taxi Drivers of Toronto" exhibit for his podcast "My Summer Lair. (Click here to listen to the interview!)
- Sammy Younan and yours truly, at Girth Radio on King Street West (inside the Pacific Junction Hotel).
Thanks for looking! Stay tuned for more blog posts following my adventures in photography.
]]>We used to waste hours just walking around...
Now our lives are changing fast
Hope that something pure can last
- We Used to Wait, The Arcade Fire, 2010
My father shot and developed film photos for many years before the digital revolution came about. My brothers and I would gripe about sitting for family photos, but our father would make sure it happened. One tool he used was an air shutter release cord (like this one) - a small ball on a cord attached to the camera that he would squeeze in order to trigger the shutter mechanism. He would do what it takes to get the job done.
- My father and I with his film camera gear.
In early 2017, my father gave me his old Canon AE-1 film camera. It was his steady film camera from all those family portraits and it served him well. I had shot film myself from the late 1980s until about 2003, at first using plastic point-and-shoots and later a Minolta SLR, so was excited to get back into film once again. I could think of no better way to do so than with my father's tried and trusted classic camera.
- My father's Canon AE-1 with some old rolls of film
Since getting my father's Canon AE-1 and writing this post I have shot about 8-9 rolls of 35mm film of varying types. It has been a rewarding experience, for nostalgia's sake alone. There's nothing like inserting a new roll into the camera and advancing the film until it is ready, manually finding focus. hearing the click of the mechanical shutter, and then advancing the roll to the next frame. The whole experience brings back memories of a time since past.
Beyond the nostalgia factor, there is also the experience of shooting. Unless one's film camera has an auto-winder - fairly rare until the late 1970s and early 1980s - you can only take one exposure of a scene. With digital one can hold down the shutter button and take six-ten shots of an action scene, depending on the speed of your camera. With older film cameras you need to wait and try your best at capturing what Henri Cartier-Bresson famously called "the decisive moment" (this article from 2014 provides helfpul insight into Henri Cartier-Bresson's famous quote). You also don't have 500-1000 exposures available to you, as you might on an SD or CF memory card, but rather 24 or 36 exposures per roll of film. One must be more selective with how they shoot those limited number of exposures.
After exposing all the available frames on a roll, one must then wait for the roll to be developed. Some old-school photographers still do this at home, but I am not yet up for that challenge so I bring them to Downtown Camera, one of a few Toronto photo stores where film is still being developed. I then wait for 5-7 days to receive the negatives and digital scans of my images (prints are also available, but I prefer to review my images before printing them).
The anticipation that builds as one waits for their film to develop is a significant element missing in today's era of digital photography. Waiting for TV shows, for the newspaper, at home for a phonecall, for film to develop - this is how life used to be not so long ago. As Arcade Fire sang so well in 2010, "We Used to Wait". I've been enjoying the waiting, the anticipation and the wondering about what I captured that comes with shooting film.
There's no need for you to wait however. Here are samples of my first roll of film in some 14 years - a roll of Kentmere 400, a discount brand from the UK that my photographer friend Peter Lewicki suggested I try. In fact all of the images shared here I took while on a photo walk with Peter along Dundas Street, west of Ossington Avenue.
- Soo Ling Beads and Beading Co. Ltd.
- The Red Light
- Dundas Variety
- KIÊN GIANG VARIETY - OKE - FOOD
- In A Mirror Dimly
- Storefront Bible
- Victory Tattoo Parlour
- Toronto Bikes
- Power Lines
Thank you for looking. I plan to share more film photos via my blog, so please stay tuned.
Update: Click here to see more of my film blog posts.
Feel free to share this post. Please tag me when doing so - on Twitter @culture_snap and on Facebook @CultureSnapPhotography. To send me a comment, please do so here.
Now our lives are changing fast
Hope that something pure can last
- We Used to Wait, The Arcade Fire, 2010.
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Each year brings new things, and one never knows what will be around the next corner. 2017 again brought me new surprises and opportunities that I am very thankful for. I am happy to share my top photo moments of 2017 with you here...
1. InFocus Photo Exhibit
In February 2017 I had two of my images in the InFocus Photo Exhibit - a national showcase of emerging Canadian photographers' work that takes place in Edmonton, Alberta. My images "From Mind to Body" and "I Felt the World", as seen below, were both shown at this exhibit.
2. Weekly Street Shooting
I have maintained a discipline of going out at least once a week to shoot street scenes of Toronto - or whichever city I find myself in. This is a sure way for me to mainain my photo shooting skills and creativity, as well as to keep producing new engaging images for my art photography. Even though I feel good about a number of the images from these weekly shoots, many don't make it onto my site - or onto social media. Here is are a few examples of images I captured last year on weekly photo walks, but have not yet shared elsewhere...
3. Film Photography
In early 2017 my Father gave me his old Canon AE-1 camera, and suddenly - after twelve or more years away - I was back in the film shooting business. I had a lot of fun shooting film in 2017, and exposed about six rolls of 35mm film in total, including Kentmere 400, Kodak Portra 400, Ilford HP5+, Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400, and a 15-20 year old roll of Kodak Max from my Dad's camera bag that turned out remarkably well considering its age. I will do a few blog posts in the future about my experiments with film, but here are some examples of what I captured...
Victory Tattoo Parlour - shot on Kentmere 400 film (my first roll of film in 12+ years)
Power Lines - Shot on Kodak Porta 400 film
Crossing Shuter - shot on Japan Camera Hunter Street Pan 400 film
Dangerous Dan's - shot on Ilford HP5+ 400 film
4. The Silver Dollar Room
The architecture and streetscapes of Toronto are constantly changing. Living in this city has proven one thing - that if I don't stop and take a photo the moment I see something interesting, it may be gone, or significantly changed, the next time I am in the area again.
I knew The Silver Dollar Room was going to close in the spring of 2017, and made sure to go by there early in the year to get a photo of the iconic music venue. Once there, I took my time and tried a few different angles. The pigeons milling about and a stripped bike frame added to the street intrigue that drew me in. I captured several passersby, but one walking a dog was perfect as the pigeons rose in a flutter while they walked through the frame.
I am happy to say that this image will be in the 2018 InFocus Exhibit in Edmonton, Alberta. It is part of the InFocus People's Choice Award which may be voted on now until February 7th, 2018.
5. Taxi Drivers of Toronto
A real highlight for 2017 was having my Taxi Drivers of Toronto series part of the 2017 Contact Photo Festival at the Daniels Spectrum building in Regent Park. CBC Toronto, CBC Radio, the Beach Metro and Now Toronto all covered the exhibit, with Now Toronto including me in their "must-sees" of the festival. Two months later, in July, I showed this exhibit at Toronto's Northern District Library. Many thanks to all who helped support this exhibit, including the curator, Elle Alconcel of Artscape Toronto, and Beck Taxi, who sponsored the Contact exhibit.
Mary Ashene, Beck Taxi Driver, in front of Casa Loma
Yours truly, on opening night of Taxi Drivers of Toronto, at Daniels Spectrum building in Regent Park (Photo by talented photographer Diana Nazareth, who runs the wonderful Project Kids and Cameras)
6. Capturing Yorkville Village
In August I was hired to shoot photos of the Yorkville neighbourhood for the official Yorkville Village website. The images they used may be seen here and here, as well as a few samples below.
I received great feedback on my images and hope to capture more such imagery for other neighbourhood BIAs in the future.
7. Non-Profit Photography
I love to help tell the story of non-profit organizations, whether through images or words. It is in my blood, I suppose, after working for non-profit organizations for some 15 years or more. 2017 brought me several opportunities to continue doing this. Early in the year I created staff portraits for a great organization called Transforming Faces. (Have a look at their website!).
In August I had the pleasure of capturing a citizenship ceremony in High Park for the Institute of Canadian Citizenship. I was very impressed with ICC's values and model of creative engagement around a citizenship ceremony, and so wrote a blog post about it, which can be found here.
In late November I captured the gathering of friends and supporters of A Rocha - an international faith-based environmental charity. I really admire and respect their work, so it was a privilege to help share their night in images.
8. Art Shows
I love participating in public art shows and continued to do so in 2017, incuding the Sick Kids Spring and Holiday Markets, the Danforth East Arts Fair (my sixth year participating!) and the Leslieville Flea Holiday Market (my first time participating). To stay up to date on my art shows, please send me a note and I will add you to my infrequent (5-6 times a year) email updates.
Me at the Danforth East Community Arts Fair (DECAF). Photo courtesy of my talented cousin, Jan Willem of Van Swigchem Design.
9. Big Men, Small Dogs
I love creative and meaningful documentary projects, so was happy to be invited to take portraits of the subjects of a short documentary called "Big Men, Small Dogs". It is a very fun film and worth watching. On January 18th, 2018 the "Big Men, Small Dogs" Facebook page noted that the short documentary had received 998,000 online views - quite an impressive number!
Director Cat Mills (second from left) with some of the subjects of her short documentary film, "Big Men, Small Dogs".
10. Mexico City
International travel is always calling me, but I don't get to travel as often as I used to these days. So it was a thrill to travel to Mexico in late September with two close friends. We had a wonderful time exploring local culture and connecting with one of my friend's many contacts there. Below are a few Mexico City images that I have not yet posted, followed by links to two blog posts about my time there.
Thanks for reading my blog and for following my work! To see more and to stay connected, follow me on social media:
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All images are available as prints. One image - also found here in my Toronto images album, has proven quite popular in that regard already. For details on ordering images, please contact me for details.
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In late September I visited Mexico City for several days with two good friends. We had a wonderful time exploring the unique neighbourhoods of this beautiful, vast and populous city. Several themes emerged in my images - similar perhaps, to themes I shoot elsewhere - but unique in that they were captured in Mexico City.
I am frequently drawn to incorporating bikes into my street scenes. It may be my family upbringing - Dutch parents and a father who biked to work every day - but they are also, quite simply, engaging elements in street photography. Here then, are some of my favourite bike images from my time in Mexico City. Enjoy!
Mexico City is huge - a larger population than New York City but more sprawling in land area. (For a quick comparison of the two cities, click this link.) Thankfully one of my travel companions regularly visits Mexico City for work and has an excellent knowledge of the city, as well as many good contacts for us to spend time with. That made our trip a whole lot easier and richer in experience.
Mexico City is well worth visiting. We ate delicious food every day and had great times with local and expatriate residents of the city. As I surveyed my images from our visit - the majority shot on a rented Fuji X100F camera (thanks Vistek!) - I noted a few themes emerging. One theme was the beautiful architecture of the city, most notably the doors and archways.
So here is my first blog post about Mexico City (with hopefully more posts to come) showing my favourite doors and arches of Mexico City. I hope you will enjoy it!
Locations featured include: Azul Historico restaurant, Caricature Museum, National Museum of Culture, Chapultepec Castle and various streets of Mexico City.
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So, on Thursday August 3rd, I spent the afternoon covering a beautiful event: thirty-five individuals from many backgrounds joining as one in declaring their loyalty to Canada and their new identity as Canadian citizens.
The event started with people signing in and turning in their permanent resident cards, as they will no longer need them. After the ceremony each new citizen is able to apply for a Canadian passport.
People then gathered for round tables where community leaders facilitated a discussion of what becoming a Canadian citizen means to them. Members of each table stood to share with the larger group something meaningful from their table's discussion. It was inspiring to hear the personal stories and expressions of love for Canada as I worked to capture the moment.
After the table talks, everyone moved to the amphitheatre for the main ceremony. This is the same amphitheatre where Canada Stage holds Shakespeare in High Park.
Canada Stage was a partner in the event and the theatre company's Artistic and General Director, Matthew Jocelyn was one of the speakers on stage. Member of Parliament for Parkdale-High Park, Arif Virani, as well as Salah Bachir, President of Cineplex Media and Chancellor of OCAD University and Alykhan Haji, the Acting Director of ICC's Building Citizenship program were also on stage to witness the event and to speak to the new Canadian citizens.
The event opened with a smudging ceremony led by Aboriginal Elder Cat Criger.
Citizenship Judge Albert Wong presided over the ceremony with a warm balance of wisdom, personal insight and humour.
People declared the oath of citizenship.
And then received their certificates of citizenship and shook hands with the honourable members on stage
Jenni Burke, an experienced Canadian actor who was in this past summer's Shakespeare in the Park show, sang O Canada. It was clearly an emotional moment for many present as they sang the anthem for the first time as a Canadian citizen. (I joined in as I took photos, and was quite moved as well.)
Words were spoken by the special guests onstage, and then, of course, there was cake!
I admire how well the Institute for Canadian Citizenship organized the ceremony to be meaningful and engaging for all involved. My thanks to them for hiring me to document the day. It will definitely be a highlight of my photo work for 2017.
To see a more complete set of images from the event, please click here.
]]>1. Disney Cruise
In March my family joined my wife's extended family in Miami to set sail on a five-day Disney cruise. I had never been on a big cruise ship before, so was a bit skeptical about what it might be like. I have to say that we had no regrets. My kids and I - and our extended family - had a wonderful time on board and in the two ports of call that we visited (Cayman Islands and Disney's Castaway Cay in the Bahamas). I'm not sure I captured any prizewinning images on the voyage, but the whole trip was very photogenic and I rose to the occasion. Here are a few photos from the journey:
(Port of Miami, Florida, before setting out.)
(Sunshine on the Cayman Islands.)
(A sign on Disney's Castaway Cay, Bahamas.)
(Me in my element - with a bike! Castaway Cay, Bahamas.)
(A beach scene on Castaway Cay, Bahamas.)
(Our cruise ship "Wonder" in Castaway Cay, Bahamas.)
2. Kids and Cameras
I had the privilege of helping document the work of Toronto photographer Diana Nazareth and her Project Kids and Cameras program, which she runs in Regent Park through ArtHeart Toronto. It was a lot of fun seeing the great work Diana is doing to help youth develop visual literacy and photography skills. I assisted by capturing Diana and her students in photos, and also by making a video about the program:
(Diana Nazareth with her students in the Project Kids and Cameras program.)
During one of my visits to Project Kids and Cameras I had the chance to meet photographer Colin Boyd Shafer. Colin is the photographer behind the brilliant Cosmopolis Toronto project which was exhibited throughout Toronto libraries from November 2016 until January 2017. Colin was great at engaging the students in Diana's program.
(Colin Boyd Shafer meeting with students in the Project Kids and Cameras program.)
If you appreciate engaging photography, especially photography that relates to current social issues, definitely visit Cosmopolis Toronto as well as Colin's personal website.
3. Art Shows and Exhibits
I always enjoy participating in local art shows. They challenge me to select and show my best images, and I always meet interesting people who offer engaging conversations and encouraging feedback on my work. In 2016 I participated in several shows at the Hospital for Sick Kids, the Danforth East Arts Fair (my annual favourite - 5 years and counting now!) and others. Here are two photos from the Danforth East Arts Fair (aka DECAF):
(Me at my booth at the Danforth East Arts Fair. Photo by my talented Dutch cousin Jan Willem van Swigchem.)
(The view from my booth at the Danforth East Arts Fair. A local dance group performs for those present.)
I am looking forward to more photo shows in the year ahead, and am thrilled to be in a few interesting exhibits as well, including InFocus in Edmonton (February) and Contact Photo Festival (May). Stay tuned for details!
4. San Francisco/California Trip
In June 2016 I travelled to San Francisco for the first Street Foto Festival. I had a great time learning from master street photographer Vineet Vohra. Stay tuned for a seperate blog post on this experience!
(Me on a streetcar in San Francisco.)
(One of my San Francisco street scenes, taken during my street photography workshop.)
(Walking the rainbow road in San Francisco's Castro district.)
Afterwards the street photo workshop I travelled with a few friends to Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast Highway. That was just spectacular. (Stay tuned for a blog post on this trip as well!).
(One of the last views from my trip down the Pacific Coast Highway in June 2016.)
5. Air Guitar
I had a great time supporting the Canadian Air Guitar championships with my photography in 2016. I captured images of air guitar performers at Steamwhistle Brewery (one of Air Guitar Canada's major sponsors), and also covered their Toronto and Canadian championships. The national event draws regional championship winners from across Canada and raises funds for Right to Play. The Canadian champ (Blake "The Canadian Tuxedo" Johnston for 2016) then goes to Oulu, Finland to compete in the World Air Guitar Championships. Here are a few highlights of my Air Guitar Canada coverage for 2016:
Don't miss out on this coming year's Air Guitar Championships! Stay tuned at www.airguitarcanada.org for details.
6. Taxis
In 2013 I began a project taking portraits of taxi drivers. It started out as an assignment for a portrait photography course but has grown into something more. Here are two of the taxi portraits that I took in 2016:
(Akber, driver of the "Cosmic Cab", Kensington Market, May 2016)
(Anwar, Regent Park, December 2016)
I am excited to see my taxi project bear fruit in 2017. Stay tuned for details!
7. Buskerfest
Buskerfest is such a fun event to attend. My kids love it, as do I. This past year, after visiting with my family during the day, I came back in the evening to catch the Australian group called Flame Oz. On my way to see them I caught the last part of an acrobatic group called The Silver Starlets. Here are a few photos from my that night:
8. Teaching Photography
In September 2016 I had the privilege of teaching photography to students in Orillia, thanks to my friend Hoa Truong-White. Hoa is doing research on citizenship development through the use of photography in students in Canada and in Viet Nam. She is doing great work and I am thrilled that I could have a small part in it. I don't have many photos to share of the experience, but here are a few:
(Photo by Hoa Truong-White)
9. Saying Goodbye to Honest Ed's
Yes, Honest Ed's is making it's way into my annual photo favourites again (also in my 2015 list)!
This year I took all my kids to Honest Ed's, just two days before it closed. I felt compelled to bring a thank you to one of the senior staff there, Frank Mirabelli. I had met Frank when covering the final turkey giveaway in December 2015. By December 2016 Frank had worked at Honest Ed's for 48.5 years. (Wow!) I presented Frank with a photo I took of Honest Ed's in the summer of 2015 (one that currently hangs in City Councillor Mike Layton's office.). He was very touched and expressed his thanks in words, and by giving my kids and I each a sew-on patch that says "It's Fun to Shop at Honest Ed's". It was a great experience for my kids and I.
Here are a few photos of Bathurst Station, and of long-time Honest Ed's employee Frank Mirabelli.
To see more of my Honest Ed's images please click here, here or here.
10. Street Photography
I started 2016 with a goal to be more disciplined, in all areas of my life. This led me to run a half marathon (which I managed thanks to the support of a Running Room clinic that I joined, and the encouragement of my amazing wife Suzi). I also decided to do a street photo walk once a week for the entire year. As a father of three kids, this wasn't easy, especially in the summer and in December. Some weeks my photo walk was more of a 15 minute jaunt, while other weeks it was anywhere between ninety minutes and three hours. Some weeks I got two photo walks in, and some weeks none. In the end I did sixty-one separate photo walks, so I think I accomplished this goal. Here are three street photos from 2016, the last one being my favourite of 2016.
(Nota Bene, May 2016)
(Passing Travellers, February 2016)
(Wonder, May 2016)
Getting out there and shooting is actually the easy part for me. Finding time afterwards to edit and process my images is much harder. As a result watch for more of my 2016 street photo images appearing here on my blog, on my Facebook page, or on my Instagram account, in the year ahead!
Thanks for your ongoing support of my photography! Stay tuned for more by following me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or send me an email and I'll add you to my infrequent email list about my upcoming events (Only a few emails per year, I promise!). If you like what you see here, please also visit my art photography for art prints and photo pillows!
P.S. I plan to keep up the weekly photo walk habit in 2017. :)
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By later that evening rain had washed away much of the snow, and by the next day it was almost gone entirely. Enjoy the winter weather while you can friends!
]]>My parents met and married in Canada but were both born in the Netherlands and grew there up during World War II, when their country was occupied by Nazi forces. I heard about many of their experiences from that time when I was growing up. I heard how my aunt had a soldier's bullet hit her bicycle wheel. German soldiers annexed a house near my father's home, and as my Dad passed by he would hear the soldiers singing songs. My father was eventually able to recite those songs himself (I expect his parents weren't too pleased by that!). My Dad had a big family and they had little to eat, so tulip bulbs were part of their menu. He and one of my uncles would bike long ways to collect peat from bogs to bring back and burn in order keep their home warm. Some of my uncles were part of the resistance to the occupation. It wasn't at all easy for any of them.
One of the most memorable stories i heard came from my Mom. She recalls Canadian soldiers who liberated Holland coming through her home town of Makkum, in Friesland (in the north part of the Netherlands). When they came past her home they tossed an orange, a chocolate bar, and a pencil through their open window. All of these items were in short supply at the time and so were a real treat to have. They were also a sign that the war was truly over, and freedom had returned. (Click here for a nice overview of Canada's role in liberating the Netherlands.)
These memories came to mind, as they often do, as I attended this year's Remembrance Day ceremony at the East York Civic Centre. It was a moving event as always. I am very thankful for those who served, and currently serve, in the defense of our freedom. It was inspiring to see youth from a wide variety of backgrounds all standing and marching together in this cause. I am also very thankful to all civilians who work and advocate for peace. Peace isn't easy, but must be fought for, and that includes holding our own leaders to account so that we stay on a peaceful course, and use our role in the world to help other nations find, or return, to peace.
Here are some images from the day, including a few of Harry Kennedy, a veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force who served three years in England as a Bombadier (later his title changed to "Air Bomber"). Harry returned to live on Coxwell Avenue after he returned from the war - a true East Yorker! It was a pleasure to meet him and his family. Many were thanking him and other veterans who were present at the ceremony.
Lest we forget.
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Sometimes I think I'm the only cab on the road
What drives you? Or, rather, who drives you? After meeting many Toronto taxi drivers in the past few years, taking their portraits and hearing their stories, I now have a better idea.
(A streetcar passes a row of taxis on King Street West. Taken November 21st, 2013.)
I believe the hard work of everyday people – not celebrities and grand public personas – helps make the world go round. With that motivation in heart and mind, I began a portrait series of Toronto taxi drivers in 2013 for a Portrait Photography course I was taking at Ryerson’s Chang School of Continuing Education.
(Taxi Driver Qhadeer in front of Roy Thomson Hall. Taken November 21st, 2013.)
I put in a lot of effort reaching taxi drivers around the streets of the city, introducing myself, saying who I am and what my intentions are (“To show the best of Toronto’s taxi drivers”). I received many “Nos” for every “Yes”. It was hard work, but drivers who agreed to be involved were very generous with their time. (A special thanks to Kristine Hubbard of Beck Taxi, who helped me find several Beck drivers). I took a variety of portraits of every driver, both inside and outside of their vehicle - each time in a different part of Toronto - and asked them five or six questions about their work.
(Taxi Driver Aamir in front of Massey Hall. Taken November 21st, 2013.)
I received great feedback on my series from my wonderful course instructor Margaret Diatolevi of Avenue Photo, and from fellow students, but my life remained busy with three kids, courses, and other commitments so I did not immediately continue the series.
(Taxis line King Street West. Taken December 2nd, 2013.)
Graduating from Ryerson’s Chang School Photography Program in June of 2015 offered me more time to take on new, or restart old, photo projects. A workshop held in October 2015, organized by my former Documentary Photography instructor, Ruth Kaplan, motivated me to begin documenting taxi drivers once again.
(Taxis fill Queen's Park Crescent as part of a city-wide protest against Uber. Taken December 9th, 2015.)
Since the fall of 2015 I have met many taxi drivers, and heard many stories of their work, and their feelings about the state of the taxi industry since the UberX ride-sharing service arrived here (UberX was not active in Toronto when I began my portrait series). This blog post shows a just a few of my best taxi images. I hope to soon find a venue to show a larger selection of my portraits, along with quotes from the many kind drivers who chose to be involved.
(Taxi Driver Swapan in front of Union Station on Front Street. Taken April 21st, 2016.)
The City of Toronto recently voted to allow Uber to legally operate in Toronto. Ride-sharing services like Uber are clearly here to stay. No matter what side you are on – taxi or Uber – I feel taxi drivers, who are struggling to adapt to the massive changes in their industry, deserve our respect. To understand more of their position, take a moment to read this well-written article by a Toronto taxi driver with some 33 years experience. For a broader perspective on the complexities of the taxi industry, this article by Peter Cheney, is a worthy complement on the subject.
(Taxi Driver Rotimi in his vehicle on Queen Street West. Taken April 4th, 2016.)
I hope that my taxi portrait series will help people understand a bit more about those who work around the clock to help their passengers – you and I – to reach their destinations. My many thanks to all the kind drivers I met. I wish them success in finding ways to adapt to the many changes now facing their industry.
(Akber, driver of Toronto's one and only Cosmic Cab, in Kensington Market. Taken May 2nd, 2016.)
Your days are numbered, so are mine
- Bob Dylan, "Mississippi"
Like many Torontonians, I am saddened at the news of Rob Ford’s passing. I want to express my condolences to his family and friends. I did not share his political convictions, but I was rooting for him in his journey of recovery from addiction and in his battle with cancer. It was clear that he was fighting hard. He left this world too early.
I felt compelled to write something with this news. I encountered him in person – while I had my camera - on several occasions. Sorting these events out in a blog post somehow feels necessary to me.
Rob Ford Media Scrum - Jan 24th, 2013
I was in City Hall on January 24th, 2013, visiting a City Councillor, when Rob Ford spoke to the press outside of his office. It was the day before a three-judge panel would decide whether to uphold or overturn a previous decision that Rob Ford should be removed from office for conflict of interest. Things were no doubt tense as he awaited this decision. Rob spoke in his classic brash manner, but stated “I believe in the judicial system and hope for the best”. Click here for additional details of this moment from CTV News.
The panel ultimately overturned the previous decision and Rob Ford was allowed to stay in office.
Rob Ford Press Conference - May 16th, 2013
My second encounter with former Mayor Rob Ford was on May 16th 2013. I was visiting a City Councillor, and as a press conference was about to begin, I was invited to come observe. There was a bank of cameras lined up to capture the event, and I was able to take photos as well. Rob Ford had been pushing hard for a casino in the Portlands, but as the provincial government would not support his vision, he gathered the media to state he was backing away from the idea. A video of the event can be viewed here.
Mere hours after this press conference Gawker announced news of a video that showed Mayor Ford smoking crack. The rest, as they say, is history.
East York Canada Day Parade - July 1st, 2014
On July 1st, 2014 (about 13 months after my last Rob Ford encounter) I attended the East York Canada Day parade with my family. I naturally had my camera with me. It was a municipal election year and many politicians were present and engaging the crowds, including Olivia Chow and John Tory.
The parade seemed to be over when we noticed a cluster of people and cars off in the distance, further north on Coxwell Avenue. As they approached, I recognized Rob Ford's infamous Cadillac Escalade leading the group. He had chosen the East York Canada Day parade to make his first appearance after entering rehab a short time earlier. I took a series of photos of him and his entourage, and, knowing this moment would be of media interest, approached two newspapers. The Globe and Mail immediately expressed interest and my image was on the Globe’s website by early that afternoon.
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit - July 4th - 6th, 2014
Exhibiting my images at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit.Exhibiting my images at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit.
A few days later I was fortunate to be exhibiting my art images at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit (TOAE) in Nathan Phillips Square. One day while there, a member of the Ford family entered my booth, saw the below image, and told me they wanted to buy it – as a gift for Rob Ford. I had heard from staff in Toronto City Councillor Janet Davis' office (who has a number of my Toronto images on display in her office) that Rob Ford, or staff in his office, were interested in one of my images. It was the same image that one of his family members bought from me at the TOAE, as seen below.
Line of Scrimmage© Henry VanderSpek / culturesnap.ca
The Ford family member told me that Rob and Doug Ford are art collectors, and they were certain Rob would appreciate this image. I did not mention to the Ford family member that my photo of Rob was on the Globe website just a day or two before. I also only told a few close friends about the sale at the time. I wasn't sure what to make of the whole experience.
Nada - March 29th, 2016
On Tuesday March 29th, the day before Rob Ford’s funeral, I was shooting photos for another project on Spadina Avenue, and a friendly lady started a conversation with me. Her name was Nada, and she had come from Hamilton that morning to pay her last respects to Rob Ford in City Hall. She was very kind and said how much she admired him.
"He was good for Toronto. He was a man, man you know? He did good things. He was for the little people... The people do love him. They did love him, do you know that? It is sad to go that way, because, you know, early age, because the life is not lived, fully life. It would be nice to see him again in some way, it really would! I'm getting emotional now, I'm sorry."
I am not certain what my encounters with Rob Ford, or his family members, mean entirely. His passing has certainly given me reason to reflect on the brevity of life, how each person has the capacity to create change, and how our actions echo in those near to us long after we are gone.
Despite his failings and struggles Rob Ford was admired and loved by many people - kind people such as Nada from Hamilton - and that will not easily fade with his passing. There will only ever be one Rob Ford and he will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace Rob Ford.
]]>There were a large number of particpants. I enjoyed meeting a few new photographers as well as a photographer friend from East York, Peter Visima. Kristian Bogner, an incredibly talented Nikon Canada Ambassador, hosted the walk, and led us through some tips before we went out for the walk.
Even without any snow that day, it was still a lot of fun exploring High Park. Several Nikon Professional Services staff were part of the walk, two of which had the new Nikon D5 and D500 DSLRs available to hold and try out. As a Nikon shooter I made sure to give them a try and was very impressed with their capabilities.
Below are some of my favourite images from the event. I hope you enjoy them! (Please allow a few moments for the slideshow to load. It will advance every five seconds or you can use your right arrow key to advance the frame.)
Many thanks to Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff, Kristian Bogner, and Nikon Canada for the great event!
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1. Street
I love getting out to do street photography. One of my favourite street photo moments of 2015 was catching a lone commuter with a bright red bag in a classic Toronto rush near Union Station.
To see some of my favourite images from around Toronto, please click here.
Union Station
2. Graduating from Ryerson Photography
I was thrilled to graduate from Ryerson's Chang School of Photography in June of 2015. I learned a lot from excellent instructors, but also made many friends and photographer colleagues through this program. I will continue to work hard at sharpening my skills, but this program was a real help in my development as a photographer.
More about the Chang School Photography program can be found here.
Graduating from Ryerson in June 2015
3. Non-Profit Documentary
Having worked in the non-profit area for some 15 years, I love to document organizations that are making a real impact. I am especially thankful for the opportunity I have had to document a number of Greater Toronto Area non-profit organizations who partner with World Vision Canada's Canadian Programs.
One of my most memorable 2015 photo assignments was in Hamilton with the environmental charity, A Rocha, as they served newly arrived refugees. I was so impressed at how A Rocha's community kitchen and garden programs not only teach such practical skills, but also strengthen bonds of inclusion and community participation amongst newcomers. How essential for a welcoming country such as ours!
Documenting A Rocha, a partner with World Vision Canadian Programs.
4. Live Music
I love capturing live music, and have been doing so at Canadian Music Week and NXNE festivals for about four years now. When it comes to live performances, few artists entice music photographers to raise their lenses the way Rich Aucoin can. This Canadian artist is making audiences bounce, dance and sing along around the world. This image was taken July 14th, 2015 - one of the fantastic Pan Am Panamania concert events that were held across the city.
To see a selection of my favourite music images please click here.
Rich Aucoin at Panamania, Toronto City Hall
5. Air Guitar Canada Championships
Who knew that there's an Air Guitar Championships? Or that the winner goes to compete in Oulu, Finland for the World Air Guitar Championships? Well now you do! Here's the Canadian 2015 winner Jason "Thrust" McNeely performing his way to Finland.
Don't miss the 2016 competition - learn more here. (BTW, Air Guitar Canada supports the great work of Right to Play Canada)
Air Guitar Canada ChampionshipsJason "Thrust" McNeely, winner of the 2015 Canadian Air Guitar Championships
6. Chicago
I had a great time exploring Chicago in late September, 2015. The city's streets and architecture are very appealing for a photographer. Here is one of my favourites from that weekend. Watch for more Chicago images, coming soon on this site.
Chicago Station
7. Art Shows and Exhibits
I have enjoyed showing and selling my images since 2010 and did so again in 2015. Analogue Gallery's Sound Image show, the Queen West Art Crawl, the Danforth East Arts Fair and the Black Cat Artspace were all highlights.
I am very thankful to Vistek for exhibiting my documentary work with Photographers Without Borders in Uganda at all of their Canadian stores. My images, as seen here, were shown in Vistek's three Alberta stores in early to mid 2015. More about these can be seen on Vistek's Photo Blog.
To see more of my art images please click here.
Vistek Galleries
8. Event Photography
I really enjoy capturing exciting events on behalf of clients. Here is one of several I documented in 2015 - the Reel World Films With Impact event at Artscape's newly opened Sandbox venue. It was packed with very creative and socially engaged film, radio and TV personalities and content creators.
I enjoyed working with my friend and colleague Warren Pot on this event who covered the Red Carpet portraits for the evening. Images from the evening can currently be found here.
To see more of my event images please click here.
Event PhotographySome of the many talented people at Reel World's Films With Impact Gala in September 2015.
9. Honest Ed's
In late 2016 the great eclectic shopping experience that is Honest Ed's will be closing. A sad day that will be for many. Here is one of my favourite images of Honest Ed's - taken in July 2015. I'm proud to say this image currently hangs in the office of Toronto City Councillor Mike Layton.
To see images of Honest Ed's final Turkey Giveaway, from Dec 2015, please click here. To see two more of my art images of Honest Ed's please click here and here.
"One More Thing" - street photo of Honest Ed's
10. Pan Am Games
The Pan Am Games were a real success for Toronto and all the cities that hosted events. I really enjoyed the energy and excitement. Here is one of my favourite moments from the games - capturing US long jumper Jeffrey Henderson in every phase of his long jump - an event he went on to win gold in.
More about Jeffrey Henderson can be found here.
Jeffrey Henderson Pan Am Long Jump Gold Medalist
To receive updates on my work throughout the year, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To contact me for a photo assignment, please click here.
Thanks for sticking with me! Here's to a great 2016!
Henry VanderSpek
P.S. I hope to do more blog posts in 2016. Watch this space for more!
]]>Using a budget tripod, and a stabilized 18-200mm zoom lens, I tried my hand at capturing the Lunar Perigee on May 7, 2012.
I headed down to a park in southeast Toronto near the waterfront, just before 11:35 PM Eastern time, when it was set to peak. I placed my Nikon D7000 on a tripod and set it to mirror lock-up mode, to reduce shake during image capture. My camera was set to ISO 100, F11 and 1/125.
Below is my best shot, cropped and slightly adjusted in LIghtroom.
And here is my original uncropped image, for the sake of full disclosure...
I'm interested in what you do when capturing the moon. Please share your experiences and links if relevant!
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