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!

Tanya Tagaq

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

Enter Face

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

Caribbean Queen of Patties

Kodak Ektar 100 120 Format - Fujica GS645S

The Colours of Vintage

Odd Finds General Store

Kodak Ektar 100 120 Format - Fujica GS645S

HENRY'S

Kodak Ektachrome 120 Format - Fujica GS645S

Imperial Pub

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

Grossman's Tavern

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

Fox Theatre

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...

The Cinesphere

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...

Documenting Work of Two Indigenous EldersIn October 2021 I had the privilege of accompanying Dr. Jeff Green of the Canadian Bible Society and documenting the work of two Indigenous elders who are helping preserve language and culture by translating the Bible into Mohawk (Harvey Gabriel in Kanesatake, Quebec) and Inuktitut (Jonas Allooloo in Iqaluit, Nunavut). Images and words were published in Bible & Society Journal.

Seen on these pages is Harvey Gabriel with his daughter and granddaughter, who are assisting with the translation work, and Harvey Gabriel with members of the local Mohawk Council.

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

On Notice featured on BlogTOMy Contact Photo Festival exhibit On Notice 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.

Images for The Billboard Squad documentary on CBCA photo I took for The Billboard Squad, a documentary by Cat MIlls and Felicity Justrabo, was featured on CBC.ca.

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

Lula Lounge

AAA Auto Glass

The Drake Hotel

Star Convenience

Distant Light

Superfly Alley

Superfly was a Parkdale bar that closed this past year.

Grand Electric Parkdale

I have to include some of what must be my favourite neon sign in Toronto...

Skyline Restaurant

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

El Mocambo

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!

- Mae Jemison

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...

Le Grand Roue de Montreal

Canon Sure Shot Telemax

Kodak Ektar 100

Le Petit Dep

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

Hadio 514

Canon Sure Shot Telemax

Kodak Pro Image 100

A Bargain Find ;)

Nikon FE

Kodak Portra 160

Paul's Boutique

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.)

LKVM Studio

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

The Danny

Kodak Ultramax 400

A few more from the Danforth...

Postables

Kodak Ultramax 400

I love book stores...

Book City

Kodak Ultramax 400

The Scribe

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

\

Steve's Music

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

Breathe Darling

(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.

Mont-Royal Hot Dog

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...

La Belle Province Restaurant

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:

- Bikes of Mexico City

- Bikes of Havana

- Bikes of New York City

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

- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part One

- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part Two

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

- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part One

- A Year in Colour Film 2019 - Part Two

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

Private Salon

1038 Gerrard Street East

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.

Vanity Co.

824 Broadview Avenue

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

John's Video

636 Pape Avenue

Ilford HP5+ 400

Pigeons of Parkdale

Ilford HP5+ 400

Katana on Bay

333 Bay Street

Lomography Berlin Kino 400

What's In Fashion

Fuji Acros 100 II

25% Off

Fuji Acros 100 II

Essentials

Fuji Acros 100 II

Gus The Other Barber

701 Bloor Street West

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

Samaira's Restaurant

1056 Queen Street East

Kodak T-Max 400

Do You Love Freedom?

Ilford HP5+ 400

Seoul Shakers

1241 Bloor Street West

Ilford HP5+ 400

Colonialism Does Not Spark Joy

Ilford HP5+ 400

B-Side Bike

B-Side Barbers

428 St. Clarens Avenue

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...

The Scott Mission social mediaMy images, taken during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, are being used on The Scott Mission's social media channels to show how they are adapting in order to continue serving Toronto's vulnerable homeless population.

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

- Expressions of Love in 2020

- 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

- COVID Messages

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.

Honest LightA street scene outside of Honest Ed's, captured in early 2016.

Product Details:
- 20" x 14"
- Made in Montreal, QC, Canada
- durable 100% polyester canvas
- 50,000 double rub count for extra durability
- Printed with fade-resistant solvent-free inks
- YKK Zipper enclosure
- Synthetic down pillow inserts available (a small extra cost)
To order just email me the link of which style(s) and quantity, along with your mailing address, and I will send you a quote with shipping. Honest Light

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.

Kim's ConvenienceA long-exposure of the storefront representing one of Canada's most popular sit-coms, Kim's Convenience.
I am so thankful that this image was used in several scenes of the final episode of Kim's Convenience. The show was such a gift of joy and laughter that comes from honest expression of our shared humanity - something all of us can share in and aspire to.
This image is available as a print and in photo art products that I sell, including a pillow. Visit ShopCultureSnap.ca for more details or send me an email to inquire.

- 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.

Meridian Hall

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

  Prince Edward Viaduct

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...

Mary's Brigadeiro

(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:

1. Creative Interventions
2. Black Lives Matter / Anti-Racism Movement
3. Artist: Mrs. D.
4. Support For Frontline Workers
5. Artist: Unicorn Shannon
6. Light Up Live
7. 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