"Nothing happens when you sit at home.
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
Birds of Gerrard Street East
In this post though, I only share street scenes that are free from COVID-19 events or messaging (as much as they can be, given that they are from 2020).
Rainy Skyline
Most of the images I share here were captured while out on runs - an activity I was already doing before the lockdown, but which has been very helpful for my physical and mental health.
Wok & Roast Chinese BBQ
Running allowed me to see parts of the city I would simply not have gotten to this year, given the lockdown and my busy life at home.
Free From Time
I ran at least three times a week, distances ranging from 5 or 6 kms on weekdays, to 20-22 kms on my weekend run.
So while it may appear that I took photos more than I ran, that was not the case! :)
Lucky Star Restaurant
I've always loved the look of the Lucky Star Restaurant. There is clearly such character and history in this place. Unfortunately I believe it has recently closed.
China Lily
China Lily is another place that I love the appearance of (click here to see a photo I took here a while ago).
Sadly the China Lily sign was recently taken down - a likely indicator of changes to come at this spot.
Count me in on any old school signage and typography - such as is found at the Leslieville Variety...
Leslieville Variety
Some scenes seemed to tell a story...
Altered Priorities
I live close to the Danforth, and love the character and variety of what can be found there.
So naturally I am drawn to Danforth signage...
(Each of the above images were taken on different dates.)
Pape Avenue always offered interesting scenes...
Vincent on Pape
I Acknowledge
(A land acknowledgement in a store window.)
Take For Free
At the Crossroads
Early in the summer I was in Ottawa and went for a run through the city...
Statue honouring the life and music of Oscar Peterson by Ruth Abernathy.
The Canadian Bank of Commerce on Sparks Street
Running for Office
(Canadian Parliament Buildings, view from Wellington Street)
Back in Toronto I encountered a number of things that made me smile...
The Original Tweet
Call Mom
Hello wonderful
Nooo Men
Slow Dance With Me
Free Compliments
These scenes from a summer trip to the Kawartha Lakes region also made me laugh...
No Trespassing Paul
(So specific!)
0 Assing
Some of my runs took me through downtown Toronto...
The Saj
Spadina Morning
You & Me
Honest
Dundas Dragons
Let's Go
The Solitude of Yonge
Condos Ahead!
Full Of Style
Shopping carts made a regular appearance in curious ways...
Canadian Cart
Stay Well Toronto
Free Free Now
Secure Shopping
Broke Every Record
This early morning sky took my breath away...
And this neon scene made an evening run extra sweet...
Circus Books and Music often caught my eye...
Across the Lines
Along A Long Road
Book Ends
Curious items and arrangements caught my eye...
Fenced In
True Prep
90% Angel
First Class Seat - 2020 Edition
Lines Are Drawn
Over the months I observed changes in graffiti...
This is stupid, for good!
Tokyo!
(This graffiti artist is very active in this area, near Woodbine and Gerrard.)
I enjoyed a number of runs along the scenic boardwalk in The Beach neighbourhood...
I'll share a few more scenes from along the Danforth...
(A wonderful Danforth chocolate shop. Click the above link to visit them online.)
Trail of Toffee
Heading East
Two more from Gerrard Street East...
Birds of Gerrard Street East II
Wheels on Gerrard
And I will end with this...
Lonely Nights In Toronto
I am very thankful I could get out the door in 2020 to run, and to take photos.
Thank you for sticking with me, and for viewing my images.
Please stay tuned for a post with my favourite photo moments of 2020. (An annual tradition for me.)
Best wishes to you in 2021!