I’ve taken many images over the years, some more memorable than others. So after skimming through a few hundred of my favourites, I landed on these five photographs as my most impactful. When I think of my artistic growth, confidence in sharing my craft, finding meaning behind each frame, and understanding the technical side of making images, these five stand out. An important note to make when looking at these images is that I’ve taken thousands of “bad” shots (imo). Matter of fact I still take bad shots just not as many as I used to. I still do make mistakes out in the field, however, that’s when I’ve seen the most growth. That new way to look at things holds true for all things we are passionate about: practice makes progress because perfection doesn’t exist! OK, let’s get into it.
“MONDAZE” - 2011
“Mondaze” - Fall 2011, Toronto, Canada
I had only been shooting street for a few months when I stumbled upon this moment in 2011. My camera toolbox at that time was very limited, consisting of just my iPhone 4. The X-factor was an app called Hipstamatic. The app had innovative features, one being the ability to shoot directly in Black & White (a new experience for me). I remember seeing this person walking with an umbrella a few feet away. I quickly opened the app and simply waited for him to enter my frame. The problem was he walked faster than I had anticipated so I turned my phone to try and get the whole umbrella in the frame. I also didn’t know much about shutter speed hence the blurry, tilted image. BUT, I learned a ton about patience, silhouettes, creating mood, and single-frame storytelling. That day, I felt like I was onto something.
“HOME” - 2014
“HOME” - Fall 2014, Toronto, Canada
Four years after I made this image, a client said to me “ I love the juxtaposition of your composition. I mean, how long did you wait for your subject to cross your frame with the word “VISITOR” right there!?” I had to take a second look at my own image. It took me four years to understand and see what he meant (so obvious, I know). I learned in that moment that I need to be more present when I’m shooting street. It’s not about the cool composition but about the details which tell a bigger story upon reflection.
“UNDECIDED“- 2016
“Undecided” - Winter 2016, Toronto, Canada.
In most frames that I create, I first see myself as the subject. Hear me out. Mentally, I connect with the subject because I‘ve either been where they are or want to be where they’re going. Sounds silly, I know, but it really is what I relate to first. I remember a time when all I wanted to do was leave Toronto. Leave my home, my neighbourhood. I just needed a refresh and a new start. I eventually packed my bags and moved to Harlem, New York City. It was a time where I experienced many emotions including loneliness and solitude (that’s a story for another day!). Naturally, this image and the concept of home really resonated with me. I didn’t feel it then but in retrospect, I was definitely going through it. Nonetheless, a beautiful moment that always takes me back.
“Higher Learning”- 2019
“Higher Learning” - Winter 2019, San Francisco, USA.
Any street photographer will at some point share with you a story of pure luck of how they “got the shot”. It usually has nothing to do with them other than pressing the shutter. Do any of these clichés sound familiar to you? ”I was just at the right place at the right time,” “the stars were aligned,” “I just turned around at there it was,” “the photo gods were watching over me”… etc., etc.
These all sum up this beautiful moment in street photography for me. I mean please just analyze all the small details of this composition. The back story is I was walking down a street in San Francisco near city hall, I saw this gentleman and loved the colour of his early 80s trenchcoat. In passing, I snapped off one frame. It was only until I looked at the image later did I see all the fascinating details. The NAT GEO book (do they still print these?), the vintage green, post box. But of course, it’s the brilliant, hair braided-antennae coming out from his head. I was speechless but thankful. I learned empathy in this moment. It is my duty to honestly document my subjects but it’s my choice of what light to shine and it will always be compassion over clicks, eccentric over safe. This moment also reminded me of why I love to shoot street!
“Eyes of the forgotten” - 2017
“Eyes of the Forgotten” - Fall 2017, Toronto, Canada
It was not until I had this perspective of my city from the rooftops of Kensington Market that I realized the Toronto I grew up in was leaving us for good. This was now the era of skyscrapers, condos, and construction. The soul of the city was leaving and Future Toronto was here to stay.
What I learned technically from this image was the importance of going back to a tested location and to PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER! A change in weather literally changes everything. Sunrise, sunset, rain, snow, fog, night, and day, all have an effect on your final image. Though I love this photo, I wonder what story a setting sun would tell.
So there you have it, five images that changed my photography and I think pushed me to where I am at this point in my career. To be quite honest, I feel like I’m just getting started! Looking back at these images reminds me of just how much more I have to experiment with in the world of street photography.
Can you remember a photo or two that changed the way you approached the way you shoot? Please share in the comments below!
Until the next blog, stay creative and believe in yourself.
Peace,
t.
