A Snowy Cinematic Night of Street...
- 25c
Making the most of a very cold night.
Peace,
Back on my blogging and it feels great!
This January must have been one of the coldest on record. Like cold enough to make me question if I should even get out and shoot. There were a few stretches where it dipped below -25 to -35! That’s just nuts even as a Canadian. I had to be strategic about when I headed out and have the right expectations about my desired outcome. In between the frigid days, we had two snowy days that warmed things up a bit and allowed me to pick up my Ricoh GR II and shoot without my fingers falling off! Here are a few moments that I landed on.
Loner’s Park - by @tahaphoto (Jan. 2022)
As of late, when I’m out shooting street I find myself connecting more to the feeling of solitude. I love the idea of stumbling upon a scene untouched and empty of humans. It’s like I’ve landed on a movie set before anyone else has arrived. So fun!
Lot Lights - by @tahaphoto (Jan. 2022)
See, the winters here in Ontario can get pretty brutal but I’ve found a way to stay warm and still get “the shot” by simply shooting from my car (made a whole video on it here). Now, I’m not the first to think of shooting from a car but it’s been really helpful on days when the weather is just too extreme. Take in “Lot Lights” (showcased above). I was driving around this parking lot for a few minutes looking for something that spoke to me when I saw this tan-ish car with its lights on. By shifting my focus to the melted snowflakes on the window I was able to create a bit of mystery and drama around a pretty simple scene.
Long Way Home - by @tahaphoto (Jan. 2022)
As I moved down the road looking for more stories to tell, I stumbled upon another moment of a gentleman on the side of the road walking against the wind and snow. Again, while driving slowly I was able to capture a few frames and a B&W edit seemed inevitable. It was pretty cool getting some of the snowflakes in the headlights. I felt it added another layer to the story showcasing the speed and intensity of the storm coupled with the harsh realities of winter.
Best of Friends - by @tahaphoto
Not every image will be perfect or your greatest but that’s OK because it’s the process that’s always exciting. I love experimenting with the tools I have in front of me whether it be a window, changing focal lengths or blurring my subjects to pique viewers’ curiosity. I love trying to tell a story without seeing the full story in front of me. It gives me a chance to be present and curious. It’s a lot of fun just to simply wander sometimes and it’s what gets me out the door on these cold days.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this short blog and a glimpse into one of my first nights out shooting in the new year. I feel it’s important to keep finding ways to get out and shoot, find new inspo and build on your consistency.
Until next time… Stay creative and believe in yourself.
Peace ✌️
t
BW Photo a Day challenge 009/014
Day 9. Simply walking...
009/014 - Dec. 5, 2017 Roxton Rd. & Harbord St.
Photo 009 story:
I didn't see much on my travels this morning until I pulled up to this corner store off Harbord. "GIFTS". This is what caught my attention, just hanging there rusting away. "GIFTS". Now it's gonna sound corny but it made me think about life and how it's a gift. We're so lucky, I'm so lucky! :D Also, loved the vintage font, the old payphone in the foreground. Just a lovely, simple frame. A nice reminder along the path.
t.
BW Photo a Day challenge 007/014
A foggy Sunday. I was so excited when I saw fog but made no time to explore it. I know, I know, you're getting tired of me making excuses to find time to shoot. The truth is I tired of it too. Just go shoot, Taha! lol I promise to do better.
007/014 - Dec. 3, 2017 - Blantyre Ave. & Clonmore Dr.
Photo 007 story:
The fog was thick, especially over the park. I like that I captured a single person in the far left corner. :D
t.
BW Photo a Day challenge 006/014
Still struggling with time-management but fighting through it by at least bringing my RICOH everywhere that I go. I can be better. On a lighter note, I'm enjoying the black and white restriction, I feel it's helped me see more of the details found in the every-day.
006/014 - Dec. 2, 2017 - Devonshire Pl. & Bloor St. W.
Photo 006 story:
On route to Bay and Bloor, I found myself stuck in the car once again. Just before I hit Bloor St. I saw a person taking a south facing picture. I wondered, "what's she taking a photo of? So I looked into my rear-view mirror I saw the CN Tower. I actually stopped my car a few yards before the stop sign and took a couple of frames. This was the result.
Good night!
t.
BW Photo a Day challenge 005/014
Time to start taking my time. Day 5 of this RICOH challenge and like day 4, I find myself struggling to make time for the one thing I enjoy doing... shooting! Tomorrow is Saturday and I will make a conscious effort to make time to shoot, creatively. I mean what's the point of this blog or this challenge if I don't give an honest effort?
005/014 - Dec. 1, 2017 - Neville Park/ The Beaches
Photo 005 story:
Taken right next to the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plan. This is a classic spot for many East Enders. Once again, the contrast between the clouds and the trees captured my eye. Let's see what tomorrow brings.
t.
Soul Transportation Vol. 6 x @tahaphoto
A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting the talented @djaysoulchild. He was interested in collaborating on his latest project entitled 'SOUL TRANSPORTATION'.
Click to stream Soul Transportation Vol. 6
His concept was to find a photo of mine that best described the feel of Vol. 6, his latest mix. After going back and forth through email and phone we finally came to the conclusion that the "Walking in Rain" image would be the cover shot for Vol. 6.
I look to continue my relationship with DJAY SOULCHILD his musical selections on Vol. 6 have truly been inspiring, I feel they speak to my style of work.
This is #streetsoul x #soultransportation, enjoy!
Stream STv6 now.
Toronto Life Magazine
If you live in Toronto then you definitely experienced the city's coldest February on record! For those of you fortunate enough to not call Toronto home here's a little visual spread I did for Toronto Life Magazine April '15 edition.
t.
Next Up: @iammarsala
Routinely I receive emails from models, agencies and companies that are looking to connect with me and the people I run with. Therefore I take pride in finding talented people who give off positive energy, are punctual and passionate about what they do.
Introducing the young king Marsala, an upcoming Toronto model/photographer who's unique look and strong features commands attention. So positive, so hungry to learn and genuinely excited about life. Thanks for these, Mars!
t.
This is also #Toronto
Over the last few years I've been documenting Toronto, the good, bad and ugly. Yet over that same period of time I haven't posted much of the "ugly". But why? Was I afraid to post what I truly saw? Did I feel guilt for taking pictures of the less fortunate? Or was I simply more interested in posting happier, cooler photos of the city? I think it was a combination of all three.
Hard to shoot, harder to ignore. This is also #Toronto.
Surviving one day at a time. Taken in front of the city’s oldest Presbyterian Church (Queen & Carlaw Est.1877) • This is also #Toronto.
Then yesterday I was on my instagram feed and felt annoyed, frustrated, angry at how similar a lot of Toronto photographers had become. Sunsets, silhouettes, rooftops, snowfalls, ice, architecture, cleanliness. That's it?! That's the entire Toronto experience?
So into my photo library I went , searching for those exact images that I had abandoned so many time before. I chose 3 images from one street, Queen.
Queen at Bay... This is also #Toronto.
Though these are just a few snapshots, I hope, going forward to paint a more realistic picture of the city I truly love.