Projects

Who is that with Marion? Why it’s Glenn Gould the world-famous Canadian pianist. They’re sharing a bench outside of the CBC Building on Front Street in Toronto. It’s the middle of January and yes it’s cold.

This photo was taken during a photo walk with the Toronto Film Shooters group. And why is this basic snap shop important?

It’s special because it was taken on this photo walk which is just another way of getting us outside with our cameras taking photos. While the Toronto Film Shooters focus on shooting film there are other groups who welcome digital photographer or even videographers. Don’t be intimidated by the photographers in these groups. A lot of them are really new to photography and the more experienced shooters welcome newcomers to learn and shoot and have fun. If you’ve got an old film camera bring it with you. At our starting point you can buy film and get it developed and even scanned.

Photo walks are great but you can create your own project. A lot of photographers publish their own photo books now. With book publishing so relatively inexpensive it’s a great way to show off and even store your treasured images.

For example, after my father-in-law died I took a day and photographed the tools and equipment in his country workshop. I used a tripod and took my time and when I was finished I picked the best images and published them in a book which I ordered online and we have on our shelf to this day.

A project can help you get out of the house. It can provide a context for shooting in colour or black and white using film or a digital camera.

If you are considering photography as a profession or artform your book can serve as your photographic resume.

BTW next Saturday (Feb. 6, 2024) the Toronto Film Shooters are heading out from Graination at 204 Spadina Ave. at Sullivan Street gathering at 10:30 am on what’s called “Jo-Ann’s Chocolate and Pastry Trail through the city”. Weather looks good for Toronto but dress warmly and wear good walking shoes and join the fun.