.May 2024.

If I may, apologies for the delay. A bit of a transitional month.. coming hot off an adventure and rife with confidence from my last batch I was ready to get back to the streets and see if I could rediscover the “tourist sentiment” in my home city. Yet one week in I started to feel like something was missing - I just wasn’t getting close enough… I have three focal lengths: the stock 50mm, a wider angled 28mm, and a telephoto lens ranging from 35mm to 200mm. Naturally, when I started this journey I was using the 50mm; but I felt it wasn’t capturing everything I wanted into one frame! So I went out to widen my perspective. I quickly became attached to the wide angled 28mm. I felt I could frame and capture everything in the scene; it really spread the view. The telephoto lens was fun but I generally shot even most of the trip with the 28mm lens. It turns out, the 50mm is what was going to get me closer. I would generally go out with my bag of gear ready for any moment and be caught up switching lenses. But upon some vicarious influences on youtube - akin to watching skate vids before going out for the day - it was suggested to bring one lens and focus on what that lens provides and work with it, learn it. SO, after one week of all focal lengths I stuck with the 50mm for the remainder on May.

There was another concept I stumbled upon; Addition vs Subtraction. Often as an artist, I find myself adding as much as I can to fill the space or sound - yet when we focus on subtraction you can really breakdown or simplify an idea. It can be presented with clarity, ease the mind. Not to say that implementing the concept of Subtraction is the way photography should be or art for that matter.  What I believe it really boils down to is finding the ability to tell a story or evoke an emotion with as little as possible. This technique can be one of the most powerful forms of art.  For example, if I’m writing a song, I may think the listener or another musically inclined person will judge the tune based on the simplicity of how it is played - so I work to make a melody so complex my fingers trip over themselves - but in stark comparison sometimes three chords and the truth resonates so much deeper and is all the moment ever needed. I find it takes real confidence to slow things down and simplify art.

I found myself getting out of my comfort zone and snapping openly people on the streets or close friends. I did lose a roll this month due to not securing it properly - mainly the blossoms at High Park, but there is always next year. Below you’ll see some Pedestrian Sunday at Kensington, an Apt Sea Sound Session, some Blossoms at Bellwoods, the Lakeshore, and a few nights out. Trying to find the balance between going out on my own but also capturing those moments to treasure along the way and share with friends.

ps.ps.