Art or Reality

I went for a walk today to clear my head from some issues that have been bothering me. I decided to not do urban streets today, but rather spend the day being with nature. So with wool socks, and multiple layers on I headed to the Brick works. Towards the end of my hike, I met a gentleman who asked me if I was professional or if photography was just a hobby. We started talking about a whole range of topics, the pros and cons of digital vs film, etc. We finished the conversation with the question is a photo hung on a wall considered art, or is it merely reality? Are photographers considered artists, or are they just documenting? It is an interesting question, but I guess the bottom line for me is that I just like to share the image, regardless of what you call me. I will leave the title to the image rather then myself.

Alarm

Went for a walk on Queen Street West yesterday, and came across this rusted alarm. Despite the fact it is a rusty brown, I liked how it worked with the colours that had been painted on the wall. It kind of popped, without being typical 'pop' colours. Earthy, without being natural. Picturesque, I guess you could say.

Strength

I think we all have those days were we feel we don't have the strength to move another muscle, or think another thought. Deadlines, bills, errands, chores, meetings, and even cold winter days can all leave us feeling emotionally and physically weak. I think the best thing to do is give yourself a break, and not to keep pushing. Let your mind and body recharge.

That is what taking photos does for me. Allows me to escape the not so pleasant things in my life, and instead focus on things of interest, or beauty, or both. It's amazing how much energy I get out of taking what I feel is a great photo, or even spending time looking at pictures in books on subjects I find interesting. So go ahead. Take a break.

As for this guy, he has been holding up this column at the foot of Yonge Street since the 1860's. Talk about strength....