Stone Garden..

Have you noticed that I keep re-visiting some of my old and favorite themes? I've mentioned numerous times how nostalgia plays a large part of my life, so it is no surprise that it also plays a part in my photographic themes.

Architecture. The very first subject I used to photograph using my point and shoot camera, and the subject I think I most love. Well... today anyways. Tomorrow it will likely be trees, or abstract colour, pattern and textures. The point is, I have my favorites and I find great comfort in going back and capturing these subjects a second, third, or more times. Each time I notice I shoot less, but think about the shot more. You may not be able to notice a difference. I notice it more when I am doing post edits. There seems to be less edits, cropping, or even discarding. I guess that just means I'm perhaps being more picky, and possibly learning a few things along the way.

So with a recent day off I headed to Mount Pleasant Cemetery to focus on architecture and statuary details. Here are some of my favorites from the day.

Bike

It seems that bicycles are always a favorite subject to photograph, and these two are no exception. In most picture books, or postcards from rustic towns in France, or Italy you always come across the 'bicycle' shot. You know it. It usually has a basket, is leaning against a wall, and evokes a sense of nostalgia, or a relaxing holiday, or times past. Now I've got my own Toronto version. Slightly more urban feeling then the mentioned old countries, but they still have a certain charm in my opinion.

Super Cycle

It is rare that I venture outside without my camera. Two years ago my 'subject' was primarily architecture, and architectural details. I still love those things, but slowly my eyes have opened to a wide variety of things that make me stop and rethink them. Simple everyday things like a super cycle can make me pause within a crowded sidewalk. First I see, then in my brain I compose, or frame a shot, then grab the camera and click. I'm sure when I suddenly get on my hands and knees and take photos of certain items like a super cycle, people must really think it strange. This particular shot appeals to me because of the colour, the shapes, and there is for sure a sense of nostalgia.......

Vintage

One of my favorite places to take photos is the Distillery District at the bottom of Parliament street. There is a great sense of times past, yet the art galleries, and interiors in some of the shops keep the place current. The unfortunate thing about this area is that the sense of nostalgia has been sharply cut by the massive condo tower in the midst of it all. But don't get me started on that....

The area is rich with patina. There is plenty of textures in the brickwork, peeling paint, weathered wood,and rusting shutter hooks. For someone like me who loves the textures and patterns time creates, it is a photographers Heaven. If you follow this blog, I am positive you will see many photos taken in this great place.