What an exciting week.
First there was the Canadian earthquake that struck on Wednesday, and two tornadoes that ripped through two cities in Southern Ontario.
And then today; I attended the protests downtown Toronto. What I experience was not what I was intending on experiencing. Like many others, all I wanted was to be near the hype and excitement, and of course, to get a few pictures.
(Click here for all photos)
The first blockade was at University & Richmond. Nothing exciting, lots of cops and mounted police. We could hear a little bit of the protesters up on Queen Street, and overheard from a cop’s radio that they had smashed in a Starbucks.
We were not allowed to walk north on University, and a few people that attempted to were immediately stopped. In the half hour I was standing there, only three people had been trying to cause a ruckus.
“For your safety, I cannot allow you to pass. If you do, it will be a threat to police and security, and you will be taken down.”
From University & Richmond, we walked south to Adelaide and over to Bay. We ran into the protesters heading south, and continued to walk with them. It was intense, with lots of yelling and tears, passion. These protesters were passionate, and I give them credit for that. They’re standing up for something they believe in. But it’s the violence that silences everyone else. Violence will not solve anything, ever. And to quote Toronto Mayor David Miller, “…they call themselves anarchists when really, they are only criminals.”
Eventually there was a cloud of smoke, and the first thought was it was tear gas being dispersed. I ran to get closer to see, and then I saw flames.
Seeing the flames, and the crowd running in every different direction was like being in a movie. It was unreal. I kept thinking, “This isn’t Canada, we don’t experience such displays of violence here…”
As I got closer to the car I realized it was a police cruiser, which was even more nerve-wracking. If these protesters (anarchists, criminals, terrorists…) were torching cop cars, what else were they capable of?
The police formed a line around this time and started beating their shields with their batons. A scare tactic, echoing between the buildings, sounding a bit like gun fire.
I realized we were in trouble when they would no longer let us pass, and get away from the burning carnage. Instead, they were pushing us even closer, causing increased panic in the people around me.
A small group of us gathered under the BMO building roof, right at the corner of King & Bay. We were maybe 50 feet from the burning car, and there was a mix of emotion behind me: tears, sheer panic, yelling, laughter. One girl was screaming, “You can’t leave us here! If the car explodes we are all going to die!”
We stood behind the pillar until the police line on the other side escorted us out of there. We had to raise our hands like prisoners in order for them to lead us out, as if we were the criminals. Then we were stopped alongside the south side of the building, and told to stand still and keep our hands out of our pockets.
My phone was in my pocket but I was able to get out a few text messages anyways.
A few minutes later we were told to keep walking to safety.
We made it to the next block and stood there, waiting for the car to blow up (it didn’t).
It was intense.
This is more of a personal reflection blog post. Feel free to share any comments.
-Lisa
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via Twitter: RT @erinalaine “Focus. Figure out what it is u love to shoot, fine tune your creative style, & build your business around that. Anything else is just noise.”
Anyone who knows me, and knows me well, understands that I am not someone who can sit still. By this I mean my interests and desires change almost as frequently as the seasons; a new hair style (or colour), how the furniture is arranged, or even the process of waking up every morning. I like change; change is what defines me, if that even counts as a definition.
I have thought about the different areas of photography since the very first photography class I attended. Our teacher, Doug Wood, asked us what direction we were interested in focusing on. Were we aiming to be hobby or professional business photographers? Journalists, commercial or stock?
I sat there wondering what I was doing. I knew I wanted to take photos; I loved capturing pictures of everything from Grandma’s birthday party to new flowers starting to bloom in early spring. What did I love so much about this form of art? Reflecting on my past captures I realized that there is no single area of focus that I have stuck with. While I say this about myself, I am 99% sure that other photographers have multitudes of photos on numerous subject. Moving on.
My teacher’s question about “focus” really made me wonder what the heck I was doing. I wanted something to focus on, something specific but I could never figure it out.
The very first wedding I photographed was on a Tuesday afternoon, and the bride wore red. I jumped at the opportunity for a new experience; why not? The incentive was experience, but I received a bit of cash as well: $50. I learned a lot that afternoon, walking through Victoria Park with all my gear. I learned that photography is an exhaustive job, and on a hot day, hair should always been tied up. I’ll never forget the day.
I cannot blame any one client for my change of heart; it was a decision I made all on my own. I have had the great fortune of working for the most amazing clients for which I have utmost respect for, and I thank them again for trusting me to capture intimate moments no one could understand.
With any business, from a big corporation to the sole proprietorship I call Waterstone Photography, there are clients who are not a “dream come true.” These clients I still must thank sincerely, for forcing me to realize that every good thing must be challenged.
Those special clients presented challenges and tests of confidence and professionalism. What do I need to improve on? Was the contract fair and clear? Do I need to increase communication? When something good starts going downhill, the only way to improve is to look at where it started. But I’m getting off-track here; I’m really not preaching.
It came to me a few years later, that focus that I so desired. I’m a journalist, but not so much “with the words.” I take photos to remember events, ideas and funny things that happen. Something happening in the community? A car accident or weather anomaly? This revelation isn’t something that boasts me as something of a phenomenon, or that makes me even remotely different from anyone else toting a camera (or three) wherever they go. I do know that I want to channel my thoughts and energy into pursuing photojournalism.
I guess what I want to say is I want to embrace what inspires me. At this time in my photography career, weddings were a fad I tried out. Peer pressure; the “get rich quick” method of photography – and when I use these terms, I am only applying them to me and how I feel about being a “wedding photographer”. Although I enjoyed the results of each and every wedding day, and the undeniable emotions I felt and witnessed, I must confess that my ultimate passion for this area of photography is not there. I got caught up in the adrenaline rush and lost sight of what my focus should be. (Yes, should be.)
Starting into photography, weddings contracts seemed to show up on my desk. First one, then another… and it snowballed into what I “should be” doing. I felt like a robot; answer an inquiry, set up a date, sign a contract, shoot the day, deliver the photos, get some money. Pretty simple, right? I’m not exactly sure what my problem is with the routine… I just feel in my heart that it’s not what I want to do for the rest of my life.
In conclusion of this long-winded, and likely redundant blog post, I want to say that I am thankful for the opportunities I had to learn and gain experience, and to add to my portfolio.
Cheers.
I had the incredible opportunity to capture the ever-emotional Olympic Torch Relay in Stratford, Ontario, on Day 59 (December 27, 2009). My friend’s step-mom, Cathy Dyson, was the first runner.
Click the images to view the full set.
I even got to hold the torch!!
 
Thank you so much, Dyson family, for inviting me to be a part of this amazing day for you! It was a real blessing to be that close to witness a little bit of history!
I’m finding so hard to believe that it’s already the middle of October, that the leaves are falling off the trees (let alone changing colours!)
On Thursday I found out that I was going to receive a media pass for Oktoberfest this year. Awesome! This grants me access into (almost) all events in order to capture images that really say “this is Oktoberfest”.
The first event I attended was the free family breakfast and barrel roll, uptown Waterloo.
I’d just like to share with you one of the images… there are plenty more coming!
It goes without saying that I took this with my 10-20mm wide angle lens. And then, I downloaded a trial version of Adobe Lightroom. I used LR to edit this photo. I think I’m in love with Lightroom…
I went last year, and the year before…
The Henry’s Photo & Digital Imaging Show is back!
From October 16th-18th Henry’s and show sponsors (Canon, Nikon, etc). will invade the Toronto International Centre once again and I can hardly wait. There are always great deals on electronics, camera bags, new cameras (I would like to see this new Canon 7D that was recently announced, “oooo”)
I’ve only ever brought my point & shoot camera, but I think I’ll tote along the SLR this time. Photogs have the opportunity to try out different lenses and compose shots with the models on site as well.
I’ll be there all day Saturday. I want to sit in on lighting presentations, especially Gary Fong presenting on weddings. There’s also a Travel & Photojournalism session that I’m definitely going to be at.
As usual, there will be photojournalists from the Toronto Star sharing photos and their experiences. By far my favourite part of the Henry’s event!
If you’re interested in going, check out their website and download the presentation schedule.
Every once in awhile I find myself in the right place at the right time with my camera. I enjoy photojournalism and I’m thankful that our local media embraces this of the citizens. Here’s my story from what happened on Saturday afternoon.
We were about 10 cars back from the intersection when we heard the crash and saw the smoke rise up. Pretty scary.
My dad was driving with my mom, my husband and I in the car. After getting through traffic and pulling into the Weiland Ford dealership, I was able to get down closer to the crash at Homer Watson & Ottawa to capture a few images. From what we could see, the black car allegedly ran the red light, crashing into the Bridgestone pick up truck. The entire front end of the car was destroyed. The most frightening part was witnessing an infant being carried from the car and into an ambulance. What person in their right mind would attempt to run a red light (albeit allegedly) with a baby in the car? With passengers in the car? Considering running a red AT ALL?!
It’s unfortunate that other people had to suffer because of the driver’s arrogant decision, but I’m thankful they were all okay.
Why, why, why…
My husband’s car was totaled in 2006 when another driver ran a red light. She admitted to not paying attention and not seeing the colour of the light. Had the timing been a little off, who knows what would’ve happened to Nic.
PAY ATTENTION! Life is not replaceable! Let’s slow down and remember there are other people on the road and not just yourself.
One of the photos I took of the crash. I submitted it to CTV SWO news twenty minutes before the broadcast and it appeared in the program.
For the first time, I attended the Waterloo Busker Festival uptown. What a great show! The buskers are really energetic people. Obviously, because they need to get the crowd powered up and cheering. They were successful, I’d say!
Here are a few photos. :-)
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