.July 2025.

I took the long way home from Collingwood at the end of July, overwhelmed by a sudden energy for photography. I’d just left a brief interaction with teens playing basketball on a gravel court tucked beside a dock house at Overlook Point. Heading back from a team-building event, I figured I’d head into town to see what the streets had to offer. My only issue was I had under 10 frames left in the roll! But that was seemingly okay for the moment as it turns out town was tad dry for a Tuesday afternoon. So I headed to the Point, to see what that big ol’building looming over the lake was all about… a grain silo, weathered and faded concrete, white paint chipping away slowly. I was shooting some expired Fuji Superia 200 pushed two f-stops; hoping it would garner some greater contrast and character than usual. After snapping a few frames I drove back down the point and noticed again the scene that had initially caught my eye. “Man, I’d love to shoot this”, I thought. “But how weird would it be to just walk up and start shooting? Right in the open?” Last month I was timid almost forgetting how to take a picture, but this July all cylinders were firing… so I pulled over, hopped out, and made my way to the scene. I walked right up, introduced myself and they were into it! I was able to bang out two pics and the roll was finished. How frustrating; right when I was about to work the scene! The boys were engaged and asking for direction, but I gave my gratitude and left.

That afternoon, noodling my way through the country roads of Mulmur and Mono I kept thinking about what it means to really work a scene; as if it’s the next step in the journey. (As well as the compulsion to snap some moody pics of old barns and other farm ephemera off the beaten path–which is generally the furthest influence from my mind.) I’ve come to realize I’ve broken through that wall of fear or being timid taking a photo and now it’s a matter of pushing further; taking action or giving direction when a subject has engaged with you. So often in street photography, it’s snap and go–maybe a quick interaction–but for the most part head on swivel and heel to the road. Having the patience and presence-of-mind when a subject leans into you is where the magic and greater photographs can come from.

July was packed for photography with an array of scenes; concerts, events, photo walks full of portraits… which brings me to the process. This month I realized I often enjoyed taking photos more than the results. I find that I’ll get a roll back and be happy with the results, but in the moment I’m fired up! The scene, the interaction, everything thats going on can make a photo feel like it’s worth more than what ya get. I believe now that that feeling is almost equal to or of greater value than the photo. Why else are we out here taking photos? Of course, we want to make great pictures. But forcing a moment that’s not there due to pressure is at risk of producing an ingenuine or hollow shell of a distant landscape or simple stranger on the street. Yet so it goes, the process… always much to consider and something to chew on.

Enjoy!