.June 2025.

I’ve recognized a pattern–the fluctuating emotions and mentality of the craft–journaling in circles–until I finally break through. This is incredibly apparent as you journey through this month’s 35mm. More so than ever before. The sequence is delivered chronologically. I found myself timid and lacking charisma despite the excitement of being outside. Somehow I felt I forgot how to range focus? As I was predominantly using my 50mm which forces a critical focus mentality vs the wide angle 28mm that allows a margin of acceptable focus–yet I was still missing focus? My friend Christian suggested I stop shooting at 1/60 and get back to 1/250. It made sense and it did deliver better results, much less camera shake etc and freezes the motion of people walking vs 1/60 with or without flash in daylight is tough to pull off when you are effectively adding MORE light to the already harshly lit summer scene…

So I found myself wandering liminal spaces after a rainfall or taking the scenic routes and sheepishly capturing greater scenes or stages compared to social interactions. However self-aware, I eventually became displeased with how I was shooting and the lack of content I was producing; not only for myself and what I am capable of, but also for my Monthly 35mm and you the viewer. So as you make your way through June, watch how I photograph through my state of mind and eventually break through to closer, intimate, friendly portraits and social interactions on the streets. 

Alongside the mental anguish of the artiste above. June was a GREAT month! I took 2 weeks off work for a photographically indulgent staycation. I pounded the pavement everyday with my camera slung around the shoulder or gripped in hand. I attended my first photo walk hosted by Bryan Brock @bryanbrock_ in the Regal Heights St. Clair West area and met a great group of photographers within the community. Of which I had yet to really envelope or interact with aside from a few gallery nights at Memento Film Lab. Looking back, I felt quite isolated my first year in photography with no one to really bounces ideas off of while actively shooting in the streets. Now I’ve gone out with some new pals Christian @4everanton and Nick @nickspector who have been shooting street for sometime before I ever discovered this passion. I also got to spend Pride with these gents as well as other great photographers Brian @brianwhitmore and James @aguaphoto. We all met at the Parade Staging section and snapped photos along Rosedale and into the start of the parade only to end up slowly dispersing and losing each other in the beautiful chaos. I Believe Nick actually found himself marching along side Olivia Chow’s crew in the parade! What a time and great month to have continued to take photos. It has been refreshing and inspiring to connect with the community in Toronto.

I punched out 22 rolls of film this month, so it’s a doozy of a scroll. I culled it down to about 300 photos and added a Pride button so you can skip ahead to the festivities if you would prefer!

Enjoy!